Leaving my HTPC always on but in sleep mode

[buytick]

Is it OK to leave my HTPC on, without shutting it down, but in sleep mode, with only occasionally shutting it down?

 

[Ranger4]

You can use sleep mode or hibernation, hibernation uses less power, but requires more hard drive space.

I don't leave my PC on when I am not using it. I live in a rural area area which is prone to power failures & thunder storms, which can cause severe computer damage if you receive a nearby lightning strike or power surge. Uninterruptible Power Supplies or UPS can help protect from power failures but don't offer much protection for lightning problems. Even surge protection boards won't protect against a direct power line lightning hit nearby. During thunder storms I disconnect my computer from the wall socket.

 

[pippox0]

IMO i don't think that using sleep mode for longer than a short time is a good idea.

Sleep should be used for temporary task.
The best is shut it down when you don't use it!

 

[buytick]

Now I need more opinions

 

[Layback Bear]

I personally turn ever computer off along with everything that hooks to the computer when I'm not using them. I know of no reason to use sleep or hibernation. My computers boot in less than 60 seconds. I have no problem waiting those few seconds.

I know of nothing that can protect a computer from lighting.
Power outage is not a problem either. Power go out does not cause damage. It's when the power comes back on that causes the damage. The surge and fluctuation of the power coming back on can cause lots of damage.

Because I'm with the computer when it's on; I just turn ever thing off and unplug from the wall outlet. When the power comes back on for about 30 minutes with out fluctuation, I just plug things in and boot.

If I could just figure out a way of making fresh coffee during a power outage things would be great.

Jack

 

[buytick]

That's what generators are for

 

[Megahertz07]

Jack, as power lines are inductive reactance, power surges can be more devastating when power goes down them when it comes back. (V= L. di/dt).
I have a good surge arrest with a power switch. When the computer is not in use I turn it off and also the power switch.
Remember, ATX power supply is always on and memory are also with power on them. So even if the computer is "off" in fact it is partially on. That is why is important to have a physical switch to make sure everything is really off.

Also, if you never turn the computer off, only put it to sleep, memory is never cleaned, and performance drops down.
In other words, if the computer is not in use, turn it off. Better be safe than sorry.
If the computer takes a long time to boot, install a SSD and do a clean install (there is nothing best to gain performance than a clean install).

 

[Barman58]

...

If I could just figure out a way of making fresh coffee during a power outage things would be great.

Jack

Here you go Jack ...

PORTABLE CAMPINGAZ STOVE, GAS CAN, 1 L KETTLE AND TRAVEL MUG

By the way I hardly ever switch off my main system, as I may need to remote into it at anytime, Of course I have a pro UPS with full anti surge protection, backed up with a £50,000 Attached equipment Guarantee so I feel reasonably safe

 

[HAVOC]

I always leave my HTPC off. I also have WD Green HDD's for storage.