How to save energy and money while computing

Here are some easy ways to save both energy and money while computing:

Turn off your computer and peripherals when you aren't using them
When you're not using your monitor, turn it off instead of using the screensaver
If you're using a CRT monitor, choose dark backgrounds for your screen display since bright-colored backgrounds consume more power. If you're using an LCD monitor, the opposite is true.
Activate the power management feature on your computer system. Power management is a way for your computer to use less power when it's not being used. According to ENERGY STAR, using the power management feature can save up to USD$75 per computer per year
Network and share printers when you can

Access your power management settings

Windows 7: Go to the Start menu, select Control Panel, and choose Power Options. In the subsequent screen, select "Balanced" under "Preferred Plans". Set the "Turn off the display" setting to 10 minutes. Set the "Put the computer to sleep" option to 30 minutes. Click the "Save changes" button.
Windows 2000/XP: Select Start, Settings, Control Panel, and Display. Select the Screen Saver tab. In the "Energy saving features of monitor" section, click the "Settings" or "Power" button to reach the power management settings. Set the "Turn off monitor" to 10 minutes. Set the "Turn off hard disks" to 15 minutes. Click OK or Apply.
Windows Vista: Select Start, Settings, Control Panel, Power Options. Select the "My Custom Plan" button, and select "Change Plan Settings". Choose "Turn off the display" and select 10 minutes. Choose "Put the computer to sleep" and select 15 minutes.
Macintosh OS X: Select System Preferences from the Dock. Select Energy Saver. Under the Sleep tab, use the sliders to enable your display and computer to go to sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity for the display, and 15 minutes for the computer. For the hard drive, check the "Put the hard disk to sleep when possible" box.

Reduce paper waste by: printing as little as possible; reviewing document drafts and emails onscreen instead of printing them out; using email instead of paper memos and fax documents when possible; using the double-sided printing functions on your printer.
Recycle your old computers, monitors, batteries, and ink and toner cartridges.
Use less ink by lowering the print quality when you print working or temporary documents.
Use recycled-content paper whenever possible

Submitted by KMAadmin on 7 April 2010 - 9:31am. categories [

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