In Windows Vista the power button on the start menu only puts your Computer in to Sleep mode and does not actually shut down your machine. If you would like to change this so that when you select the power button your machine powers down follow the instructions below:

• Go to the Control Panel and click on System and Maintance

• now click on the Power Options section

• Under the selected power plan click on “Change Plan Settings”

• Click “Change Advanced Power Settings”

• Open “Power Buttons and Lid” and then “Start Menu Power Button”

• Change the setting to “Shut down” and click on OK

Now when ever you want to shut down your machine, just click on the power button and the rest is history.