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Your personal computer has been upgraded several times. You've added hard drive space or memory, replaced the monitor and even installed a new processor. It's become so outdated that the cost of upgrading is higher than that of buying new equipment. It's time to "retire" the old PC. Do you dump it in the trash, recycle it or give it to someone who can use it?
Before exploring these options, ask yourself the following questions. Have you stored any sensitive personal information on the hard drive? Have you completed income tax returns or managed your personal finances using the computer? Have you stored account numbers for credit card or bank accounts? If so, you'll want to take precautions before letting go of your computer.
While concerns about privacy and the danger of identity theft have led consumers to be more responsible about shredding paper documents, personal information that can turn up on used hard drives deserves consumer attention too.
Deleting the files containing documents, pictures and sensitive information doesn't make them go away. Deletions just remove the items from the index on the hard drive. Recovery programs exist that can find that deleted data. The data contained in the file will stay in the system until it is overwritten with new data. Even then the files may still be on the system and able to be put back together.
A program that wipes out the files can be purchased in stores selling computer software, or shareware programs are available on the Internet. Also, when you discard the old computer, change the registration information in Windows. This way your name isn't identified with the computer. Following these procedures can provide some identity theft protection and information security. However, if your old data is supersensitive remove the hard-drive and destroy it.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the state of Colorado strongly encourages (but does not require) households to reuse or recycle their old computers. "Household" includes single-family homes, apartments, university dorms, hotels and motels, retirement homes, bunkhouses, ranger stations and crew quarters. Unwanted computers from households are exempt from state hazardous waste regulations and associated requirements even though they contain hazardous materials.
Several non-profit organizations or clearinghouses accept working computers that they re-distribute to individuals or groups that could not otherwise afford them. These organizations may or may not charge a fee to accept working computer equipment. Some organizations even refurbish old computers and donate them to deserving social service organizations, schools or individuals. If you contact a school or non-profit organization directly, confirm that the organization can really use the computer. While many schools and non-profit organizations would like to have computers, non-profit organizations often find that they do not have the know-how to deal with older systems. A list of organizations that accept computer donations to distribute to other non-profit organizations can be accessed at the Boulder Community Network website.
Recycling an old computer may be an option. With recycling, computer components are broken down, crushed or melted and sorted into recyclable materials. Fees may be charged based on item type and quantity. Requesting that the computer equipment be picked up will result in additional cost.
To find computer re-users and recyclers look in your local Yellow Pages under "Recycling" or see if your city has a recycling coordinator. Information regarding reuse and recycling can be found through Parents, Educators and Publishers national directory of computer recycling program at:
Colorado State University Extension in no way recommends, endorses or certifies the services of any company listed on these Web sites.
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