9 June, 2008
Paul Boggia advises on what to do with your old hardware
I’ve recently
upgraded to a new computer. How do I go about getting rid of my old equipment
securely, cheaply and legally?
For most pub licensees, using the following guide will ensure old IT
equipment is safely recycled.
In most cases the operating system is tied to a particular machine. But if
the software is completely removed it can usually be reinstalled on another
machine and reactivated via a phone call to Microsoft customer services.
Normal file deletion only makes the file appear unavailable – it’s still
present on the hard drive. A good way to ensure total erasure of private data
is to use a secure erase utility which will overwrite the file with random or
zero data. These can be found free online at:
o
www.killdisk.com/
o
www.heidi.ie/node/1
o
www.terabyteunlimited.com/copywipe.php#download
o
cmrr.ucsd.edu/people/Hughes/SecureErase.shtml
• Sell your computer on eBay
• Donate it to a charity or non-profit computer recycling centre such as:
o
www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/recycle/index.html
o
www.freecycle.org
o
www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/ComputerRecyclersRefurbishers.htm
They accept most computers, network equipment and telephones. Some will
provide you with a receipt for your donation so you can get a tax deduction. If
you’re buying a new computer, check whether the supplier will recycle your old
computer for free.
• Or try the simplest way: use your pub! Even defunct computers can be
offloaded using this method. Put a sign on your computer saying ‘Free computer!
Good for parts or case’ and leave it on display.
Note that if your pub needs to offload more than 200kg of equipment (or 15
CRT monitors) you may be subject to the Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE) and will need to dispose of it in line.
Paul Boggia is a self-confessed IT geek and
licensee of the Kingston Arms in Cambridge