To shut-down or NOT to shut down.

[Smarmie Doofus]

That is the question.

I'm a tech moron and am baby sitting a friend's laptop Windows n pc for a few weeks.

I tend to leave my Mac on.... in sleep mode.... basically all the time.

Never noticed any harm to the Mac but I want to at least return this machine in the pristine shape in which I received it.

So.... should I close down at night? Or just let it sleep?

[hobbit709]

1. Laptop turn off if not using.

It keeps the battery from draining if not on AC power and it keeps the battery from getting overcharged if on AC.

[ChromeFoundry]

2. If you are NOT on AC power

then put the laptop in Hibernate.
If your are on AC power it is best to just let it Sleep.
The components will last longer the less number of cold-starts they are forced to endure.
The Lithium-Ion batteries in all laptops cannot be overcharged. The charging circuit will not allow the batteries to drain completely or charge beyond full capacity. If the laptop is on AC power it will not drain the battery. Lithium-Ion batteries only have a set number of charge/discharge cycles before their available current is depleted, and eventually dead. Leaving your laptop plugged in as often as your can will provide the longest life for the batteries. New batteries do not have "memory" and draining them down before a full charge is no longer necessary (and should actually be avoided).

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. So basically I was doing the "right thing" all along....

... even though I didn't know what I was doing.

Don't you love it when a blind squirrel finds a nut?

(Stole that from another recent DU poster. I knew it would come in handy.)

Thanks for the insight.