5 Things to Do With An Old PC

1. Donate Ithouse where people sell all sorts of old stuff -
One of the best things to do with an old PC?computers is but one such category of goods. You
Donate it to your local charity. There are many,can also organize a quick garage sale and see if any
many families out there who do not have the luxuryof your friends or neighbors want the computer.4.
of owning even a basic computer system. Do yourSet Up A Server
part to help them get into the world ofIf you've been meaning to learn about computers
computers.Two sites that I like to visit for thisand servers, you can use the old PC as a test
purpose are National Cristina Foundation and Earthsystem. At home, I use an old PC as a file server for
911. Both sites are non-profit organizations and havestoring and sharing data sometimes. Alternatively, you
compiled a comprehensive body of information toalso tear apart the computer and see what its
promote computer recycling and reuse.One importantinnards are like (which is what I used to do).5.
note about donating computers - make sure youSalvage Some Parts
clear out and delete any personal information on theNot the whole of your old PC needs to be thrown
drive. Simple deletion is not sufficient - you will need aaway. You can usually salvage parts to be used in a
powerful data erasing tool like Active@ KillDisk - Hardnew PC, especially if you intend to build one yourself.
Drive Eraser.2. Trade It InThings like the monitor, sound card, hard drive, LAN
There are many computer dealers (e.g. HP) whichcards, CD and DVD drives and sometimes even
offer trade-in promotions on computers andcomputer memory can be re-used.Conclusion
peripherals. Before you buy a new PC, see if theWell, I do hope this article has given you some
retailer can offer you any trade-in discounts. As longinsight into how you can create more value of of an
as your old computer is in decent condition, it canold computer. So the next time you're thinking of
fetch some money.junking an old PC, think again - there may be hidden
'Decent condition' usually refers to any Pentium-classpotential in it yet.Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on
notebook or desktop with a hard drive, monitor,building computers. Visit his
keyboard, and mouse.3. Auction Itwebsite at for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as
Another option is to sell the computer on eBay orwell as buying good computer components.
an equivalent auction site. eBay is one huge clearing