Now you can put your old PCs to good use

Computing and Computer Aid launch appeal for 25,000 used PCs

IT directors have a critical role to play in the appeal by Computing and Computer Aid International to provide PCs for some of the world's poorest countries.

Analysts say that many organisations will be renewing their desktop computers this year as part of a regular cycle of updating that follows the boom in purchases associated with the Year 2000.

And we want you to think before throwing out those old machines - there is a better use for them than the scrap heap.

Donating your systems to our appeal has two important benefits - helping education in developing countries, and the environment, says Tony Roberts, director of Computer Aid International.

'IT is not routinely taught in African schools. In order to get this education, people have to pay fees which are out the reach of the vast majority,' he said.

'We're working so that people can be equipped with the skills that are necessary for the world of employment in the 21st century so that they, and their country, can participate in the global economy.'

A donation will also help deal with the forthcoming burden of the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive (see box below).

Under this legislation, companies will have to find news ways of dealing with unwanted hardware, rather than simply disposing of it.

The Computer Aid appeal could be your answer. We welcome all donations of PCs that use at least Pentium 2 processors or more recent version.

All computers are tested, refurbished, fully upgraded and then shipped to developing countries, where they can have a second life of, on average, three years.

Computer Aid's application process ensures that all PCs go to non-profit organisations in developing countries and the principal destination is schools and universities.

The chairity provided 12,000 PCs to recipients in developing countries last year.

And 30,000 PCs have been shipped since the organisation was formed in 1998.

'But we're not even touching the tip of the iceberg when it comes to those two million Pentium computers in the UK,' says Roberts.

That's where Computing's readers - and the UK's IT directors - can help, as we try to achieve a target of 25,000 PCs this year.

Some large UK companies have already committed to Computer Aid.

British Airways is going through a major PC refurbishment programme.

Franc Fruzza, international IT account manager at BA, says it was important that the company's decommissioned IT assets were disposed of in a cost-effective and beneficial manner.

'Our staff first suggested the idea of working with a charity and Computer Aid was found to be the most suitable option,' he said.

The airline has already donated 5,000 computers and intends to provide more as the project continues.

For most donors, a key concern is data security.

BA says it discussed, in considerable detail, Computer Aid's data security procedures and visited the charity's workshops.

The company saw that the organisation uses the best available software to irretrievably delete data, approved to US Department of Defense and UK GCHQ standards.

Companies holding top secret data can run an even higher level of check for a small cost.

'We worked together to agree standards to irrecoverably remove all data,' said Fruzza.

'Throughout our negotiations we were reassured by their professionalism and thoroughness.'

Security was also a primary concern for IT services supplier Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, which refreshed desktops for 3,800 users at the London Borough of Croydon.

David Brooke, project manager at Cap Gemini, says Computer Aid was able to demonstrate an excellent track record.

'Its one-stop service met stringent data security and environmental considerations, required during the removal of sensitive data and the disposal of a large volume of PC equipment and peripherals,' he said.

The local authority has also achieved savings of some 15 per cent, compared with the alternative of scrapping the equipment in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Cap Gemini expects to dispose of some 6,000 PC and peripheral items, via Computer Aid International, by the end of this year.

(Blob) If you want to become involved in our appeal or donate your old company PCs, email us now at [email protected].

What is the WEEE directive?

Donating to Computing and Computer Aid's appeal will help IT directors deal with the forthcoming burden of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive.

Although WEEE will not be fully implemented until August 2005, it starts to come into force in August this year.

The directive obliges vendors and manufacturers to take back obsolete equipment they have sold.

Many users also have stockpiles of obsolete PCs, printers and monitors that will be affected. Companies will be responsible for the disposal of waste that vendors will not take back.

Old kit can no longer be dumped in a skip - and organisations will have to find new ways of dealing with unwanted hardware.

Step forward Computer Aid, who can help IT directors dispose of your systems effectively and cheaply.

The charity also provides a free re-conditioning service for companies.

'It's a one-stop shop. We'll take away your entire decommissioning task - it's cheaper than any other available option,' said Tony Roberts, director of Computer Aid International.

'If they deliver to us, there's no charge at all. If we have to hire a van to collect your PCs, that's the only cost we pass on the company.'