Download free power-save mode software and instructions here:

The federal government’s Energy Star program offers a free download with easy, step-by-step instructions that will enable your monitor to go into power-save mode.  If you are using Windows, access the Energy Star Web site. (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=power_mgt.pr_pm_wizard) then click on the “EZ Wizard” link under “Software Tools.”

• Choose “To run EZ Wizard now, click here.” This will start the EZ Wizard download, which includes step-by-step pop-up windows that will appear on your monitor.
• Once you have run this software, your monitor will automatically fall into “sleep mode” whenever your computer is idle.
• To “wake” your computer, simply move your mouse or press any key on your keyboard and wait a few seconds.

If you are a Mac user, you already have the energy-saving software you need. Follow these steps to enable the sleep function:

• Go to the Apple pull-down menu and select “control panels” or “system preferences.”
• Then select “Energy Saver.” A pop-up window will appear allowing you to customize your settings.

To manually set your computer to power-save mode follow the directions below. Please not that the instructions may differ slightly from system to system.

On PCs (running Windows)

1. Right-click on your desktop. A dialog box appears.

2. Select Properties.

3. Select Screen Saver tab.

4. Select Energy Saving Features.

5. Select Settings.

6. Select the number of minutes after which you want your screen (and your CPU) to power down. We recommend something between 5-15 minutes. Not all computers let you install Power Management features (e.g. Windows NT).

On Macs

1. Go to the Apple Icon.

2. Select Control Panels.

3. Select Energy Saver.

4. Select Show Details.

5. Check Separate Timing for Display Sleep.

6. Select the number of minutes after which you want your screen (and your CPU) to power down. We recommend something between 5-15 minutes.

Beyond using the power-save mode feature, you can also help reduce your computer’s energy consumption by developing good power management habits. A few suggestions include:

• Checking e-mail or using the Internet only when you need to, rather than first thing in the morning, so you don’t turn on your computer at the start of the day and leave it running;
• Leaving your laser printer off until you are ready to use it;
• Grouping your computer tasks during one or two parts of the day, leaving the system off during other times;
• Turning on different pieces of equipment one at a time, instead of all at once with the switch on a power strip; and
• Turning off your entire computer system, or at least your monitor and printer, when you go to lunch, class the gym or a meeting.