Shortcut for Windows Hibernate

Putting your computer in Hibernate mode is a good way to save energy and keep the time it takes to boot up your computer to a minimum. A few weeks ago we discussed what the hibernate mode is and what it can do for your computer. You can find the article here. If you follow the steps for hibernation as laid out in the article, you’ll find that you have to perform a few mouse moves and clicks to put your computer in hibernate mode (or just to turn the computer off). Using the mouse moves and clicks needed to … Continue reading →

Saving energy with your computer – Energy Star recommendations

Earlier we discussed if turning off your computer every night is necessary and whether or not your hard drive will wear out by turning your computer on and off. To conclude, we’ll now cover some recommendations from Energy Star about turning off your computer. Energy Star recommendations You may have seen the logo for Energy Star when you turn your computer or if you have purchased a refrigerator or washer and dryer in recent years. Energy Star is a program that labels products according to their energy consumption and is maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Below, … Continue reading →

Should I turn my computer off overnight?

Earlier today we talked about how turning on and off your computer daily will not ruin your hard disk drive. For those more concerned about saving energy than about hard drive failure, I’ll address the question of turning off your computer each night versus leaving it on all of the time. Should I turn my computer off each night or can I leave it on? The simple answer is that it’s really up to you. Businesses often leave their computers running all of the time and never turn them off unless something goes wrong. This line of thought is usually … Continue reading →

Will turning off my computer ruin my hard drive?

Over the years, I have been asked the question on numerous occasions, “Which is better: leaving my computer on all of the time or turning it off after each use?” My response has often been lengthier than my inquisitors probably wanted, but I just wanted them to be informed. A few weeks ago, we discussed the various power down options for Windows based computers (namely Windows XP, 2000, and ME). Since then, I have received a few more questions similar to that mentioned above: “Do I really need to turn my computer off overnight or can I just leave it … Continue reading →

Windows power options and hibernate

The hibernate power option for Windows if useful for those who want to turn their computer off and on quickly. Earlier today we discussed the usefulness of using the log on feature and yesterday we covered the stand by feature. Rounding out our discussion of power down options will be hibernation. Hibernate Starting with Windows 2000, you have the option to “hibernate” your computer rather than use the turn off function. Hibernate allows you to save the current state of your desktop, including all open programs, before turning off the computer. When you turn your computer back on, your desktop … Continue reading →

Windows power options and logging off

There are various ways to power down a Windows based computer. Each one serves a different purpose. Yesterday, we reviewed the “stand by” power option. Today, we’ll discuss the log-off feature before later covering the “hibernate” function. As with yesterday’s blog, I’ll use screenshots from Windows XP Professional. Power off options When you click to shut down your computer, you most likely see a screen like the one below. Yesterday we covered the “Stand By” option. “Turn off” does just like it says–it turns off the computer. All data from the memory are cleared and the operating system shuts down … Continue reading →

Windows power down options

Turning off and booting up your computer has never been this much fun. Well, maybe fun isn’t the best word, but there are ways that you can speed up turning off and on your computer. The Windows operating system has various different power options to help you optimize your computer use. Today, I’ll review the stand by option. Tomorrow I’ll review the other power options including a feature called “hibernate.” All screenshots are from Windows XP Professional, but the concepts are similar for Windows 2000 and Windows XP Home. Power down options When you go to turn off your computer, … Continue reading →

Windows XP keyboard and mouse tips

Windows XP is on a large number of computers in the United States. Some users, however, fail to take advantage of some of the shortcuts and tweaks that Windows XP contains that can help make your computer usage more enjoyable. Here are a few tips that can hopefully help make your Windows experience a little easier. If you want to learn about more keyboard shortcuts for Windows than I cover here, type “Windows keyboard shortcuts overview” into the Windows Help Center and read the first article listed. Please feel free to leave your comments about your favorite Windows keyboard and … Continue reading →