How would you rate Vista so far? Other Vista Discussions Discuss How would you rate Vista so far? in the Windows Vista forums; So reading and interpreting that page correctly, for my own circumstances. I am normally running, on and off, a stationary and a laptop throughout the day. Another stationary is on ...

[Davehc]

So reading and interpreting that page correctly, for my own circumstances. I am normally running, on and off, a stationary and a laptop throughout the day. Another stationary is on continuously throughout the day. By optimising for my own use, by means of hibernation of the two computers, I estimate I will save about $30 a year. As a pensioner, I have a tight budget, but I don't think I will ponder on that problem for too long!

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by Znod

And, I have seached several times, but I have never found a study online dealing with the leave on or turn off issue with respect to electronic devices.

You are correct; all I can find are either opinions or assumptions in the matter. I remember seen a study done using an incandescent light bulb, but there are many difference in between a PC and a light bulb. But even if you could make such comparison, there are still too many variables involved. For example, the quality of the product plays a big part on whether or not that component will fail sooner than later. A cheap graphic card may seem like a bargain at first, until the heating and cooling process through normal use begins. If the soldering is not done correctly or with the wrong material, then I supposed it can soon develop cracks or separations that could lead to failure.

[Znod]

Yep. Funny I was thinking about a light bulb too. How did it turn out? Was it better to leave the bulb on or turn it off when not needed in terms of longevity? What about total costs of the two alternatives?

[Snuffy]

Using RTM 6000 now on day 2.. much better than v5840 (used 27 days) ..faster on moving large files... had to transfer 80G of files from 1 HDD to new HDD... transfer in XP = time involved..35 min.... same transfer in Vista was like 12 min... 1. same original HD moved to 1 or 2 160g Maxtor HDD with XP(35m), 2. same original HD moved to 2 of 2 160g Maxtor HDD Vista (12m)..both new Maxtor 160G HDDs...working with networks via Vista is almost instant and XP you have to do manually..(Love that drop and drag)
I have a 2.6 rating due to my FX 5500 Video card. other wise all is OK.
upgrading from 5840 to 6000 fixed 50 of 51 problems..problem is no drivers for my Modem.. I do like the additional in Control Panel. Have had NO Problems with Vista Firewall...several failures in Hotmail.. but I'm sure that is at M.S....Brother MFC 3100C-upgraded drivers and works better than XP. Kodak EasyShare PrinterDock auto upgraded drivers and works perfect... both above mentioned were a pain to setup in XP..my PPPOE ISP Vista set with only name and pass needed..and as for TURNOFF/REBOOT I recommend you turnoff during any STORM, and MS OS's require constant rebooting...and Light bulbs that is a complete different story...has very little to do with computers...(IMHO)

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by Davehc

So reading and interpreting that page correctly, for my own circumstances. I am normally running, on and off, a stationary and a laptop throughout the day. Another stationary is on continuously throughout the day. By optimising for my own use, by means of hibernation of the two computers, I estimate I will save about $30 a year. As a pensioner, I have a tight budget, but I don't think I will ponder on that problem for too long!

Sorry Davehc, I didn't mean to skip over your post. I'm running behind a proxy and by the time I get to post, sometimes one or more members have posted ahead of me.

I just wanted to add that in my case, when it comes to shutting down my PC, I'll do it as a matter of convenience. I hardly turn off my laptop because it loads faster from sleep mode than if I have to go through a full start. My desktop, on the other hand, I shut down at the end of my computing day. It sits in my bedroom, so if I leave it on, the lights from the PC and surge protector would light up the room and keep me awake.