Most computers are never used at anything close to their performance limit, and often much cheaper systems will prove ideal to the task.

The role of each computer must be identified, and the system specified for that role.

For example, a typical system will be delivered with a 3.0GHz dual core CPU, 4GB RAM, and a 500GB Hard Disk. If used for clerical purposes, a 1.5GHz CPU and 2GB RAM would suffice, and if documents are on a server, a 160GB Hard Disk. This unused performance potential costs money to buy and uses additional energy, further increasing costs.

If you need a high-end computer, it can still be energy efficient. There are several internationally recognised component certification programs, such as Energy Star, EPEAT and 80PLus. By using components tested to these programs, by selecting the other components for the best energy-efficiency and power management, and by specifying the computer for the application, you can save around 40-50% of the purchase cost and $140 per year on electricity costs - and over the life of the computer, that's around the same as it's purchase price.

EarthCare Technology can assist you by:

• Analysing what your computer needs really are.
• Advising you on the computer specification most appropriate to your needs.
• Sourcing options from conventional computer suppliers that will be able to meet your needs.
• Providing from our standard range of NetSense–Eco computers the one that would best suit your needs - or custom designing a computer just for you.