Being Green

The whole idea of “green” everything is intriguing to me.  Part of my job as a civil engineer is closely related to efficient uses of materials and energy.  We work on LEED projects and I have done site work for ethanol and solar plants.  I’ve always been interested in the environment and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal.  And the idea of getting the same output for less energy and cost is fascinating to me.  Plus, green is my favorite color.

Growing up, my Dad made sure that I knew I should turn off lights when I left a room and close doors.  There was no need to air condition the neighborhood.  It used to bother me to think about all the light bulbs that were left on across the world every day.  Now I think about how much energy is wasted every day on computers idling.

As computers and technological equipment become the most widely used items of production across the globe, efficiency for those items will become a major issue and possibly a major problem.  There are many reasons to place an emphasis on green computing and many large companies are taking steps to lead in energy conservation as illustrated by Mr. Weber’s presentation.  However, there are still many small companies and individuals that have not placed much importance on energy efficiency.

I see two main reasons for this.  One is that many businesses and homeowners don’t want to spend money now to save money over time.  In many cases, people and companies just don’t have the available cash to spend (to save).  They are barely getting by right now and they don’t have any extra money to spend on increasing their energy efficiency; even if they did know that it would save them money over time (which in many cases they don’t).  And that leads me to the second main problem, people are not aware of how much energy they are wasting and how much money they could save.  Or they are skeptical and don’t believe they are wasting as much as they are.

Prof. Michael Brown taught me that a penny saved is not a penny earned.  A penny saved is actually $1.63 earned because of taxes.  Money saved should always be near the top of the list of priorities for all managers.  I know that a lot of these energy savings are insignificant when considered individually, but I also know that insignificant items add up.  Until we start thinking about what all of us can do to save energy individually, I don’t believe much is going to happen.  And generally it takes large costs or catastrophic events to reach the amount of people that we need to make a difference.  Until then, 75% of the electricity that the U.S consumes could be saved. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficient_energy_use)  I think the U.S department of energy should do more to teach everyone about energy conservation.  Until then, even if they don’t care about the environment, energy conservation should be on every responsible manager’s mind.

Open Source Software

Two weeks ago I heard about Open Source Software (OSS) for the very first time.  And it blew my mind.  I still don’t fully understand the business model, but I appreciate the fact that OSS exists.  I like the idea that there are people out there that are willing to devote their time to something useful to the common man.  But I’m still perplexed that I haven’t heard of more companies  that either use open source software.  While a study performed in 2008 reported that open source software is currently used as a replacement to $60 billion of traditional software that’s still only a small fraction of the sales generated from traditional software (http://standishgroup.com/newsroom/open_source.php).  I suppose that makes sense if you think about it though.  People get used to certain items and they get comfortable with them if that’s what they’ve been introduced to.  I’m sure there are lots of people who have a real interest in computing technology and stay current with all the trends, but I think that most people just use what’s familiar for them unless they are taught to use something new.  Plus, I would be surprised if there aren’t measures taken by software companies to perpetuate fear about OSS so that people continue to pay for their products.  Popular acceptance of OSS would be extremely bad for their profit margins.

My question is how could OSS best be introduced to the common person and make it mainstream?  These days many people have computers.  Worldwide, there are currently more than 1 billion personal computers in use.  (http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=703807)  I think it’s a fair assumption that most people run software at home that they use at work.  And many people over age 40 learned software after school because computers were not ad readily available to them.  So the easiest way to introduce open source software to those people is for companies to decide to start using it at work.  Training for and implementation could be done for open source software just like any new technology introduction into the workplace. 

However, it will be difficult to introduce OSS to companies and convince them to change their operations.  It’s natural for people to become accustomed to what they are used to using and resist chance.  Also, it’s natural to be skeptical about OSS once you learn what it is. It seems to good to be true.   So to really integrate OSS into our society, we would now need to introduce it in grade schools and high schools. What better place to teach people about OSS that to start it where people are forced to go to learn anyway?  where they first encounter computers and learn how to use them.  It will take some time, but it will save money for almost everyone.  The incentive is there for schools.  They already have computer classes; why not teach them using free software?  And it seems intuitive that it would lower taxes because schools would save more money.  Eventually it would save even more money for individuals because the children would begin to teach their parents about OSS and they would replace their traditional software with OSS in their homes.  All of this while continually forcing software companies to stay ahead of the curve to stay in business.  The only people I see it hurting are executives at software companies, and from most of what I’ve seen, they wouldn’t be hurting so bad if they made a few less million per year. 

 So that’s my idea.  Of course, someone will need to introduce OSS to schools with so many people unfamiliar with the concept….  Seems like a pretty good business opportunity.   Unethical to make a profit off of teaching people about a free product you say?  Fine, make it a non-profit organization.  They still pay salaries.  And it seems like there would be plenty of OSS developers (who are already philanthropic) and college graduates who probably need work considering current unemployment figures.  And with such a savings potential, what institution that truly dedicated itself to teaching would pass on the opportunity?

UMSL’s Switch to Windows Live

Recently UMSL made a switch in e-mail services from MyGateway to Windows Live.  The main reason for this change seems to be the same as the principle added benefit to the students – additional space (50 MB vs. the original 10 GB provided by My Gateway).  Windows Live also provides the following services; Windows Live SkyDrive, Windows Live Groups, Windows Live Messenger Windows Live Toolbar, Windows Live Photo, Microsoft Office Live Workspace, and Windows Live Spaces.  There may even be added benefits for UMSL to have students and faculty use Windows Live over MyGateway such as having more room on their own server and less problems by having less run through MyGateway.  Either way, there seems to be many advantages to making the switch, but not much has been said about the disadvantages of switching to Windows Live as a student.  While the negatives may seem few and insignificant, I felt they should still be addressed.

In my opinion over the past two months of using Windows Live in place of MyGateway, I have noticed the following issues:

1.  You still need MyGateway

Windows Live doesn’t replace MyGateway.  Students and faculty still need My Gateway to find information about their classes (syllabi, schedules, announcements, assignments, grades, and more).  So Windows Live is just another website that students have to routinely check for information.  In that way it’s an inconvenience because it was nice when MyGateway could be used for everything.

2.  Passwords for MyGateway need to be changed

Passwords for MyGateway need to be updated, I believe, every semester.  Windows Live passwords do not.  So it’s more difficult to keeping passwords straight just by the virtue of adding another one to keep track of.  Otherwise you need to change your Windows Live password every time you change your MyGateway password (probably not much trouble, but more than there was before).

3.  Change require adjustment

Getting used to a new e-mail format takes a little time.  And while it’s natural to be resistant to change, the funny thing is it might only be perception.  Example: When I switched jobs in 2006, I had to go from using Microsoft Office to Lotus.  I didn’t like Lotus for a while because I felt it offered less and didn’t like how it worked compared to Office.  So I complained for a while how Office was way better.  But eventually I got used to Lotus and forgot what I even liked about Office.  But last year when my company finally switched to Office I didn’t like it at first.  It wasn’t the way I remembered, and I didn’t see any advantages; only a new system to get used to, even though I was looking forward to going back to Office.  It wasn’t until recently when I forgot what Lotus was like that I got used to Office again.  So this point would maybe be moot in another month or so if we weren’t constantly reminding ourselves what MyGateway was like (see #1).

4.  Multiple Windows Live accounts

I’ve had a Hotmail account since 1998.  It was my first e-mail account.  I rarely use it anymore aside from using it as an alternate anytime I need to give out an e-mail address for something that isn’t that important.  But I do check it once every week or so to make sure there’s nothing important in my inbox.  I can’t remember when Microsoft acquired Hotmail, but since I had to switch to Windows for UMSL I have trouble going back and forth from one account to the other.  There’s a good chance that I just don’t know the best way to do it, but nevertheless; it exists now as a minor inconvenience (although not so big to force me to research how to avoid it).

To sum up, although it may not seem like it, I’m fine with the change.  That is to say, I’m not going to protest the University to go back to offering MyGateway for e-mail.  To be honest, I was never crazy about MyGateway either.  It seemed very basic and didn’t seem to be extremely user friendly.  But at the same time, I’m not saying that I didn’t get used to it.  I’m also not saying that I won’t get used to Windows Live. 

I don’t mean to sound like I’m complaining about the switch, I’m just saying that thus far I’ve seen more inconveniences that advantages.  And I don’t fault the University either.  It seems like they made a concerted effort to provide more space and services for the students.  It seems obvious that any student would more than welcome the switch.  I actually I have little doubt that if I had any significant use for any of the new services provided by Windows Live, I would feel differently.  But so far it’s just been a minor pain.  Perhaps it’s just me.  I’ve never really liked change.  And reviews like these generally make it seem like Windows Live is really pretty good; http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winlive_hotmail.asp , http://www.laptopmag.com/review/software/windows-live.aspx,   http://mailcall.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!CC9301187A51FE33!37302.entry?sa=752874371, but for now, from my perspective, it’s all relative.

Comapny Website Re-design

During this stage of economic recovery it seems that my company is doing everything it can to increase business.  2009 was a difficult year for many companies, and my company was one of them.  Furthermore, the forecast for 2010 doesn’t look much better.  So as an engineering company that has thrived on large capital improvement projects for power and process companies we are now looking to get whatever is out there (which appears to be mostly smaller maintenance jobs).

One thing that my company is doing is re-designing their webpage.  To be honest, I can’t remember what our old page even looked like.  As an employee, I only have use for the intranet page (which has everything I need and works properly).  But to improve brand effectiveness and overall client impressions, the company website is one of the first things they see.  I know that when I’m looking for companies to work with, their website is one of the first things I look for and the clarity and design of the site has a significant effect on my impression of those companies.  I assume I’m not alone in the way I judge these companies from talking to co-workers.

The most important items for an engineering website to include are what the company does, where they are, who they have on staff, what they’ve done in the past, and how to contact them.  All of these items are important to clearly understand so that a prospective client can see if the company can design their project and meet their standards of quality.  Pictures of past projects go a long way in helping to describe the scope of past projects.

In my estimation, looking at the website today, I believe it could use some work.  (http://www.bisfei.com/)  It looks a little too basic to me, and some of the tabs don’t have any links below them.  Unfortunately I don’t know if that is our old website or our new one.  Hopefully it is our old one, and I suspect it is, since I have heard about the directive to improve it, but have not heard anything about that work being completed.  Of course, I feel the same about some competing firms of similar size as well.  Horner and Shifrin’s website, for example, seems a little plain as well.  (http://www.hornershifrin.com/AboutUs/.)  After a little research, it appears that many engineering companies in the area choose function over aesthetics (which fits well with their M.O.).  A little bit of work on fonts and images would probably go a long way.

I don’t know how much it costs to re-design a webpage, and I know that our IT department is very small by now (and probably their budget as well).  But I think there is definitely room for improvement, and if I were the CEO, I would push for re-design as well.  I know that in past searches I’ve seen well designed and effective sites (such as CH2MHill –  http://www.ch2m.com/corporate/default_north_america.asp).  But at the same time, even CE News’ Best Firm to Work For in 2009 (Traffic Planning and Design) seemed pretty basic and dull.  http://www.trafficpd.com/

What I guess I’m saying is that there appears to be room for improvement across the board for engineering company websites.  I understand there being less focus on websites because no sales would occur on the webpage (unlike product based companies),but at the very least enough attention should be paid to a website that it looks professional and capable because some sales could still originate (even subconsciously) at that level.  And any advantage that an engineering company can do in today’s environment to set itself apart from others should be explored.  I hope that my company’s website improves.

My company’s use of technology is pretty good for as much as I understand. I know that I personally don’t receive computer programs unless I need them and the same goes for upgrades in speed and capacity.

One thing that my company has done since I started working there 3 years ago was install a website blocker on the network. I believe this was done for two reasons. 1, It limits the sites that each employee has access to ensure that they’re not viewing or reading inappropriate content and 2, It should cut down on the total time that is spent surfing by employees.

I’m in favor of the web-site blocker for all companies. I can see the value for managers and employees. Managers want to make sure their employees aren’t spending too much time surfing so that they can remain productive (aside from a short break or during lunch), and as an employee it’s difficult to resist the temptation (especially during slow periods). Website blockers help in both of those areas.

Recent studies show that the average employee spends anywhere from 1-3 hours a day on non-work related surfing. And close to 2/3 of all employers are now using some kind of website blocking software. (http://humanresources.about.com/od/technology/a/surfing_web.htm)

HDTV is Awesome

I’m not a big fan of most advances in technology until I have a few years to get used to them or until my assessed need for a particular advancement surpasses my natural proclivity to avoid the added responsibility and trouble of owning it and learning how to use it.  However, there is one item that I felt I had to have as soon as I saw it.

HDTV (High definition Television) in all its forms is simply magnificent.  I like all types of TV from sports to sitcoms to reality and I’ve concluded from 3+ years of watching that there simply is no substitute for HDTV.

My personal satisfaction from watching HDTV versus the old technology is derived mostly from my poor eyesight (or at least that’s the excuse I regularly use).  Should I apologize for my want to be able to clearly see what I’m watching?  I don’t think so.  Is it my fault that I can’t see clearly on regular TV’s?  Certainly not.  So once the technology was available and reasonable priced it was a foregone conclusion what my next big purchase would be.

Before buying my HDTV, I did extensive research on what was the appropriate size and type for my particular needs on review websites such as: http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/plasma-vs-lcd.html and http://reviews.cnet.com/4351-12658_7-6583301.html .  I needed a Plasma or LCD because I had a limited area for placement and DLPs were too deep, but DLPs can be a good option for some.   From my research it seemed like Plasma had the edge in more of the categories that I was concerned with (picture quality, fast moving video, and cost).  In retrospect I cannot say how much I would’ve liked a LCD, but I can say that the Plasma has been great.

Other tips I can pass on from my experience with buying an HDTV are 1, Don’t buy expensive HDMI cables (all accounts that I’ve seen say that $5 ones work just as well as the $50 ones);  2, Beware of free “extras” when buying at an electronics store.  I felt like Best Buy was being dishonest with me;  3, Consider buying from Amazon.com because of no sales tax, free delivery, and 30 day price guarantee;  and finally, 4, Consider buying a 720p instead of the more expensive 1080i if you’re buying a TV smaller than 50” (you won’t be able to tell the difference and they cost quite a bit less).

I highly recommend a HDTV for anyone who enjoys watching TV.  I’m not sure if I should be proud of saying this, but HDTV and DVR have changed my life.  And I’ll tell you how awesome DVR is next week.

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