[ubuntu-us-mi] Computer Recycle Project

[Tony Bemus]

I have some older computers that I would like to donate to the computer
recycle project. Do we have anything going with the project yet?

I have 3 computers:

Computer 1
Custom Build
Pentium II 400
128MB Ram
? GB Hard drive
? ATI AGP Video Card
NO NIC

Computer 2
Compaq
Pentium II 400
128 MB Ram
? GB Hard Drive
? ATI AGP Video Card
? 10/100 NIC

Computer 3
Custom build/server
Dual Pentium II 400
128 MB Ram
2GB IDE Hard drive
9GB SCSI Hard drive
Built in Video
Built in SCSI Wide and Narrow
10/100 Intel Pro NIC

Tony Bemus
Downriver Metro Detroit

[Craig Maloney]

Post by Tony Bemus
I have some older computers that I would like to donate to the computer
recycle project. Do we have anything going with the project yet?

I'm not sure what the status of the project is, but I too have a machine
that needs a new home, whether in the hands of another computer user, or
in a recycling bin. Does anyone know of any local programs, or programs
we can make local?

[Jeff Hanson]

Post by Craig Maloney

Post by Tony Bemus
I have some older computers that I would like to donate to the computer
recycle project. Do we have anything going with the project yet?

I'm not sure what the status of the project is, but I too have a machine
that needs a new home, whether in the hands of another computer user, or
in a recycling bin. Does anyone know of any local programs, or programs
we can make local?

Search with Google for: "computer recycling" michigan

You could work with an existing charitable organization but while they
provide marketing and distribution you may encounter problems with
organizational standards requiring legacy OSes.

Free Geek may be an option: http://freegeek.org

[Adam Lincoln]

Post by Craig Maloney

Post by Tony Bemus
I have some older computers that I would like to donate to the computer
recycle project. Do we have anything going with the project yet?

I'm not sure what the status of the project is, but I too have a machine
that needs a new home, whether in the hands of another computer user, or
in a recycling bin. Does anyone know of any local programs, or programs
we can make local?

The Wayne State University LUG has been collecting machines for a
couple of years - most of which are P2, P3 generation machines. We've
tried to run giveaways to students here with limited success, and
we're in the process of setting up a very small lab. Once we get
enough machines, there's interest in the group to try for a larger
scale donation - like 10 or so machines, all set up, ready to benefit
a local charity, for example.

We're slowly working our way toward this. We'd be happy to take
any old machines (but understand if you find another home for them).
Our members live here and there, so we can probably arrange for
picking up/dropping off as needed. Please note that we do not have
official non-profit status (because 1) to do it through the school
would grant WSU ownership of anything donated to us, and 2) doing it
ourselves is probably not worth it), so anything given to us is not a
tax write-off.

If anyone would like to arrange a donation, we would be thrilled
to have it. It's probably best to email wsulug at gmail.com, so it gets
forwarded to all our officers.

Thanks in advance,
Adam
(Outgoing WSULUG President)

[Dereck Wonnacott]

Post by Adam Lincoln

Post by Craig Maloney

Post by Tony Bemus
I have some older computers that I would like to donate to the computer
recycle project. Do we have anything going with the project yet?

I'm not sure what the status of the project is, but I too have a machine
that needs a new home, whether in the hands of another computer user, or
in a recycling bin. Does anyone know of any local programs, or programs
we can make local?

The Wayne State University LUG has been collecting machines for a
couple of years - most of which are P2, P3 generation machines. We've
tried to run giveaways to students here with limited success, and
we're in the process of setting up a very small lab. Once we get
enough machines, there's interest in the group to try for a larger
scale donation - like 10 or so machines, all set up, ready to benefit
a local charity, for example.
We're slowly working our way toward this. We'd be happy to take
any old machines (but understand if you find another home for them).
Our members live here and there, so we can probably arrange for
picking up/dropping off as needed. Please note that we do not have
official non-profit status (because 1) to do it through the school
would grant WSU ownership of anything donated to us, and 2) doing it
ourselves is probably not worth it), so anything given to us is not a
tax write-off.
If anyone would like to arrange a donation, we would be thrilled
to have it. It's probably best to email wsulug at gmail.com, so it gets
forwarded to all our officers.
Thanks in advance,
Adam
(Outgoing WSULUG President)

If PII and PIII machines can really be made use of, I might be able to
get my hands on a few hundred of them that are being stockpiled here for
disposal at Lake Superior State University. Primarily Gateway E3200,
E3400, and E3600's. I have saved a few of the E3400's in the past and
given them out with success.

RAM is a likely issue though, in many cases we removed the HDD's for
archival and the RAM in order to 'upgrade' the machines that could not
be replaced yet.

If the group has an interest, I can do some more research.

~Dereck

[Jeff Hanson]

Post by Dereck Wonnacott
If PII and PIII machines can really be made use of, I might be able to
get my hands on a few hundred of them that are being stockpiled here for
disposal at Lake Superior State University. Primarily Gateway E3200,
E3400, and E3600's. I have saved a few of the E3400's in the past and
given them out with success.

Based on what I've built, I wouldn't consider anything less than a
900MHz system with 256MB and a basic 3D video card. Even 700MHz
systems with a really good 3D video card are barely tolerable. If
it's can't handle YouTube with Flash or run basic games like Blob
Wars, Chromium, or Battle for Wesnoth, then it's not really appealing
for desktop use.

Post by Dereck Wonnacott
RAM is a likely issue though, in many cases we removed the HDD's for
archival and the RAM in order to 'upgrade' the machines that could not
be replaced yet.

If used replacement RAM and drives can be obtained then it's not a
problem. New RAM modules of the PC100/PC133 variety often cost more
than the system is worth.

Check out the competition:
http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0280653

And page 24 of their flash ad:
http://microcenter.com/specials/catalogs/broadsheet.html