Computer Manuals & Owner Guides

Computer types

Notebook

Portable computer with a built-in display, keyboard and battery. 2-in-1 models fold or detach into a tablet.

Desktop

Separate system unit used with an external monitor; easiest to upgrade and service.

All-in-one

Desktop components built into the display housing for a compact setup.

Workstation

High-performance desktop or mobile computer for engineering, 3D and data workloads, often with professional graphics and large memory capacity.

Thin client

Low-power device that runs a virtual desktop or terminal session hosted on a server.

Tablet

Touch-first slate computer, sometimes with a detachable keyboard.

Understanding computer energy ratings

ENERGY STAR measures a computer's power in off, sleep, long-idle and short-idle states and combines them into a typical energy consumption (TEC) figure in kWh per year. The allowed maximum depends on the configuration — memory, graphics, display size and other features add allowances — so compare a model's TEC with its own limit as well as with similar computers.

Power settings that make a difference

• Set the display to turn off after 5–10 minutes and the computer to sleep after 15–30 minutes.
• Use your operating system's balanced or efficiency power mode for everyday work.
• Shut down or hibernate over weekends and holidays.
• Lower screen brightness on notebooks and all-in-ones; the display is one of the largest power users.

Computer FAQ