Read This Before You Discard Your Old Computer

For many businesses, the start of a new year means new computers for employees. However, before you pack away your old PCs, you should consider options for extending the lives of your old PCs and improving their performance.

If speed is what you need, you may upgrade the computers’ memory by simply adding more RAM. This option is best if you have less than 128MB of RAM. Another option is to re-install Windows and other applications that change over time and ultimately slow down performance. After you reinstall the operating system, remember to download current patches from Microsoft’s Windows Update Web site.

Old PC’s with Pentium II and above processors are still fine for Internet browsing, emailing and running basic office applications. For individuals with simple computing needs, older PC’s can be cleaned up, paired with a new monitor and resurrected as a “like new” computer.

Follow these helpful tips when new PC’s are necessary and upgrading is not a viable option.

1. Donate old equipment. Charities, community groups and schools are always in need of computers.
   Visit http://www.microweb.com/pepsite/Recycle/Florida.html for a list of organizations in Florida that facilitate computer donations. Be sure to call the organization to identify any specific donation requirements that they may have. Remember, a donation has tax advantages, so get a receipt that includes the date of the donation, the make and model of your PCs and any related equipment.

2. Clean the data off of the hard drives. Remove all files from the computers by using secure erase programs such as Norton SystemWorks 2002. Be sure to re-install the operating system to avoid new licensing fees.

3. Reuse parts of the PC. No PC is completely worthless. You can install old hard drives in new machines to ease the transfer of old files or serve as backups to your new PCs. You may also wish to keep your old modems to use as backup units in case your DSL or high-speed Internet connection fails.

4. Recycle it. Before you trash your PCs, consider that its components are made of materials that could cause significant environment damage. Contact Hewlett-Packard or IBM to find an electronics recycler near you.