This document discusses simple ways to practice green computing. It provides three tasks: 1) shut down computers when not in use to save energy, 2) save paper by customizing print settings and using applications like Green Print, and 3) turn off peripherals like printers and monitors when not in use to reduce vampire power. Performing these small tasks can make a positive environmental impact. The document also reflects on how becoming more conscious of paper usage and sharing tips with peers can contribute to green computing efforts.

1. Emily Dillon Professor Moreira FIT 1012 Digital Technology Green Computing: Simple Ways It Can Be Done

2. What Is Green Computing? Green Computing is an easy way to help out the environment. It is described as being “the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently.” This task is done in the hands of ourselves and our peers; it’s up to us.

3. Simple Task # 1 Shut down your computer when it’s not in use. Why have something turned on, taking up energy when no one is using it? Computer = Electricity, shutting down when not in use saves energy. Just In Case You Forget … Try This! Open power settings of your computer and set for optimal energy use. Set computer to put monitor to ‘sleep’, it spins down hard drives, and put it to sleep when not in use. ‘Hibernating’ set-up is a better option because it uses less power.

4. Simple Task # 2 Save Your Paper! There are obvious ways to save paper by recycling, previewing work and avoid printing multiple pages. Another simple way to save paper is to tweak your pages by customizing margins, and removing elements such as add ins and images. Green Print Saves Too! Green print is a free application that will automatically identify and remove and unnecessary pages or spaces found.

5. Green Print Chart January 2008 Report This chart is a quick visual to show viewers what a difference it makes using the green print chart in order to save paper. Now imagine how the numbers would increase over time as the number of users increased.

6. Simple Task # 3 Turn Off Peripherals. When not in use, turn off peripherals (ex: printer/monitor). Be aware of vampire power (gear in computing setup that draws standby power). Vampires stand out as large AC adapters. Go beyond! It is good to unplug wall warts or keep them plugged into a power strip that switches off when not in use, but it is possible to go even further. Automate the process with gadgets such as the ‘Energy Smart Strip’ and the ‘Power Minder’. Both monitor a PC’s power state and shuts down other peripherals when the computer is shut off.

7. How Can Make A Difference? After reviewing these certain tasks, I realized that I too can contribute and make a difference by saving energy and paper. I will become even more conscious about the amount of paper I print, especially due to the fact that I spend much time printing assignments for class. I am happy to say that I do not have a problem leaving the computer on to take up energy, however, I can pass the word to my peers to help out.

8. Works Cited Images: www.google.com/images - green computing Microsoft power point – clip art Information: www.lifehacker.com – ways to go green www.wikipedia.org – define green computing