Nightwatchman

What is NightWatchman?

NightWatchman is a feature rich software suite that provides intelligent power management of computers 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. With it's use of Wake on LAN technology, system maintenance (such as AntiVirus Scans and Windows Updates) can be performed off-hours, regardless of the computers power state. Reports generated by the software provide an understanding of how energy is being consumed on campus, and how the campus can save money while reducing it's carbon footprint.

Why this program?

NightWatchman provides a number of beneficial features that meet the University's needs, including:

  • Putting computer systems into their proper power states when they need it.
  • Light weight installation.
  • Simple interface for users to keep their computers active, when they need them.
  • Scheduled maintenance times.
  • Access to reporting for cost / savings analysis.
  • Excellent integration in current IT infrastructure

How can I keep my computer awake?

Windows: Right click the Nightwatchman icon in the button right system tray, click “Keep Active...”, and select the length of time up to 24 hours.

     

Apple OS X: Click the Nightwatchman icon in the top right menu bar, click "Keep Active...", and select the length of time up to 24 hours.

 If you have a business related reason for your computer to stay awake 24/7 please request an exception.

Who is sponsoring this initiative?

The Student Sustainability Grant Program (RISE Grant Program) administered through the UAF Office of Sustainability has sponsored this initiative as a direct solution to reducing the amount of energy the University of Alaska Fairbanks uses, and the size of the University's carbon footprint.

What should NightWatchman users expect?

Staff and Faculty systems: Computers are put to sleep every day at 6 P.M. and wake up on weekdays at 7:45 A.M. Computers wake up for a maintenance window weekdays from 12:45 A.M. to 2:45 A.M.

Computer Labs: will go to sleep based on their scheduled availability and usage.

Computers will only go to sleep at night if the computer is not actively being used.

What is a Maintenance Period?

The Nightwatchman maintenance period is when computers are scheduled to wake up for routine maintenance such as Symantec Antivirus scans. The maintenance period is from 12:45 A.M. to 2:45 A.M.

What computers does this apply to?

Nightwatchman is installed on all Statewide and UAF main campus Mac computers enrolled in the Casper Management Suite and Windows computers bound to the UA Unified Domain.