N5 Computing Science: CS Environmental Impact

With reference to a digital device, what is carbon footprint a measure of?

• The total cost of owning a computer system.

• The environmental impact of the manufacturing, usage, and disposal of a computer system over its lifetime.

• The number of computers produced in a year.

• The amount of energy a computer system uses in one hour.

How much energy can an average desktop computer use?

• Between 10 and 50 watts

• Between 60 and 300 watts

• Over 2000 watts

• Between 500 and 1000 watts

What is a significant environmental impact of computer operation?

• Decrease in global temperatures

• Reduction of water usage

• Increase in paper consumption

• Release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere

What can be done to reduce the carbon footprint of computer operation?

• Increase the use of fossil fuels

• Make use of more energy-efficient components and devices

• Leave devices on standby mode

• Increase the brightness of displays

Why are low power (RISC) processors becoming more common?

• Because users want more battery life

• Because they require more memory

• Because they produce more heat

• Because they are cheaper

What is one practical way to manage the energy that a computer uses?

• Use older operating systems

• Leave the computer on 24/7

• Use laptops as they require less power than desktops

• Increase the use of data centers

How can computer systems have a positive impact on the environment?

• By consuming more energy

• By enabling people to work from home

• By increasing the need to travel

• By using more paper

What is the range of watts that data center servers can typically consume?

• Upwards of a thousand watts

• Between 10 and 50 watts

• Between 60 and 300 watts

• Between 500 and 1000 watts

What does the carbon footprint measure in terms of a computer's impact?

• The total energy consumption in a day

• The total volume of greenhouse gases released during its life cycle

• The number of computers disposed of improperly

• The cost of electricity used by the computer