Reference Guide

References
Computer maintenance
It is recommended that you perform the following tasks to avoid general computer problems:
• Provide direct access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a level surface to place your computer.
• Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
• Back up your data regularly.
• Perform a virus scan regularly.
• Check your computer for errors using SupportAssist and other tools available on your computer.
• Clean your computer regularly using a soft, dry cloth.
CAUTION: Using water or other solvents to clean your computer may damage your computer.
• Ensure that there is enough free space on your device storage. Not having enough free space may result in degraded
performance.
• Enable automatic Microsoft Windows and other software updates to address software issues and improve computer security.
Power management
Power management helps you reduce the electricity consumption of yourcomputer by regulating power supply to the various
components. The BIOS setup program and the operating system allow you to configure when the power supply to certain
components should be reduced or cut off.
Some common power-saving states in Microsoft Windows are:
• Sleep—Sleep is a power-saving state that enables a computer to quickly resume full-power operation (typically within a few
seconds) when you want to start working again.
• Hibernation—Hibernation puts your open documents and programs on your computer storage, and then turns off your
computer.
• Hybrid sleep—Hybrid sleep is a combination of sleep and hibernation. It puts any open documents and programs in memory and
on your computer storage, and then puts your computer into a low-power state so that you can quickly resume your work. When
hybrid sleep is turned on, putting your computer into sleep automatically puts your computer into hybrid sleep.
• Shut down—Shutting down your computer helps when you are not planning to use the computer for a considerable period of
time. It helpskeep the computer secure and also saves more energy. Shut down your computer before adding or removing
hardware inside the computer.
Shutting down is not a recommended when you need to resume work quickly.
Configuring power settings
Windows 10 and 8.1
1. Click or tap Start > All apps.
2. Under Windows System, click or tap Control Panel.
NOTE: For Windows 8.1/Windows RT click or tap Settings in the charms sidebar and click or tap Control panel.
3. If your Control Panel is displayed by category, click or tap the View by: drop down and select Small icons or Large icons.
4. Click or tap Power Options.
5. You can choose a plan from the list of options available depending on your computer usage.
6. To modify the power settings, click or tap Change plan settings.
Windows 7
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Power Options.
2. You can choose from a plan from the list of options available depending on your computer usage.
3. To modify the power settings, click Change plan settings.
Configuring the power button behavior
To configure the power button behavior:
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