What Happens To Hardware
Computers are dropped off to Bridgewater, or we arrange a pick-up with you. After we have them, the hard drives are wiped using Dban, which writes random patterns over the entire drive multiple times. This complies to the US Dept. of Defense standard for data destruction and there is 0% chance of any data being left on the drive.
Now it comes down to what level of hardware it is. We refurbish systems with Pentium III (equivalent) or greater processors, replacing any faulty or missing parts, and install an Open Source operating system on it. Currently we use Ubuntu ( a variant of Debian Linux ). We then upgrade the system with suitable packages for their target - such as for young children - or for uni students, for older people, etc. The systems are then tested by running some high resource applications and someone from our waiting list is called to come and pick it up. The recipient is trained on the new computer system and we then offer 3 months free support (including hardware). If they are under Pentium III (equivalent) they are usually taken apart and used for parts. Any materials that are not used in systems, are recycled through metal and plastic recycling networks.
Want to Donate Hardware?
A Pentium III (or equivalent) with 128MB of RAM is the minimum specification for a computer that is usable for our recipients. We can pick up some hardware, but would like older or non-working equipment to be brought to us.
Most wanted hardware currently is:
5 Gigabytes or larger hard disks.
128 Megabytes or greater Sticks of SD or DDR RAM
Feel like helping pick up hardware? Build computers? Volunteers are always welcome!
If you want to contact us about hardware check the contact us page.
