| Energy crisis is getting worse and worse in coming | | | | in the background. |
| days. We all need to change our habits in order to | | | | By reducing the amount of RAM memory processes |
| learn new ways to save energy. I was thinking | | | | and also prevent Windows use virtual memory on |
| optimizing our computers to use them more | | | | your hard disk, which will help us save energy, |
| sufficiently then normally we do. Following are some | | | | because the disc has a high consumption |
| tips to save energy while using computers. | | | | Using Laptops instead of Desktops: |
| Why optimize my computer: | | | | Laptops are generally more environmental friendly |
| 90% of desktop computers are not optimized for | | | | than their "big brothers". So if you are planning on |
| energy efficiency. If you optimize your machine, | | | | getting a new computer you should consider a laptop |
| according to Intel, it can save you about 400-kilowatt | | | | instead of a desktop computer. |
| hours annually. | | | | A desktop computer usually uses around 130 watts |
| Optimizing your computer: | | | | while a laptop only uses around 15 watts, and |
| Click on "start" menu. Then click on "settings" and | | | | sometimes that is with the same tech specs. There |
| then "control panel." | | | | are other good features which make them a good |
| Double click on "power management", under where it | | | | choice over desktops like laptops are smaller and use |
| says "power schemes," choose "always on" from the | | | | less packaging, meaning less transport and storage |
| drop-down list. Below the "settings for always on | | | | space needed. Laptops are available to use during |
| power scheme" tab, look for two drop-down lists, | | | | your travel while desktops are waiting back at home. |
| labeled "turn off monitor" and "turn off hard disks," | | | | Remember: |
| respectively. | | | | * Remember that the DVD drive, wireless and screen |
| There are options to select from minutes to hours. | | | | brightness use the most power. Limit their use and |
| set this for 2 minutes or try 15 minutes. Select any | | | | you will save a little more power. |
| according to your needs and requirements. | | | | * To reduce energy consumption and maximize |
| If you are on Macs. It's more easier to implement | | | | savings even further, put your laptop's AC adaptor |
| these settings. Just go to the Apple pull-down menu, | | | | on a power strip that can be turned off when you're |
| select "system preferences" and then "energy saver." | | | | not recharging. Otherwise the adaptor will |
| It's all in there. | | | | continuously draw power. |
| The new LCD monitors are good for about 100 Kwh | | | | * When not using your laptop for a few minutes or |
| per year of electricity savings. Ok, Try to upgrade | | | | put it in Stand By Sleep, and when not have to wear |
| as you need to replace the old one. | | | | a longer place your laptop in hibernate mode. |
| Computer's screen saver programs do not save | | | | * Decrease the consumption of the LCD monitor to |
| energy. Unless the screen or backlight on a computer | | | | adjust the brightness of just what is needed. While |
| actually turns off, a screen saver uses as much | | | | the monitor is brighter consume more power. |
| power as word processing. Also, don't forget, you | | | | There is also a relationship between consumption and |
| can save additional energy by adjusting your | | | | colors, darker colors use less. If we do not use the |
| computer's sleep mode to turn on more frequently. | | | | entire screen and our desktop is in sight, it is |
| Use the necessary programs only:Each program is | | | | advisable to use a screen or a dark background color |
| consuming resources from the CPU and the CPU | | | | black. |
| itself consumes energy, for this reason it is advisable | | | | With these tips you can save energy. Reducing |
| to open the programs we are using. Even we can | | | | consumption of your computer/laptop will save you |
| close those programs that are in the systray and run | | | | money and enhance the life of your equipment. |