Bringing old computers back to life

A sub-culture. Opens up many possibilities that most people are unaware of.

These are the Golden Days for people who want to open up their computers:

Good computers are very cheap.

Desktop and laptops are fairly easy to work on. Parts are accessible (you just have to keep track of all the screws). Many components are standardized and can be swapped from one system to another.  The only exceptions are ultra-thin models and many Apple products.

Parts are easily available, for example online from eBay or Amazon.

Much documentation is available online. For example, service manuals from the manufacturer, how-to documents from iFixit and others, how-to videos, answers to problems.

 

Steps for Refurbishing (technical)

Refurbishers follow more-or-less the same steps. Large operations tend to be methodical and automated. Individuals can be more flexible.

1. Process hard drives.
   1. Remove from computer.
   2. If usable, wipe drives of data using a program like DBAN or in Linux: badblocks and dd.
   3. If unusable,  drives should be physically destroyed or degaussed. (pace Pat Furr)
2. Assess computer and document.
   1. Number the computer and apply a label so you can track it.
   2. Boot to BIOS and obtain system specifications. Is there a computer password (e.g. an Admin password)?
   3. Run available diagnostics. For example, Dell computers have a self-test and often an extended memory test.
   4. Record information in a database, spreadsheet, document or on paper.
3. Triage computers:
   • Computers that are too old or broken to be worth fixing. Remove any re-usable parts and recycle the rest responsibly.
   • Computers that are not working properly, but are worth fixing. Fix them then continue with process.
   • Computers that are almost ready to go.
4. Finish computers that are almost ready to go.
   1. Clean outside of computer. Remove stickers applied by users.
   2. Clean insides of dust, for example with compressed air.
   3. Add any components (like memory or wi-fi cards) needed for the configuration you want.
   4. Install a hard drive. Test (for example with the  Linux disk utility).
   5. Install an appropriate operating system.
   6. Update information about computer in database, spreadsheet, etc.
   7. Test with manufacturer diagnostic or through some other means.

 

Resources

Computer refurbishers: non-profit groups

• TechSoup, influential group with many programs to support the technical needs non-profits. Oriented to recent hardware (< 5  years) and Windows.
  • Environmental Case for Refurbished IT Equipment by Jim Lynch.
• Free Geek – Portland
  • Free Geek documents on Google Doc
  • FreekiWiki
  • Free Geek provides jobs and free classes to the community
  • Free Geek Startups (how-to)
• Free Geek – Chicago
• Free Geek – Vancouver
• Oakland Technology Exchange West (OTX)
• Computers for Classrooms, Chico
• Loaves, Fishes and Computers, Salinas
• Computer Banc, Springfiled, Illinois.  Sells Dell laptops with a Chrome-like OS.

 

Computer refurbishers: individuals

• Refurbishers Google group (publicly accessible, great info from the heavy hitters)
• Howard Fosdick.
  • How to Revitalize Mature Computers
• K.Mandla, the patron saint of computing on old devices.
• I have made a mistake (satire)
• Phil Shapiro, librarian and educator.
  • “Install Linux on a used laptop”

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How to

• Manuals for computer refurbishers (by Pat Furr via iFixit). Similar manuals are available via TechSoup.
• Webinar: Creating a Successful Computer Refurbishing Program.  with Pat Furr from Computers for Classrooms and Bruce Buckelew from OTX West).
• Laptop Repair 101: Most Common Hardware Problems
• Laptop Repair 101: Laptop is dead. How to troubleshoot.

The Problem

• Oso Martin on e-waste and opportunities in responsible recycling (video)

Info:Computers in education

• Used or Donated Computers Help Schools Save Money