leaving a PC on 24/7 - issues?

[homerUK]

hey... I'm planning my home networking / Tv distribution and home automation for my new house... I am planning on keeping a PC which will be a port for everything eg: controlling the home automation software etc... what are the issues with leaving it switched on 24/7 ? Aside from the cost! I've heard using a linux box would be better, as they can be left on for months without crashing!

eg: my TV will be connected to the PC so I can run the high def movies in windows media centre....

I also need some way of a backup running each night - so I assumed this would be the best idea....

any thoughts / advise?

[oracleguy]

Yeah as a rule Linux can run for a longer period of time without ever being shut off. But if you use any of the newer Windows versions like 2000 and up, assuming you don't load a lot of junk on there, it can run for months at a time without a problem.

My main computer at home runs XP Pro and I haven't rebooted it or shut it off in over 2 months now and I use it for everyday stuff, web browsing, music, videos, games, etc.

[liorean]

How much of a problem it is depends on what you're using it for and whether any updates you're doing (or new installs and the like) require restarting.

Sometimes programs running or having run will cause a leak of resources (memory, harddrive, file locks, you name it), but you can sure keep a Windows computer running a pretty long while without restarting nowadays.

[Spookster]

Linux can go for several years without having to be rebooted to include updating software with exceptions of course to updating the kernel which would require a reboot.

[oracleguy]

This also may be of some interest: http://en.uptime-project.net/page.php?page=toplist

[homerUK]

cool - thanks for the advice guys... I will probably be running XP on the machine... just case of what it'd cost now to keep it switched on all the time!!

[homerUK]

This also may be of some interest: http://en.uptime-project.net/page.php?page=toplist

that is unbelivable!!!

[JamieR]

I've got 3 Windows Server 2003 boxes and a 2k box which I leave on all 24/7 and I've had no problems lately. Well, they've been down due to the fact I'm rebuilding my shed where they are housed, so they're running in my garage at the moment.
My main PC now has XP Pro on it and I've had that on for a few days. The best time I've had XP up for is 22 days without a problem.

Windows can run for a long time, as the uptime project shows. Providing you've got good reliable hardware which isn't about to kick the bucket you'll be able to leave your box on 24/7.

[NancyJ]

If its a windows box make sure to turn off that really annoying thing that forces you to reboot and keeps popping up until you do, and if you ignore it then it reboots anyway - heaven forbid you should take a toilet break with that thing. grrr