Platform SDK: Hardware

OnNow Power Management

Computers that comply with OnNow are designed to be instantly accessible to users at the touch of a button. As with appliances, the computer must always be on and ready for use, but appear to be off when not in use. This state of low power consumption is called the sleeping state.

When the computer is in the sleeping state, the computer hardware, the system, and applications running on the computer must be capable of responding immediately to the power switch, communications events, and other actions. If all applications handle power state transitions gracefully, the user will perceive a more elegant and integrated system. Applications that do not handle these transitions can fail when the power is turned off and then on, because of data loss or a dependency on a device that may have been removed.

The following are other benefits of OnNow: