Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
system can save money by not having to run separate telephone wires through its building,
and it can also save energy by not having to maintain a phone system separate from its
network and Internet connectivity.
A VoIP system can also save in hardware costs. A single switch can be used to
administer both Internet and telephone services. And employees who work primarily on the
phone at a computer can work from headsets that plug directly into the computer's sound
card, eliminating the need for a separate telephone for each employee.
Telecommuting
Telecommuting
refers to employees working from home rather than reporting to an offi ce
building every day. Telecommuting can provide a company with tremendous energy savings
because it doesn't have to maintain offi ce space (including lighting, heating, and cooling)
for all of its workers. It can also save employees money because they don't have to travel
from home to an offi ce every day, and the reduced reliance on transportation systems helps
to reduce fuel emissions. Telecommuting can also increase worker satisfaction, leading to a
lower attrition rate.
Summary
In this chapter, you learned how to make your computing experience safe, legal, and
environmentally responsible. You learned how to dispose of hazardous substances safely,
including cleaning supplies, circuit boards, monitors, and batteries. You also learned about
some IT-related laws applicable to the EU and the U.K. The chapter also covered how
to make personal computers and servers more energy effi cient via power-management
plans and power-conserving hardware, and by combining server functions. Finally, you
learned about some business-related energy-conservation policies such as cloud computing,
VoIP, and telecommuting.
Exam Essentials
Recognize IT-related laws and guidelines.
For the U.K. version of the Strata exams,
you need to know about several pieces of IT-related legislation: the Data Protection Act,
Copyright Act, Computer Misuse Act, and Freedom of Information Act.
Dispose of materials properly.
Almost all electronics contain lead and should be recycled
or taken to a hazardous-waste disposal facility. Batteries should also be recycled because
of the metals they contain. Placing items that contain heavy metals in regular trash pollutes
the environment unnecessarily. Some cleaning supplies should also require special disposal;
see a substance's MSDS for details.
