In comp.os.linux.misc Michael Black <et472@freenet.carleton.ca> wrote:
> (ANTant@zimage.com) writes:
> > Hello,
> >
> > Electricity is sure getting expensive these days, especially during the summer time ($500 per month!). I would
> > like to see if I can keep my little 24 hours/7 days Linux desktop/workstation (also acts like a private server,
> > so I can ssh/VNC in from outside) from using a lot of power/electrcity when in idled mode. Currently, I told
> > xscreensaver (using xmatrix at slow rate -- loved the first two Matrix movies!) to put my monitor to sleep and
> > shut down after an hour and two hours. I do not use those 3D screen savers since they hog my 3D card and CPU, and
> > my room gets too warm easily.

> Figure out what is using up so much power, and address those issues.

> If your power is higher in the summer, then surely it's air conditioning,
> and if you cut that back, it would do more than fiddling with a computer.

Yeah, it is but even without AC, still expensive.


> Change the lights to compact flourescent bulbs, especially lights left
> on a lot, so their drain is down.

True.


> Switch off the monitor when it's not being used, because then you
> are eliminating a drain that isn't necessary.

Yes, I do this when I am not near by or at home.


> Learn about wattage, so you can see what's using the power rather than
> think your computer is the big drain.

> Small reductions won't make a difference, unless you have a house really
> lit up with loads of equipment on all the time in every room.

Ah, darn. I thought my box would be hogging a lot since it uses a 350 watts PSU. Not sure how many watts my box
goes up to when in idled and heavy usage (e.g., compilation, Google Earth, etc.).
--
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