Do I need to Shut Down my iMac??

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Can I just let it go to sleep instead of shutting it down when I'm finished?

Thanks

Tom
 

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cwa107


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Can I just let it go to sleep instead of shutting it down when I'm finished?

Thanks

Tom

Absolutely. The underpinnings of OS X have their roots in UNIX, which was designed to run 24/7/365. So, there is usually little need to reboot (unless you're getting a significant system update). I close the lid when I'm done, I open it when I want to use it - and seldom do I ever reboot.
 
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I have been doing just that for a long time now, no bad experiences in doing it, and from what I have heard from alot of other people there really isn't anything bad going to happen at all. I do however shut mine down from time-to-time but we are talking once every few months though.

Hope this helps

- Simon
 
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The only time I shut mine off, is when I know I am not going to be using it for a couple of days. Or when I am running out of battery life and no apparent reason to use it, I just turn it off. I have had no problems with my laptop.

- Kyle
 
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How about when you are transporting it?
 

cwa107


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How about when you are transporting it?

I'm going to guess it's not on AC power when you're transporting an iMac, so it should be shut down anyway.

If you're referring to a notebook - providing you close the lid and it's in sleep mode, it should be fine.
 
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chas_m

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Apple themselves (can't find the technote at the moment) recommend putting the computer to sleep rather than shut down UNLESS you are going to be away from it for a longer period of time than normal.

As for laptops in knapsacks, the SAFEST thing to do is to shut it down when being transported in an enclosed bag. This prevents the possibility of it accidentally "waking up" and overheating due to lack of ventilation.

In normal use, however, I find that if one is thoughtful enough to WAIT once the lid is closed to CONFIRM that the laptop is in fact asleep, it should be fine for transport.
 
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I have 2 iMacs and basically don't shut them down, never had any problems. Macs run maintenance jobs when not in use, so best to leave your iMac running.
 
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Thanks guys, BTW my question was for a 27" iMac.

Cheers

Tom
 
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I'm sorry guys as I didn't specify that it was indeed a Mac Book Pro.
But thanks for the info! The few times that I do take it with me I do
shut it down before I place it in it's case.
Russ
 

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