Re: PIR vs. Computers

[robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx]

> Unless you're using your computer as a fax machine or server leaving it "on" and completely unattended isn't a good idea...

Wrong.  Your PC will last longer if you never shut it off than if you
do so daily.

> A fan failure could result in damage to your machine, for instance.

I've been using personal computers for decades.  My first was an Apple
II.  I've had at least four machines running all the time in my office
for over 15 years.  To date I've had exactly one fan failure.  That was
on a server that has three fans so there was no real heat buildup
anyway.

> It's best to turn it off and unplug it from the wall.

You could also disassemble it and place each component in its original
shipping container each night if you want...  :^)

> If you're going away for any length of time, unplug your appliances and TV's as well.

Don't forget to power down the fridge each morning before you leave for
work, too.

> More importantly (and depending on where you are) in colder weather, make sure you leave a set of keys with a friend or close aquaintance so they can check on the
house every two or three days.

That will keep the PIR from falsing, right?  :^)

> Some home-owner's policies I've seen have clauses that state the insurer considers the house "abandonded" (with respect to any cold weather related claims that may arise) if no one's been there for more than 72 hours...

What a crock of Olson.  Do you sit up all night thinking this stuff up?

> In Edmonton (where I lived for about fifteen years), that was a pretty standard clause.

Was that before or after the time you claim to have snap-rolled a 737
at 5000 feet AGL?

> Turn off the water to your toilets and to the hot water tank (it's a good idea to shut off
the gas to the tank or turn of the electric breaker to it as well).

Uh-huh.  Turn off the gas supply in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada when you
go away for more than 72 hours.  I wonder if the insurance company
considers burst, frozen pipes an indication that the house has been
abandoned or if they simply chalk it up to absolute stupidity.