Most of us use an operating system’s built-in “shut down function” to turn our computers off, but what if you are considering using a computer’s power switch instead? Does it really matter which method you use or will it lead to problems if you use the power switch? Today’s SuperUser Q&A post has some answers to a curious reader’s questions.
Today’s Question & Answer session comes to us courtesy of SuperUser—a subdivision of Stack Exchange, a community-driven grouping of Q&A web sites.
The Question
SuperUser reader IAmJulianAcosta wants to know why operating systems have a shut down option:
Why do operating systems have a shut down option?
To clarify, I want to use an Intel Compute Stick as a media player (connected to a projector) and control it using an electrical switch. The computer will only be used to play videos and will not have additional programs installed on it, nor will it have Internet access.
The Answer
SuperUser contributor DrZoo has the answer for us:
Have something to add to the explanation? Sound off in the comments. Want to read more answers from other tech-savvy Stack Exchange users? Check out the full discussion thread here.
You do not want to make a habit of bypassing the operating system’s built-in shut down method by cutting the power. It would just be a matter of time until something becomes corrupt and causes you to have to reinstall the operating system.
In some cases, a hard reset is the only choice you have. If your computer locks up and you cannot get it to do anything at all, what other option is there?
The origin of your screenshot is from Windows 9X systems where the message was displayed when Windows had successfully shut down to MS-DOS, but was not configured to return to the prompt (COMMAND.COM) again. On systems with proper ACPI support and an ATX power supply, the computer in question may power down instead.
