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Thread ID: 120616 2011-09-17 04:12:00 What to do with old computer Beemer (6956) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1231759 2011-09-17 04:12:00 As I posted recently, I've just bought an iMac and will be getting rid of my old PC. What I'd like to know is, what can I do with the PC? It's still in good working condition, crashes every now and then as every PC I've owned did, and it's got a nice 21" flat screen Philips monitor. It's a Compaq Presario, SR5065AN.

I've offered it to a friend but she didn't need it and I realise it's not worth anything in monetary terms, but I wondered if it may be of some use for a charity or someone. I'd be lucky to get $20 for the monitor if I tried selling it, so I'd be happy to give the whole lot away to a worthy cause.

It has Microsoft Office 2003, InDesign CS3 and Photoshop CS2 loaded. The only thing I'd worry about with giving it away is how to ensure the hard drive was clean before doing so. It's not that I have any really confidential information on there, but I know deleted items can be recovered so I'd prefer to give it away as clean as possible.

Any advice?
Beemer (6956)
1231760 2011-09-17 04:17:00 send it here ill format it :p Dont need the monitor. I've got a spare 19' Speedy Gonzales (78)
1231761 2011-09-17 04:51:00 crashes every now and then as every PC I've owned did,

The only thing I'd worry about with giving it away is how to ensure the hard drive was clean before doing so.



You have to maintain PCs - they're not like toasters, it requires scans for malware, cleanouts, reinstalls if kept long enough, things like that. Otherwise yes they do crash. Bit like driving your car and never checking oil or water. Sooner or later it objects to the lack of attention.


Do a factory restore on it - that will wipe it and yes a charity is a good idea.
pctek (84)
1231762 2011-09-17 06:37:00 In the past I've donated old computers to people I know are interested in learning about computers. It's my way of building up the industry. :). Non-profit orgs are a good idea though. I have a few here in Hamilton that grab up most comps they can get to help them train Refugees dpDesignz (15919)
1231763 2011-09-17 10:11:00 il have it lol add it to my collection lol maybe turn it into a media player or surfer milkster1976 (16554)
1231764 2011-09-17 10:39:00 hows the mac treating you plod (107)
1231765 2011-09-17 11:36:00 I get the odd computer that comes into the Sallies Op Shop where I work. I check them over, get updates, clean out, occasionally reformat, and in general make sure they are in working order. Then I advertise them for sale for around $50 and there is usually someone who can't afford a new one so are happy just to get an old dunger just for kids or someone to learn on. The Sallies get the money unless I have to buy a part eg RAM. Then I just take my cut for what I spend. It's a good arrangement and everyone is happy.

LL
lakewoodlady (103)
1231766 2011-09-17 12:33:00 Trademe, $1 reserve. I'm sure you'll get something for it.

I'd format the drive with Darik's boot-and-nuke if there's anything you're worried about.
Agent_24 (57)
1231767 2011-09-17 21:34:00 Keep it, so that when you realise you were sucked in by Macs you have something to go back to. Digby (677)
1231768 2011-09-17 22:24:00 The Mac is lovely! But I am going to have to get an ergonomic keyboard, this tiny one has changed me from a 100wpm touch typist into an illiterate foreign typist!

Another thing to ask, I have Outlook 2003 on the PC and of course it's got lots of old emails I want to keep - will I need to connect it up and email each one to a Gmail account or similar, or is there some way I can easily transfer them to the Mac? And I mean EASY - I am not overly computer literate and don't have access to spare cables, etc!
Beemer (6956)
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