When you get a new computer, the question that is asked, what do you do with your old computer? That's a very good question. You would think it would be good to recycle it and it is. It all depends on the condition of it. If it is in good condition, you could always give it to someone that may need it more than you. A new computer is something that should be in great condition. There are some areas that you need to consider before going into depth.

Backing Up Data: If you are going to transfer from one computer to another, there are two things you may want to invest in exactly. One, you may want to consider an external drive if you wish to have it transfer from one to another. Two, if you can connect the two computers and try dragging the items onto your brand new computer, it should work in theory bringing all of your previous important data right there.

Making Sure Your New Computer Works: One thing I do whenever I get a new computer is making sure that it works all the way. If all the specs work and everything, then it would be time to look at what to do you with your old computer. Otherwise, return it back to where you got it and get a replacement provided you have a warranty. Who would want to spend the same exact amount of money on getting two different computers right away?

Having said all that, you have to ask yourself what to do with your old computer. There are a few possible ideas and I'm going to go over why these are viable options to consider.

Giving it to someone who needs it: Say you want to give it to a family member. The best thing I could recommend is making sure it works. You wouldn't want to give them something that you say works but then it turns around and doesn't. In fact, have the person be there directly to look to ensure that it does just that. It would be wise to probably just to help hook it up for them if they don't know how.

Selling it: This is an option to consider and would probably require putting it in the paper. You could try online but you'd have to be careful mainly because of where you're shipping it out to and plus if it goes International, those International Shipping rates as well. If you can, I recommend keeping it within the United States unless you are really good with selling products. As far as pricing your computer, try to get it some value out of it and make a reasonable price.

Recycling it: Recycle's purpose is to have it reuse parts again. This idea could come in handy to help perhaps enhance your computer even more so than ever but not too much.

Donate: This is probably a very simple item and of course for some people could be a tax write-off provided you have the receipt to be able to do so. You could give it to a charity or a school for example as places to go based upon being needed. Be sure that your computer is in good condition though before donating and clear out anything that has your personal data that you don't want going to a school.

Backing up data is important either way you look at it. I hope this answers the question and gives a few ideas on ideas on what to do if you get a new computer and what to do with the old computer.