What can I do with my 20 year old computer?

Tossing it in the garbage isn't a good idea either—the metals and chemicals in electronics can be toxic, so you'll want to keep your old computer out of a landfill. You could recycle it or donate it to a friend, but your best bet may be to give your old device a new life as, say, a gaming server or a security system.
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Will a 20 year old PC still work?

For desktops, it's not only possible, it's normal. A well-built desktop that isn't abused during its use and well-taken care of can work for 20 years, even without replacements.
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What can I do with my 20 year old laptop?

Recycling or donating your old machine is a fantastic way to help cut down e-waste by extracting precious metals and plastic for use in other applications. Or if there's still life left in your laptop, donate to someone who can't afford a brand-new one.
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What do you do with an outdated computer?

You could pass it along to a neighbor or a friend, trade it in or consider donating it. Many manufacturer- and retailer-sponsored programs will take your drop-offs or mail-ins and then dismantle the computers for materials recycling.
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Are old computers good for anything?

Sometimes, an extra old machine is good for a low-value use in your own home, perhaps as a machine for guests, or perhaps to run a home server for files or media. If you absolutely don't need your old machine at home–and perhaps have no room for it as well–consider friends and family.
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15 Practical Things You Can do With an Old Computer

Should I destroy my old computer?

Erasing a computer hard drive before recycling will help to prevent your data from being stolen. Destroying the data will guarantee that it is safe. You can destroy the drive yourself; you can use any of these three methods to destroy the drive platters. All need effort and safety equipment!
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Can you make money from old computers?

The simplest method for selling devices is turning them over to a buyback service like Decluttr, Gazelle or ItsWorthMore. These websites let you input info about your older gear—make, model, condition—and then give you a valuation.
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How do I clear my old computer before donating it?

Let's see what those steps are:
  1. Open the Settings of the system.
  2. Click on 'Update & Security'
  3. Go to 'Recovery' option in the menu on the left side.
  4. Choose the option 'Get Started' under the Reset This PC.
  5. Select 'Remove Everything' from the dialogue box that pops up like the one below.
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What to do before selling an old computer?

Why Is Computer Sale Preparation so Important?
  1. Estimate the Computer's Price. The first step to take before selling a used computer is to estimate its market price. ...
  2. Back up Personal Files. ...
  3. Sign Out of All Accounts. ...
  4. Erase the Hard Drive. ...
  5. Clean the Computer's External Components. ...
  6. Find a Resale Service.
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What is considered an outdated computer?

How to tell if a computer is outdated. Your computer is outdated when it is too slow, noisy, unable to multitask, and does not connect properly. If you do not have the latest version of the operating system, and the load times for applications are longer, then it is considered outdated.
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Does Best Buy let you trade-in laptops?

Instead of keeping an old laptop around as clutter, you can bring it into a Best Buy store and trade it in for up to $300 on a Best Buy gift card. In store only. Not all products are eligible for trade-in. Not available in all locations and some stores may have additional limitations.
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What do people do with old laptops?

Computer/laptop manufacturers such as Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and HP all have electronic recycling programs, most of which are completely free. Some, such as Apple, also have trade-in programs that give you a credit for your unwanted laptop or computer that you can apply toward a new one.
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Is it safe to throw away laptop after removing hard drive?

You should always destroy hard drives or other electronic devices before recycling because there is no way to ensure that equipment sent for recycling will not be accessed by information thieves.
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How long before a PC is obsolete?

How long do computers last on average? A desktop computer's average lifespan is five to eight years, depending on the quality of the components. IT maintenance is also critical, with routine software upgrades, uninstalling unused software, and removing excessive dust recommended.
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How long before my computer is obsolete?

Today's computers run at peak for roughly 3-5 years, though most IT pros say it's closer to 3 years. A “wait till it dies” mentality can be costly when applied to the devices your employees use daily – financially and even from an employee morale standpoint. Frustrating tools can quickly create a frustrated workforce.
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Is IT worth upgrading an old computer?

If your PC is on its last legs and lacks everything, then upgrading makes little sense. If you have to invest more than half the money you would have spent on a new PC for an upgrade, buying a new one is usually the more sensible solution in the long run.
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Are old computers worth selling?

Actually, yes! This depends entirely on market factors, and the prices can fluctuate almost daily, but in some cases, your computer could still be worth money even if it is just being entirely scrapped for recycling, and of course, Sadoff can handle that too.
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Should I wipe my computer before selling it?

The primary reason you should wipe your computer hard drive is personal data safety. If you decide to sell, donate, or recycle your computer, it is not enough to delete your files because third parties can recover them using specialized software.
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Does resetting PC delete everything?

The resetting process will delete the applications and files installed on the system, then reinstall Windows and any applications originally installed in your system at manufacturing time.
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Does Goodwill wipe hard drives?

What about my hard drive? Our technicians pass background checks before they begin working on donated items, and we clean all data left on the hard drive to Department of Defense standards on any device for resell. Hard drives are destroyed on recycled items.
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Does goodwill erase hard drive?

Goodwill now offers on-site hard drive shredding to ensure full data destruction.
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Should I destroy hard drive before recycling?

To secure your personal data, you should empty the hard drive completely. This way, nobody can take the hard drive (momentarily or permanently) and read your files stored in the hard drive. Easy way is to remove the hard drive from the computer. You can re-use the hard drive for your external storage, for example.
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Where can I turn in my computer for money?

The Microsoft Store Trade-in Program powered by Teladvance lets you trade in an eligible used device for cash payment. Just answer a few questions about the brand, model, and condition of your used device. Teladvance provides an appraisal that reflects a fair estimate of your device's condition and value.
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How do I dispose of an old computer near me?

Top 10 Best Computer Recycling Center Near Los Angeles, California
  1. All "Computer Recycling Center" results in Los Angeles, California.
  2. eWaste U.S. Electronics Recycling. 11.4 mi. ...
  3. UCLA SAFE Collection Center. ...
  4. Greenly Electronics Recycling. ...
  5. Cal E-Waste Recycle. ...
  6. Pasadena Tech Recycle. ...
  7. Glendale Recycling Center. ...
  8. E-Waste Security.
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Can you make money from old laptops?

Absolutely! Every Laptop we buy is either recycled responsibly or refurbished and sold to someone else who can use it. Whatever happens, you can be certain that your device won't end up in landfill when you recycle your Laptop with us. So not only are you making money, you're helping the environment too!
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