Is it ok to use 1 worker for multiple machines (not simulatneously)?

[eboard10]

Hello everybody. I recently started mining and have a quick question on workers. On the guides I've read so far they advise to use only one worker per rig but it doesn't explain why. Is it ok if I use the same worker for more than one computer, just not simultaneously or would that affect mining?

[raskul]

depends on which pool you are using, I prefer to use a single worker, and so my pool preference is bitparking.. for those who want more monitoring options, btcguild will show numerous worker monitoring. Just depends on your preference.

[DrG]

You can use one worker per device, per rig, or even for all your miners.  It should not make a difference with most pools.  The only disadvantage is having to configure more worker names.

The advantage is easy to see - if a single unit or device stops mining it's easier to notice with multiple workers.  If you gave everything the same worker name you would have to stare at the hashrate all day and look for a drop in speed.