Issue 4.11
Many people have received new computers over the last few weeks and wonder what to do with their old one. Before you do anything, be sure you have retrieved any important files, documents, pictures, etc. from the old computer. Once you have transferred your files, it’s time to decide.
One solution is to use it as a second computer and network it with the new one so you can use it with your internet, printers, etc. This takes a little bit of equipment and knowledge to set up but is very do-able. Usually you will need a network hub or switch unless your modem comes with multiple network ports. If your new computer is a laptop and you have a wireless router or modem you may be able to network them without additional equipment. If you have questions it is good to ask someone experienced how to proceed. Networking equipment and cables are available at Staples, OfficeMax, Best Buy and other electronics outlets.
If you are going to discard the computer (throw it in the trash, donate it to charity, sell it or trade it in for tech help or new stuff you need), you definitely should delete all files (or have a reputable tech do it) before giving it to anyone else. You can try to do this yourself one file at a time or you can reformat the computer and re-install the operating system. To do this you need the disks that came with the computer and the installation key code to activate it. You will also need to reinstall the drivers (programs that allow your modem, network, sound, video, etc. to work with your computer.
If you have any critical data on your old computer, zeroing the drive is the safest way to be sure your data is never available to anyone else. It takes specialized knowledge and a lot of work to retrieve data from a formatted drive, but it can be done. Zeroing may be important in your situation. You can download a program to do this at http://www.killdisk.com/ http://www.killdisk.com/ but if you are trading it or donating it, make sure you have the installation key for your machine before you do it. This key is usually on a tag on the side or bottom of the computer.
I hate to see people just throw good computers in the trash because they can be given to people or schools that can’t afford to buy them. If you need to know positive ways to donate, check the internet or call me. I am willing to answer a quick question or two if you need help with this process, and as I always say – stay safe – and make sure you have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 29 years (locally with Musicomp & Bits ‘N’ Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions, you can reach him at 668-7118.