Section 2.9: Configuring Power Management on Portable Computers
Mobile users have special needs for managing the power used by their computers, especially when running the computer on batteries. You can reduce the power consumption of your computer devices or of your entire system by choosing a power-saving scheme, or by adjusting the individual settings in a power scheme. To gain access to power option properties, such as power schemes, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click Power Options.
Windows XP Professional supports a power management technology called Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). ACPI enables Windows XP Professional to manage the power state of both portable and desktop computers in response to input from the user, applications, or device drivers. Windows XP Professional also includes support for portable computers that use Advanced Power Management (APM). ACPI compatible computers automatically support APM.
To reduce the power consumption of a workstation or mobile computer, you can choose a power scheme. A power scheme is a collection of settings that manages the power usage of the computer. Power schemes provide users with the ability to balance their computer's battery life and performance in a way that best meets their needs.
Table 2.5: Windows XP Professional Power Schemes
| Power Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| Home/Office Desk | Maintains constant power to the hard disk and system when the computer is plugged in |
| Portable/Laptop | Turns off all settings after 5 to 30 minutes of inactivity. |
| Presentation | Maintains constant power to the monitor, the hard disk and system when the computer is plugged but only to the monitor when the computer is running on batteries. |
| Always On | Maintains constant power to the system when the computer is plugged in or running on batteries |
| Minimal Power Management | Maintains constant power to the hard disk and system when the computer is plugged in |
| Max Battery | Maintains constant power to the hard disk when the computer is plugged in. |