This is a question posed in our office yesterday. Which is more economical in terms of resources, i.e. electricity and wear and tear of the electronics – booting 5 times in a day or letting the computer run the whole day? I could have answered booting and shutting down when not in use but I was careful because it might be a trick question.
I always turn my PC off when I am going to sleep or turning in for the night. If I am going to be away for 3 or more hours I turn it off also. If I am nearby or going to be away for 2 hours or less? I leave it running.
It really depends on the length of time the computer needs to be used, how long it takes to boot up, and the length of time between it needing to be used. Generally with most businesses, the computer stays on regardless, because there might be a time where you need to get to something immediately, but cannot get to it because it is off.
Honestly, for those who don't need immediate access, it would depends on the reasoning for each person and why the computer needs to stay on.
I always keep my computer running, when not using, i switched it to sleep mode. As such, my computer can go to work faster when I need them. Also, if it startup when the computer is off, it will take a while for the computer to come into stability. I feel quite upset if I have to wait
If I leave my room for about an hour or so I will leave it running or if I take a couple hours nap I will leave it running too. Other than that I shut it off.