A green computer or green IT system is one where the entire process from design, manufacture, use, and disposal involves as little environmental impact as possible. In other words, a green initiative is taken in consideration of all aspects of a computer’s life, from design to disposal.
In the design aspect, a green computer is created to perform without a negative environmental impact. Such design encompasses everything from materials and components to how the computer utilizes its power supply. Nowadays, most desktop and laptop computers are manufactured with a sleep or hibernate mode that allows them to power down when inactive and, therefore, save on energy impact.
A green computer will also take into account how it impacts the environment during its life. One way to reduce a green computer’s usage impact is to extend its longevity. The longer the computer can last, the less effect it will have on the environment because disposal, usually the most significant green influence of the computer’s cycle, will be extended that much longer. To increase a computer’s longevity, we suggest looking toward upgrades and modularity. For example, building a brand new computer produces a much larger ecological effect than building a new RAM module for replacement in that computer.
computer virtualization is helping to make large strides in green computer technology. Through the process of virtualization, it is now possible to operate two or more computers on the physical hardware of a single computer. In this manner, you could create the ultimate green computer; one that exists logically, but not physically. The logical units utilize all the material components of the physical computer, but have no physical structure themselves. This means that the environmental impact of the logical computers is virtually eliminated. The ideal green computer, therefore, may be the virtual computer.
Terminal servers can also be used to create a greener computer. When using a terminal server, you are centrally connected to a terminal where all the computing is carried out. The operating system is experienced by the end user on the terminal. These terminals can be matched up to thin clients who depend on the server to do most of their computing. This sort of green computing setup can use as little as one eighth of the energy of a conventional workstation.
Some of the world’s leading companies that engage in green computing by researching green technology, developing energy efficient products, using sustainable materials, offering recycling programs, and marketing a greener look and feel, include well-known brands such as:
- Samsung
- Nokia
- LG
- Toshiba
- Apple
- IBM
- Dell
- Sony
- Hewlett-Packard
One of the biggest challenges to successful green computing is disposal. Many computers contain harmful elements such as lead, mercury, and others. Safely recycling these computers has become of more and more concern in recent years. It is a good idea to consider donating your old computer to a charitable organization or having it re-purposed for use in some other capacity.
Many times components from obsolete computers can be salvaged through recycling centers. Perhaps, you can give your old computer away to someone who doesn’t have one and would be happy to own your used unit.
So, we have learned that green computing can be created in different ways. Everything from your current computer, with modularity and upgrades, to a virtual computer that exists only in logic, can be a green computer.
To learn more about ways to go green, save money and help the planet, go to www.FreeTipsForGoingGreen.com and subscribe to receive a FREE email daily containing great green living tips for making your home, office and life greener and more eco friendly. For more details, visit Green Computer
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