Everyone loves getting a new computer. It is enjoyable to have a new, up-to-date system that can play the flashiest new games and access the internet at faster speeds. However, there is work to be done when you are ready to upgrade. First, you have to make sure you get anything off your old system that you may possibly need. Be sure to back up pictures and document files you want to save and software you installed.
After you have done that, it is very important that you clear your system of all of the information that someone could use to hurt you. If you have stored any bank records or passwords on the computer, it is very important to clear those before you do anything else. Also, make sure the history on your computer is well cleared so that no one can get into your online accounts and access information you may not want to share.
With computers advancing every few years it can become a nuisance to constantly do this clean up. It is wise to consider open source programs that allow you to run these programs from any computer and at anytime, saving you the inconvenience of having to tidy up and clean your computer every time you change computers. Free source applications like Open Office lets you have a full office suite just like Microsoft while GNU cash is a similar program for accounting and small business purposes. You can use others as well like Freemind to organize and mind map your thoughts and data. Any downloads are small enough to load onto a USB Stick and you no longer have to have the physical data which may have sensitive and private content stuck on your hard drive.
After you have done these tasks, you have to figure out what you are going to do with your old system. There are many different alternatives. You can recycle computers; there are many companies that will take your old computer, strip any useable parts, and then recycle the remaining plastic and metal pieces. They will usually either pick up your computer for free or provide a postage-free way to ship your products to them. Another option is to give your old computer to someone who can get some use out of it. Maybe you have a friend who has never owned their own computer and would have no problem using a model from several years back. A final option is to sell your computer on eBay or Craigslist. You may make a few extra dollars this way. Just make sure it is especially well cleared off in this case.