One of the hottest debates in the tech world is on what to do to your computer when you’re done using it, or wants to take a break – should you put the computer to sleep, hibernate it, or completely shut it down?

I bet you have had that debate in your head too, otherwise, you probably won’t be here. As simple as it might be to choose which one suits you, it can also be tricky sometimes. And, if you already have a preferred option, it is best you know what each of the power options do, how they work, and how best they can suit your needs.

Let’s breakdown each of the functions and how they work.

Sleep mode

Sleep mode is typically the fastest way to put your computer to rest. It works by putting your computer to a low power-consuming mode, and brings your computer back to life faster than other power modes. When you put your computer to sleep, the programs you left open will not be affected, and you will meet them the same way you left them – when you turn on the computer.

In this mode, the computer is not completely turned off, and it might still get a little warm because it is still using some amount of power – however, very little. When you put your computer to sleep, it moves the RAM to a lower power state but does not shut the computer down. The computer enters a low-power mode where the CPU, hard drives, and most peripherals are powered down, but the RAM remains active, keeping your session alive.

This basically means that the Word document you were working on, or the browser tabs you open, the graphics design program, or any media file you were working on, will be met the same way you left them.

This mode is suitable for use when you want to be away from your computer for a period not more than an hour or two, and you still want to meet your programs the way you left them.

Advantages

Boot-time: Since the programs are left open on the RAM, boot-up time is fast.

Session preservation: The current sessions are saved and will be the same way you left them.

Disadvantages

Power consumption: Although, sleep mode uses less power than when the computer is actively working, it uses power, regardless. The RAM is powered so that it can retain the programs saved on it, and be ready to start at short notice.

Security: In Sleep mode, the computer is technically still working, although, in a low-power mode, but is still vulnerable to external forces.

Wake-up issue: In cases where the computer does not wake up properly due to some RAM errors, there will be a need for a full reboot, causing data loss.

Hibernation mode

This mode takes a longer time when compared with Sleep mode, however, it is still faster than shutting down the computer. The mode works similarly to the shut down function, but instead of completely closing all the programs and files you have open, you will meet them the way you left them.

Hibernation mode ensures you meet your programs and files open by saving the current state of your computer’s memory (RAM) to the hard drive in a file called hiberfil.sys on Windows systems. On a MacBook, the system files are saved in a file named “sleepimage.” This file is stored in the /private/var/vm/ directory. After saving the current state on the storage memory, the computer then shuts down.

When you eventually turn on your computer, the files are then reopened back on the RAM, and you get to meet them the same way you left the files.

Advantages

Power consumption: Since the computer is essentially shut down, the computer power consumption is down to the barest minimum.

Boot-up: Booting up the computer is fast and goes back to the way you left it by simply opening the saved state back to the RAM.

Disadvantages

Storage: The computer usually requires a large amount of storage space to save the files on the RAM. This can be a problem for computers with limited storage.

Wear and tear: Constantly saving files on the storage can cause some wear and tear on the disk due to frequent opening and storing, although this is less likely to happen with a healthy storage hardware, and even more less likely with computers running Solid State Drive (SSD) technology.

Read also: Top Specs to Look for When Buying a Computer

Shut down mode

Shut down mode shuts down the computer completely. It does this by clearing all the contents on the RAM, deleting all temporary files, and closing all open applications and files. Afterwards, power is restricted from flowing through the circuits and the system comes to a halt. This process will require you to save all files yourself if you don’t want to lose them or have them corrupted.

This mode is suitable for when you’re done for the day or need to perform maintenance or updates, or if you need to conserve energy.

Advantages

Power consumption: Shut down mode stops the computer from using power, therefore, power loss is kept at the barest minimum.

Windows refresh: When the computer is shut down, it gives windows a clean wipe, and gives it a clean state to start up on.

Disadvantages

Boot-time: Shutting down a computer takes longer than other modes because the computer takes its time to wipe the RAM and temporary files. When turning on the computer, it also takes longer because it has to restart Windows, and start all apps on startup. This can be an issue with productivity, especially with slow hardware.

Update installation: While update installation is good, if you want a quick shutdown, and forgot you have installations waiting to be updated, you will have to endure some waiting time.

Session preservation: Unlike other modes, sessions are cleared when you shut down the computer, and you will have to reopen the programs you need after boot-up.

Power consumption: This is weird. Shutdown mode saves power when it’s off, but when booting up, it consumes more power because the computer has to start the programs back from scratch – unlike other modes that save the last session.

Which of the modes should I use?

The choice between the three options depends on what you need, the kind of power you are willing to trade off, and how long you will be away from the computer.

If you are just going off for a few minutes, sleep mode might serve you, but if you want to be away for a long time, like a few hours to a few days, hibernation mode might be fine. If you want to give your system a clean state, run update files, or reboot Windows, Shut down mode is your best friend.

You should also consider the hardware on your computer when choosing which mode, because a faulty hardware might make it difficult for the computer to sleep or hibernate seamlessly.