Short Takes: It's Not Easy Not Using 'Green' - Systems Management News On The Web

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AS OF 8/20/2008 9:44AM EST

Short Takes: It's Not Easy Not Using 'Green'
By Systems Management News Team

May 15, 2008 — Trying Not to Go ‘Green’
Much focus in the systems management and data center world nowadays is on going green. Every other product release makes sure to tout the item’s greenness because just using the word “green” makes it sound environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

I have already had to stifle myself multiple times from creating an article headline referencing Kermit the Frog’s famous tune, “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” In the song, Jim Henson’s lovable piece of felt contemplates being red or yellow or gold. I frequently come close to writing a headline or a lede that says, “Company X claims it is, in fact, easy being green,” but thankfully, I’ve been able resist my inner cheese ball.

At Systems Management News, we try not to go Gonzo with headlines.

Jeff Feinman

Recycle and Reinstall
There’s a wealth of uses for old equipment. Yet there’s always someone in the company who thinks it should be held onto and kept safe, like so much extra soap for the bathrooms or light bulbs for the cube farms. Of course, hard drives and flash cards might have sensitive information, so those can’t be bandied about. And RAM is always useful. But cables, CD drives, massive routers; what do you do with those when they’ve stacked up 30 deep in every basement closet?

Check your local listings for computer and electronics recycling agencies. Some groups, especially international non-profits, collect such equipment for use in third-world nations. Old PC’s can also be repurposed for schools with a quick dose of Edubuntu. Perhaps it’s easier just to get out the barbecue and have the team come in for a weekend Linux install-fest. I’m sure you can find a local charity that would enjoy having an entire Internet lab donated. And your marketing department can have a field day with such philanthropy.

Alex Handy

GOTO Love in Silicon Valley
Are Silicon Valley’s techies too busy innovating to find love? Amy Andersen, founder of Linx Dating, thinks so. In 2001, she was dating a Valley geek who had tons of eligible (albeit workaholic) friends who couldn’t seem to find a date. Meanwhile, her equally eligible female friends in San Francisco complained that they couldn’t find a husband. Why not put these two groups together, she thought? And Linx Dating, a dating service that matches an area with an oversupply of eligible women (San Francisco) with an area with too many eligible men (Silicon Valley), was born.

Linx offers a variety of professional networking events and “concierge” services designed to do it all for you, including restaurant reservations, transportation bookings and flower delivery. For its members that need a little duckling to swan action, it also offers image makeovers, personal fitness training and strategic date coaching. The company claims it can take the Silicon Valley engineers from geek to chic. But it will cost you. Expect to pay thousands for matchmaking services.

Michelle Savage

Related Search Term(s): Linux

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