Rest For The Hard Disk - Novell LINUX ENTERPRISE SERVER 11 - ADMINISTRATION Administration Manual

BIOS is ignored. The procedure is described in
(page 182).
In the kernel configuration, there is a switch for activating ACPI debug messages. If a
kernel with ACPI debugging is compiled and installed, experts searching for an error
can be supported with detailed information.
If you experience BIOS or hardware problems, it is always advisable to contact the
manufacturers. Especially if they do not always provide assistance for Linux, they
should be confronted with the problems. Manufacturers will only take the issue seriously
if they realize that an adequate number of their customers use Linux.
For More Information
• http://www.cpqlinux.com/acpi-howto.html
contains DSDT patches)
• http://www.intel.com/technology/iapc/acpi/index.htm
vanced Configuration & Power Interface)
• http://www.lesswatts.org/projects/acpi/
at Sourceforge)
• http://www.poupinou.org/acpi/

15.3 Rest for the Hard Disk

In Linux, the hard disk can be put to sleep entirely if it is not needed or it can be run in
a more economic or quieter mode. On modern laptops, you do not need to switch off
the hard disks manually, because they automatically enter an economic operating mode
whenever they are not needed. However, if you want to maximize power savings, test
some of the following methods.
The hdparm application can be used to modify various hard disk settings. The option
-y instantly switches the hard disk to the standby mode. -Y puts it to sleep. hdparm
-S x causes the hard disk to be spun down after a certain period of inactivity. Replace
x as follows: 0 disables this mechanism, causing the hard disk to run continuously.
180 Administration Guide
Section 15.4, "Troubleshooting"
(detailed ACPI HOWTO,
(the ACPI4Linux project
(DSDT patches by Bruno Ducrot)
(Ad-