Systems+Fundamentals

flat = __**Platforms**__ =

__**Computer Hardware in Plain English**__

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What components are insider my computer?

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The problems with different platforms:

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Even more complex when you add Linux: media type="youtube" key="h4iyksLeo7w&hl=en" height="246" width="301"

The problem with the continued advancement of technology: media type="youtube" key="w-N2VNyl-Xg&hl=en" height="251" width="309"

= __The Digital Divide__ =
 * Defintion:** The difference in the access to and use of technology between Developed and Developing Countries.


 * Why the divide?**
 * Technology is expensive when first developed, so only wealthy people can afford it. Socio-Economic discrimination.
 * Technology becoming obsolete / outdated it drops in price. Developing countries can now have access. Gap between the technology being used in Developing countries is significant. Business in developing countries suffers and cannot compete. Education; most students in developed countries have had use of a computer.

= __**E-Waste**__ = One way that developing countries get technology is via e-waste. **E-waste** is electronic components e.g. computer hardware that needs to be disposed of.


 * Advantages of countries receiving E-waste**
 * Access to technology
 * Creation of employment opportunities
 * Recycling of products - precious metals, can be used for other products
 * Payment for receiving it


 * Problems in receiving and using second-hand computers**


 * May cost more to run the computers than what they are actually worth


 * Problem with receiving E-waste - General**
 * Health issues - basic and unsafe recycling, kids work on the waste dumps
 * Environmental issues - contaminated waterways and soil, air pollution, visual pollution
 * Difficult to stop it coming into the country - corrpuption and poor policing
 * Space - where to put it - illegal dumping


 * Solutions to the Problems**
 * Advancements in materials that are used in IT goods - less harmful. Negative side - more expensive and performance issues (power)
 * Investing in recycling in developed countries. Negative side - cost
 * Laws and regulations - Basel Convention. Specific to developed and developing countries. Negative side - hard to police
 * Education and awareness
 * Placing more responsibility on manufacturers - cost to consumer
 * End user cost - reduce carbon emission. Negative - cost and willingness to do so.

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 * How environmentally frinedly is your iPod?**

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 * E-waste in India**

[|A multimedia look at E-waste]
 * An excellent website and video about e-waste**

Advancement of technology at such a rapid pace means that hardware becomes obsolete quickly and a large amount of wastage is produced. The issue is what happens to all of this e-waste? media type="youtube" key="sl2j83LCHss&hl=en" height="344" width="425"

[|UN warning on E-waste mountain] [|Dirty business: E-waste in Nigeria]
 * More articles on E-waste**

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[|About the Basel Action Network]
 * The Basel Convention**

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 * How to recycle your TV or Computer monitor**