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The Environmental Protection Agency announced today that the requirements for computers to achieve an “Energy Star” rating will increase next year.

Under the new specifications, only the most energy-efficient computer related equipment will earn the Energy Star label, representing the top of their class.

The new requirements include improved efficiency across all modes of a computer’s operation, and require use of highly efficient internal and external power supplies. The new specifications go into effect on July 20, 2007.

If every computer purchased by businesses meets the new Energy Star requirements in effect next year, businesses will save $1.2 billion over the lifetime of their new computers, equal to lighting 730 million square feet of U.S. commercial building space each year.

Government agencies buying Energy Star will also garner big savings. If the government sector buys only computers that meet the new Energy Star requirements, this sector will save nearly 1.4 billion kWh and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 billion pounds each year.

On average, Energy Star qualifying computer equipment will be 65 percent more efficient than conventional models.

Computers were the first product to qualify for EPA’s Energy Star in 1992.

Posted under Products

Notebook computers are now a part of modern life. They can be found in offices, schools and homes across the country. There are tens of millions of portable computers in use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of at least 47 incidents involving smoke or fire associated with notebook computers, from January 2001 through August 2006. To promote safe use of notebook computers, batteries and chargers, CPSC offers the following tips:

* Do not use incompatible computer batteries and chargers. If unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible, contact the product manufacturer.

* Computer batteries can get hot during normal use. Do not use your computer on your lap.

* Do not use your computer on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, bed or carpet, because it can restrict airflow and cause overheating.

* Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.

* Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.

* Avoid dropping or bumping the computer. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the computer and battery. If you suspect damage contact the manufacturer.

* Do not place the computer in areas that may get very hot.

* Do not get your computer or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuitry could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.

* Follow battery usage, storage and charging guidelines found in the user’s guide.

Posted under Products, Safety

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and The Department of Homeland Security today announced the launch of key programs and events to educate Internet users of all ages about safe online practices throughout October in observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month unites entities from federal, state and local government as well as the education and business communities, all of whom share a common goal to educate the public and provide tools to help them engage in safe online activity. The NCSA is recognized as a central clearinghouse for consumer education and information about online safety. The organization works closely with Homeland Security, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a variety of other public and private organizations to ensure that messages about online safety and security are accurate and consistent.

Throughout the month of October, NCSA and Homeland Security will work with key industry partners to spread the word about online safety by providing tips and resources and hosting special events designed specifically for home users, small businesses, and the education community. Specific activities include:

Distributing a national public service announcement entitled “Stop, Think, Click” which urges consumers to protect their valuable personal data through a variety of online best practices;
Sponsoring a variety of regional events, such as small business workshops and cyber security bootcamps, which will take consumer education to the grassroots level; and
Promoting cyber awareness initiatives among the education community via student assemblies, Webcasts and events at college campuses throughout the U.S.

“Cyber Security Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of cyber security and empower all Americans to protect themselves online and ensure that their computers are not used to attack others,” said Andy Purdy, acting director of the National Cyber Security Division at the Department of Homeland Security.

“We share a common goal with Homeland Security and our industry partners, to provide Americans with the tools and information they need to practice safe online behaviors during National Cyber Security Awareness Month and throughout the year,” said Ron Teixeira, Executive Director, National Cyber Security Alliance. “The scope and impact of existing and emerging online threats requires an ongoing partnership between government, businesses, schools, and consumers. Working together, we can make the Internet safer for everyone.”

For more information regarding National Cyber Security Awareness Month and to sign up for free cyber alerts please visit: www.staysafeonline.org.

Posted under Privacy

The Federal Trade Commission is considering a change to its “Do Not Call” regulations that would allow consumers to receive pre-recorded messages. Those types of calls are currently not allowed, but companies reportedly claim they need pre-recorded calls to reach consumers with whom they have done business.

More than 80 million telephone numbers are now on the “do not call” registry that took effect one year ago. Media reports indicated that the FTC claims that telemarketers now have to remove numbers from their calling lists within 31 days instead of the previous three months.

ExpressNewsline.com reports that the FTC is also proposing a rule change that will allow consumers to place their name on a list that prohibits even the first call from being made to them by a business. Those regulations would also curtail the use of techniques used to circumvent caller-id systems.

The FTC released its Quarterly Enforcement Update for telemarketing fraud and deceptive practices on January 28. The government agency initiated 22 separate enforcement actions, some of which dealt with the Telemarketing Sales Rule, or “do not call legislation”. Typical of those actions was the FTC’s December 10, 2004 complaint against FGH International Corporation. The original complaint charged the company with deceptive sales practices, but has been ammended to include violations of the Telemarketing Sales Rule.

State lawmakers are quickly introducing their own legislation. In Alaska, Rep. Kurt Olson is proposing legislation to ban recorded messages whose subject mater includes political candidacy or advocacy for legislation. Across the country, Connecticut representative Donald Sherer is advocating a bill that would create a do not call registry for cell phones and fax numbers.

The proposed changes after only one year and the mobilization to complicate legislation even more is troubling. The FTC’s actions against only 22 firms last quarter seems to be a small number. In an editorial titled Golden Dial Tones published after the “do not call” registry went live, Consumer Help Web quoted a telecommunications executive who complained, “When only the bad guys can call, the only sales pitch you may hear is from a bad guy.”

Meanwhile, legitimate businesses continue lobbying efforts to keep calling.

Posted under Privacy