Windows 7: Power Question

I just had a quick question to ask everyone.

What is the best way to take care of your laptop, but have it not running when not needed.

In other words. Would it harm my computer if I were to turn it on for like half hour, hour, run somewhere, maybe half hour, hour, and turn it off before I go, than turn it back on when I returned home?

Also I was wondering what turning your computer on and off frequently could do, how could it harm the computer, if at all.

Thanks in advance for your answers, I appreciate them. If you need more detail, let me know, and I will do my best to re explain. Thanks again.

There are two opinions on this. One says leave it on, because the repeated on off cycles may harm the lappy. The other says turn it off to save wear.

The mean time between failure (how long before it usually will break) is so long as to make this discussion moot.

Your computer is a tool like a hammer, do you think that using the hammer less will make it last longer? Use it as you need it and take care of the daily maintenance that a computer needs and you will be fine IMHO.

My tip, DO many, many back ups. Sooner or later they will save your skin.

I thank you for your time. I did do a little research, and was aware that some people thought repeated on off cycles would cause wear and tear on the components. But I was just simply trying to get a verification.

If anyone else has anything to add, please feel free to do so... All opinions are welcome.

Just a FYI.
I have been using multiple Laptops for many years both in the tropics & temperate climates.

The laptops are used, left, put to sleep, woken, connected to the internet, disconnected etc etc constantly.
No problems have ever been experienced thus far.

Each sits on a cooling pad.

The batteries remain in situ period.
At regular intervals they are discharged / recharged.

Sleep mode is used numerous times per day.
At least weekly they are rebooted.

The Lap tops are cleaned regularly.

Lap top housework is also done on a regular basis. {defrag, check disc etc.}