If I turn off and on my fluorescent or bulb lighting in my office am I conserving electricity? Or, should I leave them on for at least 4 hours. I herd someplace the starters in the tubes use the most electricity when just turned on. Please answer - thanks.

Turn them off if you will be gone for more than about 15-20 minutes. See this link for why.

Lighting Design Lab Articles - How Often Should I Turn Off My Fluorescent Lighting?