First Time Computers

Where can I drop off computers? At our office at 3101 12th Street NE, about four blocks south of the Brookland metro stop [at the intersection of 12th and Irving, NE].

Do you pick up computers? Yes. As a general rule, however, we do not pick up other computer equipment [monitors, keyboards, etc.] unless computers are included. We almost always need mice, and will pick them up in reasonable quantities on their own.

Do you provide tax receipts and letters acknowledging donations? Yes.

Are donations to First Time Computers tax deductible? Yes, both cash contributions and the value of donated computer equipment are deductible from reported income if you itemize deductions.

Do you take Macs? No.

Do you take laptops? Yes

Do you take really old computers? No. Computers to be donated must have a Pentium III or better processor [or an equivalent non-Intel processor]. We do not accept computers purchased new before 2001.

If my computer is too old for you to accept, where can I recycle it or properly dispose of it? Most local jurisdictions provide special handling for old computers and other electronics. Montgomery County and DC both provide appropriate disposal:

for Maryland: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/dep/solidwaste/useitagain/ and for the District of Columbia: http://dpw.dc.gov/dpw/cwp/view,A,1202,Q,640279.asp For recycling larger quantities of electronic gear, check www.turtlewings.com.

How do I remove personal information from my computer? We wipe all hard drives completely clean as the first step in refurbishing computers donated to us. Nonetheless you should delete all personal files before donating your computer. We suggest the following steps. [1] Start by deleting files and folders you have created in "My Documents" and elsewhere. [2] Uninstall some programs entirely, including any banking, money management, email programs with address books, health related programs, and calendar/PDA programs you used such as Outlook or Palm Desktop. [3] Delete all of your temporary Internet files, cookies, and your internet history. [4] Use the Find or Search function to see if names [especially your own name] words, or phrases of a personal or private nature [e.g., "resume," "medical," etc.,] names of friends or relatives, employers, etc that still exist on your hard drive. [5] Delete your username from User Accounts in the Control Panel, [check the box next to"Delete all Files"]. For the ultra-cautious, there is always the option of removing your computer's hard drive altogether before you donate it, though we'd prefer you use other ways of protecting your privacy.

What method do you use to wipe hard drives clean? We delete the hard drive's partitions, re-partition the drive, and then format the new partition.

How do you select recipients of computers after you fix them up? We give priority to non-profits with programs for at-risk youth, including those with courses in how to use computers. We have partnered with several organizations in the DC area that offer such courses. Word of mouth remains a leading source of prospective recipients, and eligible callers are placed on a waiting list. On the waiting list, we give priority to low-income families with school-age children. We add all prospective recipients meeting our criteria to our waiting list. Laptops are reserved for low-income students providing us with letters of acceptance from institutions of higher education.

How do I get a computer? It's simple. Phone 202-722-2822 and ask us to add you to our waiting list. You will be asked to provide us with your name, phone, address and names and ages of children in your household. The usual waiting time is about 3 months.

How much do these computers cost? We do not charge anything for our computers. We suggest a modest donation in the $35-$100 range, the larger donations for computers with CD burners and/or DVD players.

Are the computers reliable? We make them as reliable as we can. We give each computer a final shake-down test just before we bring it to you. If we deliver a computer to you, we set it up and confirm that it is in good working order. However, all computers, refurbished or new, can develop problems, and ours are not immune.

Do you offer lessons on how to use a computer? Lessons on the basics of using computers are currently available at Byte Back, a local DC non-profit, and by several other organizations. Phone us at 202-722-2822 for suggestions. We offer training in how to fix computers, but no in how to use computers.

Do you repair computers? Yes, but only computers we have donated.. We solve as many problems as we can by phone. If we cannot walk you through a solution on the phone, we will ask that you drop off your computer to our office at 3101 12th Street NE . When necessary, we make home visits, as time permits. If we can't fix a computer, we will replace it with one that works.

Do you charge for repairs? No, not if the problem is with the computer's hardware. However, we may charge you for a repair if the problem is with your software, and if you could have avoided the problem by following the advice in the Guide we gave you when you received your computer.