http://www.ehow.com/how_2188263_save-energy-computer.html
QUOTE
Step
1
Turn your computer off completely when you know you will not be using it for more than several hours, such as overnight.
Step
2
You can still save energy when your computer is not shut down completely by setting the power management functions on your computer to put both your monitor and computer (CPU, hard drive, etc.) into “sleep” mode after a certain amount of time of non-use, which saves energy when you are not actively using your computer. Set your monitor to go into standby mode first, followed by your computer.
Step
3
Increase your memory (RAM) to reduce disk usage, which can be a power draw.
Step
4
If you have a desktop computer, upgrade to an LCD flat panel monitor instead of a CRT monitor, which can account for half the energy use of a desktop computer. According to the EPA, the use of an ENERGY STAR qualified monitor can save up to 85% of the electricity used by a standard model.
Step
5
Did you know that the power supplies for your peripherals (such as your mobile phone or iPod) still draw power even if the peripheral is not plugged in? If you plug all your electronics into one surge protector, you can easily switch them all off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Step
6
Shut off that printer. Printers also have a sleep mode that still consumes a significant amount of power.
Step
7
Replace wireless mice and keyboards with wired mice. Wired mice and wired keyboards use relatively little energy and they avoid unnecessary wasting of batteries.
1
Turn your computer off completely when you know you will not be using it for more than several hours, such as overnight.
Step
2
You can still save energy when your computer is not shut down completely by setting the power management functions on your computer to put both your monitor and computer (CPU, hard drive, etc.) into “sleep” mode after a certain amount of time of non-use, which saves energy when you are not actively using your computer. Set your monitor to go into standby mode first, followed by your computer.
Step
3
Increase your memory (RAM) to reduce disk usage, which can be a power draw.
Step
4
If you have a desktop computer, upgrade to an LCD flat panel monitor instead of a CRT monitor, which can account for half the energy use of a desktop computer. According to the EPA, the use of an ENERGY STAR qualified monitor can save up to 85% of the electricity used by a standard model.
Step
5
Did you know that the power supplies for your peripherals (such as your mobile phone or iPod) still draw power even if the peripheral is not plugged in? If you plug all your electronics into one surge protector, you can easily switch them all off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Step
6
Shut off that printer. Printers also have a sleep mode that still consumes a significant amount of power.
Step
7
Replace wireless mice and keyboards with wired mice. Wired mice and wired keyboards use relatively little energy and they avoid unnecessary wasting of batteries.
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/computers.html
QUOTE
A typical desktop computer uses about 65 to 250 watts. To find the figure for your particular computer you can contact the manufacturer (not me), or see my section on measuring electrical use.
With most devices you can look at the label to see how much energy they use, but that doesn't work so well with computers because the label gives the theoretical maximum, not the typical amount used. A computer whose label or power supply says 300 watts might only use about 70 watts when it's actually running, and only 100 even in peak times with serious number-crunching and all the drives spinning.
*snip*
Add another 35 watts for an LCD monitor, or 80 watts if you have an old-school CRT. Don't forget related devices. My cable modem uses 7 watts, my D-Link DI-604 router uses 4.5 watts, and my Motorola phone box for use with Vonage uses 2 watts while idle (3 when I'm on the phone).
Laptop computers use about 15-45 watts, far less than desktops.
Plus some more good info.
With most devices you can look at the label to see how much energy they use, but that doesn't work so well with computers because the label gives the theoretical maximum, not the typical amount used. A computer whose label or power supply says 300 watts might only use about 70 watts when it's actually running, and only 100 even in peak times with serious number-crunching and all the drives spinning.
*snip*
Add another 35 watts for an LCD monitor, or 80 watts if you have an old-school CRT. Don't forget related devices. My cable modem uses 7 watts, my D-Link DI-604 router uses 4.5 watts, and my Motorola phone box for use with Vonage uses 2 watts while idle (3 when I'm on the phone).
Laptop computers use about 15-45 watts, far less than desktops.
Plus some more good info.
That's all I have for now.
If you know of any good sites, feel free to post.
