Leaving it on v.s. leaving it off confusion (i need clarification please!)

Question

Guys,
recently, I have read in a forum saying that it is more healthy for a computer running mac to be stayed on for a long period of time rather than turning it on and off everytime you want to use it. I mean, they prefer to put it in sleep or leave it on rather than turn it off...
They are saying that this is more efficient for Mac... I'm confused... Please give me clarifications...
thanks a lot!

Answer 1

That's probably a safe way to go, unless you use your portable as a
production machine; then I know of Mac columnists who keep some
of their Mac portables up and running for up to 16 days without a re-
start... at a desk and on a power adapter with adequate ventilation.
Some users keep them plugged-in, too; and let them sleep, to only shut
them off when traveling long distances where the computer would be in
a case. In that instance, you'd probably want to turn it off due to battery
life and heat considerations. Never let one sleep in a closed case or
where heat could become a big problem; ventilation is important.
As for using a portable as a desktop machine, it can be run for a long
time; but like many things, if you don't need to use it, turn it off. I have
a desktop machine that sometimes stays on all day; but given power
stability issues and random utility outages, I try to keep mine off when
I won't be using it... least the power company help its demise.
[That call-center must have someone occasionally do system
maintenance and let the day/week/month scripts run via an-
other means; such as using OnyX to do such chores; other
wise, a machine "on" all the time, not allowed to sleep, would
automatically do built-in routines during those night hours.]