As we discussed in previous entries, sleep mode can be a handy way to allow a computer to rest without turning it off completely. This setting saves all open programs in their current state and allows users to immediately resume work when they turn the machine back on.

However, some computers come with a separate power-saving feature that works differently than sleep mode. Known as hibernation, this mode is another way users can give their computer a much-needed break. It's found most often on laptops, and may help conserve battery power and lead to fewer laptop repair jobs.

How does hibernation work?

Like sleep mode, hibernation is considered a power-saving alternative to a traditional shutdown. This mode saves all open programs and files directly to a user's hard drive and then turns off the computer. Once the computer is turned back on, it must restore data directly from the hard drive, meaning it may take a few seconds longer to reboot than if sleep mode was used.

However, hibernation can be more beneficial for laptops because it uses the least electricity out of all power-saving options. That means laptop users can quickly reboot their system while preserving its battery life, a benefit that may help them avoid having to seek laptop repair in Maryland. Some laptops with automatically enter hibernation if the computer has been idle for a set period of time.

How to turn on hibernation

Activating hibernation is simple.

• Click "Start" in the lower left hand corner
• Pull up the menu for shutdown options. In older versions of Windows, users may have to click "Turn off computer," which will bring up a dialog box. In newer versions, users can click the small arrow next to the "Shut Down" option. That should bring up a small drop down menu that will include "Hibernate."
• Click "Hibernate."

When they want to resume working on their laptop, users can simply hit the power button.