Quick Question....

[Pale Rider]

The motherboard will have a setting to enable power-saving mode for the hard drives, the video-output and the CPU. I usually turn off the hard drive power down, set the video-out to 10 minutes, and the CPU to 20 minutes. The problem is that Windows XP likes to auto-fire a lot of processes which can wake up your monitor, hard drives and CPU despite your best efforts. It really takes someone who can sit down and look over your system to actually get all the settings optimized, and even then there is a good chance that one or two setting could get overlooked.

BTW, I leave mine on 24x7 so that maintenance tasks like hard drive optimization, updates and anti-virus scans can all take place while I sleep. That way my system is primed for best performance when I need to use it. This means that my usage overall is probably closer to 320 kWh per month which would be around US$40 per month even with my optimizations to the power settings.

I think I'll try the video, 10 mins and CPU 20 mins thing. Can't hurt.

[Sitarro]

I had 5 pc's between 1995-2004, that's just about 1 every two years. My first was Compaq, probably the best-lasted the longest. I also owned Dell, Gateway, and HP.

The first cost over $5k, the Dell about 3k. I bought the G5 when the Dell started the slowdown, then froze. I've yet to like the mouse, but that is my only complaint.

Kathianne,

There is a new super mouse by Apple with a scroll ball on top. you can scroll it up or down and right or left. There is also plenty of third party mice. I use a cordless logitech keyboard and mouse.

[Kathianne]

Kathianne,

There is a new super mouse by Apple with a scroll ball on top. you can scroll it up or down and right or left. There is also plenty of third party mice. I use a cordless logitech keyboard and mouse.

I have it, the scroll ball no longer works. The mouse sucks.

[Mr. P]

I have it, the scroll ball no longer works. The mouse sucks.

Clean the mouse balls!

No really, take the ball out and clean the dirt off the rollers.

[Kathianne]

Clean the mouse balls!

No really, take the ball out and clean the dirt off the rollers.

There's nothing to take 'out.' It's a red light type of deal.

[Mr. P]

There's nothing to take 'out.' It's a red light type of deal.

Batteries?

[Kathianne]

Batteries?

Nope, though at first I thought you were being rude. LOL! Goes right into keyboard, but there is no 'ball'. Just a led type of light.

[Mr. P]

Nope, though at first I thought you were being rude. LOL! Goes right into keyboard, but there is no 'ball'. Just a led type of light.

I wasn't being rude...I've never had one like that. Wish I could help..sorry.

[glockmail]

Do you have any idea what it costs you as far as electricity to leave it as opposed to turning it off?

I don't. But if you look at the rating of the power supply it would give you a clue. Then you have to guess at the avearage power factor, probably in the 25% to 33% range. My guess is that an average desktop machine uses about 50-75 watts. A large CRT monitor probably uses about 250.

[glockmail]

Thermal wear... now that I can understand. I do have a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Cool. Mine's in Civil.

[Kathianne]

I wasn't being rude...

I did realize that, which is why I laughed! Thanks for trying, if the mouse is my biggest problem for a few years, I'll be happy!

[Pale Rider]

Cool. Mine's in Civil.

I did do the monitor off in 15 mins, CPU off in 20 mins, and standby at 30 mins in my power options. Seems to be working.

[Mr. P]

I did do the monitor off in 15 mins, CPU off in 20 mins, and standby at 30 mins in my power options. Seems to be working.

I do that too..then at the end of my day,, total shut down.
Never had any problems.

[glockmail]

I did do the monitor off in 15 mins, CPU off in 20 mins, and standby at 30 mins in my power options. Seems to be working.

Are you using your EE degree?

[glockmail]

I do that too..then at the end of my day,, total shut down.
Never had any problems.

I usually shut down my brain at the end of the day with a double manhattan or martini.