Downloading for long periods of time - what do you do?

I am constantly downloading and uploading on my laptop. (sager 5760) and i would like too do this while i sleep or am at school, the best thing i could figure out that actually (i think) worked was putting the screen down so the screen turns off. Is there something else i can do too keep my laptop alive and working while i am away so my downloads/uploads continue? what do you do when you are downloading and away.

sorry if the question is unclear.

 

Maybe get one of those cooling pads, removing the battery and leaving it on ac adaptor.

 

I just put the settings to where closing my screen doesn't put my laptop to sleep or power off after a certain time. I keep it on my AC with the batt in.

I don't worry about heat unless it is in a hot environment.

 

ok thanks ill try that

 

The Windows settings should be able to do all this for you.

I'm not sure, but I think there is a turn monitor off setting after a certain time.

 

you should turn off the screen rather than closing the lid as closing the lid may increase heat. you may set your program to turn off the computer after all the downloads are completed

 

Whenver im downloading or uploading a big file for extended periods of time when im not using my computer this is what I do:

1. Dim the screen down all the way.
2. Set Notebook Hardware Control to "max battery".
3. Close all unneeded programs.
4. Mute speakers
5. Lock computer

 

what do you mean by locking the computer?

 

Windows Key + L will lock your computer.

Tweak XP.com says

 

I just leave my comp alone and after awhile the screen turns off. Sometimes I play games to pass the time, virtually no performance decrease thanks to the CPU and RAM