Dictionary of Computers - green computing

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Gradual movement by computer companies toward incorporating energy-saving measures in the design of systems and hardware. The increasing use of energy-saving devices, so that a computer partially shuts down during periods of inactivity, but can reactivate at the touch of a key, could play a significant role in energy conservation.

Microsoft has increased the energy-saving features in its latest Window Vista operating system.

It is estimated that worldwide electricity consumption by computers amounts to 240 billion kilowatt hours per year, equivalent to the entire annual consumption of Brazil. In the USA, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 20 million tonnes per year – equivalent to the carbon dioxide output of 5 million cars – if all computers incorporated the latest ‘sleep technology’ (which shuts down most of the power-consuming features of a computer if it is unused for any length of time).

Although it was initially predicted that computers would mean ‘paperless offices’, in practice the amount of paper consumed continues to rise. Other environmentally costly features of computers include their rapid obsolescence, health problems associated with monitors and keyboards, and the unfavourable economics of component recycling.

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