Computer Off = Monitor Off

Older PCs had, despite their slowness and other shortcomings, in comparison with their modern descendants at least one important advantage: they almost universally were fitted with a switched mains output socket for the monitor. The main power switch on the PC controlled this socket, therefore: computer off = monitor off!Modern PCs make use of a ‘soft’ power switch, which puts the power supply in standby mode only; as a consequence the switched mains output on the back of the power supply is usually omitted.