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November 22, 2006
Dear CNET members,
Well, I'm back, folks. I have several things to cover in this newsletter, so please bear with me. The first thing on my list is to thank my coworker Molly Wood, who graciously jumped in to cover the community newsletter while I was unexpectedly out last week. And as Molly mentioned in the previous newsletter, don't miss out on our annual Holiday Helpdesk marathon--where the CNET TV crew will be streaming live and answering your calls all day November 24 to help you get the best gadget gifts for the holidays. So check it out and be part of this cool event!
For those of you who celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., this is our time of year to dig deep in our hearts and give thanks to all those who have given to us. And this week, I want to dedicate this newsletter to my dear mother who passed away suddenly a week ago. I'm deeply saddened by this great loss, but I know she would want me to stay strong. So Mom, I will do my best to be strong, and I wanted to thank you for giving me everything in my life. You are the best and I truly appreciate all that you have done for me. I miss you so much...
As you know already, I have missed two weeks of being in your presence, and I missed being with you all. This week's topic is from David L. who wants to know what he can possibly do with his old computers instead of adding them to a landfill. Given that we had more than two week's for members to submit their answers, we received a whopping 600-plus answers from you folks! Kudos to you all! While I can't list all 600 answers, I have picked a few winners to highlight in the newsletter, but really, we are all winners here, as you all cared enough to share your suggestions, ranging from recycling to donating old computers to your local schools and charities. 'Tis the season of thanks, and I want to thank you members for being part of this awesome contributing community! So check out some of our member's answers and hopefully David and our members will do what they think is best. If you have more recommendations, join us in this week's discussion and post it.
One last note, I promise. If you haven't already noticed, we recently relaunched the CNET forums with a totally redesigned look and feel. Many of you in past have e-mailed me to let me know that you really disliked the tree-view format, in which you had to click each individual message to read it. Well, we listened to your feedback and have not only changed the viewing format of the forums, but also made a feature which allows you to select which viewing preference you prefer. So if you still like the old format, no worries--just select the Forum display (located on top-right side, below the Forum search bar) to "Tree View." If you like the Threaded view format--which is set as a default view--don't do anything. We also have a flat view feature, which some of you folks prefer. Regardless of which view you like, we hope that you enjoy the forum redesign and new feature set. There are more features in the works, so stay tuned. Thank you everyone for your presence and your patronage to our community! Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Happy Thanksgiving and cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community |
Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail:
messageboards@cnet.com |
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Member Question of the Week
My question isn't as technical as it is practical. Over the
years, my wife and I have accumulated three desktops and a
laptop computer that are outdated. What does one do with
these things? I know there are environmental issues involved
in disposal of the monitors. Also, it seems like a waste
to just throw away these machines. Is there something like a
home for aged computers or someone who would use the
components rather than adding them to a landfill? Any input
would be greatly appreciated.
Submitted by:
David L.
(Note: There is really no wrong or right answer to David's
question, so if you have suggestions or creative
ways to reuse, renew, or recycle old and outdated computers,
please share them with
us. --Lee)
Answer by Don:
Over the years many of my coworkers, friends, and family members have
donated their obsolete computers and peripherals to me as apposed to dumping
them in the local landfill. This is mostly because I'm a trusted person by
these individuals...
Submitted by:
Don R. of Seaford, Delaware
Answer by Kelly:
Well, David, there are several things you can do with them, but first, you need to do a little "prep-work" or find someone you know who you can trust to help you to do the following:
1. Format the hard drives.
2. Make an inventory of the insides...
Submitted by:
Kelly T. of Algona, Washington
Answer by Sav.:
Hi David, thank you for being a thoughtful disposer! I'm in the U.K., so my suggestions may not apply to where you are. I agree with you that old computers are an environmental hazard if dumped in the landfill and, because of my upbringing--waste not, want not--it seems a dreadful waste....
Submitted by:
Sav. M. of the United Kingdom
For
Don's, Kelly's, and Sav.'s
efforts, we're sending them their choice of any
CNET Learning CD.
Community Buzz
 Each week we take a look at topics discussed in the forums.
Have fun and enjoy!
More from the forums
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Check out next week's question:
I just recently set up my Web site for my business. And from hearing many horror stories on how hackers maliciously take down or vandalize Web sites randomly for the purpose of having fun, paranoia has set in and I am very concerned for my own Website. I know many of you members have personal or business Web sites out there, and what I would really like to learn is what are the necessary steps and methods that I personally can take to prevent my Web site from being intruded upon by hackers? All recommendations or suggestions are appreciated.
--Submitted by:
Edmund C.
If you have the answer,
e-mail us at messageboards@cnet.com.
If we choose your response, you'll get a
free CNET Learning CD.
Have a question?
• Multimedia
• Internet Security
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What did you do with your last old computer?
(Please click on button to vote) |
 Put it in a closet
Dropped it in a trash can
Donated it to charity (which one?)
Recycled it (where?)
Gave it to a friend or relative
Salvaged it for parts
Sold it
Other (tell us more)
Simple question, simple answer
Help your fellow members
This week on CNET
CNET's Holiday Gift Guide
It's a wrap: CNET's editors have your shopping shortcut, more than 200 tech gifts you can be proud to put a ribbon around. Whether you're looking for an affordable MP3 player or an expensive TV, we have top picks for every category and price range, including stocking stuffers and ultimate luxuries.
Learn more
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Click here to see Don's full answer
