Computers and smart devices are essential in our day-to-day work, so we must maintain our devices to ensure they work properly. A good rule of thumb is to power off or reboot your devices at the end of every workday. But why is rebooting your device crucial to the performance?
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Boost Performance by Rebooting
When you reboot your device, it clears out your random access memory (RAM) and stops all processes. (temporary files and background processes accumulate in RAM over time) This helps maintain the speed and responsiveness of your device.
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Enhance Daily Security by Rebooting the System
If you are connected to the internet, your device is potentially vulnerable to security threats. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities present in devices that are always on and connected. If you shut down your device at the end of the day, you break continuous access to your device. Even if your computer is in sleep mode, it is still connected and therefore vulnerable to threats. (note: this is not a substitute for cybersecurity measures like firewalls, antivirus software, and regular updates)
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Conserve Energy and Reboot Your Computer
You can lower your overall energy consumption simply by shutting down your devices. Computers consume a large amount of energy, even if they are idle or in sleep mode. Powering off your device can reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions.
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Shutting Down Can Lead to Longer Battery Life
If your device is constantly running, that means it is constantly charging. Constant charging puts stress on the battery and generates heat which can further degrade the battery. (Avoid keeping your device plugged in 24/7; aim to keep the charge between 20% and 80%)
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Reboot for System Maintenance
During shutdown and start-up, devices often perform updates that are critical for optimization and security. A restart ensures updates occur promptly, the device is operating efficiently, and the device is protected from vulnerabilities. (some updates (e.g., operating system patches) require a full shutdown or restart to install properly.)
By understanding and implementing these practices, you can safeguard your technology's performance and reliability, making regular shutdowns a simple yet powerful tool in your digital wellness routine.