Thursday, November 7, 2013

Green Computing

In current times, there is technological developement taking place every minute across the world. This evolution of technology leads to our betterment and makes our life on this earth easy.  In this phase of evolution and developement, we are harming the environment. The major problem arises when old computers are being dumped without proper disposals procedures. Large amounts of electricity and heat is being consumed by various devices. The level of green house gases is going up. It is our responsibility to protect the environment. In order to do so and develop technology at the same time, the concept of green computing comes into existence.

Green computing is all about disposing computers and other parts like monitors, printers efficiently so that the environment is not affected. Like all other green activities, this promotes recyclability and biodegradability. Energy Star is an initiative started by the government. Companies like Intel, Microsoft, IBM, Dell, HP have started a project called Green Grid, to improve the resource efficiency of data centres. One other such project started by an industry is Climate Savers Computing Initiative which was started by various manufacturers to reduce the electric power consumption in PCs.

There are several approaches for green computing. One significant approach is to extend the life span of various equipments. Construction of data centres should consider environmental conditions. Softwares consume computer resources. Hence writing efficient algorithms and programs  reduce the amount of computer resources required for any given computing function. For example Algorithm changes, such as switching from a slow search algorithm to a fast search algorithm can reduce resource usage for a given task from substantial to close to zero. With concept of virtualization, a system administrator could combine several physical systems into virtual machines on one single, powerful system, thereby unplugging the original hardware and reducing power and cooling consumption.

Recycling of computers should be done. Old computers can be re-used by charity organizations. Computing supplies, such as cartridges, papers and batteries should be recycled. Teleconferencing and telepresence technologies are often implemented in green computing initiatives. The main advantage is reducing of emission of green house gases, consumption of light and heat. There are degree and post graduate programs which educate students on how to build and maintain the systems in a  environment friendly manner.

All round the world there are many ideas which are implemented in this direction. We need to do our part for protecting the environment by applying as many methods as possible. Being an inventor we should make sure that our creation doesnt harm our earth. We need to spread awareness about Green Computing for a better, healthy living and greener earth.

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