As I sit here at my PC...
Web providers must limit internet's carbon footprint, say experts
I do however wonder if these scenarios at least allow for alternatives and their impacts in comparison.
I'm pretty certain that this blog and Junkk.com could not exist without a ton of IT this end and at reader end whirring away.
But then what might I being doing. Without the internet I doubt it would not involve a lot of carbon-based travel.
Guardian - NEW - Web providers must limit internet's carbon footprint, say experts - Some witty comments
Guardian - NEW - Don't take my internet away - And here. Bearing in mind the medium chosen, no real surprise. There is a good point on spam's contribution.
Showing posts with label IT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IT. Show all posts
Monday, May 04, 2009
Friday, October 17, 2008
RE:pair - IT - Answer - Fixing a Mac monitor
Just dashing this out, having scrabbled about for answers to include in the next newsletter.
I really need a better system! And help. And...
Qu: From Junketeer Susan:
'Hi. I have a 17inch Apple monitor which has about a minute to live. Any ideas where it can go to be mended/refurbished and reused?'
Ans: You don't mention where you are located so I can only respond in general terms.
The sad fact is, of course, that repair is seldom cost effective. But that doesn't mean it's not worth trying.
For instance, here in our neck 'o the woods, Herefordshire, I have found a shop which still does just that. In fact just a few weeks ago I took in a TV (which is a CRT monitor in most ways that matter) that didn't work, and now it does. £49, done and dusted. Here's their email: therepairstation@aol.com
If you're not in the area then I am sure there might be a similar outfit around. Google is your friend!
You could also try any of the Mac resources from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2008/04/category-repair.html . http://www.macfixcentre.com/ , http://www.e-repair.co.uk/tipsmon.htm , http://www.applemacrepair.com/apple-emac-repair.html
If it is 'worse than that, it's dead, Jim', or still dying without much hope, then the best you can do is dispose. Your local council site (dump) may well have a dedicated section for this, and even a site (URL) to guide you before making the trip. This will be a one way trip to the knacker's yard, though.
One resort is of course to let another try. Hence an honest post on any one of these from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/10/reuse-exchange-sites.html may get a hit and find it's gone to a better home. No money, but a warm and fuzzy glow at least... a bit like the last time it worked as it should?;)
I really need a better system! And help. And...
Qu: From Junketeer Susan:
'Hi. I have a 17inch Apple monitor which has about a minute to live. Any ideas where it can go to be mended/refurbished and reused?'
Ans: You don't mention where you are located so I can only respond in general terms.
The sad fact is, of course, that repair is seldom cost effective. But that doesn't mean it's not worth trying.
For instance, here in our neck 'o the woods, Herefordshire, I have found a shop which still does just that. In fact just a few weeks ago I took in a TV (which is a CRT monitor in most ways that matter) that didn't work, and now it does. £49, done and dusted. Here's their email: therepairstation@aol.com
If you're not in the area then I am sure there might be a similar outfit around. Google is your friend!
You could also try any of the Mac resources from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2008/04/category-repair.html . http://www.macfixcentre.com/ , http://www.e-repair.co.uk/tipsmon.htm , http://www.applemacrepair.com/apple-emac-repair.html
If it is 'worse than that, it's dead, Jim', or still dying without much hope, then the best you can do is dispose. Your local council site (dump) may well have a dedicated section for this, and even a site (URL) to guide you before making the trip. This will be a one way trip to the knacker's yard, though.
One resort is of course to let another try. Hence an honest post on any one of these from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/10/reuse-exchange-sites.html may get a hit and find it's gone to a better home. No money, but a warm and fuzzy glow at least... a bit like the last time it worked as it should?;)
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Little acorns?
In the spirit of pushing BTNs I share...
Sainsbury's and HP buddy up on recycling jamboree
However, a day at a store smacks of a stretch.
Sainsbury's and HP buddy up on recycling jamboree
However, a day at a store smacks of a stretch.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The weak of provenance
It's always worth thinking how really green any green effort you get involved with is.
Especially if you are part of the civil service.
The dirty secret of your NHS
I wonder if a target still got met?
Especially if you are part of the civil service.
The dirty secret of your NHS
I wonder if a target still got met?
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
REPAIR - The trouble is you'll soon fancy another
I pass this one on as it's certainly worth a try.
My lovely Singapore auntie has passed on a cutting that links to a Yahoo group that I can't access or figure out, so you'll just have to take my version.
Basically if you drop anything electronic - mobile, iPod, Blackberry - in water it's pretty much a goner.
However... there is a last ditch solution: rice.
If it isn't already, switch it off and get it in sealed container of rise asap.
24 hrs later you may find you're back to being good to go.
I am guessing that a container of silica gel will work even better, but you can't eat it afterwards, whereas, depending on where you dropped the thing (loo or a puddle probably not a good idea you might want to risk it.
I figure salt water is pretty much a killer any which way.
My lovely Singapore auntie has passed on a cutting that links to a Yahoo group that I can't access or figure out, so you'll just have to take my version.
Basically if you drop anything electronic - mobile, iPod, Blackberry - in water it's pretty much a goner.
However... there is a last ditch solution: rice.
If it isn't already, switch it off and get it in sealed container of rise asap.
24 hrs later you may find you're back to being good to go.
I am guessing that a container of silica gel will work even better, but you can't eat it afterwards, whereas, depending on where you dropped the thing (loo or a puddle probably not a good idea you might want to risk it.
I figure salt water is pretty much a killer any which way.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Oh.... scrapstore
Computer autocorrects surname "gay" to.. no, you guess
On my little enviro site we often have occasion to use the word 'scrapstore'.
Sadly we have a cheap and cheerful, but rather unsophisticated 'naughty word' filter that means this very useful resource is very hard to refer to;(
I'm guessing there may well be others, too.
On my little enviro site we often have occasion to use the word 'scrapstore'.
Sadly we have a cheap and cheerful, but rather unsophisticated 'naughty word' filter that means this very useful resource is very hard to refer to;(
I'm guessing there may well be others, too.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
All the news that fit not to print
Seems worth a share to avoid unnecessary IT waste- HP Smart Web Printing
Monday, May 05, 2008
Rack rate
A telling piece about the 'cost' of our online addictions.
Green data center threat level: Not green
Note the cost debate swirling below.
Green data center threat level: Not green
Note the cost debate swirling below.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Something rotten in the state of IT
Prequel: It's a fairly prevalent and worrying trend across many major media. I illustrate a story on the Observer 20/04 where the comments have been closed before any got/get made.I've always been in awe of the world of IT. From just a 0 or a 1, our whole current existence plays out and, worryingly, depends.
Because it is seldom that clearcut.
The might of Google is still, after several days, 'working on' the fact that this blog's Spellchecker seems to have exploded and died. And, if you look at the Help Forum, it has done so with a lot (and I mean a LOT) else.
And it can be more than frustrating.
Take a recent, and as yet unfulfilled foray of mine on the Newsnight blog. Actually a couple running at present, but this one will do.
I saw a piece that even their editors posting the original had up 3 times, which is indicative of getting an error message and reposting. Which is bad enough. But can also be embarassing when it did go up and now you look silly for the duplicate, or, as here, multiples.
So I saw this as a chance to make a point. Little did I suspect the irony would currently be descending into farce. I am now on my 4th attempt to post this:
Nice to see even the site owners can have trouble posting, and/or (not) knowing if they have or not.
3 duplicates of this at time of my post. If it survives.
Attempt 2, and now 3:
There's a surprise
______
Text only
502
Service not available.
Unfortunately a server error occured whilst trying to retrieve this page:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/mt/mt-comments.cgi
We are currently working to correct this
______
And at attempt 4, a day later, I note 2 postings listed on the main page, but still only one actually up and visible here.
Not the easiest system to engage with, nor the most satisfactory, really.
Actually, more than that, I really think it's a disgrace.
Postscript:
I just checked the other one I posted on, where I was a little less than impressed that, at the time of writing, a clear point of fact in a matter of serious contention had not be clarified even though it would have been easy to do so. And lo, it is now up:
May we have the 'purple box' official facts of what this reporter Ms. Kay did or did not say soon, please?
If not, I am sure there are plenty of archive-rich sites I can go to, but would rather get it from the national broadcaster.
3.45pm Thu 7 - at first attempt to post
Server Error 502 - 17.19 at 2nd
The clarification still remains to be provided.
BBBC - A post, followed by some (unverified/able) explanations I don't much like thinking about. This is a public service broadcaster, paid (in part) by some who they don't seem to think need access by virtue of not agreeing with them in discussions that might not fit the editorial narrative.
Newsnight - It's not kicking off too well:
There's a certain irony that, when I check the post yesterday on the new blogging system, it advises thus:
_______
Blog fix imminent
Newsnight 16 Apr 08, 04:32 PM
This post is closed to new comments.
________
ANY would have been a good start. As there seem to be... zero.
Hence I do regret to advise that I am already having some problems with the new system. And maybe it is having some problems with itself?
I also suspect the time code is an hour out, too.
No more 502 Error so far, which is good, but there is no more preview, and the overt 'moderation' cloud now hangs even more darkly. But what REALLY sucks is this new 'Closed to new comments' deal. What's that all about? You can no longer ponder a day before posting. Catch the 24 hr PC catch-up? Or come back in rebuttal. And there is the slight suspicion that if things do not progress according to plan things will get 'pulled' on a whim. Can't say I am that enthused thus far, and this goes beyond IT 'teething problems'.
14. At 6:59 pm on 17 Apr 2008, PeterBarron
The technical aspects of the new system seem, so far, to be excellent.
However, I am less impressed with the design and operational changes that have been introduced in 'complement'.
As the invitation was made at the end of the original post above this comment is still relevant in this thread, but I would have thought this and all others would have been much more appropriate under the preceding one, dedicated to Blog 'fixes'. And there was value in keeping it open for such debate, rather than being closed before any could be made.
It seems to me a few things were also 'fixed' that were not broke.
I also miss having the opportunity of checking via the top link other commenters' personal sites if they have made a good point and seem worth bookmarking. Now it appears to go nowhere... well, stays within the BBC fold. But I do notice a 'User Profile' option, but none so far seem to have one. Perhaps it's worth sharing how to upload one?
It's good to share, but without such an opportunity well-informed contributors may well see this now more as vanity publishing (in terms of personal benefits - the BBC does of course gain 'content') and the quality of input could suffer as a result. Certainly the quantity.
But them maybe that was/is the intention?
Newsnight - Blogging - a new era - But a rather familiar rationalisation, especially to any familiar with Newswatch: 'Many of you have already commented on how it's working and one or two have suggested it's designed to introduce more censorship. That's certainly not our intention. The aim is to encourage much more open discussion about the programme and much more interaction with the programme-makers.' It's a classic; a bit of mea culpa followed by a lot of ''we don't see a problem'. Actually it's a very clever thing they've done. Thanks to the loss of the accreditation I see no great reason to give them the benefit of my thoughtful input. So those who remain will be the likes of the poster, oddly credited , whose every post starts with 'Brilliant show tonight...' and just likes to see their name mentioned.
Maybe one should start with 'Brilliant rationalising tonight!' ... quite worthy of Newswatch at its 'minor mea culpa followed by major 'we think it's spiffy, and it's sweet you think we're going to do much about it now'' best.
The new system certainly now works technically, which was all that was ever wrong. Why impose all the logistical/stylistic changes at the same time? I recall no comments asking for these.
It has certainly worked on cutting down on quantity (3, so far, here at time of writing. Less than 10 for Friday with all to comment upon there). As to quality...? I wonder where those whose balanced input and interesting links I so value will be posting now? I'll lurk here a while I guess, but not sure whether it's worth investing much time any more to writing.
Better dash off this quick knee-jerk soundbite feedback - at the expense of considered input designed to stimulate further discourse and off-blog engagement - before this thread gets closed. So... job done then national, and publicly-funded broadcaster... job done?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Dons make an offer you can't refuse?
What's not to like?: Oxford University to Develop Free Green Computing Software
It has two of my favourite words in one sentence: 'free' and 'reduce'.
I do have to take issue with this, mind: "No-one sits at their computer for 168 hours a week,"
I think my wife just might on Second Life.
It has two of my favourite words in one sentence: 'free' and 'reduce'.
I do have to take issue with this, mind: "No-one sits at their computer for 168 hours a week,"
I think my wife just might on Second Life.
Friday, February 22, 2008
A Cautionary IT tale
Spam is a pain. A royal nuisance.
And there's a lot that can be done to deal with it.
Some useful. Some... less so.
Despite the vast amount I get, my personal preference is still to deal with it myself. Select a sender or topic column at the end of the day, highlight and hit delete. Usually catches a good 90% in one big net. And the few one-offs you can scope and zap in a blink.
Trouble is, some get their knickers in a twist at just one errant email. And because they scream like neutered cats, a load of folk, from government dow... up, a ton of folk like to meddle on our behalf.
Which means beyond my personal setting on my PC, there are additional intercepts prior to anything arriving at Junkk Towers, at the ISP.
Now it seems there are levels of severity that incoming emails can be challenged upon, with all sorts of clever gizmos to spot a Viagra sale or organ extension a mile, or at least 9" away.
Thing is, these keep getting 'upped', I presume because the spammers are getting cleverer at dodging 'em.
And becuase of this, you might find that something you wouldn't have minded seeing, or even expected, gets whacked before arrival... and you won't know it. Serious if it is a person to person email, but eqaully a pain - all round - if it is a newsletter you have signed up for (like the forthcoming Junkk.com effort..... don't ask).
I only became aware of this because I realised I was no longer getting the BBC daily... after several weeks!!! No comment on its value, becuase it is of great value... at least to stimulate a line of enquiry.
So I checked, and yes, it was now dormant becuase it was bouncing. So I asked my ISP and no, I couldn't see what was being bounced (and had been without me being asked or even told), but I could request a white list exemption. BBC now back in the fold.
Not very satisfactory, and a bit of a worry. And now I am trying to figure out what else I might not be getting (it's a bit like proving a negative) to get them approved, too.
So.. bear it in mind. And any who have signed up for the Junkk.com newsletter... when it comes... soon... please ensure every mechanism to deafult stop it has been forwarned not to!
And there's a lot that can be done to deal with it.
Some useful. Some... less so.
Despite the vast amount I get, my personal preference is still to deal with it myself. Select a sender or topic column at the end of the day, highlight and hit delete. Usually catches a good 90% in one big net. And the few one-offs you can scope and zap in a blink.
Trouble is, some get their knickers in a twist at just one errant email. And because they scream like neutered cats, a load of folk, from government dow... up, a ton of folk like to meddle on our behalf.
Which means beyond my personal setting on my PC, there are additional intercepts prior to anything arriving at Junkk Towers, at the ISP.
Now it seems there are levels of severity that incoming emails can be challenged upon, with all sorts of clever gizmos to spot a Viagra sale or organ extension a mile, or at least 9" away.
Thing is, these keep getting 'upped', I presume because the spammers are getting cleverer at dodging 'em.
And becuase of this, you might find that something you wouldn't have minded seeing, or even expected, gets whacked before arrival... and you won't know it. Serious if it is a person to person email, but eqaully a pain - all round - if it is a newsletter you have signed up for (like the forthcoming Junkk.com effort..... don't ask).
I only became aware of this because I realised I was no longer getting the BBC daily... after several weeks!!! No comment on its value, becuase it is of great value... at least to stimulate a line of enquiry.
So I checked, and yes, it was now dormant becuase it was bouncing. So I asked my ISP and no, I couldn't see what was being bounced (and had been without me being asked or even told), but I could request a white list exemption. BBC now back in the fold.
Not very satisfactory, and a bit of a worry. And now I am trying to figure out what else I might not be getting (it's a bit like proving a negative) to get them approved, too.
So.. bear it in mind. And any who have signed up for the Junkk.com newsletter... when it comes... soon... please ensure every mechanism to deafult stop it has been forwarned not to!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Clueing Up
More happy Friday stuff. This time a book via a group.
Yesterday I was with a group of nice folk in Bristol at a networking event hosted by an equally nice outfit I'd met by virtue of being not first in a recent award: The Hub.
In a most relaxed style over a (BYO) lunch we were treated to a talk on web-based social networking by one of their members, Ed, who works with these guys, amongst others. Quick off the mark with his uploads, too. You might notice the Vac:Sac at left in one pic.
While he didn't really tell me much I didn't know, and depressingly reminded me just how much I'd paid for over the years that was now free and open source, he did focus my mind on the various Web 2.0 opportunities for self-promo that Junkk.com needs to engage with.
FaceBook, MySpace, BeBp
Wikis (lost of potential here)
Fikr (if only for image storage)
YouTube (ditto)
Blog (Looking at it!)
He also mentioned a good book to read for those trying to grasp and exploit the etherlike world of the net, which I in turn pass on here. It's called the ClueTrain Manifesto. It's free, so what's not to like?
Sadly, even though Bristol is but 1 hr away (on a good day), it just eats into a day getting there and back, so I don't know if I can afford to pop up and down too often. But there are also some useful guys there who may be able to help me take Junkk.com to some higher levels, so fingers crossed.
Telegraph - BBC plans social networking site for children - Don't feel (quite) so bad about the considerably less (but still a lot) I spent to do considerably more, with more folk, than those who have access to our apparently limitless pockets.
Or, for that matter (though you will need to delve a bit).... here:
London Standard - Whistle-blower to sue Mayor over 'bullying' claims - 'LDA's Diversity Dividend, an interactive website allowing companies to assess their diversity performance. ...the £295,000 contract for the website... The website never operated properly.
Yesterday I was with a group of nice folk in Bristol at a networking event hosted by an equally nice outfit I'd met by virtue of being not first in a recent award: The Hub.
In a most relaxed style over a (BYO) lunch we were treated to a talk on web-based social networking by one of their members, Ed, who works with these guys, amongst others. Quick off the mark with his uploads, too. You might notice the Vac:Sac at left in one pic.
While he didn't really tell me much I didn't know, and depressingly reminded me just how much I'd paid for over the years that was now free and open source, he did focus my mind on the various Web 2.0 opportunities for self-promo that Junkk.com needs to engage with.
FaceBook, MySpace, BeBp
Wikis (lost of potential here)
Fikr (if only for image storage)
YouTube (ditto)
Blog (Looking at it!)
He also mentioned a good book to read for those trying to grasp and exploit the etherlike world of the net, which I in turn pass on here. It's called the ClueTrain Manifesto. It's free, so what's not to like?
Sadly, even though Bristol is but 1 hr away (on a good day), it just eats into a day getting there and back, so I don't know if I can afford to pop up and down too often. But there are also some useful guys there who may be able to help me take Junkk.com to some higher levels, so fingers crossed.
Telegraph - BBC plans social networking site for children - Don't feel (quite) so bad about the considerably less (but still a lot) I spent to do considerably more, with more folk, than those who have access to our apparently limitless pockets.
Or, for that matter (though you will need to delve a bit).... here:
London Standard - Whistle-blower to sue Mayor over 'bullying' claims - 'LDA's Diversity Dividend, an interactive website allowing companies to assess their diversity performance. ...the £295,000 contract for the website... The website never operated properly.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
NEWS/Commercial PR - 64 per cent of Brits are wasting valuable energy by leaving home appliances on standby
Still getting into the groove of posting such things as 'News' without too much provenace checking or editorialising, but I'm getting there.
I actually owe these guys a product review* anyway, so here you go, hot off the press... releases. All due cautions/caveats for info posted as supplied.
Brits are wasting valuable energy by leaving home appliances on standby
People are still contributing to the four million tonnes of extra carbon dioxide emissions per year caused by standby power according to survey conducted by Bye Bye Standby.
64 per cent of the 1000 people surveyed said they have more than ten appliances plugged in at home at any one time. It has been measured that around 10 per cent of the average household bill is wasted through gadgets left on when not in use.
The survey also asked consumers to select which of the following appliances they think have a standby power (ie. washing machines, televisions, tumble dryers and dishwashers). The correct answer is in-fact that ALL of the appliances use a standby power when they are not in use.
Not surprisingly, the survey revealed that the majority of respondents (90 per cent) knew that televisions have a standby power. However, a large number of people questioned didn’t pick out some of the worst standby offenders. 77 per cent had no clue that tumble dryers can guzzle as much as 38 per cent of their power whilst waiting at the end of a cycle. Equally as confusing, 67 per cent didn’t regard dishwashers as having a standby mode – a worrying finding as most are turned on at the end of the day and left on all night. Washing machines can use around 20 per cent of their normal electricity requirement on standby, and in contrast 66 per cent of people in the survey didn’t even know that a washing machine has a standby power!
Not all products have an obvious standby power, which is where the confusion lies. If it has an external power supply it will use electricity even when off.
Here's a plug (sorry), as they deserve it:
Bye Bye Standby is an energy saving kit for the home which allows you to control appliances with the aid of a remote control. An innovative new web based system has also just been launched to allow users to control home appliances from a remote location via the Internet.
What appliances are the worst standby offenders?
Dishwashers left on at the end of their cycle consume 70 per cent of the power used when they are running.
The average television is left on standby for up to 17.5 hours a day. Last year Britain's 62 million television sets consumed about eight per cent of their energy consumption in standby mode.
Washing machines use just under 20 per cent of their normal electricity requirement on standby.
Tumble-dryers can use 38 per cent of power while waiting at the end of a cycle.
If lights were turned off when not in use it would prevent 375,000 tons of CO2 emissions and save £55million in bills.
There is little difference between the power requirement of digital receivers when they are being used and on standby.
Other appliances with high standby power are cordless telephones, radios and stereos.
*Meanwhile, you can always try Which?
I actually owe these guys a product review* anyway, so here you go, hot off the press... releases. All due cautions/caveats for info posted as supplied.
Brits are wasting valuable energy by leaving home appliances on standby
People are still contributing to the four million tonnes of extra carbon dioxide emissions per year caused by standby power according to survey conducted by Bye Bye Standby.
64 per cent of the 1000 people surveyed said they have more than ten appliances plugged in at home at any one time. It has been measured that around 10 per cent of the average household bill is wasted through gadgets left on when not in use.
The survey also asked consumers to select which of the following appliances they think have a standby power (ie. washing machines, televisions, tumble dryers and dishwashers). The correct answer is in-fact that ALL of the appliances use a standby power when they are not in use.
Not surprisingly, the survey revealed that the majority of respondents (90 per cent) knew that televisions have a standby power. However, a large number of people questioned didn’t pick out some of the worst standby offenders. 77 per cent had no clue that tumble dryers can guzzle as much as 38 per cent of their power whilst waiting at the end of a cycle. Equally as confusing, 67 per cent didn’t regard dishwashers as having a standby mode – a worrying finding as most are turned on at the end of the day and left on all night. Washing machines can use around 20 per cent of their normal electricity requirement on standby, and in contrast 66 per cent of people in the survey didn’t even know that a washing machine has a standby power!
Not all products have an obvious standby power, which is where the confusion lies. If it has an external power supply it will use electricity even when off.
Here's a plug (sorry), as they deserve it:
Bye Bye Standby is an energy saving kit for the home which allows you to control appliances with the aid of a remote control. An innovative new web based system has also just been launched to allow users to control home appliances from a remote location via the Internet.
What appliances are the worst standby offenders?
Dishwashers left on at the end of their cycle consume 70 per cent of the power used when they are running.
The average television is left on standby for up to 17.5 hours a day. Last year Britain's 62 million television sets consumed about eight per cent of their energy consumption in standby mode.
Washing machines use just under 20 per cent of their normal electricity requirement on standby.
Tumble-dryers can use 38 per cent of power while waiting at the end of a cycle.
If lights were turned off when not in use it would prevent 375,000 tons of CO2 emissions and save £55million in bills.
There is little difference between the power requirement of digital receivers when they are being used and on standby.
Other appliances with high standby power are cordless telephones, radios and stereos.
*Meanwhile, you can always try Which?
A tale of two Macs
And what a tale it is. The good, the bad... and the ugly.
We have a rare case of genuine good design and service. Some rather less wonderful bits. And perhaps the most annoying... and telling example of corporate greed I can imagine.
The Good
See that picture? That what a very powerful computer came in. I was/am impressed. Not just what didn't need to go into the making of the thing, but also how little required to be packaged.
Also there has been the basic plug and play nature of the handover.
And finally the support. Free (for 90 days, local tel rates) and so far all problems solved
The Bad
The fact that it now won't work some old stuff that was/is still perfectly good.
The Ugly
The attitude of a software company, FileMaker, to this situation. I was going live with it and fester. Luckily, I had a vent source presented:
Guardian - Buy a new Mac running Leopard, or wait?
On a related issue, 'The quick tale of the £30 software that became several hundred', which does not reflect in my view well on the marketing policies of some companies and indeed can often have serious consequences to the environment. A few weeks ago I was mailed by FileMaker about Bento, which looked a nifty little bit of £30 Address Book software to add to my Mac Mini. Trouble was, it only would work with Leopard, and mine was a first model running Tiger. Ok... time for a software upgrade. Now it was an extra £100. Trouble was, Leopard was going to stretch the hardware capabilities of my aging Mini, so for various other reasons (more memory, USB 2.0, etc) I decided to get a new one. Trouble is... having gone through all that, guess what? My new Mac Mini running Leopard will not now run my current version of FileMaker. It would be funny if it were not tragic. Now I have come to accept, if not like, that if one wants to run the latest bloatware version of some software, you often need to upgrade to, and pay for the latest bloatOS taboot, to run it. With all hardware consequences. But this new wrinkle just miffs me. I have perfectly good software running perfectly well and my brand new machine is not backward compatible. And FileMaker's response? 'Tough! It's not supported. No upgrade. Start again. Buy v9... that's £250 please.' I'm sure Apple are probably not innocent in all this, but for what it is worth, and hugging a Redwood Tree as I write, the new machine is a honey, and while I did need the phone support several times to help the migration (bit of fun with the assumption that in going from a Mini to a Mini two monitors would magically exist on my desk), this was truly slick, along with the auto back-up Time Machine, which is awesome. Also, on a small eco note. I am looking at a packaging box about the size of two telephone directories with a bit of foam inside as big as last night's meal tray. I know Mac are not the highest on the green IT list, but to get a wee box tucked away on my desktop doing all I could wish with so little manufacturing and delivery consequences impressed a lot. Anyway, as I don't feel like giving FileMaker my continued custom, as they are stuffing me back to square one can anyone suggest an alternative database software I can put in my new Mac that will grow with me into the far future?
Times - Get a green glow in your home office - Spreading the joy
Thursday, January 10, 2008
And little fleas have littler fleas...
Is it time to replace a five year old PC?
It can be frustrating, and while one can understand and appreciate (but not in a good way) the commercial imperatives, in this more eco-age you really have to question why it all gets driven to upgrade and dispose on such a short window.
For example, my little Mac Mini has hummed away happily for the last few years.
The other day I was told of a useful new software called Bento from FileMaker that would be a nifty assist to what I do.
Unfortunately, it only works with Leopard. So at the very least I have to make that upgrade from my current Tiger system.
Thing is, Leopard pretty much pushes the hardware I have to the edge of its capabilities so to move on I have to get a whole new box.
It can be frustrating, and while one can understand and appreciate (but not in a good way) the commercial imperatives, in this more eco-age you really have to question why it all gets driven to upgrade and dispose on such a short window.
For example, my little Mac Mini has hummed away happily for the last few years.
The other day I was told of a useful new software called Bento from FileMaker that would be a nifty assist to what I do.
Unfortunately, it only works with Leopard. So at the very least I have to make that upgrade from my current Tiger system.
Thing is, Leopard pretty much pushes the hardware I have to the edge of its capabilities so to move on I have to get a whole new box.
Monday, January 07, 2008
To serve and protect?
One comment that has cause to make me pause is that by being all online and all, I am promoting lots of emissions on the energy consequences of all the IT involved.
Being a website and a blog it would be tricky not to run most of what I have, but here's a possible mitigation to share: http://www.googlenrg.com/info.php
NOW HERE'S A MAJOR CAUTION!
The source that sent this to me is usually very good, but there is something about the use of English in the intro that has me cautious, above and beyond any invitation to cut and paste stuff in and around computers.
So I have done nothing yet, and written to Google direct to check.
I'd suggest that you wait with me until I get a reply and update this post.
I want this to be true, and it looks good, but sadly this is a nasty old world and people will use green for just about any odd notion of self-advancement there is.
Being a website and a blog it would be tricky not to run most of what I have, but here's a possible mitigation to share: http://www.googlenrg.com/info.php
NOW HERE'S A MAJOR CAUTION!
The source that sent this to me is usually very good, but there is something about the use of English in the intro that has me cautious, above and beyond any invitation to cut and paste stuff in and around computers.
So I have done nothing yet, and written to Google direct to check.
I'd suggest that you wait with me until I get a reply and update this post.
I want this to be true, and it looks good, but sadly this is a nasty old world and people will use green for just about any odd notion of self-advancement there is.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Well served
The other day I suffered a little bit of collateral damage on a blog thread I was taking part in.
Me and my homies from the eco-hood were debating some matter of great e-mport, when in zapped a rather stinging rebuke from, I'd have to say, a slight climate optimist. Basically 'we' were are labelled a bunch of hyporcrites worrying about all this and what we can do when we are all doing so online via PCs. His premise was that these were much worse than anything else.
I have to say it gave me some pause, especially as an exponent of the cause of enviROI.
It also coincided with the latest press release from some 'green' IT company, promising me servers made of oak and offsetting my 'leccy by planting an Ethiopian.
So I tackled my ISP on this. And I think I'm good. Well... 'er'. He pointed out to me that the server they run, and which for Junkk.com is shared with 500 others, is rated at 75W. I won't do the maths here, but in the great scheme of things that doesn't seem too much.
But then there is of course the fact that the PC and monitor and peripherals (also ignoring the cost of making and getting 'em to me. At least reuse /recycling seems pretty well addressed) are humming away. And I am not, yet, on any green tariff, simply because I'm still sussing it all out and don't trust most yet.
Then, in final mitigation, there is the matter of practicality. To do what I do (assuming it's worthwhile... and frankly on a personal level it is actually not paying the rent yet) without my Mac and connection I'd need to be out and about pounding the motorways visiting folk. Or posting thousands of letters a day. And in nay case, my kids are pretty much expected to have a PC to do their work.
So, I hope, it's still enviROI+
Me and my homies from the eco-hood were debating some matter of great e-mport, when in zapped a rather stinging rebuke from, I'd have to say, a slight climate optimist. Basically 'we' were are labelled a bunch of hyporcrites worrying about all this and what we can do when we are all doing so online via PCs. His premise was that these were much worse than anything else.
I have to say it gave me some pause, especially as an exponent of the cause of enviROI.
It also coincided with the latest press release from some 'green' IT company, promising me servers made of oak and offsetting my 'leccy by planting an Ethiopian.
So I tackled my ISP on this. And I think I'm good. Well... 'er'. He pointed out to me that the server they run, and which for Junkk.com is shared with 500 others, is rated at 75W. I won't do the maths here, but in the great scheme of things that doesn't seem too much.
But then there is of course the fact that the PC and monitor and peripherals (also ignoring the cost of making and getting 'em to me. At least reuse /recycling seems pretty well addressed) are humming away. And I am not, yet, on any green tariff, simply because I'm still sussing it all out and don't trust most yet.
Then, in final mitigation, there is the matter of practicality. To do what I do (assuming it's worthwhile... and frankly on a personal level it is actually not paying the rent yet) without my Mac and connection I'd need to be out and about pounding the motorways visiting folk. Or posting thousands of letters a day. And in nay case, my kids are pretty much expected to have a PC to do their work.
So, I hope, it's still enviROI+
Thursday, November 08, 2007
WEEE, I'm doing my bit to help the 3rd world!
Or not. Second hand mobile phones causing waste problems in Kenya
It doesn't matter where it goes or what it does when it gets there, but so long as 'we' recycle and are seen to do it, I am sure spending like there's no tomorrow (don't get me started) on new toys will seem just spiffy.
It doesn't matter where it goes or what it does when it gets there, but so long as 'we' recycle and are seen to do it, I am sure spending like there's no tomorrow (don't get me started) on new toys will seem just spiffy.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Box clever... or not
Green gadgets and our expectations
Interesting.
I write this as my Mac Mini whirs away in a box the size of an airport novel. I had thought the reason was cooling, but I guess this and laptops give lie to such a misconception. And as with mobile phones, I at least have always thought small meant 'more sophisticated'. Maybe that is a notion to encourage more modest housings?
And as with all packaging, I often wonder why the maker would incur more cost unnecessarily. Now I know. Interesting there is a cut-off. What about a walk-in model... why not? Why is 40x50x20cm the limit?
In terms of changing attitudes one is in the arena of creating or reflecting consumer choice. I bought a Mini because it does the job and occupies the smallest footprint. By that I mean in area - Mac's are not that green. So.... how do we change my purchase decisions (and a lifetime with the O/S) on this basis? So which one of these manufacture/purchase/operation/disposal considerations is more important? Dilemma!
ps: There are some other, complementary, sites to Freecycle that can improve your options.
Interesting.
I write this as my Mac Mini whirs away in a box the size of an airport novel. I had thought the reason was cooling, but I guess this and laptops give lie to such a misconception. And as with mobile phones, I at least have always thought small meant 'more sophisticated'. Maybe that is a notion to encourage more modest housings?
And as with all packaging, I often wonder why the maker would incur more cost unnecessarily. Now I know. Interesting there is a cut-off. What about a walk-in model... why not? Why is 40x50x20cm the limit?
In terms of changing attitudes one is in the arena of creating or reflecting consumer choice. I bought a Mini because it does the job and occupies the smallest footprint. By that I mean in area - Mac's are not that green. So.... how do we change my purchase decisions (and a lifetime with the O/S) on this basis? So which one of these manufacture/purchase/operation/disposal considerations is more important? Dilemma!
ps: There are some other, complementary, sites to Freecycle that can improve your options.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Standby, me?
Pull the plug on standby
I don't do pledges. But if it did, I suspect it would just one of many pointless ones I could make today.
But I also don't do standbys. Costs money. Silly to do do. Hurts planet.
All off, bar the Skybox, which still has a red light glowing. I guess I could unplug it at the mains, but that may hurt it and in any case it's a bit tricky to get at twice each night by being lost in the back there. Maybe these winners of all sorts of green awards can help me with that?
Or maybe the 'government confirmed plans' will... no really. All the others have worked out so well, right?
Those eco-gizmos do look promising, mind.
I wonder if there's one that will shut off the dishwasher (yeah, yeah... I've decided we gobble tons more juice and water manually so I've made that call) if the missus puts it on at night. I do it in the AM so I can kill it at cycle end and avoid the drying bit plus the guilt-making red dot that greets me in the morning.
I don't do pledges. But if it did, I suspect it would just one of many pointless ones I could make today.
But I also don't do standbys. Costs money. Silly to do do. Hurts planet.
All off, bar the Skybox, which still has a red light glowing. I guess I could unplug it at the mains, but that may hurt it and in any case it's a bit tricky to get at twice each night by being lost in the back there. Maybe these winners of all sorts of green awards can help me with that?
Or maybe the 'government confirmed plans' will... no really. All the others have worked out so well, right?
Those eco-gizmos do look promising, mind.
I wonder if there's one that will shut off the dishwasher (yeah, yeah... I've decided we gobble tons more juice and water manually so I've made that call) if the missus puts it on at night. I do it in the AM so I can kill it at cycle end and avoid the drying bit plus the guilt-making red dot that greets me in the morning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)