Does it matter if the computer is left plugged in after being turned off?

I had the same concern a several years ago when we had our very first computer. My husband always leave the computer unplugged. According to him, he's electronics and communications engineer, by the way, the electricity will just stay on the power supply unit and will never in any way affect the motherboard, etc...However, if you don't unplug it there's a risk that lightning will char the power supply unit. He knows that risk but most of our appliances stay unplugged. I've not witnessed any burnt appliance for the past 11 yrs that we're living together. Hope this will help.

hello william,i'm also thinking about this question sometimes.
i have a old desktop and a new laptop,i always unplug my laptop and leave my desktop plugged.
after google on internet,i am advised that it doesn't matter with the computer and battery if we leave the computer plugged or not.and,the electric power change is very small, it just cost you 1 or 2 dollars per year.
but,i think it is more safe to pull the computer plug out,for the electrical is a powerful tool when it does harmful to us.
i suggest to use an socket with a power button,after turn off the computer,it is easy to cut the electrical just press the power button without pulling the plug out.

It actually won't big much difference (and I mean it very little) if the chord is left connected or not after powering off the computer as long as the switch itself is turned off. But it is best to totally unplug it if you're leaving as you might not know when a lightning might strike & when it does, power surge will only fry the computer for good.

In case for the battery, I had quite a good tip for you if you're using a notebook. When operating your notebook through an AC power chord, disconnect your battery from the notebook & let it operates purely on AC power unless you're charging the battery. This will actually increase battery lifespan as you're not using it all the time. Only connect the battery when you're on the go & no power outlet is available. I have done this for nearly 3 years & had never changed the battery since the notebook was bought 3 years ago.

Happy trying & myLotting!

In my house, we switch off the computer but the stabilizer will be on. My husband says the stabilizer will get spoilt if it is switched off quite often. I am also confused in this matter.

It could affect your internet connection, depending on what type you have. I leave mine plugged in all the time.

Disconnecting it is a must because of one reason, unexpected or unpredictable power surge and as you said about it may sources from lightning or any kind of short circuit once our house electric circuitry system failed to protect its power surge through ELCB (Electric Leakage Circuit Breaker).

REGULARLY 'TEST' ELCB UNIT

Once a weak, I always test the ELCB unit by just pushing its 'Test' button located at the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) box/unit to check whether it's in well functioning or otherwise. In fact, it isn't a hard thing to do it and very useful to regularly 'test' it as a routine task. If found the ELCB malfunction or in disorder, means the whole set of our house electrical circuitry system able to cause a great disaster (fire) in the blink of an eye.

ALTERNATIVE FOR COMPUTER POWER SUPPLY & SAFETY

That is why I use UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) unit special for my computer and the related peripherals which is not only powerful as anti-power-surge, but it also can maintain its power supply up to six (6) hours to my computer if there is power cut or normally people said as power blackout.

UPS is not an expensive device, in my living area it cost around $40USD and $70USD for 2 and 6 hours power back up, respectively. Using UPS make no more worry about to disconnect power supply cable (plug) or otherwise after using the computer and its peripherals.

Hey w,
I've always heard the same-leave it on unless the weathers bad.
I've had my pc for 4 years w/ no problems.
HTH
|:)

Apparently it does not affect. but twice my power supply unit of pc was off for thundering. Not only that i lost my lan card also, due to thundering. So, now a days i prefer unplugging all. Why not to follow some safety habits?

Hi williamjisir! I think its better you unpug your computer after turning it off. According to our electrician, appliances left unplug still consumes electricity and this would add up to your bill. It may not affect the computer or the battery but it can be a fire hazzard. Our electric company told us that when there are power interruptions, unplugged electrical appliances can trigger fire when power are restored due to surge of electricity even if the appliance is turned off. Of course we dont want it to happen.

It doesn't matter, but speaking to save energy, you should unplug your computer.