🚀 go-pugleaf

streib@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Allan Streib) writes:

>I have an PC-XT clone w/20meg hard drive which I leave on 24 hrs a
>day.  I feel that this is not harmful to the PC itself, but what about
>the hard drive?  Any opinions, out there?

This has been the subject of much philosophical and technical debate.
However, speaking strictly from personal experience, I have had only a
single failure of all systems (mechanical or electronic) left powered
on 24hr/day.  That failure was DAC (digital-analog convertor) in the
video output circuit on an IBM PS/2 Model 80 motherboard, which was
probably defective from the start.

My experience includes 5 LAN servers running 24hr/day for 3 years, a
BBS on an original IBM PC/XT with Segate ST225's, and my personal
PC/AT with 100MB RLL drive.  Only one of these systems has a UPS,
though all have surge/spike protection.

However, I do recommend:

  -  Turn off your display and printers when they will not be used
     for extended periods.
  -  Ensure that your system is installed where it is not subject
     to excessive vibrations, dust or heat.
  -  Physically disconnect it from power and phone lines (especially
     phone lines) during local lightning activity.  Got a fried modem
     this way, once.
  -  Use some form of power protection (e.g., surge/spike protector,
     or better yet, a UPS).

Of course my personal experiences may deviate from averages.  Good luck.