The NeroDude has an idea for how to help make the world a better place for you and me and, you know, everyone.   I was getting ready to chuck my old PC, since I'm getting a new one (I'll break down my sweet specs for you, once I get the whole thing finalized).  

Instead, though, I came across this article about a really cool kid doing something helpful with old, broken-down systems.   I figured I'd try to do the same, so here's what I did with my old system:

• First I wiped the hard disk using dban . This is crucial for clearing your data permanently.
  
• Next, I installed Ubuntu , which is a completely free-use version of the Linux OS.
• Then I set up all the proper drivers for the remaining hardware, such as the chipset and the soundcard.
  
• Then I installed a variety of Linux-compatible, freeware or GNU-public-licensed programs, including:
• Abiword
• GIMPShop
• Firefox
• Thunderbird
• Nethack
• And, of course, Nero Linux 3 (which isn't "free, " but I have some licenses!)
• I ran everything to make sure it all worked (which it did, yay!), and that none of my old data was still present.
• I opened the case and blew all the dust out with compressed air, wiped down the fans, and zip-tied the wires.
• I changed the desktop wallpaper to a picture of the NeroDude (this step is crucial!)
  

Finally, I took the finished product and brought it over to a friend's so that his young daughter could have a PC of her own (she was sick of sharing with her dad).   My friend laid out the 150 bucks for a monitor for her, and she was all set.   She'll grow up switching between Windows and Linux, she'll have her own perfectly fine system, and I get to divest myself of my old PC without clogging up a landfill.   Good times!

This whole thing took me maybe 4 hours to do, not counting transport times.   It was surprisingly easy and gratifying, and, unlike most nice things the NeroDude does, it was completely voluntary!

If you have an old system that you're thinking of tossing away, consider refurbishing it with free software and giving it a second life as the first computer of a young child or a senior citizen.   Be prepared for some late-night tech support calls, though!