Computers are essential tools today. Software demands and hardware capability tend to grow exponentially. So if you want to stay on top of things, it's a good idea to get a new computer every two to three years. Now what do you do when disposing of old computers?
Whatever you do, there are a few things you must check before giving away, trashing, or recycling a computer. Backing up information and securely deleting private data is one major concern. You may also be able to reuse parts or the entire computer. This article provides a quick overview of your options when it comes to disposing of old computers.
1. Backup Data
Obviously, you will want to keep a copy of your data. Here is a quick list of information you should not forget to backup:
Personal Files
Pictures, Music, Movies, anything entertaining you have on your computer, don't lose it. Same goes for any documents or files you have downloaded.
The Best FREE Backup Software for your PC
Browser Data
This includes bookmarks, saved logins & passwords, extensions, and other personal settings. It's much easier to transfer the data than to set it all up again, don't you agree?
Backup & Restore Your Internet Explorer Browser Settings
Back up your Firefox Profile with MozBackup
Email
If you're using a desktop eMail program like Thunderbird or Outlook, do backup your profile and take your conversations and your address book with you.
5 Easy Ways To Back Up Your Microsoft Outlook Data
Archive Your Browser & Mail Settings With MailBrowserBackup
Program Data
Did you create databases, make specific settings, or save other data with any of the programs you're using? Think of calendars, bibliography tools, image editing software, games, or music playlists. Any of that information can be backed up and transferred to your new computer. Usually, these data are saved under documents & settings or in the respective program files folder. The easiest way would be to backup these two folders entirely.
Fonts
Have you downloaded and installed any additional fonts? They are likely compatible with your new computer, so save you the time of tracking them down again and just backup the fonts folder. In Windows, it's found under C:/Windows/Fonts.
Is your computer no longer booting or is the hard drive dead? Check out the following articles:
How To Back Up Data From Computer That Won't Boot
How To Get Data Off A Dead Hard Drive
2. Serial Numbers & Registration Keys
This point deserves special attention because losing a serial number or registration keys can actually cost you money. If you're not sure where you stored that information, retrieve it before it's too late:
3 Ways To Recover Serial Numbers In Windows
If you purchased software online and downloaded the installation file, rather than having it on a CD, be safe and back that up, too.
3. Wipe Private Data
If you seriously don't want to keep your hard drive or can't be bothered to remove it from your old computer, make sure all your private information is gone. Your data in the wrong hands could result in humiliation, financial loss, or worst of all: identity theft.
Neither deleting files, nor emptying the trash, or formatting your hard drive is enough! To be on the safe side, you must shred and overwrite your data. Follow the steps described in this article: How To Completely & Securely Erase Your Hard Drive [Windows]
Some great suggestions on how to delete, shred, and terminally wipe your private information are also given in the replies to this question on MakeUseOf Answers: How can I clean a laptop before donating it?
4. Strip Out Useful Parts
Basically, all parts of your computer, if still functional, may be useful for you or someone else. So think twice before you trash anything. If computer parts are alien to you, read this article first: The Basic Parts Of A Computer & How To Upgrade Them [Technology Explained]
Monitor
Keep it as a backup, set up a dual screen if your graphics card supports it, or hook it up to your laptop for a better screen.
Cables and External Devices
Keep one set of everything as a backup. Nobody wants a used mouse or keyboard anyways.
Hard Drive
Put it into a USB case and use as an external hard drive, hook up internally to your new computer, or wipe it clean before you give it away.
RAM
If your old RAM is compatible with your new computer's motherboard, you may as well use it. However, never mix different RAM modules. Read the answers to this MakeUseOf Answers questions for some leads: How can I upgrade my RAM and hard drive?
Power Supply Unit
An often searched for replacement part.
Motherboard & CPU
You won't need that with your new computer. But someone else may use it as a replacement.
CD / DVD drive
Card Reader
Floppy drive
Graphics Card
Sound Card
Try to sell the parts you can't use yourself on eBay, and give away leftovers via your local FreeCycle.
5. Re-Use Entire Computer
This may be the most important point! Maybe you can actually still use your old computer. So check out the possibilities before you submit it to the trash.
If your old computer is still running, it can serve many purposes. If it can connect to the internet, you could donate the CPU time. Your could also give it to someone who needs it or turn it into an entertainment center. These and many more ideas are summarized in my article Top 10 Cool Uses For Old Computers And Laptops. Finally, if your machine is really old, maybe the local tech museum is interested in it.
Can you think of any more uses of old computers or parts or alternatives for disposing of old computers? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Image credits: speedy2, forwardcom, drizzle, Vyolett
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
World's Stupidest Criminal Found in Canada
Stupid: Robbing a Starbucks
Stupider: Cutting in line to rob a Starbucks
Even more stupider: the people you cut are police officers.
Neatorama-worthy: IN UNIFORM!
Stupider: Cutting in line to rob a Starbucks
Even more stupider: the people you cut are police officers.
Neatorama-worthy: IN UNIFORM!
According to police, a short time later the officers were inside the coffee shop ordering at the till when the man they had spoken with outside walked directly up to the till, threw a drink at the employee and demanded cash.
"[The officers] looked at each other in astonishment that someone would attempt that with two uniform officers in the room," Sgt. Bruce Carrie told ctvbc.ca.
Link - via The Consumerist
http://www.neatorama.com/2010/08/01/worlds-stupidest-criminal-found-in-canada/
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Ready Kern Emergency Notification System
From: @kerncountyfire
Sent: Jul 29, 2010 4:58p
Sent: Jul 29, 2010 4:58p
Are you Ready Kern? The Ready Kern Emergency Notification System was used on the West Fire to help notify... http://fb.me/ELZ7DL8n
sent via Facebook
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/kerncountyfire/status/19865598856
2010.04.12 AHEADD and Loren John Presley
Holey Arbeit, Regional Program Director, and Sandy Poole of AHEADD, Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities
It started along the East Coast and it has come to the west coast via Bakersfield -- a support organization for those with verbal/non-verbal language and learning disabilities to go the next step beyond the highly structured elementary and high school environment to college, career, and independent living.
Carnegie Mellon University has been described as a "mini-MIT" and has been the place where the AHEADD program came into its own.
Traditional accommodations under IEPs for students with disabilities include:
- extended time for tests (and sometimes assignments),
- technology aids,
- distraction free environment,
- preferred seating.
Non-traditional accommodations individually include:
- establishing a network of support,
- facilitating communication with professors,
- aiding in self advocacy skill development,
- social language instruction,
- regular assistance with organization (pragmatics/executive functioning),
- increased academic and personal accountability,
- regular meetings with AHEADD staff/professors to discuss progress,
- structured peer support,
- life skills education.
The west coast region already has several students in several different cities, thanks to being vendored by the Rehabilitation Department and California State Regional Centers (locally Kern Regional Center). If the KRC or Dept of Rehab client is approved for the service, these agencies can cover the tuition, which starts at $4200 per student per semester. Given the how comprehensive the services provided are, other services are a lot more expensive.
For more information about the organization on a national level, email Carolyn Komich Hare, Director of AHEADD or visit AHEADD, Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities.
Loren John Presley, college student, author, and person with Aspergers
Loren Presley loves writing books, building robots, and (digital) animation. In a previous visit to our Parent Support Group (PSG), he told of his life journey of trying to figure out who he was and why he processed things differently than other around him seemed to. This time, he focused more on the process of the self-discovery process.
- Who are we?
- What has hurt you?
- Why did this happen to me?
- Am I worth anything?
From preschool he used his imagination, was drawn inward, and focused on inner thought. He had to find strength within himself and support outside of himself.
- Even though there are these things, you can succeed.
- Total rejection -- horror stories.
- We must learn to stop hating
- Essential needs of every human
- we all deserve them
- Hope and human heart
- quantity and/versus quality
- Love is a universal value
Diagnosed by third grade, he was aware of the feeling that he was different. The feeling shook his self esteem and self confidence. To him the diagnosis, like many who struggle with undiagnosed disbelieved problems, was actually a relief!
- He emphasizes human
- humans are important
- human equals frame
- like in robotics and animation, the human body is just a frame (for the soul)
- everything else is just an accessory
- Essential needs
- Loyal friends and a support system
- Safe, secure, understanding
Middle school and high school were like the Medieval Ages. (note-were? -jb) (reference -- Freaks, Geeks, and Aspergers.)
- Advocate Dignity
Jane Burch
The beginning of the school year is upon us.
With three kids in three different schools, these last few years have been especially hectic. Trying to make time for each and allow them the time they need for what they have to do is always a balancing act. Then there is keeping them on track and, for one kid, checking to make sure the child isn't taking the easy way out.
Trying to remember that your job isn't about popularity and trying to make sure that they know that they are valued. Trying to teach and trying to make sure they know that they are capable. Trying to get jobs done and making sure they get their jobs done.
Whether or not you hit-the-mark today, tomorrow is another day.
Aspergers kids/high functioning autistic kids are concrete thinkers. Pragmatics, executive functioning, organizational skills have to with how they arrange, rearrange, don't-arrange their external world in accordance with their internal world (processing).
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