Re: [TCLUG:10253] computer bits.

[bob@math.umn.edu]

<snip>
 
> On Thu, 18 Nov 1999, Eric Gjerde wrote:
> 
> > well, having lurked on this list forever, (and apologies if this is
> > being sent in HTML- I am just borrowing this email client at the moment)
> > I am amazed at how wacky some people get over free hardware.
> > 
> > HOWEVER- this is your lucky day. the girlfriend is finally tired of all
> > the junk I have, so I am going to be basically giving away alot of
> > (wonderful) crap. this includes but is not limited to memory, (of many
> > various sorts), scsi & ide hard drives, lots of drive cables of all
> > sorts, some sundry old processors, I think there's a couple mobos of the
> > 133 and under variety; a couple 486 era boxes, in various states of
> > disrepair, some pentium machines, again in various states of disrepair (
> > i have all the bits, really, just don't want them/need them) some funky
> > I/O cards (relatively nice Adaptec VL-BUS scsi controller, anyone?) and
> > other weirdness. also several different 68k macs, which all have quite a
> > bit of memory and are for the most part together. also some odd
> > assortments of crappy software. quite a few crappy ISA ethernet cards.
> > quite a few token ring cards. HP JetDirect cards, for token ring,
> > ethernet, AppleTalk, and ethernet/appletalk. modems. lots of pcmcia
> > modems. lots of junk.
> > 
> > I also have some items that I really can't bear to part with for free; a
> > 21" radius monitor, a DPT SmartCache III cache/raid card (EISA, doesn't
> > have the raid module, but still it is I believe a dual or possibly
> > triple channel card; has 4mb ECC cache, kinda spiffy. neat blinking
> > lights on it.this works with Linux, as well.) some sundry EISA bits- I
> > have two proliant 1000's, so I have quite a few cards and compaq
> > paraphenalia(sp?) if anyone is interested. also an empty proliant 1000
> > chassis, which still has the keys and everything (you know, other than
> > being devoid of a power supply or anything else of that nature. I
> > debated throwing a deskpro XL mobo in there, it kinda looks like it
> > would *just* fit, if you are interested.) umm... lots of 8mb simms,
> > there's really no use for them sadly, I have been using them as
> > keychains and whatnot. also have lots of patch cables (well, cat5 cables
> > of between 6' to 18'.) lots of little mac to PC vid connectors. some
> > keyboards and mice of different sorts. possibly 6? laptop hard drives,
> > from 200mb to 1.3 gig.
> > 
> > Now here comes the real tricky part where I mention the catch.
> > 
> > I would really prefer to give this stuff to people who can't afford to
> > buy new things, and who are going to use this for linux or any OSS based
> > operating system. I really think the first part is more important
<snip>

I suggest you donate much of this stuff - especially the simms, which can
be hard to find these days - to a local non-profit.  Make an estimate of 
the value, and they can give you a memo you can use as a tax writeoff.

If you like them, you could install a Linux flavor, and maybe StarOffice,
and help them "break the chains."  A lot of places just need to do some
web cruising and light office work, and have a negligible budget and 
expertise.  Many would be very happy with a 486 or two.

Here are some links

	http://www.libertynet.org/share/
	http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Companies/Computers/Services/Disposal/Charitable_Organizations/

but there are many more out there.  Happy hunting.

BTW, about the girlfriend:  Just reorganize your stuff into nice, neat piles
of stuff, maybe sorted into clean bins.  This might be a good way out of your
dilemma.  At least it works with my wife.  :^)

Adios,
Chris
-- 
C.S. Cornuelle 
School of Mathematics/MCIM, University of Minnesota
206 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 626-8930v, (612) 624-2333f, bob@math.umn.edu
Ferventer Vestite