Blog #2 How the PC works

I used Bing this time as my search engine because I had never used it before and I wanted to try it out.

I searched using the terms

• "main components of the computer"
• "how computer parts can harm the environment"
• "computer parts that contain toxins"

The two websites that I found most useful were

• http://www.cleverace.com/main_computer_components.htm
• http://freegeekvancouver.org/en/computer_toxic_waste 

          The first site I used was called "Clever Ace", and it's main purpose was to provide as much information about the modern day PC. On its "about us" page, it states that its main targets are for those who need any basic information about various aspects of computers; from the equipment to the software. They are a helpful site providing any basic information regarding the computer and are fairly reliable since they  updated the website as recently as 2011 (no specific date provided).
          Within the website, I selected the "Main Computer Components". I chose this website because it didn't provide too much information about the parts of the PC, which can get overwhelming at times. Rather, they provided the essential parts such as the central processing unit, memory, hard drive, video and sound cards, computer cases, and power supply units, which are appropriate for this assignment. In addition, they offered pictures for what a typical component of the computer may look like, which would be helpful for our presentation. Within the pictures, they have prices for what each component of the computer may cost.It doesn't offer any description about how each part can be harmful to the environment, but that is what I found in my second website.

          The second website I used was to determine how computer parts might harm the environment. Once I knew the main parts of the computer form the first website, I researched "how computer parts can harm the environment". That search specifically didn't provide too many relevant results; they were mainly about why I should recycle my computer parts. So, I searched specifically for the toxins that are contained in the average computer hardware. This website provided good information about what toxins are in computers and how they can be harmful to humans if put into landfills or burned or just not recycled in general. The "Free Geek"  is a nonprofit organization, which aims at reducing environmental harm induced by the impact of electronic waste.
           For this post, I am referring to one website for all of the environmental damages that are possible from all computer parts. It is a good start, but not specific enough to use for the presentation. For the presentation, what I will probably do is search for the toxins contained within each computer part so it is clear what the parts are, and what they consist of that will harm the environment. I just didn't do that here because I didn't want to provide 10 additional websites.