Microsoft’s director of environmental sustainability has stated that “Probably 70 percent of business users leave PCs on at night for various reasons. That’s a lot of wasted energy”. Consumers need follow the same wasteful route.
Here are some easy tips to save energy with your computer:
Turn off the power strip the computer is connected to when it is not being used. Even the new Dell energy efficient computer uses 4 watts when off
Turn off the power strip to the DSL or Cablemodem, network router when it is not being used. This will save energy and increase network security. A timer works best.
Turn on Energy Saving in your Operating System. Windows 7, XP, and Vista – EPA recommends setting computers to enter system standby or hibernate after 30 to 60 minutes of inactivity.
To save even more, set monitors and hard drives to enter sleep mode after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity. The lower the setting, the more energy you save, just make sure it syncs with your work routine.
Windows XP – Select Hibernate if laptop will be inactive for 1.5 hours or more, otherwise use Standby
Windows Vista and 7 – Select Hibernate if there will be 2-3 hours of inactivity
Climate Savers Power Setting instructions
Disable energy sucking Aero and Sidebar user interface candy in Windows Vista and 7.
Lower the brightness on your laptops screen and turn off sound.
Reduce the number of background applications you run.
Turn off Bluetooth, Wifi if they are not needed.
Additional Windows 7 Energy Saving Power Management tips. For our Macintosh users, Apple has lots of tips to extend battery life.
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