By default, most computers are configured to remain off after power is restored following an outage, but Mac users can configure OS X to automatically start their Mac up again once power is restored. Here’s how and why you’d want to enable this option, plus an explanation of why it’s not always safe to do so.
How to Disable Safari Power Saver in Mac OS X
Safari Power Saver is one of a number of new energy-saving features added to OS X in recent years, but its ability to block certain content can sometimes get in the way of a user’s workflow. Here’s how to manage and disable this feature, which doesn’t always produce the best browsing experience.
Apple Touts Major Reduction in Energy & Material Use for New Mac Pro
The new Mac Pro uses up to 68 percent less energy and 74 percent less aluminum than its predecessor, according to Apple’s new Environmental Report for its flagship desktop. Its smaller size also means that more units can fit into a single shipping container, reducing the carbon emissions required to move the product to market.
Add a Hibernation Option to the Windows 8.1 Power User Menu
The new Power User Menu in Windows 8.1 provides quick access to your computer’s shut down, restart, and sleep functions. But what if you’d rather have your PC hibernate? Here’s how to add power-saving hibernation to the Windows 8.1 Power User Menu.
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How to Use the Activity Monitor Energy Tab in OS X Mavericks
Energy efficiency is a key feature of OS X Mavericks, and Apple has created a new Activity Monitor section to help users keep track of exactly what’s going on with their apps. Here’s how to understand and use this info to maximize your battery life.
How to Disable App Nap in OS X Mavericks
App Nap is a novel feature of OS X Mavericks that automatically slows down background apps to save energy and extend battery life. But some users may want to control the power to their apps themselves. Here’s how to disable App Nap in OS X Mavericks.
Keep Warm This Winter: Gaming PCs vs. Space Heaters
This winter, tell your significant other there’s an economical reason to play video games all day. According to the folks at Puget Systems, a high-end gaming PC can heat a room just as well as a dedicated space heater for the same energy costs.
Nest Thermostat Update Adds Fan Control, Adjusts for Humidity
We’re big fans of Nest, the Internet-connected smart thermostat, so we were happy to see today that the company will be releasing new software for the device just in time for summer. Nest software version 3.5 includes several new features such as “Sunblock,” which automatically senses when your home is in direct sunlight and adjusts HVAC settings accordingly, “Advanced Fan Control,” which lets users manually choose when to allow their HVAC system’s fan to run, and “Cool to Dry,” which…
Comparing Sleep, Hibernation, and Hybrid Sleep on Windows
Putting a computer into a low power mode while not in use can save energy, reduce noise (if you have a particularly loud device), and help increase the longevity of components. There are several different ways that a computer can enter a low power state, and while Macs automatically manage power options by default, Windows gives users control over which method to use. Here’s a look at each power saving option. Sleep Sleep turns off most computer components except for…