save your old pc parts

I recently met up with a lady who works for a local kids foundation here in town, as I had a couple of CD burners that I didn't need anymore, and I didn't feel like trying to sell them or anything. This way, I know that they were going to be used and that they were going to a good cause. We had a short conversation about old PC parts and peripherals and how sad it was that most people just junk their old computer gear.

We all know that computers are now made to be replaced every year or so, but I think that approach has more to do with keeping them clean than with keeping them functional. The internet has a way of destroying (or seriously maiming) the computers of novice users after a matter of six months or so. Most will live with the frustration for another six months before getting the latest and greatest from Dell.

Since I have a bit of experience with computers, I have managed to keep several of them running for six to eight years, and even when I trashed (or cannibalized) them, they still worked. However, I've always been something of a pack rat and felt like I didn't want to just hang on to all of these parts for the odd chance of needing one of them as a replacement. After all, with changing technology, who knows if I would even be able to use it in a newer computer? (Lord knows that I am not going to install crappy old PC100 RAM into my newer desktop PC).

Before you decide to throw it all out, or leave it at the curb, you may want to make some phone calls and see if there aren't some non-profit organizations that can use them. Sure, it might seem lame donating crappy old parts to non-profits, but if they can use them they will. As the old saying goes, "beggars can't be choosers". Best of all, you get to feel a little better about yourself at the end of day, as if that CD burner that you just donated is going to give someone a new lease on life. LOL.