Standby
Most smartphones and tablets go into standby mode automatically after a fairly short period of inactivity.
For desktops and laptops, users will usually alter settings to either activate or deactivate standby mode.
Users often have a choice between standby mode (also known as sleep mode) or hibernate.
In standby mode:
- RAM continues to be powered
- data for software running at the time of standby is temporarily stored until user resumes work
- power to all other components is significantly reduced or turned off completely.
If using hibernate:
- contents of RAM are copied to the hard disk
- hard disk saves a permanent copy
- hibernate mode can turn almost all components off or down to a level of very low energy use
Standby and hibernate v shutdown
It is often better to use standby or hibernate settings instead of shutting the system down. Starting the desktop or laptop after a shutdown causes a surge in power to components. In general, it is better to minimise the number of times computer components receive a surge in power.
For this reason, standby or hibernate are better options for users when they intend to use the system again after a short period of inactivity.
