Computer
A computer is an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program.
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem.
Conventionally a computer consists of some form of memory for data storage, at least one element that carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control element that can change the order of operations based on the information that is stored. Peripheral devices allow information to be entered from external source, and allow the results of operations to be sent out. A computer's processing unit executes series of instructions that make it read, manipulate and then store data. Conditional instructions change the sequence of instructions as a function of the current state of the machine or its environment.
[edit] Electronic Waste
- Main Article: Electronic waste
Electronic waste, applied to consumer and business electronic equipment that is near or at the end of its useful life. Electronic waste now makes up five percent of all municipal solid waste worldwide, nearly the same amount as all plastic packaging, but it is much more hazardous. Some electronic scrap components, such as CRTs, contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, mercury, and brominated flame retardants. The amount of electronic products discarded globally has skyrocketed recently, with 20-50 million tons generated every year. Asia discards an estimated 12 million tons each year.
[edit] Energy Saving Tips
When your computer sleeps (aka "standby", "hibernate") the computer uses 0-6 watts. (So does the monitor.) You can set your computer to sleep automatically after a certain amount of idle time. Setting your computer to auto-sleep is the best and easiest way to save on computer energy use!
- If you are upgrading your computer, consider upgrading a desktop and monitor unit to a laptop. It does the same thing but uses less power.
- Plug your computer and printer and any other device you use with them, into a power strip. When the equipment is not in use, switch it off.
- Screen savers do not save you money on your energy bill. In fact, it may cost you more to use it because it is making your CPU work hard to display those fancy pictures.
- Look for equipment that is labeled with an Energy Star. They use close to 70% less electricity than another PC without the label.It also adds to your efforts to change your lifestyle to a more green way of living. Saving energy helps reduce global warming.
- A computer's energy consumption depends on what you're doing with it. Writing an email uses less energy than playing a graphics-heavy game. I'm not suggesting that you quit playing computer games, but you might think about dragging out the old board games once in a while instead.
- The majority of energy that goes into a computer is actually used during the manufacturing process. Once you have an energy efficient computer, take care to keep it in good running condition for as long as possible. Upgrade and fix when necessary so that the machine runs efficiently for the long term.
- When you get a new energy-efficient computer, dispose of the old one properly. Search in your area for a place that will recycle or reuse the computer parts so that the toxic materials in the old computer don't end up in your local landfill.
