# cpupower

> CPU frequency and voltage scaling tools for Linux

**Wikidata**: [Q111938460](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111938460)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cpupower

## Summary
cpupower is a collection of CPU frequency and voltage scaling tools specifically designed for Linux operating systems. As part of the Linux kernel, it allows users to monitor and control processor performance states to optimize power consumption and computing efficiency.

## Key Facts
- cpupower is CPU frequency and voltage scaling tools for Linux operating systems
- It is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0
- cpupower is part of the Linux kernel project
- The software is classified as both free software and a computer program
- It is available as a Gentoo package under the name sys-power/cpupower
- For Ubuntu systems, it is packaged as linux-cpupower
- The Debian source package is also named linux-cpupower
- It is distinct from cpupower-gui, which appears to be a graphical interface
- The software is copyrighted but remains free to use and modify under its license terms

## FAQs
### Q: What is cpupower used for?
A: cpupower is used for CPU frequency and voltage scaling on Linux systems. It allows users to monitor and control processor performance states to optimize power consumption and computing efficiency.

### Q: How do I install cpupower on my Linux system?
A: Installation methods vary by distribution. On Ubuntu, it can be installed as the linux-cpupower package. For Gentoo users, it's available as sys-power/cpupower. Debian users can install it from the linux-cpupower source package.

### Q: Is cpupower the same as cpupower-gui?
A: No, cpupower and cpupower-gui are different entities. cpupower refers to the command-line tools for CPU frequency and voltage scaling, while cpupower-gui appears to be a graphical interface for these tools.

### Q: What license governs cpupower?
A: cpupower is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, making it free software that allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions.

## Why It Matters
cpupower matters because it addresses the critical need for power management in modern computing systems. As processors have become more powerful and energy-hungry, efficient CPU frequency and voltage scaling has become essential for balancing performance with power consumption. cpupower provides Linux users with the tools to dynamically adjust processor states based on workload requirements, extending battery life on laptops, reducing energy costs in data centers, and minimizing heat generation in all systems. This capability is particularly important as environmental concerns and energy efficiency become increasingly significant factors in computing infrastructure. By integrating these tools directly into the Linux kernel, cpupower ensures that Linux systems can compete effectively with other operating systems in power management efficiency.

## Notable For
- cpupower is directly integrated into the Linux kernel, providing native CPU frequency and voltage scaling capabilities without requiring third-party solutions
- It is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, ensuring it remains free software with open source code
- The tools are specifically designed for Linux systems, making them a standard component of many Linux distributions including Ubuntu and Gentoo
- cpupower has a dedicated Emacs interface (emacs-cpupower), showing its integration with development environments
- It is distinct from graphical alternatives like cpupower-gui, maintaining a command-line focus for system administrators and power users

## Body
### Overview
cpupower is a collection of CPU frequency and voltage scaling tools specifically designed for Linux operating systems. As part of the Linux kernel, it provides users with the ability to monitor and control processor performance states to optimize power consumption and computing efficiency.

### Licensing and Distribution
cpupower is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, classifying it as free software. This license allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions. The software is copyrighted but remains free to use and modify under its license terms.

### Package Availability
cpupower is available through various package managers across different Linux distributions:
- Gentoo: sys-power/cpupower
- Ubuntu: linux-cpupower
- Debian: linux-cpupower (both source and stable packages)

### Integration and Interfaces
The software has been integrated with various development environments and tools:
- Emacs interface: emacs-cpupower provides an Emacs interface to cpupower functionality
- Command-line focus: Unlike cpupower-gui, cpupower maintains a command-line interface for system administrators and power users

### Technical Classification
cpupower is classified as both free software and a computer program. It is part of the Linux kernel project and operates on Linux systems. The software has an alias "linux-cpupower" and is referenced in the Guix system as the variable "cpupower".