[JoelJohnson]

Originally Posted by C. C. Rider

I suggest that before getting rid of any computer, you remove the hard drive and either keep it in a safe place or destroy it. I don't see much need of keeping it.

You don't have to be a computer whiz to do this. Just open up the case and remove the metal case that's about the size and shape of an old 8-track tape. Here's what a new one looks like.

Lenovo 1TB 7200 rpm Serial ATA Hard Drive | Lenovo US

If you've used your computer to file your taxes, do banking business, or credit card transactions, then you should destroy the hard drive of old computers. Otherwise, someone could remove it and gain access to your data.

After removing them, I usually drive a screwdriver through them in a couple of places using a hammer with the drive laid on a brick or solid board. Then, smash the heck out of them with a big hammer. You could also stick a strong magnet against them, set them on fire, and/or drown them.

The last hard drive I destroyed a few years ago, I set the computer (minus the hard drive) out front for the trash man to pick up. Before the trash man even got there, someone came along and picked up the computer and took it. I suppose they were disappointed when they opened the computer and the hard drive was missing.

If I saw it I would take it and if it still had the hard drive I would reformat it with Linux Mint and give the computer to some kid that could it. If the drive was missing I have old drives with Linux on them and just install them, then give it away.