24/ 7 running.

[DEFENDER01]

What is best keeping your pc running all the time or shutting down.
My pc needs to be running 24 / 7 as i run cctv cameras from it to an external hard drive.
So i really have no option but is it best to shut down the only time i shut down / restart is when asked to ie new install etc.

 

[steve50]

I worked in the steel industry for close to thirty years, the computers were kept running 24 -7 all year round, the only time they shut down was when they were serviced once a year.

 

[Ajax Bay]

From the thread title, I thought that this was going to be about long distance 'radonneur' style cycling. Have you found the right 'Cycle Chat' forum for your question? Perhaps your CCTV cameras focus on your bike shed?

 

[KneesUp]

I have a cheap Asus desktop running Windows 8 all day every day. It runs a database and CCTV. I install the updates manually because I don't trust it not to update to Windows 10, so I also ensure it restarts when it suits me. In all honesty it doesn't need to do that very often because I rarely install the 'optional' updates; it's mainly virus definitions and so on, which don't need a restart.

It's been running day and night for about 18 months with no issues. I did specifically get one with a full sized old fashioned case, reasoning that there was plenty of room to stuff in extra hard drives if needed, and if not then there was loads of air in there to ensure it keeps cool.

 

[si_c]

It'll be fine, I've had PCs run for years without turning off, not to mention most computers in offices run 24/7 without problems. Two things to consider though, first what sort of PC is it? If it's a full size desktop you may well be better with a micro-pc as it may run on far less power, thus saving you quite a bit in electricity, my desktop pulls around 100W idle, I have a micro PC which idles at around 10w, the savings add up quite quickly.

Secondly again if it is a desktop it is probably worth giving it a service now and again, if it has fans, it will suck in dust, and dust is what kills computers, in that case, just get a can of compressed air and blow all the dust off the heatsinks once a year, and make sure the fans have a dust filter over the outside which you can clean periodically to minimize dust intake.

 

[Tin Pot]

What is best keeping your pc running all the time or shutting down.
My pc needs to be running 24 / 7 as i run cctv cameras from it to an external hard drive.
So i really have no option but is it best to shut down the only time i shut down / restart is when asked to ie new install etc.

Is CCTV nice-to-have or critical for your business?

 

[DEFENDER01]

Is CCTV nice-to-have or critical for your business?

Both although i need it to monitor a workshop.

Thanks for all the response.

 

[midlife]

IT set up my work PC a few years go and I have never bothered to turn it off.....it gets periodic updates that IT do remotely but that's about it

Shaun

 

[Tin Pot]

Both although i need it to monitor a workshop.

Thanks for all the response.

If your business will fail without it, it's critical and you need to spend more money.

If it's nice to have, I would use your current kit but schedule weekly down time for maintenance.

 

[DEFENDER01]

If your business will fail without it, it's critical and you need to spend more money.

If it's nice to have, I would use your current kit but schedule weekly down time for maintenance.

Its not so much business failing its the world we now live in.
Break ins are on the increase and its good to keep an eye on things while i am away.

 

[DEFENDER01]

From the thread title, I thought that this was going to be about long distance 'radonneur' style cycling. Have you found the right 'Cycle Chat' forum for your question? Perhaps your CCTV cameras focus on your bike shed?

Well i have found members here to be knowledgeable on many subjects so worth asking.

 

[gavgav]

In theory it works fine......until I.T decide to download some update or other which cocks up the settings and it switches off and won't then work! Mine is set to switch itself on at 7am each day, so that I can remote access it when working away from my desk, in meetings, etc, to cover the occasions when they cock it up!