Windows 7: Windows Shutdown

Can some one tell me why the Windows 7 book says not to shut the computer down unless you have a problem or to install hardware?

Hello Rust, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If you are going to use the computer off and on a lot, then it's usually best to use Sleep or Hibernate instead to make it easier and faster to startup Windows 7 again. If not, then there is nothing wrong with shutting down the computer properly through the Start Menu. The only thing I can think of is that they mean to not just shut down the computer improperly using the case power button.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Today, computers can be shut down if done properly, as Brink says. The old school of thought indicates that to shut down, too often would be harmful to the computer, since the internal components would go through many hot and cold cycles,but this is no longer true. The opposite school of thought, taught that not to shut down was hard on the hard drive, increased electric bills and never gave the computer time to reset. It is the opinion of most, today, to shut down is beneficial, since any errors, etc that appeared during the last session could be identified and reparied.