Conserving Your Computer's Power

I have a VIC-20, and I want to know which is better for the computer – to leave it on constantly or shut it off when you are done using it?

Bob Weber

This is debatable. Some would say that the initial power surge when turning on a computer is actually more damaging to the electronic components than leaving it on continuously. On the other hand, most electronic parts have a definite life span, and leaving the computer on 24 hours a day could shorten the overall useful life of the computer.

Commodore has recently changed the power supplies of both the VIC-20 and the Commodore 64. Some of the new power supplies (especially those with the 64) seem to run somewhat hotter than previous production models. This tips the balance, at least in the case of these machines, so we recommend that you turn off a VIC or 64 and even unplug the power supply after each use.