Maybe not but we should try, to make it greener. I’ve read somewhere (I delay this post before sending it, just in case I could find the reference - but no luck). that the IT industry was producing as much greenhouse gases as the aviation sector does (any reference on that ?).
Even if it is not really true, reducing our consumption will reduce the bills. Computer, broadband connection and other equipment are already expensive enough, we shouldn’t to add more power spending on top it. That said everyone involved in ICT for development should look at their action through the glass of environment. First by recognizing their contribution to global destruction of the environment :
- IT produce waste that makes an uneasy problem to recognize (Greenpeace on MS Vista creating e-waste, e-waste at wikipedia)
- IT create needs for over-consumption (Didn’t you see those kids craving for an even more powerful Graphic Card)
- IT does not reduce the need for paper (So why everyone “needs” a printer next to its workstation ?)
- IT does contribute to global warming by the electric consumption it provokes (Ordinary machine have now a 300 watts consumption - and I got one at home that says 450w, that’s way too much)
Once we’ve understand that than here is what think we should realistically do
- I’m involve in computer spending so from now on, I don’t buy desktops computer unless it is impossible to do otherwise - anyway laptops are cool ;
- We should try to investigate solid state hard drive and other less consuming technology. At least we should evaluate the ecological footprint of the equipment we buy (does it recycle easily ?)
- I’m turning local server off after work unless I want to do some remote administration without bothering my colleague during day. It also means that I have to train people to start the machine every morning ;
- I resist the urge of upgrading every piece of equipment, we should try to keep our consumption to a minimum ;
- Put your equipment at a place where it won’t overheat, NOT in front the window or near by heating sources ;
- At one point we should try to consider the impact of software usage on hardware, running too much application or useless one. Server especially that runs all day long could be optimized.
I think most of you get the point.
I’ve been browsing around and found a small list of devices that you can use as a computer but are less power hungry, less device hungry and could live longer, probably not complete, if you have other links it would be great to post the some more.
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