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your old computers

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  • R Ryan Binns

    Put random pieces of it in the microwave and see what happens? Send it COD to a "friend"? Take it to your nearest public aquarium and teach a dolphin to touch-type?

    Ryan

    "Punctuality is only a virtue for those who aren't smart enough to think of good excuses for being late" John Nichol "Point Of Impact"

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    Ed Poore
    wrote on last edited by
    #12

    Ryan Binns wrote:

    Put random pieces of it in the microwave and see what happens?

    That's good fun :rolleyes:


    Formula 1 - Short for "F1 Racing" - named after the standard "help" key in Windows, it's a sport where participants desperately search through software help files trying to find actual documentation. It's tedious and somewhat cruel, most matches ending in a draw as no participant is able to find anything helpful. - Shog9 Ed

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    • C Chris Losinger

      when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

      Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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      Dan Neely
      wrote on last edited by
      #13

      Chris Losinger wrote:

      i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around).

      About 8mo ago I was looking at lowend PCs for a friends kids. Stripped boxes (Wiped HD. no OS, monitor, kbd, etc) at the same level you're looking at were selling for $200ish. IMO the people buying them for that much were idiots, but that's another issue entirely. My A1400 is being used as an einstien@home crunchbox, I'm keeping the machine as an emergency spare and donating all the CPU cycles.

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      • C Chris Losinger

        when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

        Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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        Ennis Ray Lynch Jr
        wrote on last edited by
        #14

        Format it then I keep it as furniture to prove my elite geek status. Although I suppose a real geek would put linux in a door stop rather than using a box as a doorstop.

        A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the Universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." -- Stephen Crane

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        • E Ed Poore

          Ryan Binns wrote:

          Put random pieces of it in the microwave and see what happens?

          That's good fun :rolleyes:


          Formula 1 - Short for "F1 Racing" - named after the standard "help" key in Windows, it's a sport where participants desperately search through software help files trying to find actual documentation. It's tedious and somewhat cruel, most matches ending in a draw as no participant is able to find anything helpful. - Shog9 Ed

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          R Offline
          Ryan Binns
          wrote on last edited by
          #15

          Ed.Poore wrote:

          That's good fun

          Indeed it is :)

          Ryan

          "Punctuality is only a virtue for those who aren't smart enough to think of good excuses for being late" John Nichol "Point Of Impact"

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          • C Chris Losinger

            when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

            Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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            Stuart van Weele
            wrote on last edited by
            #16

            Wipe the HD, reinstall the Windows that came with it if you are feeling kind, then either donate it or simply put it outside with a "WORKS - FREE!" sign. Anything that's still usable and too much trouble to donate I generally just put on the curb marked as free for the taking. Most times its gone within hours.

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            • M Michael A Barnhart

              A 1.7 is defility donatable, giving it is running reliably, Being one who helped clean up donated systems for a charity the amount of donations that are broken junk does infuriate me. If you need a suggestion the group I had helped was call the the ARC. Association for Retarded Citizens. Now they helped a lot more that just the group the name implies. Most of the computers were cleaned up and given to elderly home bound people so they could communicate. A couple of providers also gave free accounts to these people so they had contact with the outside world for no cost (given they did have a phone that is.) [EDIT] Ok let me clairify. Most of the donations I have seen are units that something failed in and the owners put away in a damp corner of the basement or in their 180 degree attic for a few years, finally deciding to get rid of it. They then donate the box, which time and the elements have totally destroyed. This is NOT something that benefits the charities. Chris's offer is a usable system that even if it needs some attention is fine. [end edit] -- modified at 17:45 Thursday 27th July, 2006

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              Jeremy Falcon
              wrote on last edited by
              #17

              Michael A. Barnhart wrote:

              Being one who helped clean up donaged systems for a charity the amount of donations that are broken junk does infuriate me.

              So, donating a broken machine for parts is a bad thing?

              Jeremy Falcon

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              • C Chris Losinger

                when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                Mathias B
                wrote on last edited by
                #18

                Donate it. Projects like "FreeBSD" are always looking for donated hardware. If you're interested, visit: Donations @ FreeBSD If you want to donate it to me, I would also be pleased to receive it ;-) Kind regards Mathias

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                • C Chris Losinger

                  when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                  Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                  Dy
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #19

                  Donate it. I've done that a couple of times. Some of the org.'s taking them will even come and pick them up. Don't bin it. 1. It's a waste, 2. It's not a good candidate for land fill and 3. Here in the UK/EU, it's illegal - it might be in the US too.


                  - Dy

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                  • C Chris Losinger

                    when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                    Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

                    realJSOPR Online
                    realJSOPR Online
                    realJSOP
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #20

                    Put Linux on it, and just use it to play around...

                    "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
                    -----
                    "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001

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                    • C Chris Losinger

                      when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                      Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                      Hans Dietrich
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #21

                      Goodwill accepts computers, gives you blank receipt for tax deduction. You can search around on eBay to find similar PC, then print out listing (most expensive one) to show IRS what it's worth.

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                      • C Chris Losinger

                        when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                        Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                        B Offline
                        Beth Mackenzie
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #22

                        I pass mine onto my parents usually.

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                        • J Jeremy Falcon

                          Michael A. Barnhart wrote:

                          Being one who helped clean up donaged systems for a charity the amount of donations that are broken junk does infuriate me.

                          So, donating a broken machine for parts is a bad thing?

                          Jeremy Falcon

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                          daniilzol
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #23

                          Well, people are very picky nowadays. If you have to donate, you have to donate good working computer, no more than 6 months old, gaming mouse, 21" LCD is prefferable. On a more serious note, it's actually true, I'm always amused when churches or any other charitable organizations ask for clothing and then add in the end, like new condition and prefferably never worn or something. Kind of kills good will spirit in me. I would imagine having something is better than nothing at all.

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                          • C Chris Losinger

                            when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                            Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                            E Offline
                            El Corazon
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #24

                            Chris Losinger wrote:

                            i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                            I have done several things over the years... each has their own rewards. 1) Donate it 2) Recycle it 3) Trade it in as part of the new purchase 4) Give it to a friend I have never sold a computer. I dislike selling something I have owned, I use things "well" and I don't know if it will last for this other person. Giving it away, if it works for them, great, if it doesn't there is no loss all around.

                            _________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)

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                            • C Chris Losinger

                              when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                              Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                              Dustin Metzgar
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #25

                              Does anybody know if there are places that recycle them? Seems like such a waste to throw them out.


                              Logifusion[^]

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                              • C Chris Losinger

                                when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                                Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                                M Offline
                                Miszou
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #26

                                Keep it and add it to your domain. I have 9 fully functional computers in my house now - mostly made from spare parts and put together for fun. They range from a lowly 333mhz Celeron (used for capturing images for the Timelapse Project[^]) to my desktop machine, which is a very nice gaming/video editing/work computer ;) You can never have too many computers. I'm actually on the lookout for another one, to see if I can't get some flavor of Linux to play nicely with my Active Directory...


                                The StartPage Randomizer | The Timelapse Project

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                                • D Dustin Metzgar

                                  Does anybody know if there are places that recycle them? Seems like such a waste to throw them out.


                                  Logifusion[^]

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                                  L Offline
                                  Lost User
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #27

                                  Your local authoritiy's Environmental Health department should be able to advise you. Did you know there are organisations specialising in 2nd hand computers distributing them to third world countries. Just make sure that there is no data (or should I say any retrievable data) on your hard drives.

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                                  • C Chris Losinger

                                    when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                                    Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                                    A Offline
                                    Anton Afanasyev
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #28

                                    Scrape the gold from the parts and then recycle it:-D:-D

                                    rara avis in terris

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                                    • realJSOPR realJSOP

                                      Put Linux on it, and just use it to play around...

                                      "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
                                      -----
                                      "...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001

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                                      C Offline
                                      Chris Losinger
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #29

                                      already have one of those....on a laptop

                                      Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

                                      1 Reply Last reply
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                                      • D Dustin Metzgar

                                        Does anybody know if there are places that recycle them? Seems like such a waste to throw them out.


                                        Logifusion[^]

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                                        C Offline
                                        Chris Losinger
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #30

                                        Dell will actually pick up old computers, free, when you buy a new one. but i couldn't do that since i needed to copy the stuff off the old one onto the new one...

                                        Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

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                                        • C Chris Losinger

                                          when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one? i have an old Dell 1.7GHz desktop that I recently replaced. i could sell it to a friend who needs one, but i'm a little worried that i'll become the tech support guy. i could put it up for sale on eBay, but it's probably not worth the shipping cost (since you can get a new PC for just a few hundred $, if you shop around). i don't need it for a file server or anything like that. donate it? junk it?

                                          Let's execute on the customer-facing market-driven swim-lane paradigm!

                                          P Offline
                                          P Offline
                                          Paul Conrad
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #31

                                          Chris Losinger wrote:

                                          when you upgrade to a new computer, what do you do with your old one?

                                          I usually end up using the old computers as a test database box or some node on the network to backup files to. If I don't keep the old machines, usually I donate them or bury them in the yard for some future archeologist :->

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