Computer Energy Saving Initiative
Guidelines

1. Turn off your monitor when you are not using your computer for 20 minutes or longer.

Most computers have energy saving features (power management) that can be activated. The power management feature powers down the screen after it is not used for a certain number of minutes (the recommended time interval is 20 minutes). Instead of seeing a "screensaver," the monitor just goes dark.

Setting your monitor to powerdown automatically

Very often there are times during the day, when we don't use the computer for a while (e.g., during lunch hour or during meetings). It makes sense to shut the screen off during these times. When your monitor "powers down" the screen goes dark. To "wake it up again" move your mouse or press any key on your keyboard.

To confirm your Power Management Settings for Windows 2000 or Windows XP

1. Go to Control Panel
2. Double click the Display icon in the Control Panel window. 
3. In the Display Properties dialog, click the Screen Saver tab, then click the Power button in the Energy saving features of monitor box.
4. Under Power Schemes, select Home/Office Desk.
5. Set Turn Off Monitor after 20 minutes.

To confirm your Power Management Settings for Apple with OSX, activate the Energy Saver Control Panel

1. Click on the Apple Menu
2. Select Control Panels
3. Double click on the Energy Saver Control Panel

2. Turn off your computer at night and when you are not using it for several hours

Shutting the computer off. Information Technology Services recommends you shut down your personal computers at night, on weekends, and during the day if they are not used for several hours.

EXCEPTIONS

Windows updates are downloaded to your computer on Wedneday nights, so we suggest you leave your computer on for that night. Be sure to close all applications and LEAVE YOUR COMPUTER LOGGED ON (Execute a CTRL ALT DEL and select LOCK COMPUTER). if you DO NOT leave your computer on, the updates will run the next time you turn your computer on.

Lab computers are usually NOT powered off since they are used steadily throughout the day and night. So, in this case we weigh cost effectivness against how long it takes to shutdown the computer and then restart it.

Standard shutdown procedures: Be sure to follow standard shutdown procedures for your computer.

• For Windows computers: Click the START button and select Shut Down
• For Apple computers: Click "The Apple" and select Shut Down