Hardware Tips: What Should You Do With Your Old Computer?

Why Not Keep It?

A smooth transition to a new system isn't guaranteed. A corollary to Murphy's Law states that the day after you delete a file, throw out a software manual, or give away an old computer is the day you desperately need it. Your old system may not be suited to high-speed graphics or fast-paced games, but if it's sporting a Pentium II CPU or better, it's probably more than adequate for word processing, Web browsing, and other basic tasks. New home networking products make sharing a high-speed Internet link cheaper and easier than ever. Check out Home Office: Going Wireless? Consider Cost, Security for more on home networks.

If your old computer is too slow, consider adding more RAM. Upgrading your PC's memory is easy and still relatively cheap (though not as cheap as it was a few months ago). It's often an effective performance booster, especially if your old PC has less than 128MB of RAM. Point your browser to Upgrade Guide: Install RAM modules step by step for more on memory upgrades.

Another way to breathe new life into an old system is to reinstall Windows and your applications. Over time, Windows accumulates bugs and glitches that slow performance. After the reinstall, be sure to download all patches available for your OS from Microsoft's Windows Update site.

If your PC has to go, consider donating it to a charity that accepts computers. To find a local one, search the PEP National Directory of Computer Recycling Programs.

Here are a few donating tips:

Make sure your PC is wanted. Any system with a Pentium processor or better should be suitable for donation. Call first, however, to find out if any restrictions or rules apply--and be sure to ask about delivery instructions, parking, pickups, and so on.

Include everything. Package the keyboard, mouse, manuals, and software disks with the PC. A total system is easier to process and much more useful than a partial one.

Clean it up. Giving your PC's exterior a quick wipe-down is a welcome courtesy. Also, remove all your personal files. You can do this with a program such as Norton SystemWorks 2002, or you can simply reformat the hard disk. If you reformat, be sure to reinstall the operating system. Otherwise the organization may have to pay for a new license.

Get it in writing. For tax purposes, get a receipt from the organization to confirm your donation. Make sure it has the date, the make and model number of your PC, and the make and model number of all other equipment you donate. The IRS allows you to deduct the fair market value of your PC, not the replacement cost or the purchase price. See Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, on the IRS Web site.