Saying Good-Bye to Technologies

“People want to know what to buy and why, but, more and more, they also want to know how to get rid of the stuff they don't need anymore. At the top of this list is "How do I get rid of this damn, useless old computer?" (Rensberger, 2011, p. 43)

It is not surprising to know that most people would like to get the latest and greatest technology out there as technology is ever changing and growing rapidly, but users should think twice before they decide to recycle or throw away their old computers. We often hear in the media how computer companies such as Apple, Dell, or Hewitt Packard designed a newer “model” of a lap top, home computer, or maybe even a new smart phone that users can essentially run their entire business from. Many consumers run to the stores to purchase these items to possess the feeling they have the leading edge of technology and competitive business advantage. After purchasing these new technologies, the next step is to install and start utilizing the new equipment as soon as possible right? What happens to the information in the old equipment? Does it just go away? Sure, the computer is unplugged and it is not working any longer because there is no power to it so, what is the next step?

Users do not realize that once they are done with their old computers they are still at risk to have their personal information taken or stolen. Unless the proper steps are taken to remove or destroy the information within hard drives of their old computer and phones, they are susceptible to identity theft and vulnerable to providing personal information to the wrong people.

Here are some solutions regarding the proper steps to removing or destroying personal and sensitive data prior to disposing antiquated computer like devices and gadgets.

• Remove the hard drive and put it in a bucket of water or destroy it physically.
• Format the hard drive, meaning it completely wipes the hard drive clean and reformats the hard drive.
• Download free or paid software that specializes in deleting any and all information off for certain.

Users should be aware that once they take any of these steps their valuable and private information they were trying to protect will now be gone forever.

Having the latest and greatest technology is exciting and provides people with innovative tools to help them keep up in the ever changing world of communication. The old cliché of “out with old and in with the new” is a very applicable to the world of changing technology, but users should take care and beware of what can happen if they decide to give, donate, recycle, or throw away their valuable information. It would be a great customer service if the computer companies would provide an information guide instructing their customers of how to dispose and recycle their old hard drives.

Victoria R.

Reference:

Rensberger, D. (2011, Sempteber). Saying good-by to technologies. Searcher, 19(7), pp. 43-46.