WHAT THE GUIDANCE SAYS
A computer can outlive its software.
When the operating system stops getting security updates, the hardware often still works. UK security guidance says unsupported software gets riskier over time, so the choice is to move it onto supported software, or wipe it and recycle it.
62 MILLION tonnes of e-waste in 2022
THE SHORT ANSWER
Three things worth knowing
before an old PC goes in a cupboard.
THE RISK
The NCSC says when a product no longer receives security updates, exploitable vulnerabilities are more likely to become known to attackers.
Check your computerREUSE
Some Linux systems run on modest hardware. Debian recommends 2 GB of RAM and 10 GB of disk for a desktop, and its LTS project supports each release for at least 5 years.
Before you startRECYCLING
Only 22.3% of the world's e-waste in 2022 was documented as properly collected and recycled, according to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor.
See the numbersCHECK YOUR COMPUTER
Pick the description closest to your old computer to see what the guidance points to. The bar shows how pressing it is to act.
Based on NCSC guidance, Debian's installation manual and GOV.UK rules on electrical waste. General information only.
TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
Two figures from the UN's fourth
Global E-waste Monitor, published in 2024.
62 million tonnes
E-waste produced worldwide in 2022
Up 82% from 2010, and on track to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030. The UN says e-waste is rising five times faster than documented recycling.
E-WASTE · UN GLOBAL E-WASTE MONITOR
22.3%
Share documented as properly collected and recycled
That left US$62 billion of recoverable natural resources unaccounted for in 2022. The report expects the rate to fall to 20% by 2030.
RECYCLING · UN GLOBAL E-WASTE MONITOR
The 62 million tonnes of e-waste generated in 2022 would fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, enough to form a line around the equator, according to the report.
FOUR STEPS BEFORE A FRESH START
Whether an old computer gets a new operating system, a new owner or a trip to recycling, the first steps are the same.
The NCSC says to make a backup of all the personal data you want to keep before erasing anything.
If you stay signed in to banking, email or shopping, make sure you know those logins before you wipe the machine.
Compare its memory and disk with the minimum requirements of the system you plan to install, such as Debian's table.
Pick a system that still gets security updates, and check how long its releases are supported.
WHY UPDATES MATTER
The NCSC says obsolete products combine two problems: they no longer receive security updates, and they lack the latest security measures. Together, these make serious security incidents more likely.
Debian's Long Term Support project extends the life of every Debian stable release to at least 5 years. It is run by a separate group of volunteers and companies that take over security maintenance after the main security team stops.
Questions
The NCSC says there is no risk-free way to keep using obsolete products, and the only fully effective way to remove the risk is to stop using them. Over time new vulnerabilities are found.
Often, depending on the system. Debian's guide recommends 2 GB of RAM and 10 GB of disk for a desktop, with 1 GB of RAM as the minimum and a Pentium 4, 1 GHz processor.
It varies by system. Debian's Long Term Support project aims to extend the lifetime of every Debian stable release to at least 5 years.
The NCSC advises backing up the data you want, making sure you know your account logins, and then erasing all your personal data, for example with a factory reset or a clean install.
Shops that sell electrical goods must offer a free take-back service for an old item when you buy a new version of the same thing, in store or through an alternative scheme.
Sources
ABOUT THIS NAME
linuxdreams.com is part of the DoodleSale portfolio. It isn't in an auction right now, but you can ask about leasing it.
