| So many of us spend much of our lives on our | | | | application that focuses on moving your computer into |
| computers, whether at home, at work or, thanks to | | | | a sleep mode if you leave it alone for too long. Please |
| laptops, while out and about. The thing is, those | | | | note that this is not the same as a screensaver. |
| computers need energy to run, and often it ends up | | | | Screensavers still use a lot of power, and are about |
| being a lot of energy. When anything up to a tenth of | | | | protecting your monitors, not your electricity bill. |
| the energy you use comes from your computer use, | | | | Constant Management |
| isn't it worth thinking about some energy saving | | | | A few system management programmes |
| software to make that use more energy efficient? | | | | concentrate on maintaining efficient power use while |
| So what can you do? You could try to minimise your | | | | the computer is in use. In many ways this is the most |
| computer use, then manually switch off after each | | | | efficient option, because even sleep modes only kick in |
| session. Often though, that simply isn't practical, and if | | | | if we're inclined to leave our computer for half an hour |
| you're in a business then it can be difficult making sure | | | | at a time. This way, we shave something off every |
| that everyone has got the message. Generally, some | | | | action our computer takes, without sacrificing |
| sort of power management software is a better | | | | performance. |
| option, and one that gives you more control over your | | | | Free Vs Paid |
| computer energy use. The trick is finding the type of | | | | So should you pay for your power management |
| software that is right for you. | | | | software? The answer to that is almost certainly. Free |
| Switch Off Vs Sleep | | | | versions, such as the ones that will probably already |
| Some power management software options focus on | | | | be on your computer, will handle some of the basics, |
| switching your computer off completely at times when | | | | but they are rarely nuanced enough to make real |
| you've said they won't be in use. These are great for | | | | savings. Additionally, free programmes downloaded |
| offices or other large scale applications, where you | | | | online must always be treated with a certain amount |
| can guarantee that there will always be someone who | | | | of caution, because there are viruses and mal-ware |
| leaves their station on overnight. For personal use, | | | | out there. Most good paid versions, on the other hand, |
| however, unless you happen to be that forgetful | | | | will end up saving you more than their cost very |
| person, it's not a type of software that will bring you | | | | quickly, and will keep doing so for a long time to come. |
| significant savings. What you need instead is an | | | | |