Green Computer - An Introduction

Jun.16, 2010 in Computers

A green computer or green IT system is one where the design, manufacture, use, and disposal involves as little environmental impact as possible. This means that a green initiative is taken in consideration of all facets of a computer’s life, from design to disposal.

From the design aspect, a green computer is created to function without a negative environmental impact. Such design encompasses everything from materials and components to how the computer utilizes its power supply. These days, many desktop and laptop computers are built with a sleep or hibernate mode that allows them to power down when not being used and, therefore, save on energy impact.

A green computer will also take into account how it impacts the environment during its life. One option to make a green computer reduce its usage impact is to extend its longevity. The longer a computer can last, the less impact it will have on the environment because disposal, probably the most significant green influence of the computer’s cycle, will be delayed that much longer. To increase a computer’s longevity, one should look for upgrades and modularity. For example, building a new computer from scratch has a greater ecological effect than building a new RAM module for replacement in that computer.

Virtualization of computers is helping to make large strides in green computer technology. Through the tool of virtualization, it is now possible to run 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 access 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 reduced to nearly zero. 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 connected to a central terminal where all the computing is done. 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:

Fujitsu
Hewlett-Packard
Toshiba
Apple
IBM
LG
Dell
Motorola
Microsoft

One of the main challenges to successful green computing is disposal. Many computers contain harmful elements such as lead, mercury, and others. Safe recycling of 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 charity or having it re-purposed for use in some other capacity.

Often components 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 to own your used unit.

So, we have learned that a green computer can be created in many ways. Everything from your current 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. For more details, visit Green Computing