Linux PCs Greener than Windows PCs

mkdbiggreenlinuxhr2 Linux PCs Greener than Windows PCs True or False: Switching from a Windows-operated computer to a Linux-operated one could slash computer-generated e-waste levels by 50%.

The answer is: TRUE

A UK government study in late 2004 reported that there were substantial green benefits to running a Linux open source operating system (OS) on computers instead of the ubiquitous Windows OS, owned by Microsoft. The main problem with Windows users was that they had to change their computer twice as many times as Linux users, on average, thereby effectively creating twice as much computer-generated e-waste.

The report, titled, “Office of Government Commerce: Open Source Software Trials in Government - Final Report” reported the following:

“There are also potential Green Agenda benefits, through reducing the energy and resources consumed in manufacturing replacement equipment, and reducing landfill requirements and costs arising from disposal of redundant equipment.

“Industry observers quote a typical hardware refresh period for Microsoft Windows systems as 3-4 years; a major UK manufacturing organisation quotes its hardware refresh period for Linux systems as 6-8 years.”

- EcoGeek (original)

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Comment by Ben Overmyer on December 13, 2007

I’d be careful on this one. The study does not address WHY people change their hardware. As a former computer tech, I can say with some authority that the average computer user has little to no knowledge of internal workings of a computer. Frequently, customers would want to buy new parts or completely replace their computer if they experienced a slowdown, spyware, or other software-related problems.

On the flip side, Linux users tend to be more tech-savvy. They understand that doing routine cleanups will solve these problems just as readily as, and sometimes better than, new parts…and for a much lower cost.

The operating system isn’t why hardware refresh varies between OSes. It’s user knowledge.

Comment by E@zyVG on December 13, 2007

Being frank, I myself didn’t understand this study very well. I really don’t think that the Linux is in any way Greener than Windows or Mac. The major thing is that you can deploy bleeding edge Linux tech on older hardware, thus getting rid of any major upgrades, and thus not polluting environment with hardware that goes to junk yards. After all, 1s and 0s are same, no matter which OS you are using :-p

Comment by owenjh on December 14, 2007

I agree with Ben on this one that non tech savvy people do tend to buy another computer rather than fixing the old one.
I didn’t understand this at first either but I understand it better since I’m currently writing a research article on this topic. When I’m done I’ll let you guys know.