On-or-off debate a stalemate, so you be the judge

By BILL HUSTED

Cox News Service

July 27, 2008

Q:  Is it better for the computer to shut it off or leave it on if it is going to be off for only 12 or less hours?

—  Dale Kivisto

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A:  This question makes me feel nostalgic. It's been among the top 10 for years, and I still have at least one e-mail a week on the topic.

Expert opinion is split. Since this is my column, I'll give my opinion.

First, there is no real wrong answer here (which explains the divided opinions you'll see from experts on the Web). Either way is a viable option with very low risk.

Second, I'll tell you what I do:

I turn the computer off if I'm going to sleep, going to be away all day, or Ñ for sure Ñ if I'm gone on vacation.

For the sake of argument, here are the arguments on both sides as I understand them.

For turning it off: If left unattended the power can go off and a power surge could hit when it's restored. Also, a lightning storm could brew and hit the computer (even if you do turn it off, the only way to avoid damage from a direct lightning hit is to unplug the machine).

For leaving it on: Modern desktops are made to operate 24/7, so there's no real harm in having one run continuously, other than using more electricity. Also, there is a small (tiny) amount of damage done each time the on switch is pushed because there's an internal surge of electricity.

Q:  I read your article about computing in a tight economy. You recommended some free programs. I just want to know which ones you use regularly.

— Richard Toukdarian

A:  I do use Grisoft (http://free.grisoft.com), which I've often recommended.

But I'm thinking of switching to AVAST (www.avast.com) for anti-virus.

There's no strong reason. I just want to spend more time with AVAST.

I also use Belarc (www.belarc.com), the best of the free ones in my opinion.

I've installed and tried the rest but don't regularly use them. They include:

• OpenOfficeOrg (www.openoffice.org);

• Ubuntu (www.ubuntu.com);

• Anchor (http://anchorfree.com/downloads/hotspot-shield/);

• MozyHome (http://mozy.com/home).

Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@ajc.com. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.