Basics of Green Computing

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 facets 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 includes everything from materials and components to how the computer uses its power supply. Nowadays, most computers are built with a sleep or hibernate mode that allows them to power down when not in use 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 make a green computer reduce its usage impact is to extend its longevity. The longer the computer lasts, the less impact it will have on the environment because disposal, normally the most significant green influence of the computer’s cycle, will be delayed for a longer period of time. To increase a computer’s longevity, we suggest looking toward upgrades and modularity.For example, building a new computer from scratch produces a greater environmental effect than building a new RAM module for replacement in computing equipment. Why is Green Computing? computer virtualization is helping to make large strides in green computing technology. Through the phenomenon 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 use all the material components of the physical computer, but are devoid of physical structure themselves.This means that the environmental impact of logical computers is virtually eliminated. The ideal green computer, therefore, may lie in virtual green computing. Terminal servers can also be used to create a greener computer. When using a terminal server, you are connected to a central terminal where all the computing is done. The operating system is experienced by the end user on the terminal.

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These terminals can be matched up to thin clients who depend on the server to do most of their computing. This type of green computing setup typically consumes 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:

• Hewlett-Packard
• Sony
• Nokia
• Apple
• Microsoft
• Dell
• Samsung
• LG
• IBM

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 PC to a charity or having it re-purposed for use in some other capacity. Often parts from out-dated 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 for your used unit. So, now you know that green computing can be created in different ways. Everything from your existing computer, with upgrades and modularity, to a virtual computer that exists only in logic, can be a green computer. If you are interested in learning 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 The Advantages of Green Computing For Businesses and Individuals The advantages to green computing are realized on both large and small scales. Green technologies are available for an entire organization or for a single employee's workstation.

Unfortunately, many companies and business owners are stalled by the initially larger investment in green technology, and fail to realize the long-term benefits and cost savings.As such, let's examine adjustments that can be made regarding green computing and IT support, big or small. System-Wide Green Computing When investigating green alternatives for your entire organization, consider technologies like cloud computing. Basically, cloud computing eliminates the need for hardware like servers. Also known as virtualization, cloud computing replaces hardware with "virtual" servers or servers in "the cloud. " Essentially, cloud computing allows companies to reduce their need for big, bulky, energy-consuming servers by relocating them on the Internet.Cloud computing may also be used in areas like networking, data storage, software applications, and operating systems, again, potentially reducing the need for hardware.

As a result, businesses stand to save a lot of time, money, and resources on maintenance and support by switching to cloud computing set-ups. Individual Green Computing There are many other green computing techniques at the personal computer level. For instance, power management can be an easy and effective means of saving green while conserving energy.While many operating systems come with power-saving settings, there are also a variety of products that monitor and adjust energy levels to increase performance and reduce wasted energy. For instance, some surge protectors can sense when a master component (like a computer) is turned off, and respond by cutting off power to any peripheral machines, such as like printers and scanners. System-Wide and Individual Green Computing Finally, green computing initiatives can reap savings in both big and small ways. Technologies that save paper, like email, can have a huge impact on costs as well as the environment.

As companies and employees develop methods and habits of conservation, simple practices like emailing memos or printing in smaller fonts can bring instant results. Additionally, policies like telecommuting or teleconferences pose additional benefits by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide produced by travel. Green computing is quickly emerging as the most effective means of utilizing technology. No matter whether your organization's needs are big or small, green IT can reduce costs, increase productivity, and even do something good for the environment.

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