What are the differences between power-saving modes of ENERGY STAR qualified computers?
Industry definitions of power use vary from one type of product to another. For computers, there are four modes of power management, as follows: • Idle mode: when the operating system has completed loading and only basic, default applications are running. The system consumes less power than when actively being used. • Sleep mode: when the computer enters a low-power state after a period of inactivity, but almost immediately resumes operation when activity is detected (e.g. movement of the mouse). Less power is consumed than in idle mode. • Deep-sleep mode: when the computer enters an even lower-wattage operating mode after an extended period of inactivity. This is when the system consumes the least amount of energy without being turned off. • Standby mode: when the computer is turned off by the user but continues to use power because it is still connected to a power source.
