Should you leave your computer running constantly?

It honestly is up to you. It is actually better to leave it on as you retain your connection to the ISP and in most cases, don't have to renegotiate your download speed (which could get a bit slower the next time you connect).

Other information

It depends... You should be definitely be protected with a hardware or software firewall, whether your computer's on all the time or not. You're vulnerable even during short periods of use, as a broadband connection is "always on."

You can test your vulnerability at GRC.COM. Or go to www.grc.com and look for the link to "Shields Up." There's also a lot of valuable info here about security and vulnerability if you want to wade through it (at www.grc.com).

I have a small network and my router acts as a hardware firewall. A good software firewall is Zonealarm. One version is a free download at ZoneLabs I left mine on all the time, and despite the fact that I had XP and Zonelabs, I got hacked and have been through 4 drives since. i need a new computer as once they " get your number" -- you're history.

My hack was a high level corporate entity -- so like the other guy said w basic firewalls you are ok for the most part. Me? I'm so paranoid now i unplug the phone line when I'm not using the machine! When you are not using your computer tune it or off disconnect from the internet (for safety). If you have a laptop you should never just keep then on for a long amount of time, they tend to burn out due to heat. If you have a desktop then it you chose but save some money from the power bill and turn it off. Firewalls are a must when you are online.

Heat and system wear are likely a more important issue here. If you choose to leave a desktop running 24/7, make sure it is in a cool, dust free area. Also, listen closely to the fans running. If they get louder or higher in pitch, its probably time to turn it off and use a can of air to blow the dust out.

Here's how to dust it out

1. shut down the PC, then unplug it

2. remove a side panel. (most have a release latch or a couple of Philips head screws along the back of the case)

3. get a can of air, and blow all the dust out

This will keep your desktop healthy and allow you to run it constantly. You may want to restart it at least once a day. Windows tends to become unstable if not allowed to restart, and some vital updates and programs will not apply without a restart.

Concerning viruses, you should ALWAYS have an antivirus installed on your PC. If you are broke, I recommend AVG free edition, and Spybot s&d for anti-spyware.

(If you have a laptop, abandon the idea of leaving it on all day. they are not designed to dissipate heat quickly enough, and most likely it will fail within six months of such treatment. )

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No, you shouldn't as if you turn your computer off it is off so it can not be hacked because while it is off it doesn't exist unless someone has used a virus which is very rare that when you turn of your computer it stays off but here is a little advice make sure you have an up to date anti -virus, spyware etc and scan your computer now and then for viruses and you should be fine also don't allow others to connect through your printer or something like that because then you will get hacked and if you see a file on your desktop you don't recognize scan it because it may be a Trojan

I have been using broadband for the past 8 years and rarely do I turn off my computer. I have not been hacked or gotten any viruses. If your system has anti-virus, anti-spyware and is firewalled up you will have no problems keeping your computer on and connected to the internet. Unless of course you are downloading from a P2P which may leave a port or two open and then you might get hacked.