Can I ask those who feel a computer uses no real electricity to turn it off for a minute..then listen...the sound of silence, do you really think all that racket your computer is making is free? Do this with the TV and radio and dishwasher and dryer off (and kids out) of course..those others do make more noise.
Ask your techie to check the core temperature and explain to you just how the computer keeps from overheating (a fan plus heat sink at least-heat sink is free, fan is not) and while we are on the subject, just how does that core get hot anyway? electricity folks. the kind you pay to pipe in to the house.
And if your Techie has a fancy led lighted case, or any other 'cool' add ons trust me, he/she is running more electricity than needed.
Not that I plan on disconnecting the green light from my case
It looks cool
IMO you own the house you pay the electric bill, either charge a fee for leaving it on over night or turn it off yourself (no tech geek wants mom/wife/GF to turn their computer off by just pushing the power button and holding for a count of 10...do it once they will NEVER leave it on for you to fix again!)
Oh and for the start up time if they can't fill it then assign a chore..one that takes about 2 minutes (empty dishwasher) I usually switch laundry or fetch my water in that time. I can guarantee if someone offered to find me work to do in that time I would stop complaining about it
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JC your solution works for your addiction, the electric cost is a small price to pay to work on getting better.