Bibliography
Lowe, Judy. 12/31/2009. "Video games can be energy hogs. Three tips to cut your power bill."<http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1221/Video-games-. > (01/14/2010).
Powers, Jenny. 11/19/2009. "New Report: Video Games are Energy Drains." < http://www.nrdc.org/media/2008/081119.asp > (01/14/2010).
Clark. Christina. 12/27/2009. "Video Game Systems Use as Much Energy as San Diego." <http://www.greendaily.com/2009/01/07/video-game-systems-use-as-much-energy-as-san-diego/ > (01/14/2010).
Source for Diagram 1: < http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/grn/gr/arts/nrdc_price_of_play_350x.jpg >
News Item Extract
Even When Idle, Gaming Consoles Cost Consumers More than $1 Billion Worth of Wasted Energy
NEW YORK (November 19, 2008) – Video game consoles nationwide use about as much electricity in a year as every home in San Diego combined, and can significantly add to consumers’ electric bills, according to a new report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) today. Much of this energy use is consumed by machines that are left on, but not in use.
“If you leave your Xbox 360 or Sony Play Station 3 on all the time, you can cut your electric bill by as much as $100 a year simply by turning it off when you are finished playing,” said NRDC Senior Scientist Noah Horowitz. “With so many struggling in today’s economy – it’s important to realize there are simple steps gamers can take to lower their energy costs. And if manufacturers make future systems more energy efficient, they’ll be doing the right thing for consumers’ pockets, for our clean energy future, and for the environment.”
Friday, January 22, 2010
Part D
Solutions to Problems
There are many possible solutions to the problems that arise in the issue. Both problems that arise deal with the amount of energy used and how we may cut down on this figure. The recent studies and also some pure common sense guidelines for energy saving allow one to see just how much they can save by doing the simplest things. For example, one may do the following to lower the amount of energy their system uses:
1. If you don't have a gaming console yet, go for the Nintendo Wii. It uses around 1/10 of the energy as the other guys.
2. If you have an Xbox 360, you can set it to use a power save mode.
3. Like many appliances, turn it off when you aren't using it.
4. If your system can play movies, using it for that purpose probably uses more energy than just using the DVD or Blu-Ray player.
5. Always recycle used systems properly. They contain toxic chemicals and should definitely not be thrown in the trash (Clark, 2009).
The amount of power generated with each individual console differs from 100 - 200 watts to 20-50 watts. It all depends on what the paricular console does. The possible solutions to the problems arisen in this issue are very easily feasible with the hardest one being recycling your used systems properly. The amount of energy that one may save by buying the cheaper console, turing off their console when not in use, putting their console in power saver mode (much like a labtop), not using your console to play movies, and recycling used systems all allow for the amount of energy to be used as far less than it would be if one does not follow those energy saving guidelines when playing with a videogame console (Lowe, 2009).
There are many possible solutions to the problems that arise in the issue. Both problems that arise deal with the amount of energy used and how we may cut down on this figure. The recent studies and also some pure common sense guidelines for energy saving allow one to see just how much they can save by doing the simplest things. For example, one may do the following to lower the amount of energy their system uses:
1. If you don't have a gaming console yet, go for the Nintendo Wii. It uses around 1/10 of the energy as the other guys.
2. If you have an Xbox 360, you can set it to use a power save mode.
3. Like many appliances, turn it off when you aren't using it.
4. If your system can play movies, using it for that purpose probably uses more energy than just using the DVD or Blu-Ray player.
5. Always recycle used systems properly. They contain toxic chemicals and should definitely not be thrown in the trash (Clark, 2009).
The amount of power generated with each individual console differs from 100 - 200 watts to 20-50 watts. It all depends on what the paricular console does. The possible solutions to the problems arisen in this issue are very easily feasible with the hardest one being recycling your used systems properly. The amount of energy that one may save by buying the cheaper console, turing off their console when not in use, putting their console in power saver mode (much like a labtop), not using your console to play movies, and recycling used systems all allow for the amount of energy to be used as far less than it would be if one does not follow those energy saving guidelines when playing with a videogame console (Lowe, 2009).
Part C
Impact of the Issue
There are two problems that can be seen when looking at the the issue developing over whether or not video games produce too much energy, and if they do should it continue. Mant pro-earth people claim that video games, as well as video game systems, use up far too much of the earth's energy resources and thus should be stopped or at least slowed down in production and distribution. However, the other side of the argument is that the companies that produce these games feel like video games are for one purpose only and that is to have fun. Gaming companies do not make games to hurt the environment. The social issue that is arised when one dicusses the problems associated within video game production, usage, and earth's resources dwindling, is that should video games and video game consoles be continued and if so, at what rate?
The social problem arisen in this issue is very vague because everyone knows that videogames are never going to grow old and thus the quantities of videogames and consoles is always going to increase leveling the amount of the earth's energy resources. However, the ethical issue is one of more importance in the sense that, how do we know whether or not videogames are good or bad? There have been plenty of studies which have proven videogames to actually be good for someone. However, not for the environment.
For gaming companies to produce the amount of consoles and games that they do, it is understandable why there is a very large amount of gamers throughout the world. The many people that fight to keep earth's resources from depleting are going to lose the battle because our world is contstantly being changed through technology. Almost everyday there are new technological advances that allow us to reinvent ourselves and our culture. If this means using alittle bit more energy, so be it. “Energy efficiency saves people money, reduces global warming pollution, and is an essential part of our clean energy future,” said Horowitz. “Electronics manufacturers can help by making smarter products. NRDC is working to make sure this happens" (Clark, 2009).
There are two problems that can be seen when looking at the the issue developing over whether or not video games produce too much energy, and if they do should it continue. Mant pro-earth people claim that video games, as well as video game systems, use up far too much of the earth's energy resources and thus should be stopped or at least slowed down in production and distribution. However, the other side of the argument is that the companies that produce these games feel like video games are for one purpose only and that is to have fun. Gaming companies do not make games to hurt the environment. The social issue that is arised when one dicusses the problems associated within video game production, usage, and earth's resources dwindling, is that should video games and video game consoles be continued and if so, at what rate?
The social problem arisen in this issue is very vague because everyone knows that videogames are never going to grow old and thus the quantities of videogames and consoles is always going to increase leveling the amount of the earth's energy resources. However, the ethical issue is one of more importance in the sense that, how do we know whether or not videogames are good or bad? There have been plenty of studies which have proven videogames to actually be good for someone. However, not for the environment.
For gaming companies to produce the amount of consoles and games that they do, it is understandable why there is a very large amount of gamers throughout the world. The many people that fight to keep earth's resources from depleting are going to lose the battle because our world is contstantly being changed through technology. Almost everyday there are new technological advances that allow us to reinvent ourselves and our culture. If this means using alittle bit more energy, so be it. “Energy efficiency saves people money, reduces global warming pollution, and is an essential part of our clean energy future,” said Horowitz. “Electronics manufacturers can help by making smarter products. NRDC is working to make sure this happens" (Clark, 2009).
Part B
IT Background of the Issue
The ever ongoing battle between IT companies and pro-earth people has led to many articles and experiments to be conducted which focus primarily on the amount of energy used by said IT systems and equipment. Many people want to see just how much energy video game consoles use up and when they see the figures they are shocked. “If you leave your Xbox 360 or Sony Play Station 3 on all the time, you can cut your electric bill by as much as $100 a year simply by turning it off when you are finished playing,” said NRDC Senior Scientist Noah Horowitz (Powers, 2009). Thus there have been many articles written trying to urge the general people that are into gaming to cut the amount of time that they game to the amount of time that they game and no more.
However, the gaming companies see it otherwise. A report recently conducted by the National Resources Defense Council said, "These these systems use nearly the same amount of power when you are playing them as they do when you leave them on and walk away. With more efficient devices and by utilizing existing power-saving features, consumers could save more than $1 billion a year on utility bills and reduce as much global warming pollution per year as the tailpipe emissions from all the cars in San Jose" (Clark, 2009). The recent developements in scientific advancement allows scientists to prove the claims that video games are bad for the environment but they should not get as much bad reputation as they do for there are many other IT equipment, such as computers, cars, stadiums, that use far more energy than video game consoles do.
Diagram 1: Energy amounts used by consoles
The ever ongoing battle between IT companies and pro-earth people has led to many articles and experiments to be conducted which focus primarily on the amount of energy used by said IT systems and equipment. Many people want to see just how much energy video game consoles use up and when they see the figures they are shocked. “If you leave your Xbox 360 or Sony Play Station 3 on all the time, you can cut your electric bill by as much as $100 a year simply by turning it off when you are finished playing,” said NRDC Senior Scientist Noah Horowitz (Powers, 2009). Thus there have been many articles written trying to urge the general people that are into gaming to cut the amount of time that they game to the amount of time that they game and no more.
However, the gaming companies see it otherwise. A report recently conducted by the National Resources Defense Council said, "These these systems use nearly the same amount of power when you are playing them as they do when you leave them on and walk away. With more efficient devices and by utilizing existing power-saving features, consumers could save more than $1 billion a year on utility bills and reduce as much global warming pollution per year as the tailpipe emissions from all the cars in San Jose" (Clark, 2009). The recent developements in scientific advancement allows scientists to prove the claims that video games are bad for the environment but they should not get as much bad reputation as they do for there are many other IT equipment, such as computers, cars, stadiums, that use far more energy than video game consoles do.
Diagram 1: Energy amounts used by consoles
The diagram chart above represents the amount of energy used by every popular console. Many charts like these have been made through scientist's research that try to prove that video games and video game consoles are bad.
Part A
Presentation of the Issue
Recently in the news there has been data shown that claims that video game consoles are using far too much energy. Even When Idle, Gaming Consoles Cost Consumers More than $1 Billion Worth of Wasted Energy (Powers, 2009). For many who believe in saving and protecting the Earth's valuable resources, video games and video game consoles are downright "energy hogs" (Lowe, 2009). Many people like to see the Earth's resources being saved and used efficiently and in their eyes video game consoles use too much than there is to go around. However, there are also many gaming companies that believe video games are solely made for fun and do not see the negative side of the argument for they are very keen at denying the scientific evidence proving that, "Video game consoles nationwide use about as much electricity in a year as every home in San Diego combined" (Powers, 2009). So, based on this article there are clearly two problems associated with it: one being ethical and one social. The social problem falls along the lines of whether or not video game consoles should be continued and if so, then what ones? Whereas the ethical issue at hand focuses more on whether or not video games are good or bad for the environment. From these articles we are able to see that the area of impact that will be addressed in this portfolio will be Science and the Environment.
Recently in the news there has been data shown that claims that video game consoles are using far too much energy. Even When Idle, Gaming Consoles Cost Consumers More than $1 Billion Worth of Wasted Energy (Powers, 2009). For many who believe in saving and protecting the Earth's valuable resources, video games and video game consoles are downright "energy hogs" (Lowe, 2009). Many people like to see the Earth's resources being saved and used efficiently and in their eyes video game consoles use too much than there is to go around. However, there are also many gaming companies that believe video games are solely made for fun and do not see the negative side of the argument for they are very keen at denying the scientific evidence proving that, "Video game consoles nationwide use about as much electricity in a year as every home in San Diego combined" (Powers, 2009). So, based on this article there are clearly two problems associated with it: one being ethical and one social. The social problem falls along the lines of whether or not video game consoles should be continued and if so, then what ones? Whereas the ethical issue at hand focuses more on whether or not video games are good or bad for the environment. From these articles we are able to see that the area of impact that will be addressed in this portfolio will be Science and the Environment.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Portfolio Topic Check
Porfolio Topic Check
1. Does the topic relate to ITGS? Explain how!
Yes, this topic does relate to ITGS because videogame consoles are comsuming far too much electricity a year and we need to find out a way to cut down on the amount.
2. Is the area of impact one that has not been addressed in a previous portfolio piece? Which area of impact have you already done? Which area of impact does this piece fit?
Yes because this portfolio piece will focus on Science and the environment. I have already done the Health, Business and Employment, and Politics and Government portfolio piece.
3. Was the news item published no more than six months before you started the course (you started September 2008)? What is the publication date of the article?
Yes, this news article was published on December 21, 2009.
4. Does the article raise one or more social or ethical issues related to an IT system? State clearly the social or ethical issue.
Yes, this article does raise on or more social or ethical issues related to an IT system. One ethical issue is the argument whether videogames/video game consoles should be stopped and the social is that it is killing our electical output in the world.
5. Is the problem clear? Explain the problem.
Yes, the problem is very clear. How do we limit the amount of enery video game consoles use?
Video games use too much energy annd we need a way to fix it asap or else the world's electrical output will suffer drastically.
6. Can you think of two viable solutions? Briefly state the possible solutions.
Yes, I can think of two viable solutions.
1. Choose a console that uses less energy [PDF]. The Nintendo Wii is the power miser of the group tested, Xbox 360 is in the middle, and Sony PS3 uses the most energy if left on all the time. (See No. 3.)
2. Don't watch movies on your game console. According to Noah Horowitz of NRDC, "movie playback on the PS3 uses four to five times as much power as that of a stand-alone BluRay player."
7. Do you have access to a range of resources on this topic? Name three possible resources to research this topic.
Yes, I do have access to a range of resources on this topic. I have the Christian Science Monitor, BBC, and Wikipedia.
1. Does the topic relate to ITGS? Explain how!
Yes, this topic does relate to ITGS because videogame consoles are comsuming far too much electricity a year and we need to find out a way to cut down on the amount.
2. Is the area of impact one that has not been addressed in a previous portfolio piece? Which area of impact have you already done? Which area of impact does this piece fit?
Yes because this portfolio piece will focus on Science and the environment. I have already done the Health, Business and Employment, and Politics and Government portfolio piece.
3. Was the news item published no more than six months before you started the course (you started September 2008)? What is the publication date of the article?
Yes, this news article was published on December 21, 2009.
4. Does the article raise one or more social or ethical issues related to an IT system? State clearly the social or ethical issue.
Yes, this article does raise on or more social or ethical issues related to an IT system. One ethical issue is the argument whether videogames/video game consoles should be stopped and the social is that it is killing our electical output in the world.
5. Is the problem clear? Explain the problem.
Yes, the problem is very clear. How do we limit the amount of enery video game consoles use?
Video games use too much energy annd we need a way to fix it asap or else the world's electrical output will suffer drastically.
6. Can you think of two viable solutions? Briefly state the possible solutions.
Yes, I can think of two viable solutions.
1. Choose a console that uses less energy [PDF]. The Nintendo Wii is the power miser of the group tested, Xbox 360 is in the middle, and Sony PS3 uses the most energy if left on all the time. (See No. 3.)
2. Don't watch movies on your game console. According to Noah Horowitz of NRDC, "movie playback on the PS3 uses four to five times as much power as that of a stand-alone BluRay player."
7. Do you have access to a range of resources on this topic? Name three possible resources to research this topic.
Yes, I do have access to a range of resources on this topic. I have the Christian Science Monitor, BBC, and Wikipedia.
Part E
Sources Used
Johnston, J. Stuart. 11/13/2009. "Microsoft Wants to Sell Windows Themes as Ads". < http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3848486/Microsoft+Wants+to+Sell+Windows+Themes+as+Ads.htm > (01/14/2010)
Keizer, Gregg. 11/13/2009. "Microsoft sells Windows 7 desktop to advertisers". < http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.computerworld.com/common/images/site/features/2009/112009/awindows7ads_420.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140810/Microsoft_sells_Windows_7_desktop_to_advertisers&usg=__52oIw8a-tTBdXRqLFCoHDqTB1yI=&h=251&w=420&sz=37&hl=en&start=10&sig2=zfMX8k3BBIcySD9Ua7AJIg&itbs=1&tbnid=dIiavvMM5K_4lM:&tbnh=75&tbnw=125&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwindows%2B7%2Bad%2Bthemes%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den&ei=ZwFZS7j_EYmHlAet7aH8Aw > (01/14/2010)
-- Used for Diagram 1 as well
Hachman, Mark. 11/13/2009. "Windows 7 Themes Allow You to Put Ads on Your Desktop" < http://www.appscout.com/2009/11/windows_7_themes_allow_you_to.php >(01/15/2010)
News Item Extract
"Microsoft is enabling global marketers to utilize the desktop or Internet browsing experience exclusively for their brand, with Windows Theme Experience and Windows Personalization Gallery," according to a company statement. "Microsoft is enabling global marketers to utilize the desktop or Internet browsing experience exclusively for their brand, with Windows Theme Experience and Windows Personalization Gallery," according to a company statement.
Johnston, J. Stuart. 11/13/2009. "Microsoft Wants to Sell Windows Themes as Ads". < http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3848486/Microsoft+Wants+to+Sell+Windows+Themes+as+Ads.htm > (01/14/2010)
Keizer, Gregg. 11/13/2009. "Microsoft sells Windows 7 desktop to advertisers". < http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.computerworld.com/common/images/site/features/2009/112009/awindows7ads_420.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140810/Microsoft_sells_Windows_7_desktop_to_advertisers&usg=__52oIw8a-tTBdXRqLFCoHDqTB1yI=&h=251&w=420&sz=37&hl=en&start=10&sig2=zfMX8k3BBIcySD9Ua7AJIg&itbs=1&tbnid=dIiavvMM5K_4lM:&tbnh=75&tbnw=125&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwindows%2B7%2Bad%2Bthemes%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den&ei=ZwFZS7j_EYmHlAet7aH8Aw > (01/14/2010)
-- Used for Diagram 1 as well
Hachman, Mark. 11/13/2009. "Windows 7 Themes Allow You to Put Ads on Your Desktop" < http://www.appscout.com/2009/11/windows_7_themes_allow_you_to.php >(01/15/2010)
News Item Extract
"Microsoft is enabling global marketers to utilize the desktop or Internet browsing experience exclusively for their brand, with Windows Theme Experience and Windows Personalization Gallery," according to a company statement. "Microsoft is enabling global marketers to utilize the desktop or Internet browsing experience exclusively for their brand, with Windows Theme Experience and Windows Personalization Gallery," according to a company statement.
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