Although your needs will best determine what power management settings are right for you, some suggestions are:
Monitor/display sleep: Turn off after 15 minutes or less
Turn off hard drives/hard disk sleep: 15 minutes or less
System standby/sleep: After 30 minutes or less NOTE: Enabling Standby and sleep modes on Campus Desktop PC's will disable remote access from home through Remote Desktop Connection.
3. Logoff when away
The computer will go to sleep more reliably and some programs may prevent sleep mode
Remember to close unneeded programs before logging off
4. Turn off your monitor, and other devices when not in use
Turning off your monitor and peripherals will save energy
Ask your IT or facilities staff for a power strip for speakers, scanners, chargers, and other devices; automated power strips are available from the Campus Computer Store, that will auto detect when your desktop computer is off or asleep, and automatically power off connected peripherals
Flip the switch 'on' only when equipment is needed
Although turning off your computer may be less convenient, the longer re-start provides a more reliable experience and will save slightly more power than using standby mode
5. Save power, paper and toner-reconsider printing
Reduce paper usage
Print only final copies
Print double-sided and/or two-up
Try narrower margins
Avoid printing unnecessary e-mails
Print in draft mode
Work with your IT staff to consolidate printers
E-mail rather than fax
6. Reuse and responsibly recycle computer equipment
Transfer older, but working, computers to other U of S departments
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