Power options provide a low level of protection by deterring others from using or accessing your computer while unattended or peeking at sensitive information on your monitor.
Purpose:
To have your system turn off your monitor or enter "Stand by" mode
to prevent malicious use while you are away from your system. To prevent
others from viewing sensitive information in your presence.
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Advice:
In
Windows XP™ and Windows 7/Vista™,
you have the ability to place your systems in various hibernate- -sleep-
standby modes or to log off or lock your user account. We suggest using
either method anytime you walk away from your computer. Logging off is
the best way to keep curious and potentially destructive users out of
your system. It stresses the importance of using and maintaining passwords.
Use it if you plan to be away from your computer for any length of time
so others can not inadvertently or deliberately access your system without
your password.
If
you suspect an intrusion, it is time to change your password & investigate.
An experienced user can activate and view the "Systems Monitor" log
to see the dates and times the system was used.
Pro's:
1. It does take a few moments to log back in but it greatly reduces
power consumption of those energy guzzling hard drives & monitor.
2. With the local hard drive inactive in “Stand by" or "Sleep" mode,
other users on the network do not have access to your drives to copy
files or alter content.
Con's
1. Certain administrative network and internet setting can override this
basic defense.
2. You could be be disappointed when trying to log in remotely and find
the system is not available. It is advisable to check with your System
Administrator's policies and procedures prior to setting Power Options,
especially with a networked workstation.
Methods:
(For
Microsoft Vista users)
With Vista's new Start button, you have the choice of selecting -
Sleep (button next to Start Search- lower left) or Lock (looks like
a lock). "Sleep" saves
your current state of your system and loads up quickly when you press
your on button to continue computing. "Lock" returns
you to the Windows Welcome screen and requests your password. Hibernate,
Re-Start and Shut down are still available. They can be found by clicking
the arrow next to the Lock button. Laptop users
should consider the Hibernate option since it reduces
power consumption.
(For Microsoft XP users)
Automatic
a.- Click on START> Open Control Panel> Locate Power Options (Classic
view- find the "Icon" or in Category view- select "Performance
and Maintenance").
b.- Select "Power Schemes" tab - Select a settings (Home/Office).
c.- Select" Turn off monitor after" Select a preferred time.
(Note: Monitor comes back on with the touch of the keyboard.)
d.- Select "Stand by" and set a time period/ duration.
e.- Click on Apply to save your settings.
(Good setting for people that walk away from their computer in a hurry
leaving their sensitive information exposed & vulnerable.It helps
to conserve power as an extra benefit.)
AND/OR
To Manually activate "Stand by".
Follow Method 1a. to b. above:
2.
- Select "Advanced" tab. Under "Options"- check
both items. Under "Power Buttons"- Select "When I select
the power button on my computer or ... the Sleep button (on your keyboard) ",
check "Stand by".
(For those that want to cover up sensitive information immediately.)
Note: Stand by mode leaves your applications running and documents open. If complete power is lost, you could loose unsaved information. You are returned to the applications you were working on when you log back in.
