The internet is even more important than it was in the beginning of 2020. Without it where would you be? If you are reading this right now that means you do actually have access. Can you imagine not having that access?
Many families across the USA and the world do not have access. I am sheltering in place in rural Michigan and fing=ding out that the internet can go down for days at a time once a month. Students in the area don't have computers or the internet at home and can't do on-line classes or homework. The USDA has the grant to help rural areas get better internet to these areas of the country, yet what good is service without a computer?
And aren't computers full of all kinds of toxic and rare earth metals that harm the planet we are trying to live on? So what can we do??? Well, I am glad that you asked.
There are several ways you can salvage an older laptop and refurbish it with a little technical skill, some time to experiment, and a willingness to try something new. Check out this article that shows you how to load Google Chrome as a system on and older model and have it run as fast as mid-level grade new Chrome book. (This depends on the machine's RAM and chip speed of course.)
"The Wall Street Journal: Old Laptop, Tablet or Phone? Here’s How They Can Help You Right Now." https://www.wsj.com/articles/old-laptop-tablet-or-phone-heres-how-they-can-help-you-right-now-11585400401?mod=flipboard
The other way you can revive and resuscitate an old machine is by going the way of Linux based UBUNTU system loaded. You can even now load it as a second system to see if you like it before junking your old Windows system.
How old a computer can one revive? Well, just to give you an idea ... I have an old 386 based architecture machine that is still running UBUNTU lite. YEP, you can dig out your old machines from the garage, resuscitate them and pass them on to someone in need. I have a friend teaching in Oakland, CA that got a whole tech lab up and running using free UBUNTU machines. It saved the district tens of thousands of dollars.
In this time of COVID, think about how you can make good use of your time, learn a new skill, and help others in need.
Many families across the USA and the world do not have access. I am sheltering in place in rural Michigan and fing=ding out that the internet can go down for days at a time once a month. Students in the area don't have computers or the internet at home and can't do on-line classes or homework. The USDA has the grant to help rural areas get better internet to these areas of the country, yet what good is service without a computer?
And aren't computers full of all kinds of toxic and rare earth metals that harm the planet we are trying to live on? So what can we do??? Well, I am glad that you asked.
There are several ways you can salvage an older laptop and refurbish it with a little technical skill, some time to experiment, and a willingness to try something new. Check out this article that shows you how to load Google Chrome as a system on and older model and have it run as fast as mid-level grade new Chrome book. (This depends on the machine's RAM and chip speed of course.)
"The Wall Street Journal: Old Laptop, Tablet or Phone? Here’s How They Can Help You Right Now." https://www.wsj.com/articles/old-laptop-tablet-or-phone-heres-how-they-can-help-you-right-now-11585400401?mod=flipboard
The other way you can revive and resuscitate an old machine is by going the way of Linux based UBUNTU system loaded. You can even now load it as a second system to see if you like it before junking your old Windows system.
How old a computer can one revive? Well, just to give you an idea ... I have an old 386 based architecture machine that is still running UBUNTU lite. YEP, you can dig out your old machines from the garage, resuscitate them and pass them on to someone in need. I have a friend teaching in Oakland, CA that got a whole tech lab up and running using free UBUNTU machines. It saved the district tens of thousands of dollars.
In this time of COVID, think about how you can make good use of your time, learn a new skill, and help others in need.
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