Desktops, laptops and hybrid devices were some of the hottest items gifted this holiday season, and this means that many people across the High Desert are now contemplating what they should do with their old computers. If this is your situation after the New Year, you have a few options besides throwing away your old devices, which is something you want to avoid since it will only add to the growing problem of electronic waste.
Recycling Your Old Devices
All High Desert cities offer recycling programs designed to mitigate electronic waste accumulation. The Town of Apple Valley runs a household hazardous waste facility that operates most Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. In Hesperia, electronic waste collection events take place behind Eagle Plaza on a couple of days every three months. In Victorville, the e-waste collection point is located behind the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, and items are received on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Reusing Your Old Devices
For the most part, we want our computers to do everything, or at least as much as possible. An old Windows or even Mac computer can be given a new purpose with the right repair or upgrade strategy; for example, you can turn it into a smart home automation hub, a home theater media center, a gaming PC for young children, or a basic workstation for web browsing. Depending on the condition of your old devices, you may need upgrades or repairs so that they can serve their new purpose; one option in this regard may include installing a new version of Linux so that the device can optimally perform. You should not feel uneasy about giving Linux a try if your computer is a few years old; this open-source operating system shares many features and functions with Windows and macOS.
The question of how much to spend on repairing and upgrading an old computer can be determined by its intended purpose. In general, your upgrade and repair options should be limited to RAM, the main drive, network adapter, power supply, and cooling system. Upgrading the CPU or motherboard would be going overboard; in this case, you would be better off with a custom-built PC.
