The WiFi Alliance says it is working on a specification that will allow devices to connect to one another directly, without the assistance of a router. "WiFi Direct" will be published "upon completion" and certification of devices will begin in 2010, the organization says.

Previously code-named "WiFi peer-to-peer," WiFi Direct is intended to let any WiFi-equipped device -- a notebook computer, smartphone, camera, PMP (personal media player), or printer, for example -- connect directly to any other in order to transfer data. Presently, wireless local area networking typically requires the use of an AP (access point), which establishes an SSID (service set identifier) and moderates the traffic to and from all connected devices.

5. Switch to Linux-powered Computers

Did you know that Linux computers can save e-waste levels by 50%? There was a study done in 2004 that reported definite green benefits to running Linux-powered computers. The main reason: Windows systems had to change hardware every 3-4 years, where Linux systems only needed hardware refreshes every 6-8 years. (source)

While the study is five years old (an eternity in technology years), it still leaves something to consider the next time you purchase a computer.