On vacation two weeks, turn computer completely off or leave it on?s what is the best solution?

Question

Running Win. XP ADSL.

Answer 1

The real question is whether or not you may need something that is on your computer while you're away. If there's a chance that you may need or want to access any files or data on your home computer then it would be a good idea to leave it on. However, if you want to have the ability to access your home computer from a remote location there are several considerations;



- Security: ensure that you are using a reliable firewall and that your system is up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.



- Means: there are several applications that allow you to gain remote access to a computer. "Remote Desktop" is a free application built into Win XP Pro but requires you to configure your firewall to allow the RDP protocol to pass through and also requires a client application to connect. Another great choice I would recommend is LogMeIn.com They offer a free application you can download and install to your home computer before you

leave on vacation and then while away you can login to the LogMeIn.com website, select your computer and access it over the Internet from anywhere as if you were sitting in front of it. LogMeIn is completely free, secure and works great. You can also check out GoToMyPc.com, they offer the same functionality but you have to pay for the service. The nice thing about a web-based remote desktop tool is you don't need to configure your firewall at all and no client application is needed to connect. All you need is an Internet connection to the web and your in.



The bottom line is though, if you don't really need access to your home computer while your away... Turn it OFF.

Answer 2

Oh my, most answers were to turn it off (correctly). General rule of thumb, if you will not be using the computer for 8 hours or more turn it off. WinXp (and win2k, winnt) operates better after being rebooted as it clears the cache. If you have a cable or dsl modem you can either leave it on or turn it off, they don't take much power. If you have wireless - turn that off as well, especially if it is not encrypted. Non-computer stuff - get a couple of timers and have the lights go on and off in different rooms at slightly different times so it looks like you are still home.

Answer 3

Windows XP can't really run for long periods without the need of a restart. If nobody is going to use the PC, rather turn it off. It is safer in terms of security and easier on the life of your hardware.



http://www.cybertopcops.com

Answer 4

Turn it off. The more you use the computer, the more your electricity bill will be high. I am job searching right now and I have to use the computer in a career center because I don't want to contribute my share of the high electricity bill.

Answer 5

Turn it off. Thats like leaving your tv on for 2 weeks

Answer 6

I do not see any reason for you to leave it on. I turn mine off every day, and I have roadrunner internet & windows xp...which really does not matter. There is really no reason to leave your computer on, but it is your choice, it will not hurt your utility bill if you choose to keep it on, and you will not lose anything important if you turn it off either.

Answer 7

Turn the computer completely off. It's far more safer.



Good luck on the holiday :)

Answer 8

Turn it off and I would also turn off the modem to minimize Internet access! Enjoy your vacation!

Answer 9

You should turn it off. You could save alot of energy in two weeks - and the risk of an electrical charge, FIRE.

Answer 10

Turn it off to save electricity

Answer 11

If you use your computer every day and are going to be around, leave it on.



If you are going on vacation, turn it off.

Answer 12

Turn it off, safer that way. If its off, you dont have to worry about overheating or anything fire related, lessens the risk, and it also will conserve energy.

Answer 13

Definetly turn it off unless it is a server for something, which it probably isn't since you are asking this question.

Answer 14

Why would you leave it on and invite hackers.......



Turn the thing off.

Answer 15

Turn it off and unplug it.