Liz wrote: > David > > Good points, my husband hauled off 2 printers, 2 computers with keyboards, > monitors, etc, that were in excellent working order, but technlogically too > old to be any good to anyone. That's too bad, we are such a wasteful > society, with an attitutude of it's so easy to replace anything (heck we > even extend that to people!). > > My scaner is almost 5 years old, and while it may not be the fastest thing > on the block, it still does the job that I expect it to! At least this area > of technology is not advancing as rapidly as other areas. > > Liz > > > European countries are legislating "take back" laws which will require manufacturers to literally take back obsolete hardware from consumers. This might reduce both the amount of planned obsolescence built into the units and maybe even make some of this stuff more upgradable. Some places recycle computer components for donations to seniors homes, and special needs services. Some places are beginning to ship even older computers to developing countries where they re much better than nothing, and where they an be used for applications like running greenhouse irrigation and temperature systems. Considering the need for simple word processors and printers for many charitable groups, a system that is working might be accepted. Linux is making 386 and 486 computers more powerful as well. They can be used as hardware firewall, or storage units for servers. I'm hoping someone produces a cheap method of tying computers together to make a multi-processor system, which might ends up as fast or faster than current computer CPUs. Parting out older systems might also be of value to some. Keyboards with a simple adapter can convert good quality keyboards to PS/2 connectors (a buck or two), and some of those older keyboards were much better made than newer ones. Sound cards, some video cards, and the like still have use, especially if PCI. Power supplies can be used in AT cases/motherboard set ups (which were used up to Pentium II).Again, for word processing and children's games older monitors can be just fine, as well. Check with daycares, children's service organizations or even pre-schools. Simple email only systems can also me made of these computers. Remember that the quantities of heavy metal (including the lead in the glass of CRTs, and coatings on hard drives, lead in solder, NiCad batteries for bios backup, etc) are best left out of landfills. Aluminum is a very recyclable metal and even gold can be striped from contacts on motherboards and cards. Art - Turn off HTML mail features. Keep quoted material short. Use accurate subject lines. http://www.leben.com/lists for list instructions.