Technology For All encourages computer donations for Houston’s underserved communities

Houston, Texas - (February 10, 2002) - During 2002, an estimated 1 million new computers or more will be installed on the desks of corporations and in homes across the greater Houston area. But a new PC, like new clothing or new cooking equipment, means that for many corporations and consumers the older goods now become obsolete and have to be disposed of.

There are three reasons why finding the appropriate way to discard old computer equipment is important:

This year, Technology For All-Houston (TFA-Houston), a nonprofit focused on bringing technology to underserved communities through local community based organizations, is working with HISD and several Houston area recyclers and refurbishers to help corporations and consumers properly donate or recycle computer equipment to benefit both society and the environment.

Ten Tips for Donating A Computer

1. Determine if your old computer can be re-used. If you have a computer that is less then five years old, chances are that refurbishers will be happy to accept it. Organizations like Technology For All and others accept disposed equipment and fix it up so that others can use it. Refurbishers work with newer disposed equipment, usually Pentium-level computers and up that can run current Internet programs. If your old computer is more than five years old, it will probably be best to recycle it.

2. Recycle old and broken PC equipment. Any equipment that is not working or that is below Pentium or Mac Power PC-level should be earmarked for recycling. Recyclers are businesses or organizations that remove useful parts and then break down the rest of the materials as we do with bottles and cans. This also includes the safe removal of hazardous materials. Note: Some of these organizations may charge a fee to accept old PC's and equipment for recycling - especially computer monitors. Technology For All can recommend a recycler to you. Please call 713.961.0012.

3. Contact the school, TFA or the recycler before donating. It will save you time if you contact TFA before you drop off your computer. Donation criteria change as new and faster computers are manufactured. TFA does not accept anything older than a Pentium 233. Some school districts, for example, do not accept anything older than a Pentium 400. Call in advance or check for details on their Web site to ensure that the organization you want to give to accepts the type of computer you plan to give away. You may be inclined to donate equipment directly to a favorite local school or charity. However, organizations like TFA and those we work with are generally better equipped to repair and upgrade computers. They then pass on ready-to-use equipment to nonprofits, schools and the low-income population at low or no cost.

4. Remember the accessories. Don't forget about the keyboard, mouse, printer, modem, packaged software or any of your about-to-be-retired PC's accessories. Schools and charitable organizations can almost always put them to good use. Most organizations only accept complete systems.

5. If possible, keep the operating system intact. You'll be well within copyright and licensing laws if you leave the operating system and current license loaded on a donated computer. And, since many of the community- based organizations TFA works with usually cannot afford to purchase and license new operating systems, the legal transfer can go a long way. Corporations donating large volumes of computers are also encouraged to transfer operating systems and licenses with donated computers. TFA can work with you to share examples of how some corporations do this.

6. Provide original media and documentation. It's helpful to have the original disks, media and documentation that came with the PC when it was purchased. Include the proof of license, which will help ensure the legal transfer of the operating system.

7. Delete personal information. Information that should be deleted before donating includes cookies, email, personal applications, temporary Internet files, etc. If the PC is still under a manufacturer's warranty, the owner can call the company's technical services and ask for specifics on how to delete personal files.

8. Follow PC delivery instructions. Depending on the number of computers being donated, TFA and other recycling/refurbishing organizations will have specific locations where PCs can be donated. Call ahead (713.961.0012) and get specific delivery instructions.

9. Keep a list of what you donated for your records. A tax advisor can determine what donations are deductible. Corporations may be eligible for an enhanced deduction. TFA and most nonprofit organizations will provide a tax receipt upon request. Cash donations are also accepted to cover the costs of redeploying computer equipment into Houston’s underserved communities.

10. Plan for future donations. Out of the pile of accumulated cardboard, spare one box from the recycling bin and use it to store the documents that came with the new PC. When the time comes around to donate your new PC, everything will be in one place.

For more information visit http://www.techforall.org or call 713.961.0012.


About Technology For All
Technology For All (TFA) is a national nonprofit initiative focused on bringing technology to underserved communities. Using a network model to bridge the digital divide, TFA is creating educational, economic and personal opportunities for America’s underserved. Sponsors and donors include SmartForce. Washington Mutual, FYI-Net, RGK Foundation and BP. Program partners include HUD’s Neighborhood Network Initiative, the America Connects Consortium, the LINCT Coalition, Technology For All-Houston, other local TFA initiatives and individual community technology centers (CTCs) across the US. Local TFA initiatives or supportive CTC relationships exist in fifteen US cities including Houston. TFA national headquarters are located at 109 North Post Oak Lane, Suite 425, Houston, Texas, 77024. Phone: 713.316.5764.
Web site: www.techforall.org

About Technology For All-Houston
Technology For All-Houston (TFA-Houston) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on bringing technology to Houston’s underserved communities. Established in 1997, TFA-Houston has established over 110 community technology centers using redeployed equipment in collaboration with Houston community based organizations serving the underserved. TFA-Houston is a local affiliate of Technology For All. Key Houston donors and sponsors include the MD Anderson Foundation, Houston Endowment, the Brown Foundation, The Rockwell Fund, the Shell, and ExxonMobil. TFA-Houston offices are located in shared space with the Technology For All Operations Center at3405 Edloe, Suite 300, Houston, Texas, 77027. Phone 713.961.0012.

Technology For All and the Technology For All logo are trademarks of Technology For All. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.