Go Green has become a trend now. Everyone around us is trying to follow this trend. But my question is that “If we are really doing the right things to preserve energy while going green?”
If you have answered my question as yes, then this post will really be an eye-opener for you. Today in this article I am going to bust myths related to green computing.
Where from these myths come ?
Before busting the myths I would like to provide more insight on how come these myths or misconceptions come into the market.
As you all would know Computing Technology is improving day by day and there are several companies that are dedicatedly researching on how to make computing more eco-friendly. However in contrast to their honest efforts there are few black sheep that try to take advantage of such honest efforts and try to sell their crappy products under the label of being eco-friendly. So, we all need to be aware of the facts and misconceptions related to green computing.
Myth 1:
Myth: Paperless means Being Green
Myth Description: The term “paperless” means that there would not be any physical use of paper. People will keep everything on the web or on their computers.
Truth: Paperless term was actually coined long time back when people actually wanted their offices to be computerized. Most of the paper these days comes from recycling. Hence instead of being completely paperless you could simply start using recycled paper to preserve the energy. You could also try to read or review the documents or emails instead of printing them.
Verdict: Busted.
Myth 2:
Myth: Turning off the computers repeatedly damages its circuit.
Myth Description: I really don’t know how, but somehow most of us really think that regularly turning off and on a computer will harm the circuit board of computer. Another weird thing is that some people that think lot of power is used every time you switch on a computer.
Truth: Well the truth is that it’s another myth. Various manufacturers have confirmed that there are hardly any damages caused to the computer circuit board if you switch it on and off regularly. Secondly the myth that computer consume lot of power when switched on is out of the scope of the scientific theories.
Verdict: Busted.
Myth 3:
Myth: Computers consume less energy when they are using screensavers or they are in idle mode.
Myth Description: I have seen many people and organisations who have been a prey of this myth. There are many people who think that if their computers are idle or are having a screen saver then a lot of energy is saved.
Truth: I guess the term “SAVER” in Screen Saver misleads the people in thinking that it will save energy. But the truth is that a screensaver also consumes considerable amount of energy although it’s slightly less than when computer is actively used. Likewise, when the computer is in idle mode it also consumes the considerable amount of energy. There is no mechanism which translates that a computer using screensaver or in idle mode will cut down the electrical energy supplied to computer.
If you really want to save energy then you could follow any of the following suggestions provided below:
- Using computer in Stand By or Sleep Mode saves energy.
- You could also change your computer setting so that if it’s not used for a defined set of time then it automatically turns off the computer or else goes in sleep mode.
Myth 4:
Myth: Using Blackle search engine Saves Energy
Myth Description: There are many people who believe that using Blackle search engine will save energy.
Truth: This is another myth. Blackle was introduced to remind people to think about saving energy. Although using just Blackle would not make a significant energy save. You could save the energy using some tips suggested below:
1) Use dull or rather dark backgrounds or decrease the brightness to save energy.
2) Purchase computer that are compliant with “Energy Star”. Please note that “Energy Star” is a certification which tells you that your computing device is authentic and low power consuming as compared to those which are not compliant.
3) If possible try to use Flat Screen monitors as it consumes less energy as compared to a CRT monitor.
Verdict: Busted.
This was all about the various myths related to Green Computing. Stay tuned for other myth busters coming up in the next week.
Article by Anieee
Anisha holds a Masters Degree in Telecommunications from BITS. She is working as a Software Tester in a top MNC at India. She loves writing, blogging and cracking softwares.
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