Remote process turns off computers to save $ Published Aug. 6, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Tanya Holditch Keesler News editor KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- Rising energy costs and shrinking budgets prompted the 81st Communications Squadron to find a way to save money. The result is a new process, which began Friday, where most networked computers are remotely powered down at 7 p.m. each duty day by 81st CS network operations. Computers in the 81st Training Group are powered down at 1 a.m. Those with special circumstances can call a client support administrator for exclusion from the new process. A team of individuals in the 81st CS, driven by Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century Initiative, looked for ways to be more vigilant with power consumption, said Capt. Cieara Carson, 81st CS. "This process is a simple way for us (81st CS) to save Keesler and the Air Force money with minimum impact to the mission," explained Captain Carson. "But in order for this to work, we need everyone's help." Keesler members are asked to follow a few simple steps for computers used daily: Log off at the end of each duty day without powering computers down and ensure all data is saved. Enable power-saving functions on external hardware, such as scanners, printers and copiers during the day and turn them off each evening. Report instances when computers don't respond to the auto-shutdown to a CSA. In addition, seldom-used computers, such as training systems and those in conference rooms, should be turned off when not in use, but rebooted weekly, in order to receive necessary software updates. "Users should plan ahead when using systems that may need updates since the installation process could take time," said Captain Carson. "This small change is just one part of a base-wide effort to save energy. Individually we can all remember to turn off lights and unplug appliances," she said. "This is one example of the 81st Communications Squadron's efforts which, when added to everyone's efforts, will hopefully bring big results."