Does leaving your computer on all the time or turning it off when you’re not using it really make a difference? If you’ve asked yourself this question, you’ll be happy to know that you can choose either way. You just need to understand the implications of your choice and take a few precautions to ensure you get the most life out of your computer.

The most important precaution is to add a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), regardless of which method you choose. A UPS can protect your computer from many of the dangers it is likely to encounter.

All components of your computer have a limited lifespan. The processor, RAM, and graphics cards all experience aging due to heat and temperature, among other factors. Additional failure modes arise from the stress of turning a computer on and off.

But it’s not just your computer’s semiconductors that are affected. Mechanical components, such as those in hard drives, optical drives, printers, and scanners, are all affected by the power cycling they can undergo when your computer is turned off or on. In many cases, peripherals, such as printers and external drives, can have circuitry that senses when your computer is turned on or off and initiates the same condition, turning the device on or off as necessary.