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| Thread ID: 58044 | 2005-05-19 17:53:00 | Do computers slowly die? | ProMaz (34) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 356765 | 2005-05-19 17:53:00 | I have been running into some issues with Windows XP pro over the last month or so and a thought just came to me. This computer (at times) can be on for a week strait or will be turned off for about 5 hours in a day, depending on what is downloading or needed. Does leaving a computer on slowly kill it? Or does hardware either go or doesn't go ... Just hope I'm not doing any damage here. So the question is (as long as nothing really bad happens) will a computer's hardware perform the same from the day you install it to the two year period. Oh, please do not get me wrong, this has nothing to do with Windows or any software, computer is reformated about once a month or even more. Hardware only :P | ProMaz (34) | ||
| 356766 | 2005-05-19 17:56:00 | Think of computers as you think of cars. It's a machine. | lilpurtybird (8126) | ||
| 356767 | 2005-05-19 18:03:00 | But does that mean I should treat it like a car? Does cleaning out the computer of dust and such help? And is there anything I can do to keep my hardware in top condition? | ProMaz (34) | ||
| 356768 | 2005-05-19 18:49:00 | But does that mean I should treat it like a car? Does cleaning out the computer of dust and such help? Yes, that will help immensly. All kinds of crap can get inside there through fan openings and whatnot (I reccomend getting an elastic material like some spandex and covering the back of the fan, that way it still functions, but acts as a filter.) Just realize that the hardware inside your PC is ALOT more sensitive than the inside of a vehicle. And needs to be taken care of to preform well. So, go pick up one of those high pressured air can things, and make sure you clean it at least once every other month. |
Metalive (7167) | ||
| 356769 | 2005-05-20 00:02:00 | I sincerely doubt that minor dust problems would cause XP Pro to have hiccups, but a reboot every day does much to clear the cobwebs out of memory etc. I've been running the same install of Win 2000 Pro for about three years now with no apparent deterioration at all. I also have an install of W98 that has been running for over 5 years without problems and it is a sharp as ever too. Both comps run 16+ hours a day seven days a week and are turned off at night for a nice clean reboot every morning. Apart from ZA pro firewall and NAV, the only other precaution I take is to stay away from shonky websites. Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 356770 | 2005-05-20 01:37:00 | Hardware can and does wear out eventually, especially fans so you need to be aware of that if you hear strange noises suddenly happening one day. RAM can also wear out, so I have been told, but in general most of a computer's hardware can take quite a bit of punishment before it gives up the ghost. Leaving your computer on for long periods of time intermittantly with closing it down is not likely to harm it unless it was overheating, etc, and things are not going to wear out in just two years - if parts were going to die they would just die, with the exception of RAM. Faulty RAM can still work but cause problems. You reformat once a month?! :eek: If you are still having problems or "issues with Windows XP" after a reformat I think you would be best to tell us what your symptoms are and when they started happening so that advice can be given. |
FoxyMX (5) | ||
| 356771 | 2005-05-20 01:46:00 | Everything dies eventually. The quality of your hardware does a lot to determine its expected lifespan. Being on lot won't really make a lot of difference. Cleaning - yes, physically and the O/S - de-cluttering etc. I had a 7 year old PC here yesterday, 2 x 32mb ram and it only showed 32mb. Took them both out and cleaned off 7 years worth of dust accumulation off the modules and voila, 64mb again. (Of course took static precautions while cleaning). |
pctek (84) | ||
| 356772 | 2005-05-20 02:19:00 | leave mine on 24/7, only restart about once a month when doing maintanace, In my opinion you will probably cause more wear and tear by starting the thing up every morning then leaving it on. I'm sure we will hear others opinions/facts on that issue |
plod (107) | ||
| 356773 | 2005-05-20 02:24:00 | It is my understanding that anything that has a current passing through it is breaking down gradually because of it, So lifespan would be calculated by running time as well as date of manufacter. I would suggest that monthly formating of a computer would be putting under stress for no good reason, Though it should be able to handle it without breaking a sweat (or a leg) |
Metla (12) | ||
| 356774 | 2005-05-20 03:24:00 | The electrical side of things should last for ages (certainly some Apple LCs are still working and they are very old). It should last at least 5 years at least. Stuff with mechanical parts will wear out and eventually fail .. e.g. you get fans that stop spinning properly, and the good old hard drives. I have a peek to make sure the fans are still working as they should from time to time. I tend to leave my machines on all the time (if only to heat the room :D ) I haven't dusted it for ages.. works fine. Haven't reinstalled Windows XP for ages (2 years??) - there is no need to (unlike windows 98). Just remember to have backups... CRT screens tend to get dimmer and lose focus with time (maybe only the cheaper ones though). |
gibler (49) | ||
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