Windows XP lets you easily prevent scheduled and automated tasks (which can consume battery power) from occurring when you're running on batteries. Here's how to set that up: Select 'Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->Scheduled Tasks'. Right-click a scheduled task in the list (such as Norton AntiVirus) and click 'Properties'. Select the 'Settings' tab. Under 'Power Management', click to choose the following: 'Don't start the task if the computer is running on batteries' and 'Stop the task if battery mode begins'. Click OK to save your changes.