Modem on or off?

[mic]

As I am kinda new to all this stuff & am wondering if someone can make some suggestions?
I am using a nb1300.
What is the best thing to do when I have my computer turned off, turn off the modem or leave it powered on?
And what about if the computer is on but not being used?

[simonb]

Paranoia level-related question IMHO.

You *could* just leave the modem on, but you will be charged for incoming traffic at that time. Whilst this should be pretty negligible, if someone were to send a whole pile of traffic down your line (think DoS), then it could add up considerably. I've heard of this occurring, but only very rarely, and if you keep an eye on your usage amounts, it shouldn't be a problem. The user(s) I'd heard of were on telstra, and so got hit hard for excess usage. Swiftel is magnitudes better though, so even this shouldn't hurt you too much.

My feeling is that if you've only got the one computer using the modem, and the power button on the modem is readily accessible, then turn it off along with the computer. Too much effort to fiddle when the computer is on-but-idle though, and if you're sharing with a number of computers, then just leave it on for the same "too much hassle" reason.

Technically, you need the modem on when you want to access the 'net, that's all. If you leave it on otherwise that's fine and doesn't cost you anything to have it "on", except for the point I noted above.

Given that we have static IPs, I'd say that Swiftel is working on the assumption that people tend to operate in an always-on fashion.

[mic]

Thanks simonb,

Actually it’s not so much from paranoia that I asked this question. I was thinking more along the lines of equipment longevity & to a certain extent from security (though not a concern if the computer is off).
I had not thought about the point that you brought up in regard to incoming traffic & charges.

[simonb]

I would expect your modem to last a long time, even turned on a long time. I expect they'd have more chance of dying from electrical fluctuations or general environmental aging than usage-age.

But... I can't really comment on that with any authority.

Security-wise, well, if the modem or your computer has a bug that has an exploit, chances are you'll get it no matter how [in]frequently you're switched on. Turning off doesn't significantly affect security issues I'd think - you still need to keep patched etc etc.

[paulF]

Originally posted by mic
What is the best thing to do when I have my computer turned off, turn off the modem or leave it powered on?
And what about if the computer is on but not being used?

I'm also using a NB1300 and I leave it and my 'puter running 24/7. However, I also have Zonealarm installed and i use the RED button in it, which shuts off all internet activity. I use that when I leave the system unattended or to go to sleep!! hehe.
~P