| By Dave Harding, ProgressOhio - Apr 22, 2008 3:17:06 PM ET |

What is this gadget?
It's a Google Desktop gadget for Windows XP and Vista that helps you save energy by minimizing your PC's power consumption when it's not actively in use. It does this by enabling and optimizing your Windows power settings to EPA recommended standards.
What else does it do?
The gadget also shows you how much energy you've saved, and also shows you how much energy everyone who's using the gadget has saved collectively.
It will show you different comparisons of how much energy this equals in real world terms, e.g. showing that 0.18 kWhs is enough energy to power a CFL for 10 hours.
It also provides a "Pause" button so you could keep your computer from turning off when you want to watch a movie, listen to music, or give a presentation.
How do I get started?
You need Google Desktop installed. If you don't already have it, you can find it at http://desktop.google.com.
Install the Energy Saver gadget by going to http://desktop.google.com/plugins/i/energysaver.html.
















Comments are closed for this post.