All windows are closed when computer is left unattended.

All,

I bought a new computer after my last one died ( I have no time to build
new), it's a GatewaySX2801-o1e, after a week I put Ubuntu on for dual
boot system; my problem is if I leave the computer on over night to D/L
from usenet I wake up and move the mouse and log in but all windows are
closed and the DL resumes from a certain point; this happens in either
Win 7 or linux, I have never shut down ticked and shut down monitor after
30 minutes so I may be missing something in the Gateway end.

GK

 

I understand this part above so far.

I understand this concept, except that while you are 'd/ling from
usenet, you are currently logged in.

Why would you have to login? With inactivity, a screensaver might kick
in. With inactivity, the powersaving features might turn off the monitor
or even the harddrive.

The computer BIOS setup has powersaving settings and the operating
systems have power saving settngs.

You need to familiarize yourself with both of those.

 

Yes, I do have to log in on the screen saver in Ubuntu, can't remember if
I set up a screen saver in win7; doesn't close windows on my 10" laptop
running Ubuntu and I have the same settings as the desk top only
difference is the laptop is an ASUS-EEEpc everything else mirrors the
desktop pretty much.

 

I did mean log in to the screen saver, not the whole computer, I'll see
what gateway has for settings, I do miss a actual written manual the on
line or cd version really doesn't cut it for me.

 

May I suggest that you will not use the screen saver...

I had the same problem on Win 7 here. I disabled the screen saver
and it doesn't shut down any more.

 

If it was LCD would it actually need a screensaver?

From what I've heard its an absolute must with plasma, in my opinion (most)
screensavers do more harm than good on CRT monitors.

 

I think Win 7 installs with a default screen saver. Plasma is subject to
image burn because the same phosphors are used as a CRT.

 

That's how I understood it to be.

As far as CRT monitors are concerned, screen savers reduce beam current to
an absolute minimum - I'm not sure of the exact mechanism but the end result
is poisoned cathodes.

If its not allowed to deteriorate too far it can be revived by leaving it
running overnight with a bright white blank screen.

The best screen saver I've ever seen was incorporated in an old version of
AVG (installed from floppies) it "dissolves" the contrast so there's no
sharp image on the screen to burn the phosphor, but keeps the total beam
current at its normal value to keep the cathodes clean.

 

I always advised customers to turn their CRT monitors off if they must
leave their workstation run. I've never rejuved a monitor cathode but
have done a lot of TV CRTs as a last ditch effort to stoke the fire just
one last time before a replacement became necessary.