How does turnOFFtool work?
The tool is currently only available for PC users, and
is still in BETA mode. It runs commands that your computer typically runs from the "Shut down" and "Hibernate" options buried under your
Start menu, but makes these options more visible using the tool. By default,
turnOFFtool will shut down your computer. However, if you want it to go
on Hibernate instead, go to Preferences -> Options ->
"Hibernate". You can also change the icon image, by going to
Preferences -> "Customize..." Make sure the image's dimensions are
200x200 pixels.
Who should be using turnOFFtool?
That’s an easy one! turnOFFtool is an essential for anyone who works with computers and kids. It was designed for parents, teachers, libraries, and anything in between.
Why is it important that kids learn to turn off the computer when they’re done?
Shutting a computer when you’re done is just like turning off the lights and not letting the water running when you're brushing your teeth. Teaching children that the process ends when everything is cleaned up (not just when they get bored), is an important way for them to learn to act responsibly.
How does turning off computers help the environment? How will it help my electric bill?
It sounds unbelievable, but making sure your computer is off or in standby when you’re not using could save 600 KWh of energy a year. That’s more than $60 a year off your energy bill, and would be more than enough to run your refrigerator for a year. Generating all the electricity required to power America’s 220 million computers results in millions of tons of greenhouse gases being dumped into the atmosphere.
What’s the difference between sleep and shut down?
While it varies a bit from computer to computer, the essential difference is that the computer isn’t consuming any energy when it’s off, and it’s consuming minimal (~15W) when it’s in standby. A handy rule of thumb: shut the computer down completely if you’re going to be gone for more than a few hours or if you’re done for the night, otherwise use standby (sleep).
Won’t I wear my computer out by shutting down so frequently?
This is a myth: you won’t wear a computer out any faster by cycling it a few times a day. According to Jonathan Koomey, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, modern computers just aren’t that fragile (http://blogs.wsj.com/numbersguy/how-much-juice-is-your-computer-using-at-night-145/). It’s also a myth that turning a computer on takes more energy than simply leaving it running.
It’s not bad, but it could be better. How can I send you my comments?
We’d love to have your feedback! Feel free to post comments under the “comments” section of the website, or email turnOfftool@gmail.com.
Who are you??
We're Amal, Doug, Jason, and Tristha -- Stanford Graduate students taking a course called "Creating Infectious Engagement" at the d.school. We're doing a project for the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, thinking about how we can help people to think about being environmentally-conscious when using their computers. We talked to a lot of people when we started our project, and the people who stuck out to us the most were parents of young kids, who are constantly thinking of ways to instill values and positive behaviors. Their stories inspired us, hence the direction of our project!
