How to Revive
an Old Computer
Howard Fosdick
(C) 2008 FCI
V 1.0
Who Am I ?
* Independent Consultant
* Oracle DBA
(not a PC specialist)
* Founded Database User Groups (IDUG and MWDUG)
* Author of Rexx Programmers Reference
hfosdick at the domain compuserve.com
Geek !
Why This Talk ?
My hobby -1.
Get PC donations
2.
Hardware
(verify / rebuild / fix)
3.
Software
(verify / anonymize / install)
4.
Give away to someone who needs it
Topics
1. How to revitalize
an old computer
2. Implications -What it all means
Outline
I.
What can old computers do
II. Hardware
III. Steps to revitalize an old PC
IV. Windows
V. Linux (and other free Oss)
VI. Where to get a Free computer
(and where to donate one)
VII. “Free Computing”
VIII. Resources
I. What Can Old
Computers Do ?
?
?
??
Why Older Computers ?
Free
Useful
Fun
* “Old” computers improve capabilities yearly
* Save the planet --> reduce e-waste
* Appropriate technology -- is not always the latest technology
Example -- P-II laptop giving this presentation
Save the Planet
-- PCs and monitors contain toxic...
-- lead
-- cadmium
-- mercury
-- chlorine
-- bromine
-- nbd plastics
-- 400 to 600 million PCs yet to be disposed of in attics
-- Avg PC lifespan < 3 years
Sources:
Galt Global Review
webofcreation.org
One solution -- use them !
Caveat: end user
running common
software
What Can You Do With an Old PC ?
I
•
Office
•
Fast Internet
(Broadband)
•
Slow Internet
(Dial Up)
•
•
•
•
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Presentation Graphics
Graphics, images
•
•
•
•
Web surfing
Research
Wireless
Social websites
•
•
•
Email
Brief web searches
IM / Chat
•
Multimedia
•
•
•
Photos
Music / Audio
Video
•
Games
•
•
Current games
Older games
II
III
IV +
Caveat: end user
running common
software
What Can You Do With an Old PC ?
I
•
Office
•
Fast Internet
(Broadband)
•
Slow Internet
(Dial Up)
•
•
•
•
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Presentation Graphics
Graphics, images
•
•
•
•
Web surfing
Research
Wireless
Social websites
•
•
•
Email
Brief web searches
IM / Chat
•
Multimedia
•
•
•
Photos
Music / Audio
Video
•
Games
•
•
Current games
Older games
II
III
IV +
More Uses for Old Computers...
• Specialized App servers
• Routers
• Firewalls
• Print, File, or Network server
• Email station
• Word processor
• other single-use
• Run old programs (compatibly)
• Business programs (eg: Instrumentation, Farming)
• Retro gaming box
• Act as terminals (Linux Terminal Server Project - LTSP)
• Run Free software on Free hardware
Summary
•
New PCs are required for -•
•
•
•
•
Pentium III does everything else
•
Pentium II fine for many uses but -•
Dial-up
Latest games
State-of-the-art graphics
High-end multimedia
Current Microsoft software
•
450 Mhz + 256 M tops
Pentium I useful but -•
•
266 mhz + 128 M tops
Security software overwhelms them
“Turnover Events”
•
Driven by -Technology
•
Marketing
Technology Examples -•
•
•
•
or
Monitors
ZIP disks
Pentium-II’s
-> flat panels
-> USB thumb drives
-> newer machines
Marketing Examples -•
•
•
New releases of MS Office
Vista
What happens to PCs that can’t run Vista ?
II. Hardware
Generations of PCs
Pentium
IV
+
III
Simplified View
II
I
pre-Pentium
Typical Hardware
Processor:
CPU Speed (mhz):
Typical Memory (Megabytes):
Cost:
Pentium IV and
dual core systems
Pentium III
Pentium II
Pentium I MMX
Pentium I
486
386
286
8088
1.3 – several ghz
256M – several Gig
Current
450 – 1.4 ghz
233 – 450
150 – 266
60 – 200
16 – 133
16 – 33
8 – 16
4.77 – 8
128 – 1 Gig
64 – 256
32 – 128
16 – 128
4 – 32
1 – 16
1– 4
<1
Low cost to free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
“Collectable”
Processor:
CPU Speed (mhz):
* Memory varies widely
* Desktops versus laptops
* Max’ed out versus what shipped
Xeon
Celeron
Pentium Pro
400 – 3.6+ ghz
266 – 2.9+ ghz
150 – 200
* “Celeron” and “Xeon” mean nothing
Source: Tom’s Hardware, other web sites
Typical Hardware
AMD Equivalents
Processor:
CPU Speed (mhz):
Opteron
Athlon 64
Athlon XP
Duron
Athlon Thunderbird
Athlon K7
K6 2/3
K6
K5
AM5x85
Am486
Am386
1.4 – 2.4+ ghz
2.2 – 2.6+ ghz
1.3 – 2.1 ghz
600 – 1.8 ghz
650 – 1.4 ghz
500 – 1 ghz
233 – 533
166 – 300
75 – 166
133
40 – 120
25 – 40
Source: Tom’s Hardware, other web sites
Memory
SDRAM
PC 66
PC 100
PC 133
66 mhz
100 mhz
133 mhz
Maximum RAM (typical)
DDR (aka DDR1)
PC 2100
PC 2700
PC 3200
266 mhz
333 mhz
400 mhz
DDR2
PC2 3200
PC2 4200
PC2 5300
PC2 6400
400 mhz
533 mhz
667 mhz
800 mhz
--- Usually --* Use one level slower as next level faster
* All in group cost same -> buy fastest !
128m
P-I
256m
P-II
varies
P-III
Source: Tom’s Hardware, other web sites
What Is Free ?
Pentium
IV
+
10%
P-I
70%
P-II
20%
P-III
III
II
•
Mix changes yearly
•
Capabilities of
“old computers”
constantly increase
•
Where you get free PCs
shades the mix
I
pre-Pentium
This Talk focuses on PC Desktops
...Other Computers ?...
Laptops
-----
Fewer out there
Higher priced
Free is less common
More proprietary
Apples
-- Proprietary
-- Parts
--> even across the Apple line !
--> expensive, hard to find
III. Steps to Revitalize
an old PC
Steps to Follow With an Old PC
1. Identify what you’ve got
-- Hardware
-- Software
2. Verify hardware & software
-- Check the boot configuration panel & run diagnostics
-- Ensure devices work (hardware and drivers)
-- Check disks, reading/writing CD/DVD & floppy
-- Windows Device Mgmt panel
-- Ensure software is malware free
-- Verify installed programs work
-- Break login password (ntpasswd in Linux rescue CDs)
3. Define objectives
4. Determine whether this old pc can achieve them
5. Download drivers, manuals, etc, from vendor’s web site
6. Fix hardware & software, download, configure, install
to achieve objectives
Example -- This Laptop
• IBM Thinkpad 770Z P-II @ 366 mhz / 128M ram / 14g disk
• CDROM, floppy, 56k modem, USB port
• 13.7” screen w/AGP graphics and 8M ram
NO --> 10/100 port, wireless card, Writeable CD or DVD
• All hardware works
• Config panel
• Config diagnostics
• Windows Devices panel
* Disk check
* Tested devices
• Software is Windows 98
• Virus / malware clean
• Registry clean
* Programs work
* MSCONFIG and daemons
More at -- www.Desktoplinux.com/articles/AT6185716632.html
Example -- My Objectives ...
*
*
*
*
*
Office support (word processing etc in MS formats)
Presentations (in MS format)
Email
(dial-up ok)
Web look-up (dial-up acceptable)
Run common Windows and Linux apps
Conclusion ->
• Keep Windows
• Install Linux and run from RAM
• Buy 128M for $20 --> 256M
UpgradeMemory.com
KingstonMemory.com
Example #2 -- Professional’s Desktop
Objectives • Office work (all in MS formats)
• Word processing
• Presentations
• Spreadsheets
• Email
• Web use: 0 in 1996 to lots today
• Doesn’t want to pay $500 for new computer
P-II
Pentium-II
Purchased 1997
P-II+
Goal -- heavier multi-tasking
--> Upgraded memory to 256M
--> Windows tune-up
P-III
Goal -- heavier web use
--> Switched to free P-III
--> Added $10/month AT&T DSL
Goal -- OS outdated
--> Added Ubuntu
Example #2 -- Professional’s Desktop
• Dell P-III 550 mhz / 448M ram / 2 x 6 G disk
• DVD-ROM, CD/RW, floppy, 10/100 card, USB ports
• From the P-II -• P-II monitor, keyboard, mouse
• Original 6 gig disk
• From one P-III -• System Unit, 320m ram, USB ports, DVD-ROM, CD-RW,
floppy, 10/100 card
• From the other P-III
• 2nd 6 gig disk, 128M ram
• Remaining P-II parts go to other builds
Easy-to-Fix Problems
Windows
+ Viruses / spyware / malware
+ Registry or software corruption
+ Slow and needing software tune-up
-> Defrag disk, remove malware, prune start-up list (msconfig & Runlist),
check daemons & Services, erase index.dat & other
temporary, set-up, internet, cache, & “junk files”, cookies, URL history...
Hardware
+ Broken or replaceable device
+ Slow due to needing memory
+ Random shutdowns
-> Overheating - check fans, redo heat sink, clean PC
+ Won’t boot
-> Check wires, card seating, loose screws
+ Bad device driver
OS
Operating System Choice is Key
OS determines --
* OS overhead on limited computer resources
* Your Apps
* How easy or hard they are to find
* How much they cost or if free
3 “Operating Environment” Choices
Keep
Windows
only
Replace
Windows
w/ Linux
Add Linux
to
Windows
(or other OS)
+ Easiest
+ Drivers included
+ Age-appropriate software
+ No malware
+ Simplest install
+ Linux benefits
-- Cleanup required
-- No MS fixes or support
-- License & COA required
-- Drivers?
-- Loses value of the
installed software
+ Benefits of Windows
and Linux
+ Linux co-exists
with Windows
-- Effort
-- Requires 1/2 G disk
IV. Windows
on Old PCs
Windows Benefits
(versus Linux)
Compatible file formats
Easy to use
Efficient GUI on 486 to P-II
Device drivers
Comes on the computer
Microsoft GUI is Efficient on
486s - P-I’s - P-II’s
Windows 3.1, 95 or 98 with Office 4, 95 or 97
+ Faster than Linux GUIs on 486 or P-I
+ More user-friendly !
+ Retain this software on 486 to P-II
Example -- 486-DX2 @ 25 mhz / 8M ram / Windows 3.1 / WordPerfect 5
But security software sinks them
Eg -- firewall + virus scanner + malware scanner + intrusion blocker
is required if you connect to internet
Examples
Windows
plus
Office
Windows98
98SE
plus
Office
97 97
** P-I
P-I 90
90mhz
mhz // 32M
32M
* P-I 166
64M / 64M
* P-IMMX
166mhz
MMX/ mhz
Both work great
Both crawl if you add--- Virus and spyware scanners
-- Firewall and intrusion detector
-- Plus try downloading anti-virus updates with dial-up !
From: Microsoft’s web site 2006
Windows
System
Requirements
Double
Microsoft’s
values for
good
performance !
Version
CPU
Minimal / Recommended
Memory
Minimal /
Recommended
Windows 3.1
>= 386
2 MB
Windows 95
386DX / 486
4 MB / 8 MB
Windows 98
486DX @66 + MHz
16 MB / 24 MB
Windows 98-SE2
486DX @66 + MHz
16 MB / 24 MB
Windows ME
Pentium @150+ MHz
32 MB
Windows NT 4.0
Workstation Edition
Pentium
16 MB / 32 MB
Windows 2000 Professional
Edition
Pentium @ 133+ MHz
64 MB
Windows 2003 R2 Standard
Edition
Pentium @ 133+ MHz / Pentium
@ 550+ MHz
128 MB / 256 MB
Windows XP Home Edition
Pentium @ 233+ MHz / Pentium
@ 300+ MHz
64 MB / 128 MB
Windows Vista
Pentium @ 800+ MHz
512 MB
Free Software
Required to
Secure
Windows
“How to Secure
Your Windows PC
Using Free Software”
Product:
Purpose:
AVG Free Anti-Virus, ASquared or ClamWin
Free anti-virus scanners. All three support batch
scanning. AVG also scans email and file activity in
real-time.
Ad-Aware SE Personal,
Spybot Search & Destroy
Spyware / malware scanners.
Free Internet Windows
Washer
Eliminates Windows's history of your activities,
including the index.dat file that keeps track of all
the websites you visit.
MRU Blaster
Eliminates lists of your Most Recently Used (MRU)
files.
Tiny Personal Firewall,
ZoneAlarm
Tiny Firewall is small and light. ZoneAlarm works
great but may be a bit weighty for some older
computers.
MemWatcher
Shareware that displays memory use.
StartUp Cop
Controls what software loads at start-up time (an
alternative to the msconfig command present in
some versions of Windows)
by H. Fosdick
at DBAZine
http://www.dbazine.com
How to Anonymize Windows PCs
• When you Delete files, and empty the recycle bin,
those files are still accessible
• When you Delete IE history, the list of all web sites you
ever visited is still accessible
• When you Outlook Delete email, & empty the waste basket,
all that email is still accessible
• When you change personal info in product Options,
that doesn’t change the splash panel or product ownership
Conclusions -- (1) Windows gives users into a false sense of privacy
(2) Anonymizing Windows is hard
How to Anonymize Windows PCs
• Re-format hard disk
+ Quick, easy, sure
-- Loses value of installed software
-> Darik’s Boot and Nuke
****************************************** or *******************************************
• Remove personal info
• Registry
(First name, last name, organization, user id, etc)
(Do this for all users, in both Keys and Values)
• Spash panels (Product Options, Registry, Office 95/97 binaries)
• Locate & delete personal files (in My Documents & elsewhere)
(*.doc, *.xls, *.ppt, *.txt, *.rtf, *.wab, *.acl, *.pwl, *.pcb, *.pst, *.pps, etc)
• Address book files (Outlook, Outlook Express, IE)
• Email
(*.mbx and *pst files)
• Web history
(index.dat files and Registry)
-> PurgeIE and manual
• Virus / spyware / malware scan
-> AVG, A-2, Clamwin...
• Delete Temp, Internet Temp files, cache
-> CCleaner, FIWW
• Delete MRUs, product histories, IE history, cookies -> MRU-Blaster
• Delete user ids and their files
• Delete info embedded in products (registration, user ids, etc)
• Defrag then overwrite unused disk (inc slack, swap & dir.) -> BcWipe or Eraser
“Rescue Disks”
(To Fix Windows or Linux)
Ultimate Boot CD
for Windows
ubcd4win.com
Ultimate Boot CD
(for Linux)
ultimatebootcd.com
Linux “Rescue Disks”
Knoppix and others
V. Linux (etc)
on Old PCs
Free Operating Systems
Linux
+ Biggest family
+ Most software
+ Most popular
Minix
BSD
+ Fast
+ Small
+ Bug free rep
+
+
---
Very lightweight
Inspired Linux
Limited apps
Less popular
Others
DOS
+
+
+
--
+ BeOS
+ OS/2 soon?
+ New Deal
-- Not popular
Tons of apps
Very lightweight
Still popular worldwide
GUI
Linux Benefits
(versus Windows)
Co-exists with other
operating systems
No Registry or
DLL problems
No viruses, spyware,
malware
No privacy issues
No WGA, Product Activation,
or stealth updates
No licensing issues
No artificial lockout
from current software
No forced upgrades
Free apps !
Small distros
Many distros
“Small Linux” Strategies
1.
Small distro
2.
Older release of big distro
3.
Tailor distro during install
Some
Small
Linuxes
Version
System Requirements
Damn
Small
Linux
Minimum requirement is a 486DX with 16 MB memory. Runs
fully in memory on machines with 128 MB. Also boots from USB
thumb drive or from a live CD. 50 MB disk footprint. Details here.
Puppy
"Puppy has been tested on a few very old machines but for best
results..." use a Pentium @166+ MHz with 64 MB for releases
prior to 1.0.2, and 128 MB for releases since version 1.0.2. Be
sure to create a swap partition on systems with less than 64 MB of
memory, otherwise no hard disk required.
Feather
"Feather should be able to run on a 486 with 16 MB of RAM, but
only in console (non-graphical) mode. To use X, 24 MB of RAM
or more are required."
Wolvix
Requires 36 MB to boot slax, 96 MB to run X Windows with
Fluxbox, 144 MB to run X Windows with KDE. 486 or better
processor. A suggested system has a minimum Pentium @266+
MHz and 128 MB memory. No hard disk required.
Vector
The Standard Edition requires only a 386 or better processor with
16 MB of memory and 350 MB of disk space for a full install. The
SOHO (Small Office / Home Office) edition requires Pentium III
or better, 128 MB memory with 256 MB recommended, and 3 G
for the OS on disk.
STX
"Oldest system tested so far: K5/75, 64 MB RAM, 130 MB Swap
... very slow but works"
Pocket
Linux
"...you should at least have a Pentium II computer with 400 MHz
and about 128 MB+ RAM in order to work efficiently."
Slackware
486 or greater processor, 16 MB memory with 32 MB suggested.
Additional hardware required to run the GUI. 100-500 MB hard
disk is minimally required with 3.5 G for a full install.
Debian
Pentium @100+ MHz minimum, plus 24 MB memory and 450
MB on disk for "No Desktop" systems, or 64 MB and 1 G disk for
systems "with the Desktop."
Red Hat 8
64 MB for text interface, 128 MB for GUI. 400 MB hard disk for
minimal install, 2 G for a "Workstation" install.
See -DistroWatch.com
DistroMania.com
Review
System
Requirements
3 Favorite “Small Linuxes”
BeatrIX /
BeaFanatIX
Damn Small Linux
+
+
---
Smallest (486 w/ 16M)
Popular
Geekiest (not for end user)
Minimal apps
Puppy
+
+
+
+
All the apps you need
Popular
Not as geeky as DSL
Small
128M -> 320M to run in ram
-- Not as friendly as BeatrIX
+ For end users
+ Runs on any Pentium
+ 128M to run in ram
-- Not widely used
All run from memory with 128M +
Ways to Install Linux
Almost all
Linuxes
Some
Linuxes
1. Live CD
-- To verify product, video, drivers, etc
-- To evaluate and learn product
2. Full Install
-- Co-exist with Windows
-- Needs its own partition
-- Most Linuxes recognize Windows
-- They create boot selection list
-- Little disk required
(Continue to use Windows partition for your data)
3. Frugal Install
-- Stores Linux as file(s) in existing Windows partition
4. Windows Program
-- Icon on Windows desktop
5. USB memory Stick
-- Leaves Windows un-changed
6. Updatable CD or DVD
-- Leaves Windows un-changed
How to Co-Install Linux with Windows
Linux includes the Partitioning, Boot Selection, and
Windows-recognition tools you need… free
1. Verify Windows disk is good
(My Computer | Properties | Tools | Disk check)
2. Defrag Windows volume
3. Live CD to boot Linux
4. Resize Windows partition smaller if you need space
5. Create new Linux partition
6. Create Linux Swap partition
7. Install Linux
8. Verify boot selection menu (/boot/grub/menu.lst)
GUI is Key to Resource Usage
* Always in use
* Memory-consumptive
* Gnome & KDE
+ Linux “standards”
-- Require 128 M
* JWM, IceWM, Xfce, FVWM, Flubox, others
+ Much less Memory ( < 64M)
* Command line
+ Fine for App Server
+ Ok for geeks
-- Not ok for end users
See xwinman.org for GUI details
Lite !
Pick Light Apps !
Good
Linux
Windows
Bad
Abiword
Gnumeric
Dillo
Terminal window
JWM, FVWM
OpenOffice 1 (64M)
OpenOffice 2 (128M)
Firefox, Mozilla
GUI apps
Gnome, KDE
Older releases
(Acrobat, Winzip, etc)
Newer releases of
the same products
Office 97
Office 2000, 2003, 2007
Notepad
Word
K-Meleon
IE (any version), Firefox
ImgBurn, FinalBurner
Easy CD Creator, Nero
TinyFirewall, Sygate
ZoneAlarm
Ad-aware, AVG
ClamWin
Windows 98, 3.1 GUIs
Vista GUI
Free BSD
NetBSD
NetBSD is a highly configurable Unixlike open source OS that is highly
portable across systems. Dating back
to 1993, it runs on many resourcelimited computers.
Another heir to BSD, FreeBSD may be
the most popular general-purpose BSD
system.
FreeBSD
Runs down to 386s and is small enough to run
on embedded devices. Details here.
Versions prior to 5.x require at least a 386
with at least 16M memory and 60M disk for
standalone systems. 5.x and later require at
least a 486, with 24M memory and 150M
disk. Details here.
BSD requires minimal resources for
older versions -- originally released in 1993
Minix 3
•
•
•
•
Inspired Linux
Fast and light (down to 486s)
Apps cover all the bases... but not as many as Linux
Open source
CTLALTDEL
Free DOS
•
•
•
•
•
Tons of apps
Best on really old equipment (486/386/286/XT/PC)
Great for non-GUI systems
Some GUIs available
Modern DOS overcomes old DOS limitations
1. FreeDOS
2. OpenDOS
3. DR-DOS
Learn about today’s DOS at -www.devedia.com/dosghost/dos/dosw31.asp
Collectable Computers -- www.vintage-computer/vcforum
Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP)
PC Linux
Server
100 mhz and 64 M +
X-terminal PCs
Running LTSP Linux
Big Money Saver !
See: FreeSoftwareMagazine.com article by Robert Pogson
http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/articles/linux_terminal_server
Also: www.ltsp.org
VI. Where to get
a Free PC
-- or -Give one away !
Where to Get a Free PC--
Phoebe Jane does the job !
Where to Get a Free PC-(or very low-cost PC)
* Trash
FreeSharing
works !
* IT co-workers
* Friends
* www.FreeSharing.org
* www.FreeCycle.org
* www.CraigsList.org
* Rummage sales
Church rummage sales
What Does “Free” Mean ?
• Free Hardware
• Free Software
• You pay labor
• Maybe you buy a part (eg: Memory)
• Internet “subscription” is not free
•
•
$ 10 avg / month SLOW
$ 30 avg / month FAST
($5-10)
($10-40)
AT&T / Yahoo
DSL is
$10 / month !
Where to Donate a PC ?
Works?
Resources?
• Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/donate.htm#local
• Craigslist.org, FreeSharing.org, FreeCycling.org, rummage sales
• People’s Resource Center (www.peoplesrc.org) Wheaton
-> 500 mhz or better
• If too old for re-use
-> Sims/United Recycling
166 Harvester Ave, W. Chicago
$0.25 / lb.
VII.
The New World
of “Free” Computing
How the PC Industry Works
•
Wintel monopolizes U.S. computer market
•
Over 50% of Microsoft’s revenue is from Windows & Office
•
They have to force you to upgrade
•
Each release soaks up new hardware for new functionality
•
This Planned Obsolescence is artificial
•
Conclusions -• Word 97, 2000, 2003, 2007…. Who cares?
• Non state-of-the-art PCs are useful
• Vista -- a great example of a needless upgrade
How Microsoft Forces You to Upgrade
• MS software is designed not to run on older computers
• Software prerequisites are marketing-based (not technology-driven)
(eg: you must have IE to get Windows Updates or run XP or etc.
Or, you must have a certain level of product to use an unrelated product)
• Older MS software doesn’t run on newer machines
(eg: Win 98 needs bug fixes for > 512 M and > 2 ghz)
• MS terminates security fixes, support for older software (key due to Windows security flaws)
• WGA & PA kill old copies of software
• Registry prevents porting a Windows disk across computers or even an upgraded computer
• Registry locks / controls installed software
• Intentional incompatibilities between different versions of the same product
(eg: older version of Word can not read *.doc file from newer version)
• EULAs say you can’t legally transfer software to a second owner without COA and all doc
• Very difficult to anonymize Windows without wiping the disk
• New Windows versions are bundled with all PC purchases
(no consumer choice due to coerced vendor lock-out)
Ability to Enforce
Planned Obsolescence
High
Low
US
Automotive
Industry
PC
Industry
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
The Monopoly is Ending
Free software
End
of
Monopoly
Cheap commodity
hardware
Result -Planned
Obsolescence
Appropriate
Technology
Low-end Machines Proliferate
Laptop Projects
•
•
•
•
Millions to be produced
Built-in WIFI
Kid-tough case
Specs, cost in transition
OLPC -• 433 mhz, 256M ram, 1G flash
• Self-powered
• Linux
• $175 -> $100
Intel Classmate -• 900 mhz, 256M ram, 1-2G flash
• 4-hr battery
• Windows XP Pro or Linux
• $225 -> $200
Household appliance
Consumer PC
School requirement
Purchase at Walmart or Target
VIII.
Resources
Example Computer Charity Programs
People’s Resource Center (www.peoplesrc.org) Wheaton
-> 500 mhz or better
-> Give away > 5,000 computers in Dupage Country
-> 100 / month
-> Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR)
• Alameda County Computer Resource Center (www.accrc.org)
-> Linux on old PCs (Suse or Ubuntu)
-> Give away 5,000 to 10,000 / year
“Re-use, then Recycle”
“Obsolescence is just a failure of imagination” -- James Burgett
Recommended Resources
Free software websites--
Hardware Info websites--
Windows-- TheFreeCountry.org
MajorGeeks.com
Download.com
Linux-SourceForge.net
Freshmeat.net
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
TomsHardware.com
PCGuide.com
Computer.HowStuffWorks.com
PCMech.pair.com
PCSupport.About.com
Hardware books-Where to get Drivers--
Upgrading & Repairing PCs by Mueller
Complete PC Upgrade & Maintenance Guide by Minasi
Windows -- DriverGuide.com
Linux
-- Linux-Drivers.org
Articles -http://www.linux.com/article.pl?sid=06/02/13/1854251
http://www.linuxforums.org/desktop/a_linux_distribution_for_an_old_laptop.html
http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/articles/free_computing
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