Stand by

     If you're doing a Powerpoint presentation in the classroom, or to a group of teachers, or to members of the board?  Maybe you've had to present other information via the computer to large groups.

     I've heard several teachers and other professionals complain about the time it takes for a computer to "boot-up," wasting precious time, and then experience the feeling that the presentation might not work properly.

     This is why you need to master the "Stand by" function.

     Have your computer booted up prior to your class or presentation.  Open the presentation you'll be giving.  Then, choose "Start" at the bottom left of the screen, and then choose "Shut Down."  However, you won't shut it down.  Once you make that choice, a drop down menu appears in the middle of your screen which defaults to "Shut Down."  Instead of shutting down by clicking "Enter" or "OK," click the drop down arrow and choose "Stand by."  Your computer will "hiberate" - keeping the program open, but keeping the computer running at a lower power level and turning off the display.  You can even close the lid of your laptop.

     When you open it, or click the power button again, the computer starts up again, and a pop-up screen appears asking you to sign in with your log on name and your password.  Your computer then resumes operation...right where you set it to "Standy by" or, as some call it "go to sleep."

     This saves a good bit of time and potential embarrassment when making a presentation to a class or group of parents, business owners or community leaders.

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