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Sustainable Computing is Catching On

					
June 23rd, 2010

					
Slowly but surely, more and more companies are realizing the cost and energy benefits of going green. Take William Hill, a CIO from Dayton, Ohio for example. By replacing his old set up of 80 networked terminals consisting of varying assortments of PCs with thin clients (a computer/computer program that depends heavily on another computer which acts as a server to fulfill its traditional roles) for 60 of his staff and PCs for the rest, he was able to obtain optimal use at minimal cost. Initially, the reason behind Tills switch to thin clients was their lower cost. Once the new system was in effect, he noticed a corresponding drop in how much energy the organization was usingenough to save the city between 60,000 and 90,000 annually.While many companies are switching to eco-friendly business technologies for monetary reasons, others are making a change strictly for the environment. As Andrew Fanara, team leader at the EPA’s Energy Star Program puts it, “as competitive entities, we have to do more with less. So why not use less electricity as well?” It seems the sustainable computing trend is catching on. At a conference on opportunities for energy savings co-sponsored by the Energy Protection Agency, over 200 reps attended. These attendees included large companies such as AT&T, Target, and Visa. Read the rest of this entry »

					


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Protect Your System Against Security Breaches

					
June 23rd, 2010

					
As corporations become increasingly dependent on internet technology, the risk of cyber attack continues to grow. There has been a recent push by both government and research institutions to create more secure internet software. Cyber attacks come in many forms, but they are almost always crippling. Another industry trend that is increasing the risk of security breaches is cloud computing. This is a process where information is stored and accessed from one central server and can be used by any number of authorized people. By having so much information stored in what is sometimes an indeterminate location, the risk can increase. While this may seem like a foreign concept, chances are you are “cloud computing” more than you think. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, which allow you to store information and files such as pictures, are forms of cloud computing. Some see this as an even greater risk because often information on these sites is personal. How to go about combating the security issues associated with internet technology and software depends on whether you are functioning at an individual level or with your business. Most companies utilize some sort of Firewall system that makes them invisible to potential hackers but many individual computer users are not aware how important this product is. Read the rest of this entry »

					


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Many Companies Are Shifting to Eco-Friendly IT

					
June 23rd, 2010

					
The continued increase in demand for software, computing devices, and internet technology in the developed world along with the rapid industrialization of developing nations is forcing us to take a look at more sustainable technologies. Not only is there a concern that we are depleting some of the finite resources used in these technologies, but their effect on our environment could be devastating. There are a number of ways that IT departments are looking to increase efficiency in order to create a more sustainable technological industry.One of the major areas of change in the technology industry is the type of monitor used. Traditional CRT monitors are rapidly being replaced with LCD screens. Known for their precise technology, CRT screens are still necessary in some industries such as graphic design. However, many people have switched to LCDs, which are lighter weight and don’t consume as much energy as CRTs, nor emit the heat produced by CRTs. Read the rest of this entry »

					


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Look for an Energy Efficient Product When You Buy Your Next Computer

					
June 23rd, 2010

					
The presence of the government’s Energy Star label is growing as a focus on energy efficient products emerges. Now that our home and work life revolve around technology, it’s important to find more sustainable products. If you’re looking to buy a new PC there are several computer companies that are leading the way in green technology. The new Mac mini from Apple is the self- proclaimed “world’s most energy-efficient desktop computer.” This product received the Energy Star label from the EPA. Some of the specifications required for computers to receive the Energy Star label include amount of energy consumption, efficient power supplies and the use of sleep modes during periods of inactivity. Read the rest of this entry »

					


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How to Fight the Growing Problem of e-Waste

					
June 22nd, 2010

					
You can’t walk into an office building, no matter what size, and not find people working at computers. The days of paper files and hand written receipts are over, and with that have come an immeasurable number of computers and other technological devices such as printers, scanners, and fax machines. In some ways, this shift is a more environmentally friendly trend because there is a reduced demand for paper products. However, the problem comes when it’s time to replace the old computers and cell phones. Because of technological advancements, most electronic devices become obsolete within a matter of a few years and must be disposed of and replaced. Currently, the practice of disposing of such products can be very detrimental to the environment.Two of the most common ways of disposing electronic equipment is by dumping it in a landfill or incinerating the equipment. When placed in a landfill, which is often done in developing countries, hazardous and toxic chemicals used to make these products can seep into the ground and eventually end up in the water table. When incinerated, these devices release elements such as lead and mercury into the air. Exposure to these toxins can lead to extreme health problems for the surrounding populations. Read the rest of this entry »

					


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