The Environment Considerations in Disposal of Computing Hardware and OH&S Considerations in the Use of Computer Equipment

IT production industry has large Carbon footprint, however we can reduced it by re-use and re-deployment of redundant IT equipments known as Computer Recycling.



Most of the environmental concerns with computers lie with the monitor, specifically its Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). On average, each color monitor contains 4 to 5 pounds of lead, considered hazardous waste when disposed of.



 There are many other hazardous materials in computers, including cadmium (a.k.a carcinogen), mercury, hexavalen chromium (cause high blood pressure, iron-poor blood, liver disease, and nerve and brain damage in animals). Over 314 million computers were thrown away at the end of 2007.



Computer Recycling problem is, after upgrading computer system, most organizations store their old computers, which serve as backup equipment in case newer computers break down. decision must be made at some point about disposal of this equipment as continuing to store old computers is often not a viable option, it eventually takes up a considerable amount of space. The least desirable option is to throw old computers into the bin. computer recycling comes into the fore in every possible scenario, not just the effect it has upon the environment, there is also the possibility of someone removing hard drives and recovering sensitive data.



This drives to the point that data on hard disks should be destroyed - before getting rid of the computer or hard disk in it. Computer recycling isn't always about the environment, but of company and national safety importance too.



From an environmental point of view, it is far better to recycle your computer at an official recycling centre than to dispose of it.



Reference : Article source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Computer-Recycling-For-Environmental-issues&id=1293414 , John Pettifer, 2009 EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.



Ergonomics is the term that refers to scitific discipline concerned with design according to human needs. It looks at what kind of work you do, what equipment you use and your entire job environment. The goal of ergonomics is to find best fit between you and your job conditions.



To setup an ergonomic computer workstation , make sure that teh computer is placed on a stable working surface with adequate room for proper arrangement. It's important to choose a comfortable chair for the user to sit in. Chair should be adjusted at a fixed height provided that its comfortable and has a good backrest that provides lumbar support.



A good workstation design will allow any computer user to work in a neutral, ideal typing posture that will minimize the risk of deveoping any injury.



A good workstation setup may include:

• Ergonomics keyboards and mouse
• Wrist rests
• Support braces/gloves

Other considerations are the following environmental conditions where computer will be used

• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Noise Take a break!

Make sure to practice the following to help avoid strain and injury

• Eye breaks every 15 minutes
• Rest breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.
• Exercise break every 1-2 hours.

Reference : Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-create-the-ideal-Ergonomic-workstation-&id=1330145 , SharonStage 2009, EzineArticles.com - All Rights reserved.

A Description of the different PC and Macintosh Operating System

Although computer families such as IBM PC-compatible and Macintosh can be distinguished on the basis of CPU type, it is mainly their choice of operating systems which gives them their particular identity. Microsoft dominates the market , with over 90% of all computer systems using one of the Windows operating systems - Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Even some systems using Microsoft's original Ms-DOS can still be found.

On the other hand, Macintosh computers use Apple's Macintosh Operating system (MAC OS).
To appreciate the differences between Windows and Mac OS, while Apple did not invent the graphical user interface, they were first to make a fully realized, commercially viable product. Microsoft produced their own graphical user interface - Windows.

Reference : http://books.google.com.au

Internal Hardware components and peripherals, cost, image and function

• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

I am using a Intel Core i7-2600K, the prices is $325. The CPU is responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands from the computer's hardware and software. It is often called the "brains" of the computer.

• Motherboard
  The motherboard  I have chosen is ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-B3, the cost is $549. The motherboard serves to connect all of the parts computer together. The CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video card, sound card and expansion cards all connect to the motherboard directly or via cables.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

I chose  Corsair 16GB DDR3-1600C9 Vengeance, the price is $295. RAM is the place in a computer where the OS, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.

 

•  PSU (Power Supply Unit)

I am using a  Corsair HX850, the price is $259. The function of PSU is to convert the power provided from the outlet into usable power for the many parts inside the computer.

• Hard Drive

The hard drive I have chosen is  2 x Hitachi 3TB Deskstar 7K3000, the cost is $400. The function is to save a data/files/information. The mechanism is that reads and writes data on a hard disk.

•  Optical Drive

I have chosen a LG BH10LS30-OEM, the cost is $148. Optical drives retrieve and/or store data on optical disks like CDs, DVDs, and BDs which hold much more information than classic portable media options like the floppy disc.

• Graphic Card

 I am using a Sapphire HD6990 4GB, the cost is $898. The function is to generate output images to a display.

External hardware components and peripherals, cost, image and function

• Monitor

 I chose Samsung LED monitor P2770HD for my screen, the price is $699. This is used to displays the video and graphic information generated by the computer.

• Keyboard

The keyboard I have chosen is Logitech G510, the cost is $199. Keyboard is an input device designed to enter text, characters and other commands into the computer.

• Mouse

The mouse I have chosen is Razer Mamba, the price is $179. The mouse is input device designed to manipulate objects on the computer screen.

• Modem

I chose D-Link DIR-615 as my modem with the price is $79. This is used for converts a computer's digital signals into specific frequencies to travel over telephone or cable television lines. At the destination, the receiving modem demodulates the frequencies back into digital data. Computer use a modems to communicate with one another over a network.

•  Printer (Multi Function)

I chose  HP Photosmart Wireless B110 as my printer and the cost is $129. Printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfer the information to paper.

• Speaker

I have chosen Altec Lansing FX5051, the price is  $299. Speaker is an electro-acoustic transducer that converts electrical signals into sounds loud enough to be heard at a distance.