🚀 go-pugleaf

In <Aug.2.10.30.45.1990.11726@dorm.rutgers.edu> medici@dorm.rutgers.edu (Mark Medici) writes:

>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?

>[stuff deleted]

My $.02 worth -- remember, though, you get what you pay for!!
Your mileage may vary.

I worked for 13 years as a computer field engineer.  This question has been
asked by everyone responsible for the running of any computer worth more than
87 cents.

I refer you to the "light bulb law".  That law being: When do light bulbs
burn out??  _when you turn them on_  There is a large surge of current through
the device; energy where there was none, etc.  Kinda like being woken up by
a bucket of water in the face!  Most of the engineers (real, degreed) I've
spoken to told me the worst thing you can do to a machine is turn it on.
But, once it's on, LEAVE IT ON!

>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.
=====^^^^^^  Absolutely!  No reason to kill your monitor.  Modify as
needed, if you have a reliable screen saver.


>  -  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.

I've never had a storm induced problem.  Use your own knowledge of how the
power utility is in your area.  Tho, if  you're worried, unplug it.  I knew
someone who unplugged _EVERY_ electric appliance in the house when it rained!!


>  -  Use some form of power protection (e.g., surge/spike protector,
>     or better yet, a UPS).

^^^^^^^^^^^ _ABSOLUTELY_  When you spend Multi-Thousands of your hard earned
$$$$$$ on a machine, be smart enough to spend another $150 or so for either
a good power conditioner, or small UPS.


--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael G. Hart   hart@blackjack.dt.navy.mil /  mhart@dtrc.dt.navy.mil
DTRC/DoD			  |  "Wherever you go, there you are."- me
DISCLAIMER: If you want the Navy's opinion, talk to Secretary Cheney.