Green Computing

Computers are among the most commonly used electronic devices. In fact, computer use accounts for a relatively large portion of our electrical consumption. Thus, understanding the negative impact of computer use on our environment and what can be done to lessen that impact is critical.

What is Green Computing?

The practice of using computing resources efficiently and making one’s computing system environmentally friendly is referred to as Green Computing. Green Computing can be accomplished in many ways. Some examples include reducing the use of hazardous materials, proper disposal of electronic waste, telecommuting, regulatory compliance, virtualization, and maximizing energy efficiency during the computer’s lifetime. The most effective and obvious way to conserve energy is to turn your computer off when you are not using it and utilize power management. Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) is an industry specification co-developed by various technology companies. ACPI establishes industry-standard interfaces enabling OS-directed configuration, power management, and thermal management of various server platforms. An ACPI multiprocessor enables new power management technologies to evolve independently in operating systems and hardware while ensuring they continue to work together.

Some common misconceptions regarding computer use lead to a waste of energy and cost the user money. First, many people believe that screen savers conserve energy. However, screen savers do not save energy, so instead of walking away from a computer left on and allowing it to go into screen saver mode, just turn it off. Second, it is commonly believed that turning a computer on and off over and over will wear down the hard drive. But, this is incorrect. Turning your computer on and off will not reduce the lifetime of your hard drive, so again, save energy and turn your computer off when you are not using it. Finally, people throw their ink and toner cartridges away thinking that once they have been used, they are useless. However, used ink and toner cartridges are not useless and can be refilled, re-manufactured, and re-used.

Green Computing and You

If you are thinking you have to go out and buy a whole new computer system for Green Computing, you are incorrect. In fact, you don’t have to go out and buy a new computer. Instead, you can make changes to your current computing system and your computing habits that will result in Green Computing. Some suggestions for making your current computer efficient and environmentally friendly include switching your computer off when you are not using it. As previously mentioned, this is the most obvious and effective way to conserve energy. Turning your computer off is particularly important overnight or if you will be away from your computer for the day. Additionally, when using a desktop computer, turn off just the monitor if you will away from the computer for a short period of time. You can also adjust the power management using the control panel on your computer to turn off your hard drive and put your system into standby mode after a set amount of time. Another suggestion for green computing is to install power management programs, such as Local Cooling, Snap CO2 Saver, and Watt Watchers EZ programs. These power management programs essentially adjust your power management settings for you. Some programs allow the user to even manually adjust the voltages supplied to the central processing unit (CPU). This process is called undervolting. To undervolt is to reduce the amount of heat produced and the electricity consumed..

Another way to conserve energy is to print wisely. In other words, only print when a paper copy is really necessary. And, if you only need a few pages of a document, make sure to change the printer setting so you don’t end up unnecessarily printing all pages. Additionally, you can replace your internal hard drive with a low energy hard drive, from companies such as EnviroGadget. Make sure to look for one that has the Energy Star logo on it. On average, Energy Star computers are 65% more efficient than equipment without this certification. Contrary to what some people believe, Energy Star qualification does not increase price nor decrease performance.

Green Computing Options

If you would rather purchase a new eco-friendly computer system rather than upgrade your current computer, here are some energy saving suggestions you. Buy a laptop instead of a desktop. A mobile network uses significantly less power than a desktop. Additionally, buy a computer that fits your needs as opposed to a computer with fancy upgrades, parts, programs, and power that you will never use. Choose the latest Intel Processor or VIA Processor over AMD Processors as they use less power. In addition, choose a corded keyboard and mouse over wireless. Moreover, all aforementioned suggestions for upgrading your current computer system, such as turning it off when you are not using it and printing wisely, should be used when you purchase a new computer. And, finally, flat screens, or LCD’s (liquid crystal display), use less power and energy than bigger screens, or CRT’s (cathode ray tube).

Other Green Computing options, whether you are using your current computing system or looking for a new system, include terminal servers and thin clients. A terminal server is a specialized computer which aggregates multiple communication channels together. A thin client is a client computer or client software that depends primarily on the central server for processing activities. The thin client focuses on conveying input and output between the user and the remote server. Many thin client devices run only web browsers or remote desktop software, meaning that all significant processing will occur on the server not the thin client. However, there have been recent developments and some devices marketed as thin clients can run complete operating systems.

Regardless of the path you choose, upgrading your current computing system or purchasing a new one, you should understand the negative impact computer use can have on our environment and realize what you can so to lessen that impact and be a part of Green Computing.

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