Computer Hardware Recycling : a Challenging Task on the Face of Earth
E waste is one of the most serious issues that has engulfed the whole world. The obsolete computers, if not treated properly can become a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing environmental concerns across the globe. Though many countries boast of technical solutions but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. E waste comprise 2% of America’s total trash and 70 percent of overall toxic waste. In the United States, an estimated 70% of heavy metals in landfills come from discarded electronics.
Recycling is one of the most effective ways to prevent the hazard of e waste. Many material used in the construction of hardware can be recovered and recycled. Reuse of tin, silicon, iron, aluminum, and a variety of plastics – all present in bulk in computers – is possible and can reduce the costs of constructing new systems. Electronic devices like including audio-visual components (televisions, VCRs, stereo equipment), mobile phones and other hand-held devices, and computer components, also contain valuable elements and substances that are suitable for reclamation. Powering and cooling computers is an increasing contributor to global warming and the power it consumes also contribute to a negative effect on the environment.
In this regard, various government as well as non government agencies have taken significant initiatives to curb it. One of the main organisation that takes the responsibility of checking the e waste is CFA, that installs various measures to aware computer hardware manufacturers as well as consumers about the hazards of e-waste. Information on the dangers involved in improper disposal of computer hardware is provided to the computer labs. The supply of quality hardware is also restricted to beneficiaries only. CFA provides comprehensive on-site ICT support to beneficiaries, ensuring the equipment functions for the longest possible time with the greatest positive impact.
To counter this further, Userful desktops are being deployed all around the world with a typical configuration of six stations per computer. Research has shown that Userful products can reduce electronic waste by up to 80 percent, further decreasing its environmental footprint. It was supported by the data that stated that in the past year, Userful desktops have helped to minimise the computer hardware waste by 29,000 tons of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to taking more than 5,000 cars off the road.
The consumers too need to get sensitive about the whole issue when the impact of computer hardware on environment, is in discussion. We should look for eco friendly ways to dispose off the computer waste and follow the recycling programmes all over the country. There are various companies like Sony, Toshiba and Gateway that offer take back programmes that provide monetary incentives for recyclable and/or working technologies. One should go for reuse and up gradation of the present PC unless it is very essential to dispose off. Selling off the old computers to the used product market is another option.
on September 17, 2008 at 5:29 pm
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Just about any hardware will work fine, but I can give you some tips.
1. NVidia's been having some trouble lately, and AMD has been doing an amazing job with their Linux drivers. Even better, AMD's moving ATi to an open source model (they're just working out licensing) so I'd recommend an ATi video card. The latest drivers from AMD even support redirected rendering for 3D on a 3D surface (like the cube), and Ubuntu Lucid Lynx, due out in April of next year, will have DRI2 (again, redirected rendering) working on the open source Radeon driver.
2. Your biggest issue will be a printer. HP and Epson are both very well supported. For other brands, check before you buy. Personally, I love my Epson.
3. Wireless shouldn't be too much of a problem. Just find what chipset the wireless is using, and you should be OK. Ralink, Atheros, Intel, and Broadcom are the most common, and should work fine.
4. TV Tuners, IR receivers, and Bluetooth devices will be your odder ones to find. That said, it's about as difficult getting ones with good Windows support. If you are looking for one of those components, I'd recommend asking a specific question.
Good Luck, and have fun with Linux! I know I do every day, and the best part: It has so far run just fine on every computer I've stuck it on! Even the Bluetooth on this Netbook, and the RaLink wireless on my MSI, the weird Radeon with dual-DVI on my Dad's desktop, and the totally random WiFi card in my friend's desktop.
on September 17, 2008 at 5:59 pm
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you need a server….
probally multiple servers
your hardware would not be located at your house
it would be rented in a datacenter…
visit hostway for a better idea
but you still need the programming to run the engine not just the server
Paul
on September 17, 2008 at 6:30 pm
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that is beyond. holy that is amazing. is it a picture or a painting. when you can blur those lines, you know you have something.great stuff thanx
on September 17, 2008 at 6:46 pm
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amazing work, i would think it’s a photo!
on September 19, 2008 at 5:15 am
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Great actor great painting great music ,,lovely for real
on September 19, 2008 at 2:14 pm
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It's hard to explain this to someone who's had little experience with digital logic circuits. To fully understand this, you need to read up on logic gates, boolean algebra, CPU and bus architecture.
I'll try to keep it simple. The base language of a computer is machine code. The part of the computer that actually "understands" and executes machine code is the CPU.
Machine codes consist of numbers: opcodes and arguments. For example "254" is a x86 instruction meaning "decrease by 1".
The CPU itself consists of a complex network of logic gates (basic digital devices that combine and manipulate bits of data). When the CPU reads an opcode of 254, it sees it as a binary bit-pattern: 11111110. Each of those bits is sent down its own wire (bus) into a logic-gate network (instruction decoder) which is connected in such a way that an input of 254 would activate the "decrease by 1" mechanism; an input of, say, 14 would activate the "multiply by" mechanism, etc.
In short, the CPU is hardwired to respond to specific patterns of bits which we call machine code. If you ever take a digital circuit course, you will likely build a basic 4-bit CPU for your final project.