Older and Refurbished Computers

Developed by: the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Bridges.org

Unit overview: This unit covers the basics of older and refurbished computers: what they are, benefits and risks of using them, who should use them, and where to get them.

Duration: 60-90 minutes (short version); 3 hours+ (long version).

Target audience: Managers and others in community organizations and not-for-profits with responsibility for IT decision making.

Prerequisite skills: At least basic computer skills. Participants should be able to use a computer with little assistance for basic activities such as sending e-mail message and creating documents.

Download the complete "Older and Refurbished Computers" unit as a zip file

Download individual components:  

• Trainers' notes (MS Word format)
• Handout (MS Word format)
• Glossary of terms (MS Word format)
• Worksheet: Needs and constraints (MS Word format)
• Worksheet: Software options (MS Word format)
• Worksheet: Hardware options (MS Word format)
• Worksheet: Inventory of existing resources (MS Word format)
• MS PowerPoint presentation (MS PowerPoint format)
• Additional reading: "Low Cost Computing" (MS Word format)
• Additional reading: "Selecting Operating Systems for and Upgrading Older Computers" (MS Word format)
• List of additional resources (MS Word format)
• Pre-workshop questionnaire (MS Word format)
• Workshop evaluation form (for trainers) (MS Word format)
• Materials evaluation form (for trainees) (MS Word format)
• Copyright statement (MS Word format)

Copyright information

All MMTK materials are released under a Creative Commons license which allows their free use and distribution for non-commercial use. However, the exact provisions of the license vary from module to module - while most modules permit modification of the materials, a few do not. The copyright statement included with each module sets out the specific provisions which apply to that module.