First Time Computers

First Time Computers depends on donations of computer equipment. However, we cannot take all such equipment. The basic rule is that we accept all desktops unless they are more than 6 years old, and all laptops regardless of age or condition.

» Computers and computer equipment. Computers must be Pentium III or newer [bought new since 2001], or equivalent.
» Small desktop printers, all-in-ones, 3-in-1s, and 4-in-1s, but only if they in good working order.
» Monitors that work, but no greater in number than the number of computers in the same donation, unless they are flat panel monitors. Monitors may be 17" or 19" [15" is too small, 21" is too large, except for flat panel monitors]
» Small computer desks and secretary chairs.
» Related computer equipment - keyboards, mice, mouse pads, cables, speakers, surge protectors, etc. Please put these items in small boxes or shopping bags.

» Macs
» PCs bought before 2001
» Non-working monitors of any type
» Monitors exceeding the number of PCs donated.
» Any and all beige monitors we can politely refuse [we have 300 extras of these].
» Larger office printers of any kind, including laser printers
» Stand-alone fax machines or scanners
» Games hardware [joysticks, Gameboys, Play Stations, Xboxes, etc]
» Your computer's original boxes, software and manuals
» Non-computer items [TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, phones, PDAs, etc.]

[a] If the item of computer equipment you are donating uses a power adapter, please be sure to include it -- if you still have it.

[b] Please do not deliver your CPUs or monitors in large boxes. If they are already in boxes, please take them out before you donate them, and recycle the boxes at their current location. It is much easier for us to handle your computers and monitors without large boxes.

[c] Please understand that our purpose is to re-use, and not to recycle. We do recycle computers we can't fix, but our recycling burden is enough with these alone. You can help us avoid increasing this burden by recycling computers that do not meet our requirements on your own elsewhere. See our FAQs for information on recycling.

Yes we do pick up. However, as a general rule, we do not pick up outside the DC Beltway.

To arrange for a pickup email us at firsttimecmptrs@aol.com describing what you would like to donate, and indicating you would like a pickup. It helps if you include a phone number and address in your email. While you can also phone to arrange a pickup, we prefer that you use email.

For almost all donated computers, we routinely wipe the entire hard drive clean. (Please see our FAQs for further information.) If you choose to wipe the drive yourself, leave it that way. We can take it from there.