Old Data

From: Doug Yowza <yowza_at_yowza.com>
Date: Thu Apr 2 19:48:30 1998

OK, it's probably legal to sift through Old Data, and 97% of it is boring
(which probably mirrors real life), but the original question was about
ethics. If this was *your* Old Data, you probably wouldn't want it in the
hands of one of the Dumpster Divers on this list, so how about a Classic
Computer Collector's Code of Conduct and Helpful Hints for Computer
Donors?

The CCCCC:

* I'll do my damnest to find a home for any orphaned classic computer.

* If I already have a clean example of a particular classic computer, I'll
offer newly spotted machines to other collectors before I hoard them for
myself.

* I will attempt to keep my machines in working order and will refrain
from turning them into fish tanks or putting them in acrylic frames.

* I'll return or destroy any personal data I find on a machine I acquire.

* I'll respect software and publication copyrights.

* I'll actively promote ethical collecting and will aid mere users in
the decomissioning of their machines.


Helpful Hints for Mere Users:

* Backup your data before giving it away.

* Delete all personal data and overwrite the data with nonsense (e.g, from
MS-DOS: "TYPE FOO >> FOO" will fill the empty clusters with the contents
of FOO).

* If you have an old hard disk, park it before shutting down.

* Remove floppies from the drives, and leave the drives open. However, if
you have the original cardboard floppy protector, stick it in the drive
and close it.

* Include all system software, manuals, and cables in a zip lock bag and
rubber-band them together with the machine.

* Do not use spindle, mutilate, or put any sticky stuff on your machine.

* Pack the computer into a box, and use nearly as much packing material as
you would if you were going to ship it.

* Get a receipt for your donation.

Comments?

-- Doug
Received on Thu Apr 02 1998 - 19:48:30 BST