Flutterby™! : Homeless Hardware 2004-12-28 23:32:41.563488+00

Homeless Hardware

2004-12-28 23:32:41.563488+00 by Dan Lyke 4 comments

Hey, here's a good idea: Homeless Hardware is a place to give away computer hardware to a home that wants it. Must be free, although you can charge for shipping.

Think of all the hardware we have bought, used and thrown out since - the begining - how many computers and monitors have the flutterbarians thrown out since say 1981 --

#Comment Re: made: 2004-12-29 16:06:30.274313+00 by: Shawn [edit history]

My computers have all evolved over the years, with parts replaced individually until there are no original components left. Older parts go into building yet another computer under my desk. I have yet to throw away a computer - or a monitor that worked. Components get thrown away when they become so ancient keeping them is ridiculous. (I think I've finally decided the internal 2400B modem needs to go.)

The Pittsburgh Mac users group takes older macs, refurbishes them, installs basic apps, and gives them to folks who couldn't otherwise afford them, and gives them support. So far over 240 have been given out. It might not be cutting-edge, but better than what they'd currently have.

I put old hardware beside the street and post to a few local email lists. It's usually gone in an hour. There was a time when I spent alot of time searching the FCC-ID database (via BBS) and tracking down card specs so I can set the IRQ jumpers and many nights up late hand-coding bad-track lists on 30MB hard drives.

Now, unless I'm building for specific application, I buy a second-hand all-in-one computer. Two years ago I upgraded to a 600 Mhz P3 Dell with CD-R for $50. I'm about ready for another upgrade. I may try a new platform, at least for the wife.

At work (UTC), I support two labs of computers. I have about 50 PCs and 5 servers I have to keep running. I use Norton Ghost and swap out entire systems and try not to touch the innards (I still have scars from an old 286 server case).