Hi, It will help us to know what type of computer you have. IE is it a laptop or tower system, do you have the specs, if not then run this https://www.piriform.com/speccy the free version will do just fine. Then you can do this https://www.piriform.com/docs/speccy/using-speccy/publishing-a-speccy-profile-to-the-web there is no info that could compromise you gathered, the one other thing you can post if it is a tower system is the make and model of the power supply, that would involve taking of the side usually the left as you look at it face on. As a general rule of thumb towers can be left on, laptops not so much as heat can be an issue with them. Once we have more info we can better assess the situation.

 

I have not heard of a computer bursting into flames because it was left on. I leave my desktop computers on 24/7 but the HDD's and Monitor sleep when not in use. Leaving a computer on is safe, but you will use more electricity, but if the computer is Sleeping, then that will diminish the electric cost.
The most wear and tear a computer faces is when it is started from a cold boot. If you use your computer several times a day, then it is best to leave it on rather then shut it off. Do shut it off if you leave for an extended period of time (eg) more then one day.

 

I think the specs would be useful as would the power supply info, as we can then look at age and power consumption, and as you know laptops have a bad habit of getting hot and killing components.

 

I only built it the begining of last year so all new components.

amd fx8320
16gb 1600/1833 ram
3 tb hd toshiba
psu 800 watt antec
5 fans 4 of which 120mm one 140mm.

Oh ye and the case is a tower case yes by aerocool. Forget the specific model. It was a budget one but been very pelased with it so far except for a faulty power button which I swapped round with the reset button

 

You should be fine.

 

My desktop stays on for months mostly. If I go on holiday, I usually switch off.

 

I leave mine on 24/7 unless I will be gone for more than a couple of days.

 

Ok thanks for replies. It puts my mind at ease then

I think Ill try in cycles of 5 days or so. I still think it should get a rest now and then and also restart to clear out the build up of junk temp files/cookies etc.

 

I think Ill try in cycles of 5 days or so. I still think it should get a rest now and then and also restart to clear out the build up of junk temp files/cookies etc.

This is particularly true in your case using XP. Updated systems don't seem to need a "refresh" as much.

 

Im on 8.1 now. the avatar info is outadated.

 

Thanks for updating your TSF Profile.

 

The odds of a personal computer system catching fire are very low. Conversely, some older laptops have been known to have their batteries overheat and cause fires. Modern laptops don't have this problem.