How to Manage your PC Power Consumption

Why some users do not turn off their computers fordisappearance in this mode can cause your data loss.
long, even during the nights? The reasons can beHibernate is similar to Standby and it also enables
different. Some people prefer to keep unfinished tasksrecovering your working space. It is a good state for a
in the same order - they leave documents andlong-term to save energy because it allows reducing
programs opened. Others prefer to start workingpower consumption of your PC to a few watts. In this
immediately. Some users consider PC rebooting as amode, data are saved to your hard disk (not RAM). So
waste of time - very often MS-Windows start-upthat in case of power interruption, your data are
process takes too much time. The last issue may beprotected. On the other hand, it takes longer to
resolved in the future with faster CPUs, solid-staterecover from hibernation when you need to use your
drives, and optimized operating systems. Nevertheless,computer again.
it is good to have some options not to shut downMS Windows operating systems allow you to set
computers completely in order to be able quickly tovarious power options. These options make it easy to
resume working.conserve power after a certain period of inactivity.
What options do we have these days to balanceYou may create a few profiles that first switch your
power consumption and working convenience?computer into Standby mode and then after a while
Except screen saver mode that does not save toointo Hibernate mode if no activity. To create a Power
much energy with new types of LCD screens, thereProfile in Windows XP, go to "Start" menu, "Control
are other power saving options - "Stand By" andPanel", then "Power Options". First, if you are going to
"Hibernate". These two options allow usersuse Hibernate mode, you need to activate it. Go to
harmonically combine the convenience of smoothHibernate tab-page and check box "Enable
work and energy saving. These are also ways tohibernation". This will create a special file called
prolong your notebook battery life. What are the"hiberfil.sys" where the data from RAM and other info
differences between Stand By and Hibernate? Howwill be saved.
to activate these modes and choose their settingsNotebooks have extra settings relating to using
correctly?battery. Also on notebook computers, you can
"Stand By" means that PC is ready to go once called.significantly extend the battery life by setting the
Your computer returns to a state of readiness when"When I close the lid on my portable computer" option
you press a key or move the mouse. It only takes ato "Stand by" ("Advanced" tab). Note, you can switch
few seconds to resume a computer from Standby.also anytime to Standby or Hibernate mode manually.
Computer recovers quickly because data are stored inGo to "Start", and then "Turn Off Computer". You
RAM. It is a low power consumption mode. However,should see dialog with "Stand by" button. If you press
energy saving is moderate because power has beenand keep the Shift key, "Stand by" button changes to
cut only to hard drive and monitor. This power saving"Hibernate". But do not forget, in order to see and use
option is good for a short-term while you take shortHibernate option, it needs to be enabled - Hibernate
breaks. Another disadvantage is that powerdoes not show by default.