Free Computers

Believe it or not, there are actually organizations that give computers away for free. Often these organizations are doing one of the best forms of recycling: Re-use. Many people are discarding computer components or out-of date computers, all the time. All it takes is for someone to gather them up and work on them, and many working systems can be put together - a great way to save resources.

It's also worth bearing in mind that people's computer needs are different. While one might need a high-end graphics workstation, another person might just be doing word processing, email and internet - and an older computer will often be just fine.

As an anecdotal aside, I am actually creating this page on a computer that was given to me for free! A friend of mine was discarding an old Apple computer - she was going to take it to the dump as it was "out of date" - and I happened to be passing by that day. She said I could have it and I cheerfully took it away.

It sat in my garage for several months until the day my other computer "died". The older free computer came to the rescue! It might not be as fast as the other one, but it's a lot faster than no computer at all, and I have quickly adjusted. Five years or so ago, this was a serious machine. The times haven't changed all that much....

www.freecycle.org might be a good place to look for a free computer in your area.
There must be many people who have an old, working computer in the basement that has simply been replaced by a more modern upgrade. They may feel that the computer is too good to throw away, yet simply need to find aa home for it. Simply sign up for your nearest freecycle group, and then either browse the existing free items or post a "wanted" listing of your own.

Free computers - a list of organizations etc

http://www.freebyte.com/free_computers - Fantastic list of organizations which donate computers, mostly to non-profits, schools and disadvantaged individuals
http://www.opencollector.org/freecomputers.html - List of Worldwide Groups involved in computer refurbishment, reuse and donation
http://www.rehabtool.com/forum/discussions/194.html - "Where to find free computers for individuals, schools or communities" - article from 2003
http://freehomecomputer.org - provides FREE computers to low income level families and seniors in Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA
http://www.smartriverside.com/sp_community.asp - Free computers in Riverside, CA
http://news.northxsouth.com/2008/04/13/digital-inclusion-is-an-imperative-in-san-francisco-and-sao-paulo - Article on "Digital Inclusion", free computer organization based in San Francisco USA and Sao Paulo, Brazil
http://www.greencitizen.com/classifieds.php - Computer Recycling and donation
http://www.wherevergodwills.org/free_computers.htm - Free computers for low income homes in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA
http://computersforlearning.gov - United States GSA computer donations for schools and educational nonprofits

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