If you are reading this, then you may be a frequent computer user. Desktop or laptop computer run on electricity and hence appear very environment friendly against a car or any other fossil fuel burning machine.
But, most of the electricity generated at present (2009 AD) across the world comes from thermal power stations which generate electricity by burning coal or petrol. These power stations release millions of tons of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) every year. CO2 is a green house gas and is making our planet earth warmer.
We all computer users can help prevent our earth by following a few easy tips:
- Turn off computer/laptop completely when away for more than a day or so.
- Change settings to turn off monitor if idle for more than 2 minutes.
- Use stand-by mode if stepping away for more than 1/2 hr. You may automate settings for stand-by mode if system is idle for more than 1/2 hr (I personal don't like automatic setting for stand-by)
- Some Operating system has very fast hibernate and stand-by mode. Fast mode saves frustration by avoiding 1-2 minute wait while the system wakes up. I have heard Apple computer go to sleep and stand-by in a flash and wake up is also equally fast. Apple users shutdown system rarely. They simply press the sleep button.
Personally, I have been following these tips for last few months. Shutting down office computer during weekend and hibernating personal laptop while stepping away saves many pounds of CO2 emissions every week. Turning car engine off at night might sound intuitive but turning off computer isn't that hard either. Isn't it.
