Why do computers/phones have a restart option along with the power off option?

Couldn't users just turn off their computers(via the shutdown option) and use the physical button to turn it on again ? Why did they added an extra button ? It's not saving too much time or anything.

5 points | by saonnet 6 hours ago

5 comments

  • mikewarot 4 hours ago
    If every update required a manual power cycle, almost all of the internet would be off, most waiting for one of the far too few technical staff to cycle it back on manually.

    Our phones wouldn't wake us up in the morning, as they too would be off.

  • apothegm 2 hours ago
    Yes, we used to do that, back in the dinosaur (286-486, DOS and Win3.1) days.

    “Have you tried turning it off and then on again” became such a common response to Windows 95+ being kind of crap that they started to include the option for convenience.

  • brudgers 5 hours ago
    Shutdown can be a lengthy process.

    Bootup can be a lengthy process.

    Automatically is the fastest way to do both.

    And get back to work.

  • PeterStuer 2 hours ago
    On Windows restart is not the same as shutdown/power on. I had a pc thar could not restart, but could boot after shutdown.
  • spottedmarley 5 hours ago
    Is that too many options for you?
    • shahbaby 2 minutes ago
      Might be an Apple UI designer.