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Computer FAQ Gal
March 16, 2022

Recycling Electronics Safely
If you are getting a new computer, you may be wondering what to do with your old one? If it’s still usable, you may want to pass the old one on to a friend or relative or donate it. If it’s not, you will want to dispose of it properly and safely, for both your security and for the environment.

If you are giving or selling it make sure you have transferred everything that you need onto your new device. Do a complete backup of your files. Make sure you have all your login names, passwords, and any information that you may need to access banking and other online websites that require them. Then wait a few weeks to continue to the next step. There may be things that you didn’t think of at the time that you will want to go back and get off your old machine.

Now you need to wipe your hard drive so no one can get access to any of your private information such as bank accounts, passwords or even social security numbers that may be on your machine. The absolute surefire way to keep your data out of someone else’s hands is to remove or destroy your hard drive. You can do this by removing the hard drive from your computer’s case and either keeping it or destroying it.

If you are passing it on removing the hard drive won’t work unless you have a new one to install. If you are using Windows 10, you can reset your computer by going to Settings/Update & Security/Recovery then choose Rest this PC and choose Get Started. Follow the instructions to set your computer back to Factory Settings. When asked if you want to erase data quickly or thoroughly, choose thoroughly. This will take longer but you’ll have a better chance at erasing all your data. There may be hackers out there that can still retrieve data, but if you’re passing your computer off to a friend or relative, these steps will protect your personal data from being retrieved.

If recycling your old machine, do so environmentally. Find a reputable company that takes recycled electronics to keep them out of the landfill.

Kathie Pearce
ComputerFAQ #95
360.496-8662
computerfaq@live.com


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You want me to do what?

When I took over the ComputerFAQ business from Robert, he told me that the job also came with writing a weekly article for the Shopper.  Now I knew about Robert’s article, and I read it weekly, but my stomach was immediately inundated with very large butterflies when I found out that I would be writing for other people to read.
I hadn’t written anything outside of instruction briefings and meeting notes in my previous job. Those things were easy-step one do this, step two, etc.  But actually, writing an article was totally new to me.  Several people offered to pre-read the articles before they were published but even this seemed terrifying to me. What if I really stink at it?

I made it through my first introductory article without the walls caving in on me. I didn’t get any hate mail or hysterical laughter from anyone that I knew that read it. Whew, made it. But then it dawned on me that I had to do it again, and again… oh dear.

Well, fast forward almost two years and I’m still writing! I have to admit that some weeks I have a hard time coming up with new material, but I thoroughly enjoy the process.  I’ve had several people tell me they cut out some of my articles and save them for reference! That is such a wonder to me, and I am very grateful to my readers for their thoughtfulness and to The Shopper for allowing me to continue providing information to you.

Happy 46th Anniversary Shopper!
Kathie
Computer Faq Gal

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Computer FAQ GAL - Previous Columns
Kathie Pearce
 

Computer FAQ GAL
Kathie Pearce

March 16, 2022 Recycle Electronics Safely

March 9, 2022 Replace Windows 10 Computer Now?

March 2, 2022 Keep Your Computer Cool

February 23, 2022 End of 3-G

February 16, 2022 How Fast Is Your Internet?

February 9, 2022 Help Internet Is Down

February 2, 2022 eMail Large Pics

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January 19, 2022 Cutting The Cord

January 12, 2022 Head In The Clouds

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December 22 2021 e-Readers

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