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The Socket Connection

April 2011

How to Go Green With Your Computer
Protect the planet--and your wallet--with a few simple tips.

Earth Day is right around the corner, and many Missourians are looking for ways to lessen their negative impact on the environment. While everyone knows how important it is to reduce, reuse and recycle, many are afraid of what it may cost them to "go green."

Consumers and businesses can actually save from going green--and without spending a dime. "Green" practices are often free-of-cost and have high and promising returns on investment.

Reduce electricity consumption.

Reducing consumption and energy usage is key to saving money and the planet. Often, it's as easy as simply evaluating technology use.

When you aren't using appliances and electronics, turn them off and unplug them. Leaving your computer and other electronics on or even just plugged in actually uses energy and racks up your electricity bill.

In an effort to reduce, it's also recommended to replace old computer monitors with LCD monitors--which use one-third as much energy--and replace screen savers with the "turn off monitor" feature, since it saves energy and increases the lifespan of a monitor.

Reuse electronics

Reusing items is another good way to conserve resources and save money. For example, reuse old ink cartridges by taking them to a store that specializes in refilling them. Discarded electronics are another significant source of waste. Websites like Gazelle pay consumers for used electronics; if the electronics are not worth any money, the site will pay for shipping costs to properly recycle the items.

Recycle unwanted items

Finally, recycle items that cannot be reduced or reused--many recycling centers and websites offer small monetary incentives for bringing in recyclables. Some recycling centers are willing to pay per pound for aluminum. Recycling is a great way to save the planet by reforming and reusing natural and non-renewable resources.

The common misconception of "going green" is that it costs a lot of green. But by merely adapting lifestyles to the rules of the three Rs--reduce, reuse and recycle--consumers can save big bucks while protecting the planet for years to come.

 

Business Readers:

Click here for Access, a business telecommunications update from Socket.
 
 


In This Issue:
Dear Techie: How can I protect my computer from spring storms?
Avoid data loss or costly damages to equipment.

Socket at Spring Events
Find Socket at these local events.

Socketeer Spotlight: Corey Wyatt
Meet Socket's You-Make-the-Difference-Award winner for March.

Sites of the Month
Three websites to check out in April.

Contact Information, Comments and Suggestions
Let us know how we're doing!


(c) 2011 Socket. All rights reserved.

Dear Techie: How can I protect my computer from spring storms?

As the spring season gets underway, storms present the very real possibility of severe damage to computers and the loss of valuable data stored on them. Take some basic precautions to ensure your equipment and data are safe.

Invest in proper equipment. Every computer needs adequate protection against minor spikes in electricity, such as those that occur with rain or wind. A surge protector can help shield a computer from these normal power fluctuations. Be sure you are not purchasing a power strip, which simply provides extra outlets. Remember that a surge protector has limitations and cannot always protect against major power fluctuations, such as those that occur with lightning and strong storms.

Your phone line is just as vulnerable to storms as an electric cord. Because a phone line runs directly to your modem, damage to your equipment can occur through the phone line as well. Some surge protectors feature special phone hookups for added protection.

Take precautions before a storm. Unplug your computer and phone line if a storm is forecasted. Be sure your computer is turned off before disconnecting the power supply. After the computer is off, unplug your other computer equipment (printer, scanner, high-speed modem, etc.) from the electrical outlet. It is not necessary to disconnect this equipment from the computer.

Minimize damage during and after the storm. If you were unable to unplug your computer equipment before a power outage, do so before the power comes back on. This will prevent damage that might occur with inconsistent power flow when electricity is restored. When the storm has ended, turn the computer on. Do not reconnect and turn on your peripheral equipment until the computer is on. This will prevent damage due to power spikes that may occur when the computer is turned on.

Although storms can cause major problems to your computer equipment, taking the above precautions will greatly minimize your risk, so you can enjoy the spring showers (and flowers) without worry!

Daryl Trebus, Technical Support
support@socket.net

Have a question for Dear Techie? Send it to editor@socket.net.

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Socket at Spring Events

Socket continues to travel to local home and garden shows and other Missouri events.

Last month, we visited with residents at the Columbia Home & Lifestyle Expo, the Sedalia Home & Lifestyle Expo and the Kirksville Spring Expo.

Here's where you can find us throughout April:

Clean-Up Columbia: April 9, Columbia
Earth Day Celebration: April 17, Peace Park, Columbia

Hope to see you there!

To learn more about Socket's community involvement and to view more pictures of Socketeers in action, visit www.socket.net/community.

Socketeer Tia gives information to a local resident at the Mid-Missouri Home & Lifestyle Expo in Columbia.

Socketeer Kaelyn and a visitor at the Kirksville Spring Expo.

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Socketeer Spotlight: Corey Wyatt, Business Center Analyst

Corey Wyatt was chosen as Socket's You-Make-the-Difference-Award winner for March. Corey joined the Socket team in November 2006 as a technical support representative. He now serves as a business center analyst and will soon be transitioning to a provisioner role, where he will build customers' data and phone services on Socket's switches.

"Corey is one of the hardest working and knowledgeable individuals at Socket," said a co-worker who nominated Corey for the award. "I admire his ability to handle so many tasks and still find time to help answer questions from the surrounding techs. He has taught me a lot."

Outside of work, Corey likes to read, play video games and listen to electronic music.

When asked what he thought of winning Socket's You-Make-the-Difference award, Corey said, "It's great to be recognized for the little things I do to keep things running smoothly."

Socket's You-Make-the-Difference Award is given monthly to the employee who best exemplifies Socket's Core Values and Beliefs. Recipients of the award are nominated and voted on by their peers. To view other winners, visit www.socket.net/ymtd.

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Sites of the Month

Three great Web sites to check out in April:

  • Energy Savers (www.energysavers.gov)
    Learn how you can conserve energy costs by doing your own home energy assessment. You'll learn what improvements might save you money and how to hire a professional if necessary.
  • Babble.ly (www.babble.ly)
    Protect the privacy of your phone number online--such as when selling items on Craigslist or eBay. Those who want to contact you click a link and enter their phone number, and Babble.ly will connect the call without phone numbers being exchanged.
  • Cardpool (www.cardpool.com)
    Buy gift cards for less than their value, or sell your unwanted gift cards for cash.

Do you have a great Web site to share with others? Send it to editor@socket.net.

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Contact Information, Comments and Suggestions

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Disclaimer: This publication provides general information about the subject matter covered. Before acting on any information contained in this publication, please consult with one of Socket's technical or customer service representatives at 1-800-SOCKET-3 to determine its applicability to your particular situation.

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