Does it matter if the computer is left plugged in after being turned off?

Hey w, I've always heard the same-leave it on unless the weathers bad. I've had my pc for 4 years w/ no problems. HTH |:)

Disconnecting it is a must because of one reason, unexpected or unpredictable power surge and as you said about it may sources from lightning or any kind of short circuit once our house electric circuitry system failed to protect its power surge through ELCB (Electric Leakage Circuit Breaker). REGULARLY 'TEST' ELCB UNIT Once a weak, I always test the ELCB unit by just pushing its 'Test' button located at the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) box/unit to check whether it's in well functioning or otherwise. In fact, it isn't a hard thing to do it and very useful to regularly 'test' it as a routine task. If found the ELCB malfunction or in disorder, means the whole set of our house electrical circuitry system able to cause a great disaster (fire) in the blink of an eye. ALTERNATIVE FOR COMPUTER POWER SUPPLY & SAFETY That is why I use UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) unit special for my computer and the related peripherals which is not only powerful as anti-power-surge, but it also can maintain its power supply up to six (6) hours to my computer if there is power cut or normally people said as power blackout. UPS is not an expensive device, in my living area it cost around $40USD and $70USD for 2 and 6 hours power back up, respectively. Using UPS make no more worry about to disconnect power supply cable (plug) or otherwise after using the computer and its peripherals.

In my house, we switch off the computer but the stabilizer will be on. My husband says the stabilizer will get spoilt if it is switched off quite often. I am also confused in this matter.

It could affect your internet connection, depending on what type you have. I leave mine plugged in all the time.

It actually won't big much difference (and I mean it very little) if the chord is left connected or not after powering off the computer as long as the switch itself is turned off. But it is best to totally unplug it if you're leaving as you might not know when a lightning might strike & when it does, power surge will only fry the computer for good. In case for the battery, I had quite a good tip for you if you're using a notebook. When operating your notebook through an AC power chord, disconnect your battery from the notebook & let it operates purely on AC power unless you're charging the battery. This will actually increase battery lifespan as you're not using it all the time. Only connect the battery when you're on the go & no power outlet is available. I have done this for nearly 3 years & had never changed the battery since the notebook was bought 3 years ago. Happy trying & myLotting!

I had the same concern a several years ago when we had our very first computer. My husband always leave the computer unplugged. According to him, he's electronics and communications engineer, by the way, the electricity will just stay on the power supply unit and will never in any way affect the motherboard, etc...However, if you don't unplug it there's a risk that lightning will char the power supply unit. He knows that risk but most of our appliances stay unplugged. I've not witnessed any burnt appliance for the past 11 yrs that we're living together. Hope this will help.

In fact it is better to unplug the computer if you turn it off. If you keep it plug, then the battery will be charged all the time. And the battery life will become shorter. Perhaps it is not so convenient for you. But it is good that you unplug the computer when you don't use it. And sometimes use up the battery and then charge it again. I love China

Actually I dont think it matters to much, but I think I heard that it conserves energy to turn it off when it is not in use. I leave mine on and it switches to a lower power after a while of being inactive, and I think that is ok. I do however shut it down every now and then to get rid of some virtual memory being used.

I don't unplugged my computer after turning it off. I think it doesn't do any harm? I don't even turned off my computer sometimes after using? and still it works good. that's what I heard also from others that they should unplugged after urning it off. BUt me? I am not doing that and my computer is till fine until now.

Usually I unplug my computer at the end of the day.The ups will be getting charged for the full day even if I am not working on my computer.But daily at nights,I unplug my computer,thus turning off the UPS too,thereby avoiding overcharge.That is the good way to handle our electronic goods,I think.Cheers!

Hello my friend williamjisir Ji, I also never unplug , Ionly switch ff the supply after computer has been successfull 'turned-off' I find the reason that UPS battery has to be charged. Thereis a golden rule in Electrical Installation, 'SWITCH OFF ALL , WHEN NOT NEEDED', ' SWITCH-OFF MAINS, WHEN LEAVING THE HOUSE'. Even my son leaves computer on over-night. I follow universal policy, why to waste energy. May God bless You and ahve a great time.

I think it is matter when your pc.. connected without pc.. then you must unpluged your pc.. because.,.their is a danger of short circuit.. or high voltage.. and if you connected your pc..via.. ups..then ups..help in avoid this type of danger..

Hello Williamjisir, Nice question of yours. When you plug in the computer and you turn it off, the power supply will be there on motherboard internally. This supply will be up to the CPU on switch. So anythings in between it (PSU and some chips and other small electronic equipment) are prone to damage.

unplug the computer power or not is very different,it is not just waste small amouts of power,it is bad for both the power and the mainboard .it will accelerate the mainboard's aging .

Well, to be true, William, I have never had such concerns. I usually leave my computer plugged in, may be because I just feel a little secure, 'cause, I use a UPS. Generally the UPS, if correctly maintained, protects the computer from high voltage surges. If there is an increase in voltage, above the safe limit, may it be due to any reason, the only thing that gets damaged is the UPS fuse, or in the worst case, the UPS chip. Though I do unplug my computer, if I can see some notable surge in the voltage, otherwise I just switch it off and then switch off the UPS and then just let it be. Take Care

I think it doesn'r matter at all. There is even no stand by led on when the computer is off. Actually, I have left my computer on even for several months. I always stand by my computer in stead of shut it down to save the time of starting up. And the computer still worked well :) The development of computer is too fast, you can never use one up before it's running out of date. So it's no use to use it too carefully,hehe.

Hello, I have been working from home online since 2005, and I have always turned off my computer at night while I'm sleeping with it plugged in, and I never had any problems with my computer, so I will have to say in my opinion your computer should be fine left plugged in. Happy My Lotting!

oops! i think u should unplug it. bcoz it can cause overheat even though ur pc is off..

It doesn't matter, but speaking to save energy, you should unplug your computer.

Hi williamjisir! I think its better you unpug your computer after turning it off. According to our electrician, appliances left unplug still consumes electricity and this would add up to your bill. It may not affect the computer or the battery but it can be a fire hazzard. Our electric company told us that when there are power interruptions, unplugged electrical appliances can trigger fire when power are restored due to surge of electricity even if the appliance is turned off. Of course we dont want it to happen.