As laptop computers gain in popularity the need to extend battery life has
become acute. And as people become more environmentally aware, we are
seeing a greater need to conserve electricity, even on desktop models.
Laptop makers have been using power-management techniques for some years,
but it has been a haphazard affair, and there has been no way that an
operating system or an application program can cooperate in reducing power
In 1993, Intel and Microsoft announced the Advanced Power Management
specification. It describes a standard interface that allows the system
BIOS, the operating system, and applications to work together to save
Here's how application programs can become power-aware:
Use INT 15H 5300H to see of APM services exist; if not forget it.
keystroke or mouse click or other event.
Use INT 15H 530bH (Get APM Event) and take action when requested.