Category: Geeks r Us
Hi!
This is something I wrote last night at 4:30 AM. Sorry... I was inspired when thinking of Windows just before I fell asleep. I did a quick research online and found that there are a handful of people who actually agree with me! It's also posted on Inclusive Planet.
Read below.
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joke: The Greenest Operating system
When considering a new computer, you have to look into many factors and aspects of your prey - which lucky dawg will get the chance to interact with you- or as Apple's CEO put it with the iPad, which one of those will be the most intimate with you. For the non-technical, it's really simpler to buy a computer than for the technical. Non-technical people can just consider the above question, and perhaps "what will I be using my computer for?" and "do I need something portable or something stationary.".
Techie geeks, though, have a myriad of other things to look at. What CPU? How much ram? Does it support Intel or AMD Virtualization technologies? Can it run 1002931 apps at the same time? What about a floppy drive for nostalgic purposes?
But we can all agree on one thing: Both of these people have one final other question they must ask:
How environmentally friendly is the operating system?
You might of just stopped reading this post. What? Environmentally friendly?
With all the hype on becoming green, the entire industry is shifting. Computers now have environmental ratings, like ROHs and Eppiet. My netbook has a nice sticker beautifully showcasing that, in fact, the computer has gotten numerous environmental approvals.
Personally, I'm all for environment conservation and love going green. I love nature and being out in it during daytime when I can be, just not in this cold winter season. It's all fun :)
But back to the point. What's this with an operating system's environmentally being friendly question?
It's highly important. Just think about it. Mac OSX has a trashcan, but not a recycle bin. A little five year old who grows up with Windows might be compelled to think of the environment and recycling bins if he/she reads "recycle bin" instead of trashcan. Right? We must raise our children with the right ideals.
In addition, some may highly be upset by the fact that Apple encourages trashcans and not recycle bins.
See:
Neowin Forums > Why doesn't Apple care about the environment?
http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t835306.html
For a long debate over this. Seriously, people care.
Below are just some environmental considerations to make when looking at an operating system. Let's look at Windows and Mac, as I'm not that familiar with linux, + Linux mainly uses a shell and those that do have a GUI (graphical User Interface) tend to exhibit similar features.
The mac:
Macs are great devices, ultimately incorporating many accessibility and universal access features. If you are visually impaired, a Mac may be good if you don't have state or government support that buys you your assistive technology and can dish out $1300. (maybe $1100 for a lower end Macbook).
For the sighted, Macs are not only built on a solid foundation, but are highly recyclable. Just don't place it in the trashcan;Dispose of it by means of a local recycling outlet.
The mac OS is very solid, too, as it uses Linux as it's core. So not only do you get a solid computer, but also a solid OS. Again, don't leave poor Mac out of consideration.
Let's see. The mac has a dock. That's right. A dock. It's at the bottom of your screen and contains frequently used programs and applications. You can move these "ships" in your dock (as I will call them, though official name of applications on the dock may vary) any way you want.
Why is this significant?
Docks emphasize outdoors. A dock indicates that you are going to the water. Just looking at the dock might encourage you to go a few miles on your nearest Lake or body of water. There is no better way to truly appreciate the sea;You will be reminded of a rich dock every time you use your computer!
A builtin dictionary:
The mac is cool because you can type in any word into Spotlight and get it's definition instantly, even when offline. That's right. If you ever get stranded on an Island where even Robinson Crusoe hasn't ventured, you can use a dictionary to really gain useful information. Apple has included it for a reason, right?
As any OS, the Mac does have it's own environmental disadvantages. Firstly, the trashcan is a trashcan and doesn't encourage recycling, as stated above.
Apple also seems to be encouraging a self esteem boost. With spotlight and voiceover, you are sure to feel famous and, well, in the spotlight! Combine spotlight and voiceover, with a dashboard, and you truly have your daily self esteem boost. In a good way. While it's not environmental, it sure might prevent suicide among some.
Windows:
Microsoft is a different story altogether. While Windows is not Linux-based and thus as stable as the Mac, it sure packs a punch. So many apps exist for Windows, and there are a lot of PC manufacturers, ensuring a wide variety and diversity to your buying choices. For some people, that's a good thing, yet to others, the too many choices can cause a headache.
For our visually impaired readers, you also have many screen reader choices out there, and Microsoft's built in Narrator is sure to bring a smile to your face every day - since Windows Vista, you even get a sexy female voice built-in.
But let's look at Microsoft's environmental consciousness. Bill gates has his own foundation, so there must be something, right?
The recycle bin has been around since 1995, well before global warming became such a popular hit in the mainstream. It seems as though Microsoft really tried the hardest to think of the environment when building Windows.
So hard, in fact, that they built a run option. Run, which is an option on your start menu, really reminds you to exercise every day and not be a potato couch. Run! No, better yet. Start>run! Where is ready>set>? There is no ready and set. Instead, Microsoft wants you to give your run the hardest push when starting off- no need to wait and prepare for exercise.
On top of this, you have a shutdown option right after the run box. Depending on your outlook and viewpoint, this could be a positive or negative thing.
If you look at the start menu in reverse order, shutdown is before run. That, is a great danger. You wouldn't want to shut down before you run- that's pointless!
Yet when looking at the start menu in top-bottom order, run is before shutdown. Now this makes more sense and hopefully will give you the tinglie feeling in your legs to exercise. For those who don't like to exercise, you could look at it in this light: At least you won't be squishing tiny ants and insects with your running feet.
In windows Xp, Shut down was replaced with "Turn off Computer". This was taken away in Vista and 7. Kind of unfortunate, as turning off your computer encourages environmental friendliness - rather than "shut down" which is more nondescriptive. Seriously, folks, turn your computers off at night, don't leave it on.
On the downside's:
Windows. What's with that name? Microsoft sure crafted a popular OS, but they didn't tell us what kind of Windows they made. Glass Windows? Some cheap toy paper Windows? Metal Windows with bars?
Generally, in 1995, most Windows were not environmentally friendly. That is, energy efficient.
This holds up to date. Windows 7 is less energy efficient than Windows Xp - many have reported lower battery life with the new and popular operating system. Macs, on the other hand, are low-power consuming products. Because the MAC OS runs under Linux, it is lightweight and can conserve power. Just look into a Hackintosh (note: not officially Apple-supported). The idea is that someone could install the Mac OS on their regular PC-Since both the Mac and windows run on the x86 platform.
Conclusions:
Clearly, both the Mac and Windows have their environmental disadvantages and advantages. Please consider the points raised in this article before buying your new computer - you won't regret it. Being environmentally friendly is very important in today's world. Why not lessen your impact with the use of a proper Operating system?
All the best,
Tomi
lol good one dude.. though mac is based on unix not linux .. the os is built upon freebsd .. oh yeah and that narrator voice is just so sexy
lol I really had a blast with this one. Thanks for posting. Yeah, and the narrator thing made me laugh too.
Sweet I've got a simi green machine. MMM!