How to explain why it isn't a good idea to shut down a computer using

MeAndMyComputer · 08 Jan 2018

I don't think it's a good idea to shut down a computer using the on/off button unless it's a situation of last resort.
However I've seen so many of the people I help do that.
I'd like to find a simple explanation about that w/o getting too technical about it.

For a standard HDD, I try to explain that there is a spinning platter in the HDD and there are "needles" in there that are called read and write heads.
The normal procedure to select shut down allows time for programs to close out properly and for the spinning platter and the read/write heads to come to rest and park themselves safely.
However, using the on/off button everything stops the spinning platter and read/write heads too quickly which can lead to a shorter life span of the HDD and the effect of improperly closing out programs is unpredictable.
If that simple explanation is ok that's fine with me but I'd appreciate some comment or article that's better for me to use.

On SSD's, I don't have an explanation so I need help on coming up with something decent.

spunk · 08 Jan 2018

Many programs are writing to the disk in the background, even if you are no longer using the program. You need to let all programs stop writing and properly shut down before the computer should shut down. Shutting down with the power button may corrupt the data if it is in the process of writing to the disk.

MeAndMyComputer · 08 Jan 2018

spunk said:

Shutting down with the power button may corrupt the data if it is in the process of writing to the disk.

That's a good one.

f14tomcat · 08 Jan 2018

Most modern computers are controlled thru ACPI power management. Pressing the power button is not a sudden disconnect of electricity (power) to the system, it is, by default, the same as issuing a shutdown command or clicking the shutdown button. The options for what the power button will do are:

How to explain why it isn't a good idea to shut down a computer using-2018-01-08_20h05_10.png

Pulling the plug, or switching off the powerstrip, or a sudden loss of utility power (without battery/UPS) could likely cause damage. The Power Button is designed to gracefully shutdown the system just as if you had clicked "shutdown".

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface - Wikipedia

Bree · 08 Jan 2018

On most modern systems a short press on the power button will start a controlled shutdown. Press and hold it until the power dies is an uncontrolled emergency shutdown. The first is safe, the second can possibly cause corruption.

If the people you help aren't computer-savvy, just ask them if they'd routinely use an emergency stop to park their car?

f14tomcat · 08 Jan 2018

Bree said:

On most modern systems a short press on the power button will start a controlled shutdown. Press and hold it until the power dies is an uncontrolled emergency shutdown. The first is safe, the second can possibly cause corruption.

If the people you help aren't computer-savvy, just ask them if they'd routinely use an emergency stop to park their car?

Good point. I'm sure there are some who hold the button in....just to be sure it's off. Gulp!

Edwin · 08 Jan 2018

f14tomcat said:

Good point. I'm sure there are some who hold the button in....just to be sure it's off. Gulp!

The only time I perform a hard shutdown is when 17063 won't install and is stuck in a no-boot scenario!!!

f14tomcat · 08 Jan 2018

Edwin said:

The only time I perform a hard shutdown is when 17063 won't install and is stuck in a no-boot scenario!!!

Quite often then......:)

Point is, the Power Button is ok to use, it is designed for that...just don't get carried away.

Bree · 08 Jan 2018

f14tomcat said:

Quite often then......

LMiller7 · 08 Jan 2018

Since system shutdown usually takes place quite quickly you might assume that not much is happening. You would be wrong. System shutdown is actually a very complex process, removal of power being only the final step.

When a normal shutdown is initiated all running applications and services are notified and given an opportunity to set their affairs in order. The details are application specific but might include updating files and the registry. Then the system does it's own shutdown, including ensuring all pending writes are completed. All of this is the same for SSDs and conventional drives.

With a forced shutdown none of this will occur. Usually there will be no serious consequences. But there are exceptions and you have no way of knowing when they will happen.

Either take the time for a normal shutdown, or do quick power off and accept the possibly serious consequences.