Disposing of an old computer presents a number of unique challenges. The heavy metals contained in computers and other electronics are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Computers store a lot of user personal information, such as passwords, account numbers, and the like that should never fall into the wrong hands. Fortunately, there are a few easy methods to get rid of an old, wasted computer without harming the environment or potentially leaving you a victim of scams.
Step
Things To Do Before Disposing Of Your Computer
Step 1. Back up your personal data
Make sure you've copied any and all files you'll need in the future because you're likely to lose your computer for good. Be Conservative - Reserve too much information is better than too little.
Use a USB stick or external hard disk available at electronics stores to store your important information. Another storage method that has become popular in recent years is cloud storage which is free for ordinary users to use by registering an account
Step 2. Permanently delete any personal files from the computer
After backing up important information, delete files from your computer to prevent new users and identity thieves from accessing them. Deleting data by sending it to the recycle bin or the like can leave traces on the hard disk that can be recovered by an astute person. This means, your computer will be completely clean of personal information by formatting it.
Hard disks cannot be reformatted and essentially return the computer to a "blank slate" that is clean of both personal data and all data, so make sure you no longer need your computer before doing so
Step 3. Select the disposal option
There is no "right way" to dispose of an old computer. This depends on how well it performs and your own computing needs. You can reuse your computer for other purposes, sell or give it away for others to use, or recycle and/or dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.
Remove certain physical parts of the computer for future use, such as a hard disk or graphics card. Release only if you are sure you can do it safely or can seek professional help
Step 4. Clean the computer if you want to reuse, give away, or sell it
If your computer is still usable, clean it thoroughly to restore it to its original state. Clean the exterior and screen with a damp (not wet) cloth or a mild cleaning chemical. Pay attention to the between the keyboard keys that look disgusting after long-term use. Use earplugs to clear hard-to-reach spaces. Open the box in the computer and use an air compressor to remove dust deeply.
Method 1 of 3: Reusing the Computer
Step 1. Enable your computer as a small file server
One of the new uses of an old computer is as a file server for your home or workplace. The computer is reconfigured into shared storage for other computers in your home. Suitable for homes with multiple computers that require access to the same data. This option is also very energy efficient, as the computer only acts as storage space. You don't need to use a screen, keyboard, or speakers.[Image:Safely Get Rid of an Old Computer Step 5.jpg|center]
- Several free open source programs let you turn your old computer into a server. One example of such a program is FreeNAS. This program can be downloaded from the internet.
- You can mount a hard disk as additional storage space.
- Install an efficient base operating system (such as Ubuntu) on your file server.
Step 2. Save your computer as a backup
One option related to the discussion above is to use a backup computer for your new computer, not as a storage space for new files. In other words, keep the old computer as a working replacement when the new computer needs to be rested or crashes. If so, you do not need to delete personal data. Simply disconnect and store in a cupboard until the computer is needed.
Step 3. Consider installing a lightweight OS like Linux
Install SO with very low system requirements to keep old computers usable. That way you can use your computer for some simple purposes, such as basic word processing, web browsing, simple games, etc. Linux is a free, popular, and simple operating system with many different variants devoted to this. One variant of the Linux system called Puppy Linux has low system requirements.
Step 4. Turn the old computer into a router
Switch your legacy machine as a wireless router to enjoy the internet on another smartphone, tablet or computer, according to the wireless capabilities of your legacy machine. Many computers can function as a wireless network broadcast center. Make sure that the firewall is installed before using the computer as a router for security purposes.
Method 2 of 3: Selling or Giving away Your Computer
Step 1. Try to sell it on eBay
Prepare the technical specifications of your computer with some additional drawings and post them on internet auction sites such as eBay. You wouldn't believe there are so many people out there willing to buy a relatively old machine. For example, certain types of hardware from the '80s and early '90s are considered "vintage" and are well appreciated by collectors.
- Ancient computers that are classified as rare or extraordinary can be sold (or donated) to computer museums to be immortalized for their role in history.
- Be open to the possibility of selling your computer parts rather than the whole machine. Some quality components (among others after-market graphics cards, memory, etc.) are great value if removed and sold separately.
Step 2. Give your computer to a friend
Ask if any of your friends are looking for an old computer before you throw it away. Tech enthusiasts reconfigure old computers as file servers or e-mail stations. They disassemble and pick up needed computer parts and throw away the rest.
Step 3. Give your computer to people with minimal computing needs
An old computer that doesn't meet your needs may look amazing to someone unfamiliar with modern computers. Give your computer to an elderly user, such as a parent or grandparent. Old and slow computers are perfect for basic tasks that older family members love. Try teaching them to use email and surf the web if you have time. That way, you're helping them and making sure your old computer isn't wasted.
Step 4. Contact the school, nonprofit, or philanthropist
Many organizations use old computers for public goods ownership programs. Call and ask if your local school, church, youth organization, nonprofit, or charity is willing to use your old computer. There are various uses of computers for charity. For example, charities that recycle or refurbish computers to give to the poor, or the delivery of computers to schools in developing regions of the world.
You are entitled to a receipt for your donation for tax deductions
Step 5. Give it to a willing stranger
Giving a working computer to a stranger is better than throwing it in a landfill. Place a sign that says "Old computer free - spare parts or still decent box," on your computer and leave it by the roadside on a sunny afternoon. Or try offering it on an internet classifieds site like Craigslist. Finally, try selling it at any price at a flea market.
You have to be extra careful when giving your computer to a stranger, because you don't know if their intentions are genuine or not. Make sure the computer is clear of personal information before you give it away
Method 3 of 3: Disposing of Your Old Computer
Step 1. Contact the manufacturer
Today, most computer manufacturers offer final disposal services for their products. If no one will accommodate or your computer is not working, contact the manufacturer for safe disposal options.
Please note, not all manufacturers behave equally ethically in disposing of old computers. Some of them send computer waste to landfills in developing countries and cause environmental and health hazards to local communities. Research the ethical records relating to the recycling and disposal of computers before handing your computer over to the manufacturer
Step 2. Swap computers when you buy a new one
Companies like Dell and HP currently offer free recycling of old computers when you buy a new product from them. Consider this option if you haven't and are interested in buying products from the same company. With this, you leave the search for responsible disposal to the experts while (perhaps) getting a discount on a new computer
Step 3. Use the services of a computer recycling or disposal company
Today, many independent companies treat, recycle, and dispose of computer waste. Some of these are philanthropic, non-profit and for-profit organizations. Look for a local company in your area that handles free or paid computer disposal, depending on the type of service available.
Remember, some e-waste recycling and disposal companies have less good business practices than computer manufacturers. As a responsible consumer, research the disposal company you choose. Make sure your computer doesn't go to landfill in China before handing it over
Step 4. Save the wearable parts before throwing them away
Consider the use of casings, accessories, or other internal components before disposing of your computer. For example, you can assemble a makeshift bookshelf or storage box shelf from several computer cases of the same model
Tips
Do one of the steps above, but don't throw your computer in the trash. Computers are not biodegradable, and the unwanted presence of a PC can seriously damage the environment
Warnings
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Personal and sensitive information still remains on your computer even though it was deleted!
Since the digital data is organized on the hard disk, the deleted data will not be completely lost until it is overwritten by other data. Remove the hard drive and then put it in an external backup case and remove the drive with special software, or destroy the hard drive before disposing of your computer.
- Download software that permanently deletes and overwrites personal data. Darik's Boot & Nuke is a great example of a variety of similar tools. This tool erases data incrementally via bootable CD and ensures that the data cannot be recovered. Make sure you back up your data before running the program as this step cannot be undone!
- Hit the disc with a hammer to prevent it from spinning to keep your data on the hard drive safe. It's also a fun way to let go of excess anger! Note: commonly used screws are Torx screws which require special tools to remove.
- If you want to be absolutely sure that your data is safe, send your hard drive to a company that can erase or damage it for you. Oh no, "break it" is not a hacker's buzzword; they actually put it in a giant woodcutter.
- Check with your nominated recycling company before recycling old, damaged or unusable computers, to make sure they physically recycle the equipment themselves and don't export them to other continents as work units. This way, you will not add to the mountains of waste exported to other continents for unethical recycling.
- While we're talking about data, don't forget to erase other storage devices like CDs, DVDs, SD cards, and USB flash drives.
Resources and Reference
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US source:
- Chicago Computers for Schools
- Alameda County, California Computer Resource Center
- California Computer Recycling Center
- Oregan FreeGeek
- Recycle a PC
- Computer Recycling for Houston, TX
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Global sources:
- Old Computer Museum
- World Computer Exchange
- Metareciclagem - Brazil
