Computer ReUse
Our project Computer ReUse provides access to laptops for students, who need one. Laptops are a crucial and indispensable tool for studying. However, not all students can afford their own device. Computer ReUse aims to change this, while also contributing to the sustainable use of resources.
Our idea is to collect discarded - but still fully functional - laptops from the University of Cologne, refurbish them, and distribute them to students free of charge. With our project, we want to ensure that unused technical devices find a new use and, at the same time, we want to achieve digital equality among UoC students.
Milestones
75
laptops
collected
50
laptops
refurbished
43
laptops
distributed
Procedure
Transfer
We fully support the transfer of unused laptops from your institute. For that, we prepare all the necessary documents and follow standardized processes, so that the laptops are properly removed from your inventory and handed over to the Computer ReUse project. Once the paperwork is done, we arrange a date and come by to pick up the laptops. If it is the case that the laptops have already been removed from inventory, that's no problem either.
Secure data deletion
After the transfer, we properly delete the data in accordance with the recommendations of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). This done, whether or not you have already deleted the data. In practical terms this means that in case of HDDs, the data is overwritten seven times using specific software to prevent iany kind of recovery. In the case of SSDs, the data is deleted using Secure Erase in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
Checking the laptops
After data deletion, we check the laptops' hardware by means of self-tests via the UEFI. We test the devices' connections for functionality and document the battery capacity. If necessary, hardware components can be replaced or supplemented, in order to meet our standards for a second life. Depending on the device, this process can vary in time.
Installing an operating system
Finally, we install a current operating system on the refurbished laptop. This can be either Windows 11, a current macOS version, or a Linux distribution. Once the operating system is installed, we also set up standard programs that are needed in everyday student life. After a quick performance test, the laptop is then ready to be lend to students.
