can I keep it on 24/7?

I am really new to laptops. Is it safe to leave it on 24/7? The screen goes off in 15 minutes and it goes into auto sleep mode after 30 minutes. I have placed it in sleep mode when the lid is closed. This may be stupid to ask, but I was taught a stupid question is the one you don't ask.

Thank you.

 

Yes it's not only safe, but it's better for the notebook.

The only part that wont like it is the battery. Which you should probably discharge at least once a month.

 

if it makes you feel any better, my latitude NEVER is off. It has been on for months, just other then for restarts. it runs great! never have i had a problem with leaving a laptop/desktop on 24-7.
I had a Gateway 7330GZ laptop (Hot p4 HT 3.06Ghz) and it was on from sept of 2005 to sept 2008. then i gave it to a relative so they could use it... I never replaced anything on that laptop, just upgraded the ram and HD. the MB and CPU were OEM, and did not have problems.. Again the only time this laptop was off was for restarts, or cleaning.
My Dell Dimension Desktop was on for 5+ years also. (its 7+ years old now tho...) just shut off for a de-dust and clean, or a hardware upgrade. I still have this dimension desktop.

All 3 of these computers never gave me a problem from being left on.. 24-7.

 

May I disagree
First, Windows needs a full shutdown and reboot on occasions to update files etc to the HDD.

As an electronics engineer I know certain components have a limited life in the way they are used... capacitors in switch mode power supplies, dc/dc convertors etc are prime candidates for failure.
I can't understand anyone leaving something on 24/7 just for the sake of it.

 

The main problem that leaving the thing on solves is a phenomenon known as "dry joints". Basically thermal heating and cooling.

In a nutshell, solder starts to crack on electronic connections if it is subjected to many cooling and warming cycles. This is especially applicable if the electronic components involved run at elevated temperatures when on and then cool down to ambient temperature when off.

This continual cycling eventually causes the solder to "crack" around the soldered joint.

This then can lead to intermittent behaviour of the PC or TV etc. Gotta slap it to work etc.

My view has always been to try and avoid these thermal cycling issues as much as possible by leaving the lappie on as much as possible with a good cooling pad under (if necessary). With screen set to turn off after say 1 Hour of non use.

As far as worrying about the "brick" or "power supply"...Mooly above is correct saying that SMPS caps are common components to fail. Thing is, a SMPS cap will fail not due to age, but rather through due to internal heat issues when working hard continiously which cause it to "loose capacitance" and hence have to work harder to smooth the choppy DC coming in and run hotter even still. Vicious circle. Eventually, it will fail completely.

Thing is, SMPS love being on. They are also at their most vulnerable with the mains turn on/turn off cycles.

And with all the power saving features built into current laptops...they run pretty cool anyways when the lappie is not being physically used 24/7.

So, my reckoning is leaving your lappie plugged in 24/7 will not harm it.

@Mooly...I would dig to get into a debate on this with you at another day and time

 

TeeJay 44,

Your explanation is wonderful. I just don't know what "SMPS cap" is???

 

my old laptop was always on almost 24/7 only thing i did is to take out an clean the fan every 6 months, allot of dust going through it.

 

It means Switch Mode Power Supply capacitor