4) Defragment the memory
Well, it's a notebook tips kind of day. Previously, I wrote about getting a longer life and better performance from your notebook. Now, it seems that a few money saving tips would be nice, too.
So, please consider these recommendations:
- Screensavers are not money savers: Some research reveals that over 50 percent of computer users never turn off their PC. Maybe they turn it off only before they call it a day. Many simply assume that having the screensaver on conserves energy. They couldn’t be more mistaken - the screensaver consumes almost as much energy as a fully functioning PC and to make matters worse, actually keeps your notebook from properly going to sleep. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program touts figures estimating that people can save anywhere $25 to $75 in energy costs a year by merely turning off their screensaver. Every bit helps.
- Pay attention to the straglers around your notebook: The various peripherals that are plugged directly into your notebook require extra energy and deplete the battery at a much faster rate. For example, wireless mice and keyboards are expensive and require regular purchases of new batteries. So please, unplug peripherals when not in use and opt for wired mice and keyboards instead of wireless ones.
- Give your notebook a tune-up: Just like an oil change and air in your tires, helps with gasoline efficiency. A tuned up PC uses less energy by allocating its resources more effectively. Keep drives clutter-free, etc and you’ll be able to run programs faster and accomplish more. You’ll find that your notebook uses less power to conduct common tasks and your battery lasts longer.
- (Finally) Don't Throw it Out: As mentioned above, tune up your notebook instead of tossing it out and you’ll save on recycling costs too. Limit the pollution, waste and your expenses by regularly tuning up your notebook and thus extending its life. Believe it or not, disposing of your notebook in an environmentally responsible way can be expensive. For example, even when you think you’ve recycled it, your old notebook might end up being sold to third world countries, where underpaid employees will be exposed to hazardous substances in search for the precious metals contained in its parts. Just make sure you use a credible recycling program.
Hopefully these tips are applied and helpful. Every penny adds up. Plus, not having to buy something new is best of all.
