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You don’t have to recycle your laptop just yet because there are ways a laptop/desktop can have a second life.
With the rising exchange rate and import costs, every Nigerian will want to squeeze as much life from a laptop or desktop computer as possible to save costs and reduce their contribution to e-waste.
Using an old computer to carry out tasks can be really frustrating, such as taking hours to just open a Word document or even a browser. The next thing to think about is to dispose of it however, there are ways to make your current computer reusable.
Read also: How to properly clean a laptop
Here are ways to make your computer/laptop reusable:
Reduce the load
Laptops/computers gets to respond slowly when there are more programs and files to manage. Hence, uninstall any apps that you are no longer using.
This can be done from the Control Panel (Windows users) or via the Applications folder (on macOS).
Ensure you disable unnecessary startup programs. You don’t need Zoom or Telegram to start up every time you power on your system unless you use them daily.
On Windows, you can do this from Task Manager > Startup. On macOS, head to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
You should ensure that to free up space on the hard drive. Delete old videos, downloads, and files that you no longer need. Move big files to an external hard drive or Google Drive.
Upgrades
An upgrade can give your old system a new life, and it is more affordable than buying a new laptop.
Upgrading your RAM (system memory) can make a massive difference. Many older laptops came with just 2GB or 4GB, but moving up to 8GB or more can improve speed significantly, if the laptop/desktop supports it.
Swapping out your old hard drive for an SSD (Solid State Drive) will give your system a noticeable speed boost. A modest 128GB or 256GB SSD can transform a crawling laptop/desktop into something that responds faster.
These upgrades can be purchased in markets like Computer Village (Ikeja), Otigba, or Alaba, and most local technicians can help with installation.
Install a Lightweight Operating System
If you notice that your laptop/desktop is still responding slowly after an upgrade, it may be a sign to ditch Windows or macOS, as these systems can be heavy on resources, especially newer versions.
Linux is a free alternative that works well on old computers. ChromeOS Flex is another option that turns your old PC or Mac into something like a Chromebook. You will be making use of a web browser, which is fine if you work online, like emails, research, typing, or Zoom calls.
It is free and easy to install, as long as you have a USB drive and an internet connection to download the OS.
Repurpose to a media server or writing machine
In case your computer is far gone for everyday use, you can consider turning it into a dedicated machine for something simpler, such as a media server or a writing machine.
You can choose to convert your old laptop/desktop into a device that stores and streams videos or music at home.
You can also turn the old system into a basic word processor. Install only a lightweight writing app (like FocusWriter or AbiWord), as you do not have to worry about malware or system updates if you don’t connect it to the internet.
With the above steps, you can still get more years of your old laptop/computer, but in case you choose to dispose then avoid dumping it somewhere or burning it. Ensure to look out for local tech recyclers or shops that collect e-waste; some stores at Computer Village collect old parts for repair or recycling.
