How can I save power on my computer?

Question

I've got 3 computers at my house. All 3 are using shared internet using one of the computers, which has a built-in ADSL modem. For that reason, this computer is on 24/7, since anybody at any time might want to use internet (as my bro, who goes to sleep at 2am, just as well as my dad, who goes to work early). My brother's computer is usually off when unused, and my dad's computer goes into standby mode automatically when left unused for a prolonged period of time. However, my computer is always on, and it's not only wastes power but also produces some noise, which I don't like. I'm planning to change some parts in it so that it'll be much quiter; however, the problem of power saving is still at hand. I'd like to let it go to standby, but can't because of the internet connection. So, how can I make my computer go to sleep while still keeping alive LAN and internet sharing?

PS. Please do not recommend anything useless. This includes:
1) Do anything, that's contrary to my description of the problem,
2) Switch the modem to another computer,
3) Only turn the computer on when I REALLY need
4) Anything that includes buying something else. I'm looking to solve the problem by software and tweaks, not extra hardware.
5) Ask someone else (eg. google it, look up on some forum)

Answer 1

What youre saying is youre using one computer as a gateway for the others to access the internet, therefore it will have to be constantly on.

Well, its not a software issue, its a hardware issue and you cant get around it, as you need to have your gateway on.

If you compare the cost of electricity for keeping a computer on constantly over a 3 month time,and compare that to a $20 hub - possbily cheaper, youll find that a simple investment like a hub, will do what you are trying to do, accept one computer doesnt need to be constantly on

The cost effective way to do it.

If you dont want to, dont. Keep paying for electricity you dont need to, especially when summers coming around, and your bill goeseven higher.

Answer 2

With your needs and requirements, it's close to impossible. The cheapest way to get the Internet running while having your computer off is to get an external modem and a router. A 2-in-1 (modem + router) will do fine too.

If you still don't accept the buying policy, then how about setting your computer's power setting to turn off monitor and hard disk after certain time. The computer doesn't go to stand by but at least a fraction of power usage is reduced.

Answer 3

Go to control panel>power management. Choose the "always on" power scheme. Choose the parameters you want for the hard disks and monitors to be tuned off, but select "never" for standby mode. Go into the monitor and use energy star options for that as well. Also, some bios controls allow you to slow down your processor when not in use. If you are buying new parts, consider the lowest speed processor that will still allow you to do what you want with your computer. Most people who want to have the latest, most powerful computers are seriously overpowered. Don't get a monster truck if all you do is grocery runs.

Answer 4

u can use a external ADSL router for that which has a multiple outlet for Internet connection as used in cyber cafe , which can save power as well as Ur hardware that u want to change , and only keeping the ADSLon u can connect to Internet from any computer

Answer 5

Your monitor is the biggest electricity waster you have.

Right click the desktop.
Select properties
Select screen saver
Set the screen saver to none
Select power
Set the monitor and hard drive to shut down after a period of time, select apply, then ok and your done, you will notice a huge decrease in your electric bill.

I have a battery backup system, when the monitor is plugged in, I get about 1 minute of run time, without the monitor plugged in, I get about 10 minutes........Huge difference, thats when I started to set my monitors to shut down after 30 minutes......

Answer 6

Sell them all.