FAQ

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes! Unused RAM Inc. is a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, registered with the state of CT as a charitable organization! I will provide you with a donation receipt for your records and/or for tax purposes should you need it as proof of a donation of sufficient value.

What kind of computers are you looking for?

Anything! Laptops, desktops, old, new, chances are it can still help someone! Windows, Mac's, I take 'em all. Where there's a motherboard, there's a way!

I also accept other desktop supplies like monitors, mice and keyboards, video cables, etc.

What kind of shape should they be in?

Even if you hand me a plastic bag of parts, I'll take it. Those parts might be used to fix up another machine, and what I can't use I'll recycle. 

What do you do to them?

It depends on the model. First I assess the condition, both physically and electronically. If it's got potential (most do!), I'll repair anything broken, clean it, and then look at the components. If the hard drive is suitable, I'll wipe it completely and reinstall a suitable operating system. If any of the components can be economically upgraded, I'll scour the dustiest of internet shelves for chips that retailers are practically giving away. I love a good deal!

Think of it as taking an older, even classic car, and hot-rodding it with junkyard parts. It tickles me every time when I get a clunky 3-inch think laptop  working as fast and snappy as a new computer!

What operating system will they have?

For Windows PC's, it must be able to run at least Windows 10. Linux is also a great option, with many versions that are much more optimized than Windows and can provide an additional speed boost.

For Macs, the highest OS varies from model to model, but they'll get the newest Mac OS version that is compatible. It's a wide range, but it's largely irrelevant. The hardware is usually the limiter in Macs so if the hardware is good enough, the OS it can handle is new enough.

What about my data?

Perhaps you aren't sure you got all your personal files off, or just don't know how. Sometimes a computer may become unusable and trap our data on them that we'd like to either get back or just see destroyed. All your personal data is stored on the hard drive. Keep it if you'd like, or I can return it to you if you need help getting it out of the case. If you just want the data from it, I can help pull it off the hard drive and transfer it to you in a respectful, private, and confidential way. 

If you just want to make sure it gets fully cleaned off, don't worry, that's the plan! My process starts with permanently erasing all data on the storage drive. In most cases I won't even reuse your old drive because it's most likely what's slowing everything down!

See the Data Security page for more info on how it all works.

Where will they go?

The possibilities are still growing as I learn more and more, and are seemingly endless. Computers have gone to individuals, community centers, I even sent a few to a library in Haiti! There are so many ways an old computer with nothing but a web browser and an office suite can really change someone's life!

How can I get them to you?

The easiest way right now is to have me pick it up. Nights and weekends are best, as I do work a normal M-F. If that doesn't work for you, you can drop them off at my house. I'm hoping to find a more convenient place for drop-offs, but we're not quite there yet!

Where does the money come from to do this?

It's really pretty cheap to fix up an old computer. Processors can sometimes be found for literally $5 because the computers they serve are just largely old news. Batteries and power supplies can be a few bucks more, but it's really not much if you look hard enough. I'm currently not soliciting donations of money mostly because I just don't need it at this point.

Additionally, one way the operation keeps itself going is by selling the donations that turn out to be too old or too broken. That way those still avoid the landfill and they pay for parts that bring other computers back to life! Old and broken computers are still needed by nostalgic enthusiasts, hobbyists, and niche users.