Linux Settings

In General:

• Use a recent 'tickless' kernel (like in Fedora 7 for i386). It saves at least some Watts.
• Configure non-root-disks for spindown.
  
  In file /etc/rc.d/rc.local (replace ? by relevant disk!)
  *** Addition ***
  hdparm -S60 /dev/sd? #Spin down after 5 minutes of non-use
  *** End of addition ***
  
  In file /etc/smartd.conf
  *** Replace ***
  /dev/sd? -d ata -H -m root
  *** By ***
  /dev/sd? -d ata -H -m root -n standby
  *** End of replace***
  You should also delete the 'auto-generated' tag in front of the file.
  
• If you are satisfied with a slower startup of your audio (yes easily) and it is a snd_ac97_codec compatible soundcard, you can save 1 entire Watt with the following:
  
  In file /etc/modprobe.conf
  ***Addition***
  options snd_ac97_codec power_save=1
  ***End of addition***
• Use the 'Blank Screen' screensaver instead of f.i. flying pinguins.
• (For laptops) Switch off wireless and bluetooth connection when not in use. Most likely (not always) possible with a keystroke-combination indepentant from the operating system.

At Home:

• Use suspend/resume (if it works). Startup is faster and you will more often switch off your PC in that way while leaving for short breaks.