Tech Tip: Go Green, Save $$

How Your PC Can Save You Money

Many savvy System Mechanic users already know they don’t need to buy a new hard drive or additional RAM to maintain top PC performance. They use System Mechanic’s over 40 tools to diagnose and fix errors, clean out clutter, eliminate corrupted settings, adapt system settings, and add years to the productive life of their computers.

But are there any more money-saving tricks? Here are some tips to shrink your energy bill and save on support costs, while keeping your PC performing like the day you bought it.

1. Turn off the screensaver

Research shows that 53% of computer users rarely turn off their PCs, assuming that the screensaver conserves energy. In actuality, a screensaver consumes almost as much energy as a fully functioning PC and, to make matters worse, it keeps your PC from properly going to sleep. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that people can save $25 to $75 a year in energy costs by simply turning off their screensaver.

Green Smart$

Is throwing away your slow PC smart?

Did you know…

- PCs slow down with just a few weeks of use?
The average PC starts to become cluttered and slower after only a few weeks of normal use. A PC tune-up will bring back the speed and stability of a brand-new PC.

- Most PCs are discarded in just over 2 years?
The average PC in the US is discarded after only 30 months, and virtually all of them just needed a 5-minute tune-up.

- 70 million PCs are discarded prematurely each year?
70 million PCs will be thrown out in 2009, and most just needed a tune-up to make them run like new again. Discarded computers have created 5 billion pounds of waste each year, including the release of hazardous substances into our environment.

Imagine throwing away your car just because it needs a tune-up
Most people wouldn’t get rid of their car just because it starts to hesitate or becomes less zippy. Instead they take it to a mechanic and get a tune-up. Just like a car, a PC needs regular tune-ups to keep it running like new.

Be smart and save money
Let’s compare the different solutions available to having a fast, like-new PC:

- Purchase new PC $600 - $2000
- 1-time Geek service $70 - $300
- 12-months unlimited tune-ups $29.95 ($49.95) (using System Mechanic)

How to: Go to Control Panel > Display > Screensaver and turn off the screensaver. To adjust the sleep settings, go to Control Panel > Power Options or, better yet, turn off your PC when you’re not using it.

2. Monitor the devices around your PC

The various peripherals – printer, mouse, etc. – that are plugged into your computer use extra energy. Wireless mice and keyboards can be expensive and require regular purchases of replacement batteries.

How to: Unplug peripherals when they’re not in use, and opt for wired mice and keyboards instead of wireless ones.

3. Tune up your PC

A tuned-up computer uses less energy because it can allocate its resources more effectively. Keep drives clutter-free, ensure unnecessary programs aren’t lodging themselves in memory at startup, defragment the memory and registry, and you’ll be able to run programs faster and accomplish more. You’ll find that your PC uses less power to conduct common tasks.

How to: Use System Mechanic to tune up your PC.

4. Avoid expensive support calls and Service Center visits

Service center visits and tech support calls can be costly, time-consuming and stressful and are particularly inconvenient when you’re on the go. The good news is most of them can be avoided because the majority of Windows problems can be easily fixed by a software tune-up.

How to: Use System Mechanic to tune-up your PC. Also be sure to turn on ActiveCare for automatic maintenance that keeps your PC proactively tuned.

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