Power management of computers

PC power management features - standard in Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, and XP as well as Mac OS and Linux - allow the PC box (hard drive, CPU, etc.) and computer monitors to enter a low-power "sleep" mode when inactive to save energy and money. A simple touch of the mouse or keyboard "wakes" the PC box and/or monitor within seconds. For the past three years, EPA\´s ENERGY STAR^® program has successfully promoted the activation of monitor sleep features, and their use is becoming more widespread. However, power management of the PC box has lagged behind that of the monitor. However, with improvements in the advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) and new "PC PM-friendly" operating systems such as Windows 2000 and XP, PC PM may be poised to catch up with the success of monitor power management (MPM). This paper discusses how several technological improvements, possible refinements to industry standards, and continued public advocacy can help realize the full power saving potential of PC PM.