This is a question that comes up many times especially in business settings.
The short answer is that it may not matter. Mostly there is nothing wrong with leaving it on. However, it may matter how you use your computer and when. If you use your computer at length during a certain time of the day you might as well leave it on. It may be possible you leave it periodically but not for long periods. Then you also would want to leave it on. It does take a while to boot up and load necessary programs. It is very frustrating to wait for a computer to boot just when you need it the most. If however, you are away for any length of time it would be a good idea to turn it off.
Why would you want to turn off your computer in the first place?
For one thing programs take RAM (memory) to run. Periodically memory is not released after you close a program. Eventually this can add up and things can get slow. If your reboot your computer you “release” the memory. If it is still slow once you reboot you probably have a different problem such as a Virus or spy-ware. The reason I feel is even better is the amount of power they take. You can save significant amounts of money by turning off your computer. There is also something else to look at here. What about all those devices you have hooked to your computer? A lot of them have transformers. I have seen times where there were more than six transformers connected to one surge protector. This can also be unsafe. If you overload your power outlet you could cause a fire. Your monitor, printer and other devices are also power drains.
What is the best way to handle it?
I would recommend plugging everything associated with the computer into a surge protector. However there is a limit as to how many you can plug into one wall outlet. After you close down the computer you only need to push one button on the surge protector. It will not bite you! It is not hard to do. Take a look at your electric bill. Now that may bite you!
There are many schools of thought about this subject. I like to put it in dollars and cents.
Also, if for any reason you are having trouble rebooting your computer it may be an indicator of a bigger problem. If this happens you should contact a professional to check into it.
If your computer doesn’t run as long you will extend its life by quite a bit. Just think! If you shut down the computer over night every day for a year how much time we are talking about and how much money you could save. For every second the hard drive and components aren’t working you are extending their life.
