The following information may help you decide whether to leave your computer on or turn it off when you are finished.

With today's Power Management technology, Advanced Power Management or Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), the computer sets itself into a low power usage mode after a user-specified amount of time when the computer is left on. The computer is in a sleep or stand-by mode and uses less power. The computer can be brought out of this state quickly and is ready to be used with a touch of a button, a mouse movement, or a simple keystroke.

There are times, though, when it is better to turn off the computer, such as when the computer will not be used for long lengths of time or during inclement weather. It is also a good idea to unplug the power cord and the telephone cord to the modem during inclement weather.

But if you are stepping away from the computer to refill the coffee mug, answer the doorbell, or take a short break, it is better to leave the computer on and let it go to sleep.