A method and system is described for remotely managing a battery powered client computer. A data packet, which includes a set of instructions, is sent to the client computer from a managing computer. Included in the data packet is a field indicating how much computing time is needed to execute the set of instructions. If the client computer is operating on battery power, the client computer determines if there is enough battery life remaining to execute the set of instructions. If not, then the set of instructions are disregarded.