Computer Donation

[JeeBee]

Hi,

Is there anywhere in the local area that accepts old computers for donation (which they then spruce up and pass on to needy entities such as charities, schools, libraries, etc). I've got a couple here that I've been hoarding and I have to accept that I don't need them - but they work fine so it seems wrong to chuck discard them - anyway, donation is greener.

Cheers!

[leenewham]

Try Eco Computers, they used to be in the high street but are now based in Deptford (although may be taking over Sydenham Library to use the back office for computer training while running the library as a social enterprise).

http://www.ecocomputersystems.org.uk/

[SE26bloke]

Before you hand over your machine make sure you've securely wiped everything from the hard drive otherwise you leave yourself wide open to identity theft. Do a google search on 'erase disc' or ''wipe disc'. If you're not sure open the PC up, take the disc out and (seriously) destroy it with a hammer.

[JeeBee]

Thanks for the information, I'll give them a try.

I'll definitely be securely wiping the hard drive, and I'll stick Linux on just to make sure it's all working correctly.

[SE26bloke]

I wouldn't even bother putting Linux on it. Just wipe the whole lot and let whoever you're donating to put the necessary software on. I'm pretty sure whoever receives it will put their own standard operating system on it - 5 PC's going to a school in Africa with with 5 different versions of Windows/Linux... the first thing they'll do is load them up with Windows7 or whatever. Do yourself a favour... you've done your bit by donating. Don't leave yourself open to fraud.

[CaptainCarCrash]

A word of advice, if you give away your old computer I would suggest you remove the hard drive because I can and have recovered data from a hard disk even after a low level format.

I would recommend that you remove the HDD and keep it or dismantle the drive yourself and smash the heads and scratch the platters and smash the logic board. Or just stick it in a cupboard.