SAANICHNEWS NEWS
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Migration mystery
World class Layritz
Victoria-based researchers try to figure out why migrating hummingbirds are disappearing. Page A3
Layritz makes finals at Junior Softball Little League World Series in Washington State. Page A18
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Offer Expires Sept. 5th, 2012
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Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Laps under the sun Ferenc Vinvisch, left, swims laps in the University of Victoria Ian Stewart Complex outdoor pool on Gordon Head Road. The university’s off-campus athletic complex boasts the only outdoor public pool in Greater Victoria. For more information check their website, vikesrec.uvic.ca.
Better computers, big savings for cash-strapped schools SD 63 upgrades network, saves $80K in power Natalie North News staff
This spring, the Saanich School District finished a complete overhaul of its computer networks – one that has drastically reduced its energy consumption, saved cash and won an environmental recognition award for the district. SD 63 replaced every computer in every school to diskless, or
thin clients. Each workstation in each school is now connected to a central server, allowing computers to run on less energy, start up and shut off at set times and receive simultaneous updates. The changeover reduced the energy consumption of school computers by about 75 per cent and earned a nomination for a Captial Regional District Eco Star award. The model will also afford students access to more up-to-date technology since whenever possible, open source software has been installed on the server in lieu of commercial products.
“Often times schools are left with using used computers and then using very old software,” said Gregg Ferrie, director of information technology. “The technology is old and dated. The computers are end-oflife, but (school districts) simply cannot afford to do very much because they don’t have a lot of capital dollars.” The energy savings from replacing more than 2,500 aging Microsoft Windows-based workstations total more than one gigawatt hour per year, or roughly $80,000 of the district’s B.C. Hydro bill. The energy savings from desktop
computers alone are enough to fully power two middle schools for the year. “It’s a whole new approach at looking at technology,” Ferrie said. A typical school like Stelly’s secondary has about 300 computers connected to a server. The IT department isn’t burdened with updating each computer individually, rather dealing with the single server alone. Computers are also turned on and off each day via the server, reducing the energy consumption further. There are pros and cons related to the single point of failure, Fer-
Priced to Sell!
rie said there is redundancy built into the servers, which are also centrally backed up. “Let’s say one server did have a catastrophic failure and couldn’t come up and none of the work stations worked, we can replace that server very rapidly,” he said. “It was a bad scenario because it was putting old technology in students’ hands. If we wanted to put new computers on every student’s desk it would cost millions of dollars because they have a relatively short life span. Districts just don’t have the money to do that.” nnorth@saanichnews.com
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1166 LOCKLEY
623 ISLAND ROAD
495 VIADUCT
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This spacious one level residence was custom built in 1986 with both care and attention. Gorgeous gardens and grounds and walkway leads to a spacious entrance hall with high ceilings and wood floors. Lovely spacious living room with fireplace; formal dining room with large bay window overlooking the garden; bright open kitchen with family room directly off. Three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Sunroom and deck allow for year round enjoyment. Steps to Anderson Hill Park. MLS#312860 $1,295,000
This beautiful 6200 sq.ft. home is minutes from Victoria. Custom craftsmanship throughout. Attention to detail is very evident as soon as you walk in. Traditional timber accents, magnificent reclaimed fir floors, custom rock fireplaces, granite counter tops are some details found throughout. Boasting two beautiful custom kitchens this home offers the opportunity to enjoy this comfortable home as two separate four bedroom residences or a superb single family home with in-law suite. MLS#313347 $1,750,000
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