Can a computer turn itself on?

[EyeAmEye]

That may sound like a stupid question, but before I accuse people of wrong-doing, I'd like to be certain.

Here's the situation, at the end of every work day, myself and my staff shut down all our computers, monitors, printers, etc. Every morning, I am the first in, and notice some comps are on, as well as some monitors. It isn't always the same computers, either, it's seemingly random. I have suspicions of someone across the hall, who is always the last to leave everyday, and has access to my office.

So, before I make a formal complaint, is there anyway in which computers (on a network, if that matters) can turn themselves on overnight?

 

[jmmtn4aj]

You can set the computer to 'wake on lan' I think, meaning starting up via a command sent over the network.. Also some bioses have settings to boot up at certain times.

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeAmEye /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, before I make a formal complaint, is there anyway in which computers (on a network, if that matters) can turn themselves on overnight?

Yes.
The technology (implemented into lots of modern motherboards) is called Wake-on-Lan

 

[NacMacFeegle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EyeAmEye /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, before I make a formal complaint, is there anyway in which computers (on a network, if that matters) can turn themselves on overnight?

Yes (as indicated in the previous posts..) but then, of course, they would have to start hunting down Sarah Conner...

(sorry, couldn't resist)

 

[EyeAmEye]

Thanks for the quick replies, guys. Just so I'm sure, this can also turn the monitor on as well?

There are also a few other quirks in all this, like speakers being turned on/off, various objects shifting around. Still fairly sure somebodies meddling around...

 

[mobayrasta]

The Gov't restarts my computer all the time.( I get a little message before) But a monitor.....I don't think that is possible over a network. I could be wrong but I don't think so.

 

[mobayrasta]

How about using a webcam set to come on with motion. You could catch who ever is doing it in the act.

 

[003]

You cant use wake on lan to turn on a monitor.

Also, can WAL really turn on a computer from total off, or just from sleep mode?

It would seem strange somebody was using WAL to turn on random computers.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Yes, but until they learn to plug themselves into wall outlets we can rest safe knowing our Judgement-Day fears aren't quite feasible yet.

 

[MaZa]

Electric spikes can also do all kinds of things, especially to computers which are not exactly totally off, but in sort of standby mode.
With my old computer, the powersource fried. I was on my bed, reading a book, when there was a loud bang from my computer, and it went on (with a little black smoke rising to air). I ran and pulled the plug. I didnt bother to replug it cuz I was sure the PSU was fried and hoped it didnt fry anything else. Switched a new PSU and computer worked just fine. Electric spikes are very lethal to computers, but never knew they might go on when such happens.

 

[EyeAmEye]

The computers are shut down, no standby or sleep modes of any kind. The monitors are all off.

We filed an official complaint, and I just noticed a camera was installed in the office (not very discrete, since everyone noticed it).

mobayrasta, this is a city university computer, no webcams. They are so old, they don't even have DVD drives, either.

 

[blessingx]

 

[zotjen]

If the monitors have an actual on/off button and you're turning them off each night, I don't think it's possible they can be turned on unless someone physically does so.

 

[krmathis]

Yes, it sure can!

Example, my computer have these settings in System Preferences:

 

[Jahn]

the creepiest thing for me was in '89 having my hyundai excel hatchback turn itself back on when i had already taken the keys out and was heading in the house. thank goodness it was in park!