Used computers are becoming as big a waste menace as used cars. Cars make be bigger so take more space in landfill sites, but they take about 15 years to get to the scrapheap. Computers take only two years. In the US they are getting to be an equivalent weight. Peter Harris, president of the Society of Computers and the Law Inc, is going to do something about it. Earlier this month he announced the beginning of the society’s greening technology project. Harris said there were many organisations and needy individuals who would be happy with the sort of technology being throw out. The could upgrade from nothing to something. And the stuff being thrown out was in its day cutting edge.
“”Many organisations are upgrading their old 386 or 484 computers to Pentiums or their old 68030 and 68040 Macintosh computers to new PowerMac computers,” he said. Russell Tibballs the vice-president of the society said, “”We take the old computers from anyone in the ACT or surrounding areas and pick them up for free. We match the parts, add useful software and test thoroughly. Software provided is either licensed software or freeware public domain software. For example, people disposing of equipment may be changing from say Microsoft Word version 2 to WordPerfect 6.2 or from WordPerfect 4.1 to Microsoft Word 6. In some cases they may be left with surplus licensed software.
“”We then build complete systems and match them with requirements from organisations and needy individuals and provide free training to the recipient. Our services are completely free to both providers of surplus equipment and the recipients. Types of organisation that are eligible include charitable, educational, religious and sporting organisations. Individuals may be from low income families or anyone with a special need. There is no means test.” Harris said, “”In addition to recycling equipment, the organisation will also provide free service to organisations and needy individuals.” If parts were needed they had arrangements with a local firm to supply parts at cost. People with surplus equipment or those requiring equipment can phone 2871484 (after hours).