Greenify Your PC With Aol's New Green Toolbar

Just in time for Earth Day, AOL has released a "Green Toolbar and PC Utility." If you're like me the computer basically has a sort of 'diplomatic immunity' when it comes to energy consumption issues. However, this new utility from AOL looks like a great way to "greenify" your computer.

The utility, which is free to download, reduces your computer's energy consumption by adjusting both monitor and power settings. These adjustments can result in using up to 100 kilowatts less per year which, according to energystar.gov, translates to an $25-$75 savings per year. The utility also alters your print margins so you use up to 15% less paper. In addition, the toolbar brings daily eco-tips right to your browser.

I haven't used it yet so I don't know exactly what kind of "adjustments" the utility will make, but it definitely looks like something worth trying out. It will work with Internet Explorer, Firefox and Flock browsers on Windows XP/Vista or Mac OS X systems. The settings wizard will only work on a PC however.

Download here.