I’ve recently been doing research for an article I’m writing on steps to create a greener data center and I’ve decided to take my own advice. I’m currently running a Windows XP desktop I use primarily for streaming live and recorded TV via Orb (orb.com), Ubuntu 8.04 file server that streams media through my network to my PS3 and Xbox 360, and a Mac Book Pro laptop I use for general computing/development.

In general, I keep all of my computers on 24/7. In doing research for the article, it’s making me realize that the steps corporate data centers are currently taking are the same steps home users should be taking as well.

Cost/Benefit Analysis

One of the the biggest issue’s I’ve identified for my personal situation is the fact that I have three computers on 24/7. I’ve decided to virtualize one of my desktop PC’s to effectively cut my desktop PC electric usage in half (there are other issues such as CPU utilization/various peripherals that may use more power when you try to combine multiple physical PC’s).

The Choice

One of the hardest decisions for me was which computer to virtualize because the hardware profiles of the two machines. The file server has much more hard drive space, while the XP box has a TV tuner card installed. Based on the hardware and other factors (mainly the difficulty installing the TV tuner card’s drivers), I’ve decided to keep the Windows XP machine running and virtualize the Linux file server.

There’s always the option of shutting down the Ubuntu server completely and using the normal XP services to act as a file server, but I’ve always had troubles with non Windows based devices logging in to it when setting one up on a Windows server. Either Xbox Media Center or one of my various Linux distros would never be able to login. Besides, I like the security and the opportunities using Linux provides (soon I may setup a PPTPD, VPN server, on Ubuntu).

Steps to Save the World (and on the Electric Bill)

Of course this is somewhat more than most people would probably go through to change their computing setup. The good news is that there are some really easy steps everyone is able to do to same money and reduce their carbon footprint.

All Windows computers have power options. To edit them on a Windows XP computer, open the Control Panel and then click on “Power Options.”

If you manage your power settings to be reasonable for your needs, you should be able to save on energy there as well. As you can infer from the image, desktop computers by default come on an “Always On” profile (unless changed by an OEM). Laptops generally come on the “Portable/Laptop Profile” which is fine for most users.

The steps are fairly similar on my Mac, I just have to open System Preferences and click on “Energy Saver.”

Happily Ever After

There are definitely more thing’s I’d like to try for my personal energy situation as well. I can tell sometimes that my computer room is warmer than the rest of my residence. I surmise this is from the TV, dual monitors, CPU’s, and gaming system if it’s on. I would love to research cooling solutions to ensure an even temperature that’s more advanced than turning the air down even more, but that’s a post for another day.