New Uses for old PCs

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 The latest technology stands atop a mound of yesterday’s outdated or unwanted technologies and hardware.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.