Are there reasons not to leave my machine logged in and running overnight? The start up process takes about 5 minutes and it drives me crazy. I think this is due to Kaspersky inmternet security. Can I just leave the thing running overnight and shut down on the weekends?

If 5 minutes for starting your PC drive you crazy, how do you manage to wait for a good setup for several hours?

My PC takes 5 minutes as well, as I have several virus scanners installed.

You can use this time for physical exercise, preparing a cup of tea or visualizing your trading goals.

Where is the problem?

Same problem here, what I do is an automatic startup of my computer and NT 5 minutes before I wake up and when I am ready to trade my charts are already open. I use Auto PowerOn & ShutDown - Wake up your PC and Auto ShutDown

Good question. It is a matter of utility. Waiting for a set-up is a different dynamic, it is necessary and good "utility". Waiting for the machine to fire up is a waste of time. The coffeee maker is on a timer so it is ready, exercise, hygene,breakfast all have their place as well. It is the start up time that is the gross inefficincy each morning.

DB

BTW Fat, have you revisited thatn robust bollinger indie of yours? I was waiting to download because you hintind that you might revise.

Same amount of time for me as well. I usually wake up, hit my snooze, start my PC, then wait till my snooze goes off again.

Add me to the list, mine takes 5 mins as well. I leave it on 24/7 basically(won't hurt it...been doing it for years).
One thing you might try though is a program called "Autoruns " from www.sysinternals, it's free. You can do it other ways as well but the point is you can change what programs get started when you boot up. In other words you can choose to not start unnecessary programs that slow down the process.

wldman 

Good question. It is a matter of utility. Waiting for a set-up is a different dynamic, it is necessary and good "utility". Waiting for the machine to fire up is a waste of time. The coffeee maker is on a timer so it is ready, exercise, hygene,breakfast all have their place as well. It is the start up time that is the gross inefficincy each morning. DB BTW Fat, have you revisited thatn robust bollinger indie of yours? I was waiting to download because you hintind that you might revise.

I have about 50 indicators to revise, so it may take some time. Better you download now and tell me what you want me to change.

A modern day computer running 24/7 may cost around $30/mo in electricity, depending on your kw/h rate.

Computer System

Also if you have a UPS, it is worth the money to invest in Green UPS's. Otherwise the UPS is likely to use near full-load wattage even if what is attached does not, meaning a 1000W UPS is pulling close to 1000W even if you don't have that much plugged in to it. Green UPS's will pay for themselves over time.

Mike

Probably in excess of kbit, but you can let your pc to start automatically all programs you like when you start up your pc
For example in vista: Streamline your Startup Applications & Improve Windows Performance | Windows Vista, XP and Windows 7 Tutorials
How to remove unwanted Startup Programs in Windows Vista?