A computer apparatus provides control for automatically switching the apparatus between various operating modes requiring varying levels of power consumption. An embedded controller determines whether or not the computer apparatus is in motion (vibration, acceleration, rotation, etc.) on the basis of acceleration information obtained through an accelerometer provided in the computer apparatus. If the computer apparatus is in motion, the embedded controller provides control so as to prevent switching between system operating modes in order to protect certain components of the apparatus from damage which might be caused by switching operating modes while in motion.