• If you're going to be away from your computer for 2 hours or more, shut it down.
• Plug your computer and peripherals into a power strip, and shut them all off using the on/off switch on the power strip.
• Turn off the screen saver to save energy. Newer LCD monitors no longer require a screen saver.

• Consider a laptop. Laptops consume about 90% less energy than desktops.
• Look for an ENERGY STAR qualified computer. ENERGY STAR products must meet Environmental Protection Agency efficiency guidelines in three operating modes: active, standby, and sleep. Plus, their power supplies are more energy efficient.
• Purchase all-in-one devices, such as a combined printers/scanners/copiers.
• Buy a flat screen monitor, which uses less energy and is easier on the eyes.

• Increase the RAM. RAM is fairly inexpensive and relatively easy to install.
• Replace the hard drive. Newer hard drives allow for faster data access -- a requirement for newer operating systems.
• Replace the video card. A new card increases the performance of graphic operations.

Activate the sleep mode on your PC to use about 70 percent less electricity.

• For a Windows XP operating system - Go to Start > Control Panel > Power Options
• For a Windows Vista operating system - Go to Start > Control Panel > System&Maintenance >Power Options, and select Power Saver
• For a Mac - Go to System Preferences > Energy Saver

• Department of Energy
• Appliance calculator
• Video: Watch Save Energy on Your Home Electronics

• Energy Loss
• Televisions

Windows is a registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.