Computers and Gadgets

March presents several webinars, discussions and networking opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area encompassing various environmental sectors.

Events include:... read more

Clean technology (CleanTech) has become a prominent sector in many countries; some call this emerging sector a revolution. However what, in point of fact, is done? Where are we headed, where are we behind and what are the next steps? How does Information Technology (IT) leverage clean tech innovations?

When it comes to green technology, is the US moving forward fast enough to make a difference globally?

Check the following events:... read more

CygNET Systems has come up with a simple solution to wasted energy for any system administrator, small business owner, or information technology officer.  The solution is to automatically alert them when computers have remained on but dormant for a certain amount of time.  This energy management and detection feature is part of their USB CopyNotify! data protection software.

USB CopyNotify! is a software that notifies a user when a USB drive, memory stick, pen drive, etc. is used on any computer on the office network. This automatic notification software is built to inform any user of the unauthorized distribution of proprietary information, a major problem at many intellectual property focused industries.  At the same time, USB CopyNotify! can block devices from access to the network, control white list from a single administrator computer, and prevent individual system configurations.  Following a successful release in September 2007, the company expanded the software to include energy management.  ... read more

CleanTech Open Gala and AwardsIf you are in the San Francisco Bay Area and interested specifically in new green technology, then I suggest you check out the Cleantech Open Awards Gala coming up at the Masonic in San Francisco on Nov 17.   I'll be there and I am really excited to see first hand how the entrepreneurial spirit is one of the strongest weapons in protecting our environment and freeing us from our dependence on fossil fuels.&nbsp... read more

Tricycles for adults? Electric bikes as a replacement for cars?

Two and three wheel electric powered bikes, also referred to as ebikes, motorized bicycle or light electric vehicle (LEV), have been gaining popularity. The market for ebikes is growing faster than the one for cars and trucks and it's one of the booming Green sectors.

Motorized bicycles are powered by an electric motor (in the past, some used a small internal combustion engine) and they are distinguished from electric motorcycles and scooters by being capable of being powered by pedals alone, if required.

Electric bikes and tricycles have the potential to revolutionize transportation in our neighborhoods, places of work, and ‘going’ around town. A significant percentage of car rides are for short trips to local destinations, running errands, accessing your town’s shops or business districts, getting to medical appointments, riding to work, etc., often with only one person in the car.

Touted as a substitute to automobiles, electric bikes and trikes enable us to drive a car significantly less. In some cases it may replace a car altogether.

As a transportation mode, ebikes have a direct impact on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Automobiles contribute to air, water, and noise pollution. The motored bike’s footprint is so minor when compared to that of a midsize car, which creates thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions in its manufacturing process and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an additional 20 pounds per gallon is burned while driving.... read more