Old computer

[Lynne]

Does anyone know of a charity that takes old (really old in this case) computers?

[DulwichFox]

You could take it to the dump. I do not think the Charity Shops would want it.

53 Devon Street, London SE15 1AL

Just off of the Old Kent Rd near the Gas works..

DulwichFox

[ed_pete]

This guy might be interested.

http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?28,1487136,1501474#msg-1501474

[Sue]

Computers for charities:

http://www.computersforcharities.org/

"We need your old equipment and can often collect from you

We refurbish the items, securely removing all data

We then work with charities across the UK and abroad to set up and provide ongoing support"

If they can't use yours, I'm sure they would be able to suggest ways to recycle it or whatever?

Well done you for not just binning it!

[Loz]

Before you give it away, I strongly suggest you securely delete the hard disk. I've used Darian's Boot and Nuke (http://www.dban.org/) before for this.

[ruffers]

I hit it with a hammer till it sounds like sand inside :-)

[DulwichFox]

Best to remove the Hard Drive and destroy..

Dismantling a Hard Drive can be Hazardous.

Careful with the magnets, they are very strong and will probably pinch your fingers if they get between them.

The disks themselves are VERY tough. but can be drilled in several places to destroy them.

There will generally be up to 4 platters.

Here is a step-by-step guide. http://www.mytechbrief.com/tutorials/how-dismantle-and-if-needed-destroy-hard-drive

Stay safe.

DulwichFox

[DirtyBox]

I drilled a few holes in the drive of my old computer, broke a few drill bits in the process...they are tough!

[Jeremy]

Donating to charity is a nice idea, but I think it would have to be reasonably modern to be of use to anyone (the charity Sue linked to ask for machines five years old or less).

And of course, giving to charity and destroying the hard drive are mutually exclusive..

[Sue]

Jeremy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Donating to charity is a nice idea, but I think it

> would have to be reasonably modern to be of use to

> anyone (the charity Sue linked to ask for machines

> five years old or less).

Ooops sorry, just did a quick google and didn't read the details on the website.

They wouldn't take my ancient laptop, then :))

[se22cat]

Hi, how old are we talking? Is it in working order? Could you upload a picture? I enjoy re-purposing old/ish decks as emulation machines then passing them on.

[Townleygreen]

Sydenham library (run by volunteers) takes any old electronic equipment including PCs.

It's open 9.30-5 Mon, Sat and 9.30-7 Tue, Thur

[se22cat]

I did a month's volunteering for the company that run the Sydenham recycling project in their Deptford branch, helping to strip and rebuild machines. They are really good people and also offer help to local residents who lack IT skills.