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    Hibernate vs Sleep?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by jmgilliam, Jun 14, 2007.

  1. jmgilliam

    jmgilliam Notebook Consultant

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    What is the difference and which is best (if either)?

    I've read elsewhere that hibernate can harm your hard drive over time or at least reduce the life of it... is that so?

    I normally put mine into hibernate when I'm going to be gone for extended time, a few hours, but put it to sleep when just less than an hour...

    Thanks.

    MG
     
  2. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    Hibernation does not harm your hard drive, any more than shutting down your computer would harm your hard drive.

    Hibernate requires no power - the entire system is saved at an exact moment of time. When you turn the computer on, you are basically sent back to where you were. Standby switches the computer to a low power state, so it does drain the battery. Settings saved in memory are lost.

    There is no "which is best" - it's a matter of using what works best for you.