FAQ

Converting older computers into more modern — and more usable — equipment raises a number of issues. Here are some of the questions that have arisen.

How do we get rid of old computers?

We cleaned out a closet and found a bunch of old computers. Several could not be updated. How can we get rid of the computers that can’t be re-used.

You can go to Earth 911 to find recycling options by ZIP code. Also, call your local Sanitation Department. They will likely have a special collection process for electronic equipment.

However, before throwing out anything, you need to ensure that the hard drive cannot be read or recovered. Data Destruction has an interesting discussion regarding some available options.

Can I update a Chromebook with Chrome OS Flex?

I have a Chromebook. Can I update my machine with Chrome OS Flex?

Google says the following as of mid-2022:

“Each Chromebook, Chromebase, and Chromebox has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. On and after the AUE date, devices no longer receive software updates from Google.

“Google does not support installing Chrome OS Flex on a Chrome OS device that has reached its AUE date.

“While you might be able to install Chrome OS Flex on Intel or AMD x86 Chrome OS devices, we don’t support devices that have reached their AUE date. You might have issues with firmware and hardware compatibility, installation, and updates.”

Check the Google link for updates.

Can we charge recipients for donated computers?

We believe recipients should be charged for the equipment we provide. Why do you suggest distributing computers without cost?

We prefer the no-cost model because many recipients have extremely-limited funds. A central goal is to include as many people as possible in the online community, and cost is a major barrier for some.

We each have different ways of doing things. How you set up your program may differ from another donor. Whatever works best for you is appropriate.

Can we convert multiple machines at once?

Do we have to convert computers one-by-one at our company, or is there a way to convert several at once?

Chrome OS Flex is an evolving product. It was first announced in February 2022 and by July 2022 could plainly be used for mass conversions. According to Google, “ChromeOS Flex can be rapidly deployed via USB or through your company network.”

When Nordic Choice Hotels was hit by a ransomware attack, it says it was able to repurpose 2,000 devices with ChromeOS Flex in two days.

“By the Monday after the ransomware attack,” said the company, “all systems were running as normal. Without ChromeOS Flex, the business might have lost as many as six weeks recovering from the attack. With ChromeOS Flex and our emergency manual backup routines, we didn’t even have to close our doors for one hour.”

The hotel company — with 200 hotels in five countries — added that, “we skipped our planned change-management program, and went straight to preparing quick instructions on downloading ChromeOS Flex onto a USB stick and loading it onto laptops and desktops. It only took about 10 minutes to install ChromeOS Flex on each device.”

To convert large numbers of computers at once, go to the Chrome Enterprise page for more information.

More items will follow as the site evolves.