why sleep mode without backtosleep is not safe?
If you keep your laptop in sleep (standby) mode you have to know that your computer may unpredictably wake up for multiple reasons:
External devices like USB keyboard or mouse may awake your PC. Bluetooth or LAN adapters, modems and other devices can send command to awake a PC too. Read how to prevent devices from waking computer or use BackToSleep as more reliable solution.
Operating system itself and even any third-party software may wake your PC on schedule. By default Windows Update will install updates at 3 a.m. Any software may add itself to system scheduler which will wake up PC to run the task. Read how to prevent software from waking computer or use BackToSleep instead.
Power button of your laptop may be pressed accidentally in carrying bag. Lid opening sensor may activate when your laptop is moved. There is no known alternative to BackToSleep to prevent this.
does backtosleep guarantee that you computer always remains in sleep mode?
BackToSleep is developed and tested to be as reliable as possible. But you should know that it is a software solution and it completely relies on operating system of your PC to execute commands. In most cases operating system correctly executes "send to sleep" command but sometimes it may fail to execute it or other software may prevent your computer from returning to sleep. So BackToSleep can't guarantee that your computer always remains in sleep mode.
You may completely rely on BackToSleep to keep your computer in sleep mode while transporting it in your personal belongings when you are sure to hear alert sound in case if going to sleep mode fails. Otherwise it is recommended to turn your laptop off or use hibernate mode and remove battery - this will prevent it from occasionally powering on.
Always turn off your laptop and remove battery while transporting it in a luggage during a flight.
which option of user activity detection to choose?
When BackToSleep detects that your PC is returning from sleep mode, it starts countdown timer to allow user to confirm that the computer has been awakened on purpose. Countdown is accompanied by sound to notify user that computer is going to return to sleep mode if no user activity is detected.
There are three options of user activity detection:
1) automatically when BackToSleep detects any keyboard/mouse/touchpad activity even if computer is locked and logon screen is shown;
2) automatically when detected that user has unlocked computer by logging in;
3) manually when user should click on button to stop countdown.
First option immediately stops countdown if you move a mouse, touch touchpad or press any key even if your workspace is locked. If you do not use external mouse or always disconnect it during transportation, you may choose this option safely. On the other hand, if you use a mouse and it may be connected to your computer during transportation (for example you may use always plugged-in mini receiver for a wireless mouse) this option is not recommended because your mouse may be source of false user activity detection.
Second option is the best choice for most cases except using computer with automatic logon. In that case it is recommended to use third option.
how to stop computer from waking by itself?
Remember that BackToSleep is the only reliable way to protect your computer if it decides to awake. Read our manuals how to stop mouse from waking computer and how to stop software (including Windows Update) from waking computer.