Energy crisis is getting worse and worse in coming days. We all need to change our habits in order to learn new ways to save energy. I was thinking optimizing our computers to use them more sufficiently then normally we do. Following are few tips which will help you save some energy and ultimately reduce your bills J

Why optimize my computer:

90% of desktop computers are not optimized for energy efficiency. If you optimize your machine, according to Intel, it can save you about 400-kilowatt hours annually.

Optimizing your computer:

Click on "start" menu. Then click on "settings" and then "control panel."

Double click on "power management", under where it says "power schemes," choose "always on" from the drop-down list. Below the "settings for always on power scheme" tab, look for two drop-down lists, labeled "turn off monitor" and "turn off hard disks," respectively.

There are options to select from minutes to hours. set this for 2 minutes or try 15 minutes. Select any according to your needs and requirements.

If you are on Macs. It's more easier to implement these settings. Just go to the Apple pull-down menu, select "system preferences" and then "energy saver." It's all in there.

The new LCD monitors are good for about 100 Kwh per year of electricity savings. Ok, Try to upgrade as you need to replace the old one.

Computer's screen saver programs do not save energy. Unless the screen or backlight on a computer actually turns off, a screen saver uses as much power as word processing. Also, don't forget, you can save additional energy by adjusting your computer's sleep mode to turn on more frequently.

Use the necessary programs only:

Each program is consuming resources from the CPU and the CPU itself consumes energy, for this reason it is advisable to open the programs we are using. Even we can close those programs that are in the systray and run in the background.

By reducing the amount of RAM memory processes and also prevent Windows use virtual memory on your hard disk, which will help us save energy, because the disc has a high consumption

Using Laptops instead of Desktops:

Laptops are generally more environmental friendly than their "big brothers". So if you are planning on getting a new computer you should consider a laptop instead of a desktop computer.

A desktop computer usually uses around 130 watts while a laptop only uses around 15 watts, and sometimes that is with the same tech specs. There are other good features which make them a good choice over desktops like laptops are smaller and use less packaging, meaning less transport and storage space needed. Laptops are available to use during your travel while desktops are waiting back at home.

Remember:

* Remember that the DVD drive, wireless and screen brightness use the most power. Limit their use and you will save a little more power.

* To reduce energy consumption and maximize savings even further, put your laptop's AC adaptor on a power strip that can be turned off when you're not recharging. Otherwise the adaptor will continuously draw power.

* When not using your laptop for a few minutes or put it in Stand By Sleep, and when not have to wear a longer place your laptop in hibernate mode.

* Decrease the consumption of the LCD monitor to adjust the brightness of just what is needed. While the monitor is brighter consume more power.

There is also a relationship between consumption and colors, darker colors use less. If we do not use the entire screen and our desktop is in sight, it is advisable to use a screen or a dark background color black.

With these tips you can save energy. Reducing consumption of your computer/laptop will save you money and enhance the life of your equipment.