Baseline study of noncommercial computer reuse in the United States

  • Authors:
  • J. Lynch

  • Affiliations:
  • CompuMentor, San Francisco, CA, USA

  • Venue:
  • ISEE '04 Proceedings of the International Symposium on Electronics and the Environment
  • Year:
  • 2004

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Abstract

This study of noncommercial computer reuse in the United States is a first in-depth examination of the 'charity' computer reuse field. It seeks to establish the quantity, quality and overall effectiveness of an activity that has been a widespread grassroots movement for about 20 years. However, it remains difficult for the US public and private sector to donate obsolete computer equipment, while at the same time thousands of schools, nonprofit organizations and low-income people who want and need computers are also having trouble getting them at low or no-cost. This study recommends steps needed to develop the noncommercial computer reuse field to remedy the distribution problem between potential computer donors and recipients.