By Joe Fino
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Did you run out and purchase a new computer when Windows Vista was launched? Are you getting ready to?

If you have an old computer lying around that you’re ready to replace or sell, there are a few important things you need to consider before getting rid of it.

It’s important to wipe all personal data stored on the computer’s hard drive before unplugging it for the last time. Remember that even though you manually delete computer files, an identity thief might still be able to recover them, possibly putting you or your family at risk.

Clean it
These are the types of files you should consider removing before donating your old computer:

• E-mail contacts and messages

• Documents

• All files in the recycle bin or trash folder

• Temporary Internet files and Cookies

• All non-transferable software (most software is transferable if you have the original disks and product key) You should remove the files using disk-cleaning software. It’s not difficult to do, and many cleaning utilities are free.

A very good (and popular) option is to use Active@ KillDisk. It’s available from CNET’s Download.com. This software allows you to destroy all data on hard and floppy drives completely, excluding any possibility of future recovery of deleted files and folders.

After you have cleaned all of the personal data from your computer, what should you do with it? Consider donating or recycling.

Donate it
If the computer still works, donating it is a great option—doing so will help keep toxins such as lead, mercury, and other electronic byproducts out of the environment. Plus, every computer dumped in a landfill is a missed opportunity to provide a computer for others to use through nonprofit and school-based refurbishers.

In addition, depending on the current market value of your donated computer, you might be able to deduct its value from your taxes (refer to current federal and local tax laws for more information).