Shutting down your computer after every use just doesn’t happen for everyone. People are typically one or the other when it comes to powering off your computer or not. You either power down every day or you’re someone who has probably never shut down their computer since they got it and powered it on for the first time. For those that shut down their computer frequently great, you are doing the right thing, but for those who never shut down their computer, well keep reading.

Before we get into the reasons on why shutting off your computer is important it’s good to note the differences between the three modes of turning your computer “off.” Most computers have a sleep, hibernate, or shut down mode, but what’s the difference between each and when should you use each one?

Sleep mode is a power-saving mode that stores all of your open files, software, and other data in the computer’s main memory, or RAM. During sleep mode, the rest of your computer shuts down besides the RAM, which continues to draw power from the battery outlet. Everything you were previously working on remains open and can be pulled up when you open up your laptop or press the power button. Sleep mode is best used when you need to step away from your computer for a moment but will come back to it within a few hours.

Hibernate is similar to sleep mode with the exception that your computer completely shuts down and draws no power, unlike sleep mode. Everything you previously had open and running is stored in a hibernation file on your hard drive. When you open your laptop or turn the screen back on your computer everything will be just as you left it. Hibernate mode is best used when you don’t need to access your computer for a while or if you won’t have access to a power source later on and need to save battery life.

Shutting down your computer is when all the software, programs, files, and processes are closed and the memory in the RAM is cleared. Before shutting down it is important to save all your work as your computer will not re-open anything you were previously working on before shutting down. It is best to shut down your computer when you don’t need to use it for a while and to save power. Shutting down your computer also allows it to run faster with a clear RAM.

The most important reason to shut down your computer is to solve system issues. When computers stay on for extended periods of time, they begin to act strange or little bugs happen. Most likely at this point you would just restart your computer and problem solved. Well that’s because processes have been stuck open or eating RAM. By shutting down your computer you are giving it a chance to clear everything and have a fresh start. Regularly shutting down your computer helps keep those issues from arising.

By never turning off your computer you are putting it at higher risk of harm. Imagine never going to sleep for weeks straight, what would that do to your body and mind? That’s what happens to the processor, RAM, and graphics card that are all constantly running by never shutting off your computer. This puts a lot of stress on the components and shortens their life cycles.

Check it out: Should You Shut Down A Computer When It’s Not In Use?

Another reason to regularly shut down your computer is to save energy. Not only does this benefit your pocketbook by saving on the electric bill but helps the environment too. If you are not going to use your computer for a night, then why not power off and save energy and money.

See also: The Lifespan Of Your Computer