jng@m.cs.uiuc.edu (03/14/89)
Hi Folks, got a very simple question about powering on the computer. Since a lot of us will plug their computer and monitor to the multiple outlet surge suppressors, what should be the right way to turn the computer on. Some just made use of the main switch on the suppressor, so that the computer and monitor is always is the "on" position. Some told me that I should always leave the suppressor "on", and switch the monitor first then, power the computer on, upon finishing the job, switch the computer off first then the monitor. Some even say leave the computer on, just turn on the monitor when you need it. It is getting confusing now, so which way is right about prolonging my life of the computer and monitor? You can either post it here or email me. Thanks in advance. --Joseph Ng-- jng@m.cs.uiuc.edu jgn%m.cs.uiuc.edu@uiucvmd.bitnet
smvorkoetter@watmum.waterloo.edu (Stefan M. Vorkoetter) (03/16/89)
Some monitors, such as older IBM Monochrome Units can be destroyed by running them without a computer feeding them signals. Such monitors should only be on when the computer is on. Leaving the computer running is good for the electronics (not as good as leaving it always off, but better than turning it on and off all the time). However, if you have a hard disk, leaving it running will wear it out, whether or not it is being used. Someone should come up with a way to turn off just the hard disk. Before someone mentions parking programs, realize that these do not stop the disk; they only move the heads over a "safe" track. With today's computers, there is no good reason not to switch the whole thing on and off with one master switch. I have a Tandy Power Switching System, which sits under the monitor. It has a master switch, as well as separate switches for each component of a system. Each outlet is individually surge protected about as well as possible without resorting to an isolation transformer. Hope this helps. Stefan Vorkoetter (smvorkoetter@watmum.waterloo.edu) Symbolic Computation Group University of Waterloo