Free Computer Energy Saving Program Open to Business Use

February 26, 2009

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A series of protocols for reducing energy use by computers that often needlessly run 24/7 is now available for businesses to adopt.

The University of Liverpool developed the Powerdown program, which essentially logs users out after extended periods of non-use, then shuts down the machine without any loss of data.

PowerDown consists of two batch files and two freeware utilities.

According to the press release, the setup batch file:

Creates a Windows scheduled task to run the power-saving batch file after X minutes of idle time.
Copies the power-saving batch file somewhere local.
Copies the two freeware utilities into the system.

The power-saving batch file:

Is run when the scheduled task notices that there have been X minutes of idle time.
Checks whether the computer has opted out of power-saving.
Checks whether anybody is logged in.
If not, it shuts down.

In related news, universities worldwide are being challenged to power down campus computers to help reduce CO2 emissions. The campaign was launched by Climate Savers Computing Initiative, in partnership with EPA’s Energy Star program.

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Reader Comments

This is certainly a good step in the right direction. A previous study, LBNL I believe, indicated that two-thirds of enterprise IT power draw resides outside the data center. Hence this move to help automate and control the shut-down of IT assets outside the data center is a welcomed addition to our arsenal of tools to improve overall IT systems efficiency.

Now if we could just use the On/Off switch and truly power these down with the lights when we leave the room all of this would be a lot easier to manage.

Jack Pouchet | March 2nd, 2009

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