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Energy-efficient computing: save money, save the environment - use it

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Energy-efficient computing: save money, save the environment

Use it

Once you've implemented energy efficient practices, it's also important to make the most of this kind of technology. On computers, for example, most major modern operating systems offer a variety of less-active states, sometimes called hibernation, that enable equipment to keep running while consuming less energy. Hardware vendors also include special activity monitors that let a PC gradually reduce its activity level and energy consumption after specific periods of idleness or inactivity. Unique to HP's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or firmware, you can manually adjust the fan speed to suit your particular environment. Decreasing the fan speed as activity levels decline lowers power consumption.
Note: The AMD Cool'n'Quiet and Intel EIST (Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology) processors are good options of energy-conserving technology built into HP desktop PCs. These technologies consume less energy than processors offered just a few years ago.
As you start down the road to energy efficiency, you'll find all kinds of interesting and innovative ways to take a good thing and keep improving upon it. Other positive outcomes will follow as well: more efficient computing equipment tends to be both cooler and quieter, lessening its overall noise and heating impact and improving ambient conditions in home offices and the workplace alike. Subject to less stress from heat and power, more efficient equipment also tends to last longer, and can thus deliver an enhanced return on the original purchase investment.

Continue the momentum

Once you've joined the ranks of other environmentally aware organizations, you can spur continued participation internally by reporting on savings and offering incentives. For example, report savings from your energy conservation program to upper management and employees. Hard numbers and proven cost savings can result in greater participation. Also, offer incentives, such as monthly employee recognition awards or a few hours of personal leave, to employees who offer viable and wide-reaching ways to save energy or whose actions result in the highest cost savings over a period of time.
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Energy-efficient computing

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