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Is
Your Computer On Its Last Leg?
Published in the Aggie June 9, 2004
Although your computer may seem slow next to newer, faster
ones, do you really need a new one? If so, do you know what
to do with your old one?
Do You Need a New Computer?
- Your computer runs slowly, but you only use it for word
processing, Web browsing and solitaire: No.
- You can't install programs you need or want: Yes.
- It exhibits a danger sign, like a grinding hard drive:
Maybe; you might be able to replace the part.
UC Davis Recommends
If you plan to buy a new computer, it's best to follow the recommended
specifications for UC Davis computer users listed at computerownership.ucdavis.edu/choosing.html.
UC Davis technologists update the specs annually based on campus
computing requirements, available technology, and prices. Prior
to making a computer purchase, check with your major department
to see whether they have special software requirements. Here
are a few up-to-date recommendations:
- CPU: For desktop and laptop PCs, an AMD or Intel processor
at 2.6GHz or faster (Pentium 4 is alright for laptops). For
desktop Macs, a PowerPC G4 at 1.2GHz or faster; for laptop
Macs a PowerPC G4 at 800MHz or faster.
- Hard Drive: 20 GB or larger for all systems.
- Go wireless: In addition to a wired Ethernet card, an 802.11b/g
wireless card is recommended for PC and Mac laptops.
- Printer: UC Davis recommends that all students purchase
a color printer, although you are still allowed your free
200 sheets of printing per quarter at all campus computer
labs.
Obsolete List
The same UC Davis technologists who make the recommendations
above also make note of computer features that are considered
"obsolete." (The Obsolete List is also posted at computerownership.ucdavis.edu/choosing.html.)
A few antiquated attributes are:
- Operating System: Windows 98 & ME. Mac OS 9.0 or earlier.
- RAM: less than 256MB
- Hard Drive: 10GB or smaller
Recycling the Old Computer
Computers contain hazardous materials and shouldn't be thrown
away, but before you do anything with it, you should wipe your
info from its hard drive. Mac users should visit http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=152060
for instructions. It also may be wise to utilize the "Secure
Empty Trash" icon to permanently remove deleted files, although
this could take several hours to complete. PC users can download
free programs that will overwrite the hard disk. Two popular
choices are PC Inspector e-maxx (www.pcinspector.de/emaxx/uk/welcome.htm)
and Eraser (www.hiedi.ie/eraser).
Once your computer is secure, you can:
- Donate: Nonprofit organizations such as the National Cristina
Foundation (www.cristina.org)
will find a local charity for you.
- Trade: Hewlett-Packard and other companies will discount
your next purchase.
- Recycle: Computer companies can recycle your machine, but
Yolo County will take your CPU and keyboard for free. Recycling
monitors costs $12-18, according to www.yolocounty.org/recycle/crt/htm.
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