If you are experiencing a delay of several minutes between turning on your computer and being able to start working on it, you might like to know why. Its because the operating system and programs need to load from the local hard disc, then your profile needs to load from the server. Profiles include all your emails, photos, music and other files, so in some cases are now huge. We’re using the fastest type of network, but still, its a lot of data.
With the full Shut-Down all the programs are closed, you have to save files, and the Desktop is returned to its usual state with nothing running. The profile is returned to the server. The computer then closes all operating system software, and shuts off. Reversing this process takes a long time.
There are a couple of ways around this: Sleep / Standby Mode, and Hibernate. These are built into Windows, and are in the Shut-Down menu.
Sleep Mode is much quicker. None of the programs need to be exited, and you can leave files open, although you should always save them as a safeguard. Sleep mode captures everything on the screen and when you restart, its all still there just as you left it. It takes seconds rather than many minutes.
If you have a laptop, Sleep Mode is invaluable since you can halt the computer mid-sentence when you are writing a note, and pick up again almost immediately when you restart. You can even have the laptop go into sleep mode whenever you close the lid, and restart when you open it again.
Even with a desktop its very handy if you want to close the computer down for an hour or two.
It works by switching off power to practically everything, but keeping the memory active. This uses a very small amount of power. On a laptop, the battery can last for many days in this mode. On a desktop the power reduces considerably too, but you can’t disconnect from the mains otherwise the memory will be lost, and so will be the settings. You’ll need to restart from cold.
This is the best option for laptop computers.
Hibernate is very similar but slower. Again it doesn’t need to close any software that you are working with, or any files that may be open. This time it copies the memory contents to a file on the hard disc so that all the power can be switched off. The hard disc is much slower than memory, so this process takes longer. But its better for a longer period of inactivity since it needs no battery or mains power at all, and you can disconnect the mains. You might hibernate your computer overnight and at weekends, but put it to sleep during the day.
This is the best option for workstations.
People have been using both these techniques for years without problems, so give them both a try to see which method suits you.
Finally, if you live in a Passiv Haus you are going to need all the waste heat from computers and screens set to stand-by, but in the meantime, there are dozens of power adapters under desks that continue to turn electricity into inessential heat throughout the night. So if you feel so inclined, please don’t hesitate to unplug the ones connected to your computer and screen (and phones). Some others are operating the network hubs, so take care. A Hibernating computer doesn’t need any power, so its safe to disconnect, but a Sleeping computer needs to remain connected, although the screen can be unplugged.
