How to Auto-Start & Shutdown PCs / Laptops? - Part 1

In my previous post we discussed the uses, applications and advantages of auto starting and shutting down PCs. In this post we will discuss how can this be achieved in multiple ways. 

Lets split the problem statement in two parts. 

PART 1 - Starting/Booting a Laptop / PC Remotely 

 A quick google search will give you multiple solutions for booting your machine. The most popular and easiest solution involved is using LAN connectivity and capabilities of the Ethernet card / motherboard and the broadband router. All the latest PCs / Laptop have the necessary hardware to support this functionality. It just needs to be correctly configured. This method is referred to as Wake-on-LAN or WoL in networking parlance.

1. Enable Wake-on-LAN or Wake on PCI card capability in BIOS settings of your motherboard. Usually this setting is found in the PnP/PCi configuration or Power Settings option in BIOS settings.

2. Enable WoL capability via your LAN / network card settings. A typical setting for a gigabit network card looks like this:

Automatically Starting and Shutting down PC Desktop / Laptop - Advantages, Uses and Applications

As the blog heading reads, the solution is intended for SOHO (Small Office and Home) Segment. I personally believe that in offices wherever Desktops/ Laptops are in use considerable power saving can be done by starting or shutting down computers automatically. 

Lets understand in brief the factors that how can remotely booting and shutting down PC / Laptop can be useful for SOHO/SME segment and the application scenarios:

1. Power Saving

Often employees and sometimes as owners also we tend to forget shutting down our PCs or just let them keep switched on so we don't have to boot them all over again the next morning and waste our precious time (!).

General Laptops consume about 60-80 Watts while desktops may consume anywhere between 150-250 Watts. Some older models may consume even more! If the employees or even the third party computer maintenance guys across the road are made aware of the considerable energy savings this can result in, there will be enough motivation to implement this solution

2. Security