Download of the Week: SetPower
PrintFor the conscientious computer owner, caring for your PC is always on top ten list of things to do. Well, why not make power management a priority as well? SetPower is a time-based power management utility that allows you to configure different profiles based on the time of day. For example, you can set up your system to wake up and finish downloading that live Daft Punk bootleg, and then go to sleep when it’s time for the both of you to get some shut eye. SetPower claims that you can save up to $10 a month on your energy bill from shutting off your computer when it's not in use.
SetPower does have a few drawbacks: it’s not as compatible with unplugged laptops, and you have to pay for the enterprise version if you’re part of a closed network at work, which means you can’t apply these power managing abilities to your actual money making machine. Regardless, SetPower is a free application that reminds you it’s important to keep your computer as well rested as your own body. After all, aren’t our computers simply extensions of ourselves?
Every Wednesday, we pick a new free or shareware download as our favorite of the week. Have a nifty application that you can't live without? Send suggestions to fion [AT] futureus.com with "Download of the Week" in the subject line.
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bingojubes
September 30, 2009 at 3:03pm
is it really better (even a little bit) to leave a PC in sleep mode all the time? i thought turning it on/off completely was the way to save. for short periods of time, i think sleep mode is preferable, but for longer periods, like a vacation, maybe turning it off would be beneficial?
Pball1224
October 01, 2009 at 6:42am
Even a fully powered down PC draws some power simply to monitor the power switch. Plus all the peripherals that might be plugged into transformers that leach power all the time. I got a Kill-a-watt meter, and found that my desk was still pulling 39 watts even with everything powered down. I estimate on average my desk goes unused 20 hours/day. I did some math and found out that turned out to be $5 on my electric bill each month. Since then I arranged my power strips in such a way that now I can easily cut power to my entire setup with one conveniently located switch flick. Imagine this savings multiplied by hundreds of thousands of computer owners...
jreed012
October 01, 2009 at 7:31am
At 39 watts, I calculated it to be $2.12 per month (using Nashville Electric rates). I'm sure the surge of power coming into your PC each time you reapply the power isn't exactly good for the life of your power supply, motherboard, etc.
DBsantos77
September 30, 2009 at 5:42pm
Turning it off or Hibernate. I prefer Hibernate, windows loads in 7 seconds for me after hibernate, and with a fresh start about 15.
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