# Glossary

### Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)

ACPI is a new standard method for parts of the computer and peripherals
to identify themselves and accomplished sophisticated power management.
While the power capabilities are most applicable to portable equipment,
they also offer the capability to significantly increase power
management savings in desktop equipment.

### Annual Energy Use

The amount of electricity (in kWh) used by a piece of office equipment.

### APM (Advanced Power Management)

APM is a standard that defines mechanisms by which the processor
controls power use by various system components while the system is in
active use (see Intel/Microsoft, 1993 for further details).

### Auto-off, Automatic Shutoff

For copiers, Auto-off is a feature that causes the copier to switch
entirely off after a period of non-use, or based on a prespecified
turnoff time.

### BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

The BIOS is the interface among the processor, cache and main memory and
system busses which lead to add-on cards and some external peripherals,
and also controls the initial stages of system start-up. The BIOS is a
key element in most implementations of power management.

### Configuration

The settings in the equipment which, in the context of this guide,
determine whether and how power management will occur. For computers ,
this is done in the BIOS (above) and the operating system. For other
devices the settings are usually made with a keypad and a menu system.

### Daytime Savings

Savings occurring during periods of inactivity during normal business
hours.

### Default Duplex

The ability for a copier or printer to make double-sided copies as the
default mode.

### Doze

The doze mode is the first level of PC power management. The system
clock slows or even halts.

### DPMS (Display Power Management Signaling)

DPMS defines four power management modes for monitors: On, Stand-by,
Suspend and off. The presence or absence of particular (horizontal and
vertical) synchronization signals or the entire video signal indicate to
the monitor which power management mode to enter.

### [Energy Star]{.smallcaps}

The [Energy Star]{.smallcaps} program was created by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency to encourage the manufacture and use of
office and other equipment that reduces energy use and hence pollution
from power plants. http://www.epa.gov/office

### External Control Hardware, 'Controlling Devices'

A device that can turn a piece of office equipment entirely off when it
determines that it is not active.

### Impact Printer

A printer employing inked ribbon and mechanical impact to print
characters, like an electric typewriter. These are usually found on
mainframe systems and may be very large with high speed capacity.

### Information Systems (IS) Staff

The personnel in an organization that maintain the hardware and software
infrastructure of computers, printers, networks, etc.

### Inkjet Printer

A printer which uses microscopic jets of liquid ink to product an image.
These are usually small, low-speed printers that can print color images.
They use much less power than laser printers.

### Laser Printer

A printer using a laser light source, a high-voltage electrostatic
process and a high-temperature sealing roller to make high quality
images using a dry toner. The high voltage supply and heat roller
require a high power draw during the imaging process.

### Low Power Mode

A state that a device can enter in which it consumes less power than the
standard operating mode, but is not off.

### Mainframe Terminal

A keyboard and video display device having no stand-alone computing
power, which is used to communicate with a mainframe computer.

### Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The agreement between office equipment manufacturers and the U.S. EPA on
the criteria that [Energy Star]{.smallcaps} compliant products must
meet, and the actions that each party will take to promote the program
and compliant products.

### Monitor

The monitor for a PC is usually a cathode ray tube (CRT), and serves to
display visual information. [Energy Star]{.smallcaps} monitors are able
to enter low power modes of operation, but require signals from the PC
to do so.

### Multi-function Device (MFD)

A combination printer and fax machine, commonly used in small offices.
The print engine may be inkjet or laser.

### Nighttime Savings

Energy savings occurring after normal business hours. This includes
weekend, holiday and vacation days as well.

### Office Equipment

Electronic devices for managing information, including (but not limited
to) computers, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners, multifunction
devices, and fax machines.

### Personal Computer (PC)

In this guide we generally use \"PC\" to refer to the processor and
related hardware (that is, excluding external disks, printers, etc.),
and not including the monitor. Sometimes \"PC\" refers to the entire
system, but it should be clear from the context when this is meant.
"Computer" power management includes PCs and monitors, as well as
workstations.

### Power, Energy

Instantaneous electricity use (power) is measured in Watts (W), with the
amount of electricity used over time typically measured in
kilowatt-hours (kWh).

### Plug Load, Office Plug Load

Electricity used by devices connected to ordinary electrical outlets.
Examples for offices include office equipment, task lights, water
coolers, and kitchen appliances.

### Power Management (PM)

Power management uses firmware, hardware and software solutions to
conserves energy when the computer sets idle and enters defined states
of inactivity.

### Shared Device

An office device commonly used by more than one person, such as a
copier, fax machine, or printer.

### Sleep Mode, Standby Mode

Sleep and Standby are the first low-power stages that turn down or turn
off some peripherals and allows for almost immediate recovery.

### Suspend Mode

The lowest powered mode for a PC. As many system components as possible
are powered down, and the processor is halted.

### Workstation

A computer and monitor.