The best, easiest, and most effective way to decrease the amount of greenhouse gas your computer produces over its lifetime is to utilize built in power-save functions. It'll lower your electricity bills, extend the life of your computer, and decrease CO2 emission by as much as 10%.
It's a wonder, then, that hardly anyone does that. The truth is, it's a pain the butt. It's hard to figure out what exactly needs to be done, and even harder to recognize when the changes you've made actually make a difference.
Which is why CO2Saver is so awesome. Just download (it's smaller than EcoGeek's homepage) and install on your Windows machine (sorry Mac and Linux users) and it immediately decreases your computers carbon footprint considerably. Plus, it analyzes your computer to determine exactly how much carbon you've saved and keeps you updated on your levels of progress. The program is tiny, extremely efficient, and doesn't make any drastic or horribly annoying changes. Best, when it's off, all your settings return to normal. No spyware, no adware, just a more efficient machine.
We've also profiled LocalCooling at EcoGeek, which serves the same carbon-reducing purpose. LocalCooling, however, is much bigger, much more processor intensive, and, frankly, its constant, forced hibernation can be really annoying. But, as the CEO of Snap, Tom McGovern reminded me "if someone reduces their carbon footprint by using either their app or ours that is a good thing!"
CO2Saver is produced by Snap, a very cool search engine that shows previews of sites before you click to visit. That, in itself, is a power-saver, as it saves me tons of time when searching. But remarkably Snap has chosen to bow to Google's market share. The built-in search box in CO2Saver defaults to Google.
OK, last awesome thing about CO2Saver? I emailed the CEO of Snap and said it'd be cool if it had browser integration. He agreed, and they'd add that in the next version. So, I kinda got to contribute to the product!
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written by davidconnell, April 27, 2007
Any word from the CEO on when this will be available? My guess, the day after never...
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written by Darryl Hoss, June 26, 2007
Dear Mr. Green,
Did you not read the terms of use for the program you are touting (CO2Saver from Snap)? It specifically states that information may be collected from your computer during installation (and at other times) and sent to Snap or third parties. Or are you jusr misleading readers?
Did you not read the terms of use for the program you are touting (CO2Saver from Snap)? It specifically states that information may be collected from your computer during installation (and at other times) and sent to Snap or third parties. Or are you jusr misleading readers?
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written by Rick Cline, June 27, 2007
To Darryl,
The license agreement does make mention of those points. However, it all is legit and meant in no way to affect the performance of your computer in a negative way. For instance, the software, in storing and sending information, is part of one of the program's main functions where it tells the total amount of CO2 saved. To calculate such an average, the carbon saving information from your computer must be sent out to servers. Third party servers are those servers for companies which only run servers, and does not necessarily indicate a company looking for demographic information, etc.
The software sending information out about the software's installation, again, deals with Snap recognizing your computer as able to feed the carbon data to the collective total, which is shown with the program.
I can understand where you may be concerned about such software, and you should be commended for taking the time to read such terms of use to begin with. However, for the purposes of this particular piece of software, what information is stated holds up to the purposes of the software itself, so I do not see reason for alarm.
The license agreement does make mention of those points. However, it all is legit and meant in no way to affect the performance of your computer in a negative way. For instance, the software, in storing and sending information, is part of one of the program's main functions where it tells the total amount of CO2 saved. To calculate such an average, the carbon saving information from your computer must be sent out to servers. Third party servers are those servers for companies which only run servers, and does not necessarily indicate a company looking for demographic information, etc.
The software sending information out about the software's installation, again, deals with Snap recognizing your computer as able to feed the carbon data to the collective total, which is shown with the program.
I can understand where you may be concerned about such software, and you should be commended for taking the time to read such terms of use to begin with. However, for the purposes of this particular piece of software, what information is stated holds up to the purposes of the software itself, so I do not see reason for alarm.
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written by Laughing, June 27, 2007
Amazing, the person writes and I quote : "The license agreement does make mention of those points. However, it all is legit and meant in no way to affect the performance of your computer in a negative way. For instance, the software, in storing and sending information, is part of one of the program's main functions where it tells the total amount of CO2 saved. To calculate such an average, the carbon saving information from your computer must be sent out to servers. Third party servers are those servers for companies which only run servers, and does not necessarily indicate a company looking for demographic information, etc."
The other side of the truth is though is not wise to ever believe that just because someone and or even a complete company will SAY that this program does not collect and send out any private information from your PC to others including 3rd party's that you just believe it. My advice to ANYONE who chooses to use this program is have it tested and or give it time to be bested and proven with FACT by multiple other professional sources that are highly qualified to test programs to assure your privacy and security will not be violated BEFORE you install this program. Better to be SAFE than sorry. There is nothing wrong with people being sure and having this program checked to see with fact that the company who made this product does ONLY what they say it suppose to do and nothing more. Besides you can change your own computer setting to save power just with Microsoft windows, you don't have to have this program do it for you that's a fact.
The other side of the truth is though is not wise to ever believe that just because someone and or even a complete company will SAY that this program does not collect and send out any private information from your PC to others including 3rd party's that you just believe it. My advice to ANYONE who chooses to use this program is have it tested and or give it time to be bested and proven with FACT by multiple other professional sources that are highly qualified to test programs to assure your privacy and security will not be violated BEFORE you install this program. Better to be SAFE than sorry. There is nothing wrong with people being sure and having this program checked to see with fact that the company who made this product does ONLY what they say it suppose to do and nothing more. Besides you can change your own computer setting to save power just with Microsoft windows, you don't have to have this program do it for you that's a fact.
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written by Ryan from Alabama, June 27, 2007
If people are so concerned about private info being copied or even stolen from their computer, then maybe those people shouldn't keep such private info on their computer (duh)! Take me for example, I use my desktop computer for internet and I keep my private info and financial info on my laptop. I never connect to the internet with my laptop. As far as CO2 saver, it is incredible. I love it.
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written by Michele, June 27, 2007
It only will work with XP and Vista. Guess those of us running 2000 just have to do without. ;(
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written by JOhn O., June 29, 2007
1. "If people are so concerned about private info being copied or even stolen from their computer, then maybe those people shouldn't keep such private info on their computer (duh)!" - That's one of the most retarded things I have ever heard. 95% of PC users out that have some sort of information they would consider private so saying "duh" really describes your computer literacy. Also, if you are running one pc with no private informaiton and CO2saver and a laptop with private info and no CO2saver you're not really reducing you carbon footprint are you? (duh)
2. The article that lead me to this link also clearly states that since most PC's left on at night are pulling from excess energy already being delivered then claims that CO2 is being saved are far fetched. Lets not ruin this "green" era of our society by "claiming" that something does more than it really does.
3. Problem solved: State this in the license agreement:
"For instance, the software, in storing and sending information, is part of one of the program's main functions where it tells the total amount of CO2 saved. To calculate such an average, the carbon saving information from your computer must be sent out to servers. Third party servers are those servers for companies which only run servers, and does not necessarily indicate a company looking for demographic information, etc.
The software sending information out about the software's installation, again, deals with Snap recognizing your computer as able to feed the carbon data to the collective total, which is shown with the program. "
I agree with "Laughing", while I want to me as eco-friendly as possible, I wouldn't install this software until something like the above statement is incorporated into the license agreement. It should also use the words "ONLY" when describing the above informaiton being sent.
4. I'm all for reducing my carbon footprint and if the fact that this software really reduces my carbon emissions or not wouldn't detract me from using it, I would just like to save a tiny bit of $$$ each month (even if it's a buck). So in conclusion, fix the issues above and I'll be the first to jump on board and baring any problems with the software recommend it to others!
John O.
2. The article that lead me to this link also clearly states that since most PC's left on at night are pulling from excess energy already being delivered then claims that CO2 is being saved are far fetched. Lets not ruin this "green" era of our society by "claiming" that something does more than it really does.
3. Problem solved: State this in the license agreement:
"For instance, the software, in storing and sending information, is part of one of the program's main functions where it tells the total amount of CO2 saved. To calculate such an average, the carbon saving information from your computer must be sent out to servers. Third party servers are those servers for companies which only run servers, and does not necessarily indicate a company looking for demographic information, etc.
The software sending information out about the software's installation, again, deals with Snap recognizing your computer as able to feed the carbon data to the collective total, which is shown with the program. "
I agree with "Laughing", while I want to me as eco-friendly as possible, I wouldn't install this software until something like the above statement is incorporated into the license agreement. It should also use the words "ONLY" when describing the above informaiton being sent.
4. I'm all for reducing my carbon footprint and if the fact that this software really reduces my carbon emissions or not wouldn't detract me from using it, I would just like to save a tiny bit of $$$ each month (even if it's a buck). So in conclusion, fix the issues above and I'll be the first to jump on board and baring any problems with the software recommend it to others!
John O.
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written by Edward Nigma, June 29, 2007
I say let it run, just like this website.
I'm all for CO2, it is in fact the essence of all life on Earth.
I would also NEVER use any software that collects information about me, my internet usage, and where I travel on the web. If you believe they are only using it to collect information about their own software, you deserve what you get.
I wonder if Al Gore created this software like he did the internet. Must have had plenty of time doing it, traveling daily on fuel gluttoned airplanes. LOL
I'm all for CO2, it is in fact the essence of all life on Earth.
I would also NEVER use any software that collects information about me, my internet usage, and where I travel on the web. If you believe they are only using it to collect information about their own software, you deserve what you get.
I wonder if Al Gore created this software like he did the internet. Must have had plenty of time doing it, traveling daily on fuel gluttoned airplanes. LOL
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written by dick in your face, June 29, 2007
fuck u all, shut the fuck up and zip all ur smart traps, the fucking none sense software ain't save ur bitch ass or this fucking planet, so just live normal way, and give the net a break, bitches.
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written by Red Oscar, June 29, 2007
The lack of a Linux version pretty much makes it useless for me. I gave up on Windows years ago. And to be truly useful, it should be open source without question.
Red
Red
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written by Holly D., June 29, 2007
I am all for it, saving CO2 and energy, but what I am not all about is those toolbars, everytime u download something, up pops another toolbar. So I guess that I will have learn how to hibernate my computer.
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written by temptones, June 29, 2007
Power Options under Control panel will control all of these problems, will it not?
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written by Templar, June 29, 2007
Folks, try to not be so fucking stupid, would ya? Without throwing a lot of numbers your way in order to sound more impressive than I really am, the impact of this program being installed and running on even 25% of the computers used all over the world would have a minimal impact on greenhouse gasses at best. This is yet another bullshit tactic used by these moronic environmentalists who don't give one-tenth of one shit about the planet. Environmentalists don't care about the planet's survival. They care about THEIR survival. They want to make sure that at some point in the future, they won't be personally inconvenienced, even if it means inconveniencing others right now. Anyone who believes otherwise is practicing exemplary self-delusion.
Environmentalism is all about self-preservation, which is an acceptable concept, but not when it's shrouded in this bogus nobility.
Instead of wasting space on your computer with another information-hijacking app that is completely useless, move your lazy asses and shut down your damn computers at night.
Environmentalism is all about self-preservation, which is an acceptable concept, but not when it's shrouded in this bogus nobility.
Instead of wasting space on your computer with another information-hijacking app that is completely useless, move your lazy asses and shut down your damn computers at night.
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written by Matt, June 29, 2007
Funny, I thought just Carbon was... Everything needs to be broken back down in the cycle of life anyway. It's not like the earth can't handle the human population, trust me, the Earth has been doing it's thing much longer than we have. She knows when to give herself an enema, and she will. My advice to all the eco-nuts around the world is to start saying what you really are, "human-nuts." Make it more personable to the population of the world, instead of saying "save the earth," say "SAVE THE HUMANS." Noone on the planet really cares about the earth, they care about themselves, when it comes down to it, that includes you. Name one non-selfish thing you can think of about saving the earth, trust me, you can't. Even if you think you can, it all can be brought back to "about you."
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written by Kenn, June 29, 2007
This has to be one of the most outrageous threads I have followed in a long time. You guys are acting like children. Profanity - pointless. Slamming a product because you don't like the legal-speak in the EULA. Slamming a product because the developer wants to maintain ownership of his work. - All senseless!
Nonsense children. The options are simple. If you feel uncomfortable with the product - DO NOT USE IT!!! If you feel you can trust that the spirit of the EULA is written with the best of intentions and wish to use it - DO SO!
Beyond that; any other comments that berate or otherwise disparage the company or is product seems unwarranted, senseless and carries no real value to anyone who is looking for feedback or users' experiences.
I am sure someone will say something malicious about my comment that's to be expected in an environment where you can act recklessly and anonymously without fear of reprisal. But in the end, you're probably not the kind of person who has any real sense of social responsibility anyway and wouldn't the use product if it were free, open-source and did report is findindgs to ts servers.
Software development is a BUSINESS!!! A free product has to be paid for somehow. SO if collecting CO2 savings data can be used to make a buck and I get a worthwhile product in the process, then I am all for it.
Even open-source developers generally have day-jobs writing code for income. They have to eat after-all. Yes, I am programmer; yes, I have contributed to open-source products; but my day-job coding affords me that luxury.
In closing, yes, I do use the product. No, I do not feel the data collected can be used in the future to dump me and my personal data into yet another database to be abused by ne'er-do-wells.
Have a fine Navy day.
Kenn S.
Nonsense children. The options are simple. If you feel uncomfortable with the product - DO NOT USE IT!!! If you feel you can trust that the spirit of the EULA is written with the best of intentions and wish to use it - DO SO!
Beyond that; any other comments that berate or otherwise disparage the company or is product seems unwarranted, senseless and carries no real value to anyone who is looking for feedback or users' experiences.
I am sure someone will say something malicious about my comment that's to be expected in an environment where you can act recklessly and anonymously without fear of reprisal. But in the end, you're probably not the kind of person who has any real sense of social responsibility anyway and wouldn't the use product if it were free, open-source and did report is findindgs to ts servers.
Software development is a BUSINESS!!! A free product has to be paid for somehow. SO if collecting CO2 savings data can be used to make a buck and I get a worthwhile product in the process, then I am all for it.
Even open-source developers generally have day-jobs writing code for income. They have to eat after-all. Yes, I am programmer; yes, I have contributed to open-source products; but my day-job coding affords me that luxury.
In closing, yes, I do use the product. No, I do not feel the data collected can be used in the future to dump me and my personal data into yet another database to be abused by ne'er-do-wells.
Have a fine Navy day.
Kenn S.
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written by Matt, June 29, 2007
I thought I was done, but I just realized... This think doesn't really say what exactly it does, and if anyone really cared about the environment... They'd just shut their machine off when they were done with it. On top of that, where did you get your numbers? I've worked in large corps, I know lots of people that work in large buildings... Yet, all of them have sysadmins, tech teams, and BACKUPS at night... Which means, most of the time, everything is shut off except the servers at night anyway, there is no point for this. Kind of a good idea to snag some extra money from wannabe-environmentalists though.
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