Do You Have an Old PC? Here’s What You Could Do With It

Published on: 04 April 2022 Last Updated on: 05 April 2022

Do you have an old PC that you replaced with a newer model? Whether you’re an individual or a business or an organization, what you do with that old PC is a question that is worth thinking about.

Many people simply decide to throw their old hardware in the trash – but not only is this highly wasteful, but it could also be a wasted opportunity or even a potential security breach. Any IT support professional will tell you how easy it is to retrieve data from an old PC – even a 20-year-old PC found in a landfill would have data on it that you could recover and read.

For more info on what to do with an old PC, whether as an individual or as a business, we spoke to TechQuarters, an IT support provider that operates in North London.

As they have been providing IT Support North London businesses have been relying on for years, they have a lot of experience managing their customer’s PC and hardware. From that experience, they have suggested a number of different things you can do with an old computer, the least of which is to throw it out.

Cleansing an Old PC

No matter what you decide to do with a disused PC, the first step should always be to cleanse it of your data. As we mentioned earlier, anyone can restore the data on a hard drive just by using commercial software known as Data.

Forensics software – so if you have anything on your hard drive you wouldn’t want other people to be able to access, such as bank details, passport info, etc. then you should make the effort to wipe the device.

Before you start, you should backup your personal data, by copying it to another storage device – this might be your new computer, or it could be an external hard drive.

Additionally, you should also locate any registration keys and serial numbers for software you have purchased, so that you can transfer it over to your new device – if you don’t do this, you might lose access to the software you have paid money for.

Once you have backed up everything you want to keep, you should wipe the hard drive of your old PC. To begin with, restore the PC to its factory settings.

This will superficially hide your data on the PC’s hard drive, but will not remove it – to do this, you will need to use a Disk-Wiping tool; this software will permanently overwrite your data with random information so that even if someone used Data Forensics, they would only find random data.

What to do with an Old PC?

So, once you have backed up all of your data and cleansed the old device of any personal data, what should you do with it? If your first instinct is to throw it away, think again. There are a number of things you can do to get a final return on your investment.

1. Sell for parts –

depending on the condition of the PC, you can sell it for the hardware components. This is one way to get some money back from a PC that is too old for anyone to want to use it. The hard drive, CPU, RAM, Graphics Card, and even the Power Supply Unit is potentially valuable parts that others might find useful.

2. Sell as is –

If your PC isn’t so old that nobody would want to use it, you could definitely sell it as a second-hand device. Just be sure to wipe your data completely, as someone else will be using it after you.

3. Recycle –

If you’re not bothered about making any money back from your old device, and just want to be rid of it, feel free to dispose of it – but try and avoid letting it end up in a landfill. Instead, look for a service that can take the PC from you and recycle the materials correctly. Some computer hardware chains can do this for you.

4. Donate –

Perhaps your PC is not that old, and you simply replaced it with a more powerful model. This means your old PC is still completely usable; in which case, you could donate it to an organization. For instance, schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations will all be likely to accept a second-hand PC as a donation.

5. Convert to a Server –

Seeing as servers are essentially just PCs that have been optimized for a specific purpose, you could certainly consider turning your old PC into a server. Of course, this won’t be the easiest process in the world but is doable with the right guidance (which you can find online). To start with, a server needs to be running 24/7, so you will need to configure the device to run in a low-power state, make sure it doesn’t shut down at any inconvenient moments, and that it will run properly without any input – because you likely won’t want to have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected to it at all times.

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Useful Tips to Help You Buy the Best Bikini Trimmer

Managing body hairs in sensitive areas can be tricky. Let’s say you want to sport that figure when you head out to the beach. You want to look polished, but some hairs can spoil it for you. As such, you need to go through the best guides that arm you with bikini trimmer buying tips. There is a hill of information about this topic online, and it can be difficult to separate the real stuff from the shallow tips. The good thing about bikini trimmer guides is that they will lead you to a variety of trimmers that fit your needs. It’s important that you factor in your preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Apparently, you need to sift through trimmer reviews and go for one with excellent feedback from other users. The perfect bikini trimmers will come with ergonomic handles that will offer control such that you can maneuver those curves and folds them down there. Buying a bikini trimmer goes past the machine itself. You need to consider the cost of blade replacements, or batteries if it’s a cordless trimmer. You need precision cutting and you should opt for the trimmer whose features enable you to shave with accuracy. What Qualities to Look For? Design: The modern bikini trimmer comes with a range of designs. Away from the fabulous trimmer looks, there is a need to check whether the design specifics match with your needs. Assess whether a given trimmer feels good in your hands and bag. The grip should be excellent. Nobody wants to use a shaver that keeps slipping when you need to be precise. You can opt for straight or curved designs as long as the ergonomics are okay. Bikini trimmer designs and portability go hand in hand. For the ever-mobile woman, the cordless design will suffice. Check whether it can fit your conventional carry pocket. You don’t have to choose the bulky types. Proper research will lead you to a design that is versatile, slim in shape, and with great shaving power. If you don’t want to shave outdoors, the corded, mains power trimmer will suffice. Some bikini trimmers are built with the idea that they can be transformed into an all in one hair clipper device. If you want your trimmer to help you with your eyebrows, check whether there are options to fit in blades that can hack your eyebrows. If not, you can choose a single-use trimmer that is customized to handle more than just bikini shaving. Easy to Maintain and Clean: When you buy a bikini shaver, you want to be sure that it’s easy to maintain the gadget. If you have thick hair, you want the gadget to operate smoothly without issues caused by hair clogging up in some parts. The less the add-on features or ports the better. Remember to choose a trimmer that you can fix on your own. There are low-quality clippers that will keep breaking and require professional attention and money to revive them. Blade Quality: For excellent shaving, check whether the trimmer you buy comes with high-quality stainless steel blades. Who wants to buy trimmers with blades that rust? It can end up posing risks to your sensitive skin. It’s prudent that you consider the trimmer with self-sharpening blades. You don’t have to worry about surgical precision even when your tufts seem troublesome. Waterproof-Wet and Dry Shave: There are individuals who want to shave right after a dip in the pool. If you want to get it done after a shower, you need to have a trimmer that can handle a wet shave. It’s advisable if it’s a double wet and dry shave trimmer. Warranties: Do you want a trimmer that will last and meet the claims that the manufacturer makes? Going for the bikini trimmer that comes with a warranty sounds like a logical idea. In essence, the manufacturer is telling you that they believe in their brand. Don’t fall for cheap trimmers even if the prices are enticing. They will end up costing you more in the long run. Choosing the perfect bikini trimmer is a matter of personal preference and adequate product research. Don’t dive into the purchasing process, when you have no idea about the trimmer that best meets your bikini shaving needs. Read Also: 5 Tips to Give your Hairstyle a Perfect Look What To Know About Laser Hair Removal Utica NY

Best Deer Hunting Trail Camera Tips for Scouting Wildlife

seIf you are an avid hunter, you probably use trail cameras. If you do you know that a trail camera can help monitor deer during the offseason. Do you have the right camera though? Do you have it in the right spot and set up correctly? If you are an avid hiker looking to explore the wonderful world of wildlife, there are some precautions that you need to keep in mind. According to the best wildlife lawyer in Northwestern Colorado, individuals and families should not do anything that harms the animals or their natural habitat. This includes spilling plastic wastage, leaving an unattended fire burning, and feeding animals human food. Best Deer Hunting Trail Camera Tips for Scouting Wildlife Tip 1: Finding the right Trail Camera: Trail cameras have improved over the last five years with better imaging higher resolution and even the ability to send pictures directly to your phone. Some trail cameras have better batteries than others, some have better cases, lenses, trigger speeds, and even range. Check to see how up-to-date your trail cameras are if they still make loud trigger sounds or you have to manually get pictures off of it; it may be time to upgrade. Although some of these types of trail cameras can become costly, they can improve your hunt during the season. Having the right trail camera can bring a deer hunter closer to that bigger buck, or even let you know if you have no visitors. Tip 2: Setting up your trail camera: Trail cameras need space and should be in a decent area so that you get clear pictures. A decent place to set up a trail camera during the offseason is over food plots and salt licks this will help you see that you do indeed have a decent group stalking your hunting spot. If you post a trail camera over a salt lick or food plot and nothing shows up, you may need to find a new hunting spot. Tip 3: Things to Remember about trail cameras: The biggest tip to remember about trail cameras is simply to check them. You want a trail camera up as soon as you can during the offseason allowing your camera time to monitor movement and see what is going on in your surroundings. Remembering to check trail cameras rather often (more often with phones) will help keep the memory from filling up as well as making sure everything is going right in your spot. Tip 4: Camera Scent: Finding a camera with the option to send to your phone is a great key. This keeps you out of the area so that your scent isn’t picked up. If a deer picks up on the scent of you off of the camera of food plot they will take off. A deer has keen senses such as being able to hear and smell very well. If something spooks your deer away that is not caught on camera it could be the camera or your scent being too evident in the area. Trail Camera Tips Conclusion: Trail cameras are very efficient in helping track the deer in the area you plan to hunt in. These cameras have changed over the years and yours may be outdated. Newer trail cameras have features that make it easier for hunters to see what is going on in their spots by looking at their phones. By having an updated camera with newer features you can keep your scent from running the game away. Read Also: What Is A CMOS Camera? Top 6 Tips To Shoot Hyperlapses Quickly And Easily Using A Camera Gimbal

Mastering Troubleshooting For Power Tools: Your Comprehensive Guide

Power tools have become indispensable for professionals and DIY enthusiasts, making tasks more accessible and efficient. RYOBI stands out as a reliable choice among the numerous brands in the market. However, like all power tools, RYOBI devices can occasionally encounter issues. In this guide, we'll explore techniques for troubleshooting for RYOBI power tools and power tools in general, focusing on the common problems and solutions that can apply to various brands and models. Power Issues Begin by examining the power source. Ensure that the cord is securely connected for corded tools and that the battery is adequately charged for cordless ones. For persistent issues, inspect the tool's switch for damage or debris. Also, check for loose or frayed wires and replace them as needed. If you're dealing with a cordless tool and it's not turning on, the battery might be the culprit. Before assuming the worst, try charging the battery fully and then attempt to use the tool. Sometimes, a drained battery can give the appearance of a malfunctioning tool. Consider using a different, fully charged battery if this doesn't work. If the device still doesn't work, the issue may be with the tool itself or the charger. Loss Of Power In Power Tools Power loss may result from a worn-out or damaged motor or brushes. Inspect the brushes for signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary. Clean the air vents and cooling fans to prevent overheating, which can lead to power loss. If your tool still experiences power loss after checking the brushes and vents, it may be due to an issue with the motor. Motors can wear out over time, mainly if the tool is used heavily. In this case, it might be necessary to replace the engine, which is a job best left to professionals unless you're experienced with power tool repair. Overheating Overheating can damage your tool and pose safety risks. Proper maintenance is crucial in such cases. Ensure air vents are clean and unobstructed. If overheating persists, consider shorter usage intervals and allow the tool to cool down between sessions. Regularly check for proper lubrication in moving parts and replace worn-out components. Excessive heat buildup in a power tool often indicates it's being pushed too hard or used beyond its recommended capacity. Pay attention to the tool's specifications and try to match it with the right type of work. If you frequently overheat a device, consider upgrading to a more robust model that can handle the demands of your projects. Vibrations And Noise Vibrations and noise can indicate loose or damaged components. Tighten all screws, bolts, and nuts. Inspect the blade or bit for damage and replace it if necessary. Lubricate moving parts following the manufacturer's recommendations to reduce friction and noise. Excessive vibrations and noise are annoying and can indicate potential safety hazards. Loose parts in power tools can lead to accidents or damage to the tool. Regularly inspect your tool for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed. If you notice unusual vibrations or noise persisting after this, it's advisable to have the device checked by a professional technician. Battery Troubles Battery issues can stem from a lack of use, overcharging, or a faulty battery. Always follow proper charging and storage guidelines from the user manual. If battery performance remains subpar, consider investing in a replacement battery. Batteries, especially rechargeable ones, have a finite lifespan. Over time, they can lose their ability to hold a charge effectively. If your cordless tool's battery life has significantly decreased, it may be time to invest in a new battery pack. Make sure to recycle old batteries properly, as they can be hazardous to the environment. Blade/Bit Issues In Power Tools Dull or damaged blades/bits can hamper performance. Sharpen or replace them as needed. Ensure you're using the appropriate type of blade/bit for the material at hand, as using the right one can lead to efficiency and damage. The blade or bit's quality and sharpness directly impact your power tool's performance. When you notice a decrease in cutting or drilling efficiency, it's time to inspect and maintain these essential components. Regularly sharpen blades or replace them if they're excessively worn or damaged. Also, be mindful of the material you're working with, as using the wrong type of blade or bit can result in subpar performance and even safety hazards. Trigger Sticking Disassemble the tool's handle and clean the trigger mechanism. Lubricate moving parts with a manufacturer-recommended lubricant. If the problem persists, consult your user manual or contact the manufacturer's customer support. A sticking trigger can be a frustrating issue, and it can also be a safety concern. Before attempting any repair, ensure the tool is disconnected from its power source. Disassemble the handle carefully and clean the trigger mechanism. Lubricate any moving parts as recommended in the user manual. If the issue persists, consult the manufacturer's customer support or take the tool to a professional repair service. Conclusion These tips are not limited to RYOBI tools; they apply to various power tool brands and models. Always refer to your user manual for specific guidance and safety precautions. Safety should be your top priority when troubleshooting and repairing power tools. Read Also: Home Warranty Plans: How To Choose The Right One We Buy Houses Companies Saving Homeowners From Foreclosure Top Fixer-Upper Improvement Ideas That Make A Huge Impact

Do You Have an Old PC? Here’s What You Could Do With It

Cleansing an Old PC