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New uses for old
PCs
reprinted with permission HP
 We’ve got some good news and bad news.
The good news? Computers and technology have changed our lives
in amazing, life-altering ways. The bad news? The latest
technology stands atop a mound of yesterday’s outdated or
unwanted technologies and hardware.
The constant cycle
of innovation begs the question: what do I do with my old or
unwanted PC now that I have a new notebook or desktop?
Reuse
One plus one makes two.
Keeping your existing PC and networking it with your new one
means you can try your hand at making your own LAN (Local
Access Network). All versions of Windows since Windows 95 have
built-in networking features. You will need to procure an
Ethernet card for your older machine (your new one most likely
already has one built in), as well as a network cable or a hub
(or switch) with standard CAT5 networking cables. Be sure to
learn the basics of networking first, not only to save you a
lot of headache, but also to make the most of the following
suggestions. You can enroll in a free, online class
"Networking 101" to learn more.
Use your old
machine as your digital jukebox. If your old computer has a
sound card, which it more than likely does, install music
software such as MusicMatch Jukebox, iTunes, or Rhapsody, hook
up some speakers (connecting your sound card’s 1/8-inch stereo
plug to a pair of RCA female plugs using a Y cable) and you’ve
got yourself a dedicated music solution in your living room!
Want visuals with
your sound? Get a video card for your computer (with a Video
Out connector) and hook your PC to your television. You can
buy a wireless keyboard and mouse combo to control the action
from your sofa or elsewhere.
If you want to beat
‘em, have them join you. Or something like that. If you’re
into PC games, network your computers into a LAN and have
multiplayer tournaments at home.
Got kids in the
house? If so, load your old PC with fun, educational software
and nothing else. This way, your kids can enjoy technology
without you having to worry about the appropriateness of what
they’re viewing, not to mention the kids messing with your own
files and applications.
Sure, your old
computer may be a slow mover, but it just may make a dandy
server. You could set up a network and connect your printer to
your old PC, making it your dedicated printer server, or
consolidate files that your household tends to share, and make
it your home’s file server (just think: only one directory to
back up). Resell
Don’t expect to make a
ton of money, but something is better than nothing. Try eBay,
but don’t go into it expecting to make anything close to what
you paid for it. You’ll get some money and you’ll be helping
out someone who can’t afford the latest and greatest, while
helping you to simplify your life and eliminate the
technological clutter.
Sometimes the parts
are worth more than the whole. There are interesting parties
who make use of parts like your hard drive or network card. Be
sure to include the name of the component, part number, serial
number, etc. when posting parts for sale so that others can
find just what they need. And, like reselling your computer
intact, don’t expect to make a lot. This is about cleaning out
more than cleaning up.
Learn about HP
Asset recovery and get cash for unwanted equipment.
Reward
Virtue is its own
reward, right? There are many associations, public schools and
other organizations interested in your unwanted equipment.
Your old PC could be the gateway to opportunity for a
classroom in need. Not only do kids get to work with
computers, but also there are many individuals who learn
valuable skills by rejuvenating these computers. Many school
districts will accept nothing older than a 486-based system,
so be sure to ask. And it’s not just schools that need your
old computer: community centers, libraries, hospitals, and
other nonprofit organizations can make use of your castaway.
Learn more about donating your products with HP.
Recycle
If any of the above uses
don’t appeal to you, another stop is recycling.
The Silicon Valley
Toxics Coalition estimates that consumer electronics
constitute 40 percent of the lead found in landfills, and
other toxic materials, such as cadmium, barium, and mercury,
are all found in PC components. Because of this, many
municipal refuse and recycling companies don't offer curbside
pickup of computer equipment.
Fortunately,
computer-recycling companies and HP meet this challenge and
responsibly recycle computer parts. PC recycling is sometimes
free; otherwise there may be a modest fee. You can locate
computer recycling services in your area or rely on HP’s
hardware recycling services with the US.
This simple and
environmentally sound take-back program offers consumers and
business customers the ability to return computing hardware
from any manufacturer. The cost of the automated, online
service ranges from $13 to $34 per item, depending upon the
type and quantity of hardware returned. Custom price quotes
are also available.
HP's
state-of-the-art processes ensure that your unwanted hardware
is reused or recycled in a way that conserves resources. The
service aims to:
- Cut down on
computer waste
- Put the raw
materials to good use
Recycled materials
can be reused to make other products which helps conserve
natural resources such as copper, aluminum, lead, iron and
other materials. So don’t think of it as throwing out an old
friend, but—instead–giving your long-time computerized pal a
new beginning. Learn more about HP Planet partners
recycling services.
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