| As with most electrical items computers have become | | | | 3. Secure destruction - We've all heard of those |
| totally disposable when it comes to buying a new | | | | cunning technical wizards who can find all the |
| model. If one breaks down it is often cheaper to buy a | | | | information that you thought you'd deleted from your |
| complete new set-up rather than have your equipment | | | | machine, and use it for ill-gotten gain. So, if you, or your |
| repaired. Or, if you simply need a go-faster, | | | | company, have sensitive information that should prove |
| bigger-memory machine in some cases it may also be | | | | very damaging if it got into the wrong hands consider |
| cheaper to buy new, than upgrade. So, what can you | | | | a specialist company to handle your PC disposal. |
| actually do with old computer equipment? Is it possible | | | | They'll ensure that the hard drives are destroyed in |
| to recycle it or is your PC destined for the landfill? | | | | such a way as to make data retrieval impossible. |
| 1. Send them to a worthy charity - certain charities | | | | 4. Re-marketing - There are companies out there that |
| collect and either export older, but perfectly functioning | | | | will help you sell on your old computer equipment if it is |
| computers to Africa and other under-developed | | | | in good cosmetic condition and working order. In return |
| economic countries, or upgrade them and distribute to | | | | for a percentage of the price obtained, usually 20 - |
| schools around the UK. If you have a social | | | | 30%, they will refurbish and sell on your equipment, |
| conscience then this will be your preferred way of | | | | either in the UK or abroad using their contacts or |
| getting secondary use out of your old computer | | | | networks. |
| system. | | | | 5. Rebuild the Enterprise Bridge - Be the envy of all |
| 2. Refurbish, upgrade and keep - in some cases, | | | | your Trekkie mates and construct your own |
| although definitely not all, it can prove cheaper to | | | | home-based Enterprise operations room. Strategically |
| upgrade your equipment rather than purchase a | | | | distribute your various computer components around |
| completely new system. Adding more RAM, upgrading | | | | your living room - the more monitors the better - add a |
| your motherboard and/or adding a faster processor to | | | | few coloured lights and a lot of silver paper. For the |
| convert your current system to an all-singing, | | | | final touch purchase a prestige leather chair such as a |
| all-dancing high-spec computer may be the way | | | | Lazyboy, and place it plum centre in front of a huge |
| forward. So, it is definitely worth costing up your | | | | 72" plasma screen to recreate your own Starship |
| options before considering other computer disposal | | | | Enterprise Bridge. In the words of Captain Picard: |
| methods. | | | | "Make it so! |