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Do the PC thing: donate your current equipment
to United Cerebral Palsy for reuse. Reusing computers benefits , helps us use valuable materials wisely, and keeps working PCs out of landfills.
If your computer is less than
6 years old and in working condition, chances are UCPSEW can use it. If, however, it is older than
6 years, broken, or below Pentium PC (or Mac Power) level, you should recycle it instead. Visit
www.eiae.org or
www.electronicsrecycling.com for a list of recyclers.
Clearing Personal DataBefore donating your old computer you need to
clear off your personal data. Here is some information
to help you do this. However, if you would prefer you
can ask our IT personnel to do it for you.
All computers have important, non-encrypted, sensitive data on them such as passwords, documents, credit card information, emails, and Web site visit logs. Data on your computer resides in several different hidden places on your hard drive. Deleting a file doesn’t really remove it. Emptying your computer’s “recycle bin,” deleting your Internet browser’s cache, deleting your emails and documents, reformatting your hard drive, or even repartitioning your hard drive are all inadequate to erase the data on your computer. Furthermore, many software licensing agreements require that particular programs be removed from a computer before it leaves the original purchaser’s ownership. Businesses and other institutions are often required by law to carry out data security actions before computers, their hard disk drives, floppy disks, and other forms of removable media are sent outside of the organization.
Clearing Data YourselfIf you decide to clean your computer yourself, you can purchase software via the following commercial sites, or obtain them for free at shareware sites:
Commercial Windows MAC Disk Cleaning Software
Shareware Windows Disk Cleaning
Software
Packaging Your Donation
Keep the Operating System IntactIf you are donating hardware with a pre-installed Microsoft operating system, pass on the operating system software. Microsoft licensing agreements require that the software stay with the original machine in which it was installed.
Include Accessories and Original Documentation Remember to include the keyboard, mouse, speakers, and other ancillary equipment. If possible, also include the original documentation that came with the equipment and proof of license.
Delivery Instructions You can drop off your donation at:
United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Wisconsin
7519 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53219
or call us for a pickup at (414)
329-4500
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