text: what to do with a 7-year old computer? i have a computer system i built for my mother about seven years ago, back when windows 98 was a big deal.  i figure it's about time to build her a new one, but what ought i do with the old one?    i can't even donate it to a school -- they say they don't need computers that old.  any ideas? make sure the hard drive is completely wiped clean -- no sense making personal information any more available than it is already -- and take it to a recycling center.  unfortunately (and i have had this same experience) it's trash now.  if you buy an apple computer, they will recycle it for free!