What is a "sleep mode", what differences does it have?

Modern computers are equipped with a huge number of functions that are not always fully understood by a typical Windows user. One of these options, which at first sight does not raise any special questions, is the "sleep mode". What is it? Speaking in plain language, this is a special regime, which aims at a reduced consumption of electricity. At the same time, his main merit is that the resumption of the standard operating state occurs in one click or one mouse movement. In fact, the "sleep mode" of Windows XP (as the most popular system) and all the colleagues of this line of Windows OS is a kind of pause, which allows you to economically and efficiently leave your "car" and do household tasks.

Do not confuse the concept of "sleeping mode" with such as "hibernation" and "hybrid sleep mode", which in principle have the same goals, but they realize them in different forms. I will explain briefly the differences. The mode of hibernation is primarily aimed at reduced energy consumption, it is most often used on laptops, however, unlike the sleeping mode, which simply "sleeps" and leaves all processes in a working state, this mode literally "falls asleep", shutting down the computer. It is worth noting that with this shutdown, processes and files are stored in a stable working state on the hard disk, so when you start, the results and active windows will not be lost. Hibernation is the most economical mode for electricity consumption.

Hybrid "sleep mode" is aimed at standard desktop computers. He absorbed the features of both the "sleeping regime" and the hibernation. By the way, on any modern Windows system this type is already by default, so you are dealing with it.

For what reasons can it be inactive? This question is also quite relevant. Check it is quite easy: these commands are usually located in your menu. Not displaying this command can indicate that the video adapter simply does not support "sleep mode". Windows 7 or any other version in this situation will require updating the video adapter drivers .

What settings can the administrator of the computer manage? To begin with, the "sleeping" and all other similar modes in the BIOS will be disabled. In order to activate this mode, you need to reboot and enter the BIOS itself (usually this function is performed using certain keys that depend on the computer model).

How to deactivate the automatic transition to a similar mode or configure it? Each user is given the opportunity to set their own waiting period so that the computer automatically switches to this mode at a specific time. Also there is an option simply to disable it. It should be noted immediately that laptops that work at the expense of the battery (without connecting to the network) can lose all information due to discharge, remember this!

So, we are working with the "sleeping regime". To do this, click "Start", go to "Control Panel" and select the category "System and Security". Here we are interested in the section "Power supply". In the "Election of the power plan" we pay attention to "Adjusting the power plan". We select and already there we change additional parameters. Here you have to rebuild the function "Sleep mode" freely. After do not forget to save the perfect action.

How can I get a PC out of this mode? Today, most of the models offer us just to press the power button. Also there is a variant of that you need to press the key on the keyboard or the mouse button. You can always see the details in the supplied PC documentation or on the official resource of the manufacturer.