Patent ID: 7296171

Claim:
A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon data representing sequences of instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform steps comprising: (a) receiving a user instruction to shut down a computer supporting a plurality of power states, the plurality of power states including a first power state in which supply of electrical power to selected components is discontinued but in which power supply to a volatile memory storing user data is maintained, and a second power state in which supply of electrical power to the volatile memory is removed and in which, prior to said removal, at least some of the user data is transferred from the volatile memory to a non-volatile memory; (b) selecting the first power state in response to the user instruction and based on a first set of configuration parameters, the first set of configuration parameters including whether the computer supports a system battery and whether a value is determinable for remaining battery life; and (c) selecting the second power state in response to the user instruction and based on a second set of device configuration parameters.