Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Rather than disposing of an old computer, consider harvesting the com-
ponents and using them elsewhere. Here are a few ideas:
Hard drive: Consider reusing the hard drive in another computer,
as an additional drive for yourself or someone else. Or, keep it as
a spare. If you opt to give the drive away, be sure to wipe your
data from it using a program such as Active@KillDisk (discussed in
Chapter 11, “Network and Internet Privacy and Security” ).
Memory: If the RAM is still usable and of a suitable capacity and
speed, you could use it in another computer.
Keyboard and mouse: These are pretty universal and could be
used with any computer. It's always worth keeping old keyboards
and mice as spares!
Display: If the monitor is of the CRT variety, it is probably at the
end of its life and should be disposed of. If it's a more modern, flat-
screen monitor, you may be able to use it with another computer.
Alternatively, you could use it as a second monitor on your primary
computer, running dual displays.
Removable components: A desktop computer may contain
removable components such as a display adapter, sound card,
or network interface card that could be saved for use in another
computer.
Notebooks: There is not much you can remove and reuse from
a notebook computer other than the hard drive and possibly the
RAM, so this is likely to be disposed of intact.
Alternative Uses for an Older Computer
Before you dispose of your old computer, consider whether there is an alternative, environmentally friendly way of
dealing with it—especially if the computer still has some life left in it. Here are a few ideas:
Sell it: If there's nothing wrong with the computer, why not see if you can sell it—for example, on eBay or
some other market place? (If you go this route, again, be sure you wipe the hard drive clean. See Chapter 11
for details.)
Give it away: It may be that some deserving person or organization could make good use of your old computer.
Why not donate it?
Assign it a new role: Even if your old computer is a bit slow running newer versions of Windows, it's probably
fast enough to run an alternative operating system, such as Linux. Try installing such an operating system on
your old computer if you want an extra computer to play with!
Keep it as a spare: It's not a bad idea to keep the old computer as a spare, just in case you have a problem
with your new one. That way, if your main computer needs repairs, you'll still have a computer to use in the
interim.
Quick Review
1  What are two environmental problems associated with disposing of a computer improperly?
2  What should you do with a hard drive before giving it to someone else to use?
3  What are two alternative uses for an old computer when you have a new one?
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