Here is a quick method for switching between Stand By and Hibernations modes on Windows. The main difference between these modes is power usage. Hibernate will keep an image stored on your hard drive of everything that was open and running before cutting power completely to the system. Stand By also kills power to most system devices, however it continues to feed the RAM with a minimal amount of power which allows the RAM to store open file data until the system is re-awakened. On a laptop, each of these modes has it’s own use. Stand By is better for short periods of time when you may need to move your laptop from one place to another and don’t want it running full tilt. Hibernation mode is better for longer periods of downtime because it does not draw power from your battery, and it still allows you to get back up and running quicker than shutting down completely! In order to switch between these modes, hold the SHIFT key after you select shut down from the start menu. You should see the Standby button switch to a Hibernate button. (If you do not, then you must enable hibernation in your systems power settings).
To enable hibernation, select START > Control Panel > Power Options and select the Hibernation tab.
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