In a previous article we discussed the increase in computer components caused by Artificial Intelligence companies. In this we will discuss how to save money by giving new life to old equipment using free software.
The reality is that, unless you want to run AI models locally, are a hardcore gamer, or a professional multimedia editor, You won't be able to use all the features of the latest hardware.
Giving new life to old equipment using free software
Although this article refers to the use of older equipment, there is an alternative worth considering. These are called Cloudbooks and are computers designed for use with cloud services, to which manufacturers, in a burst of optimism, add Windows 11. The truth is that with Windows 11 they're little more than expensive paperweights, but if we change the operating system to a lightweight Linux distribution and understand that it's mainly for use with cloud services, we'll have a fully functional computer for business or student use.
Steps to revive an old computer
1) Obtain a compatible old computer
As much as we like to say that Linux can be installed even on a coffee maker, there are limitations. For now, fewer and fewer distributions support 32-bit architecture. To have a fully functional experience, you'll need a computer from 2010 onwards, or, to put it simply, any computer capable of running 64-bit Windows 7 or 8.
The minimum specifications are:
- CPU: Core 2 Duo / Athlon X2.E
- RAM: At least 2 GB, a minimum of 4 GB is preferable.
- Disk space: 120 GB.
2) Equipment review
An old computer has likely been unused for a long time and has accumulated dust. It is best to have a professional check it and get it working properly before you start using it. Also, if budget allows, upgrade the hardware by adding more RAM or an SSD to the existing hard drive. Specifically, we should ask the technical service to check the condition and functionality of:
- RAM.
- Disk.
- Motherboard and CPU.
- Other components: USB ports, video card, sound card, screen, keyboard, microphone, integrated webcam, fans, etc.
4) Disc preparation
If the computer you're going to revive isn't yours, you don't know what it was used for. It doesn't matter if the seller assures you it belonged to their grandmother who only used it to look up recipes. The best thing to do is to perform a secure erase on the drive. This is because quick formatting and normal erasing don't delete data; they only mark the space as available.
Secure erase overwrites existing data, making recovery impossible. There are several secure erase methods:
- Simple overwrite: Zeros or random values are written to the entire disk. This is done only once.
- Multiple Overwrite: Repeat the process of writing zeros or random values a minimum of three times. There are different standards that determine the number of passes.
- Secure Erase (ATA): SAn internal disk command is used for erasure.
On mechanical hard drives, secure erase is sufficient and should not require more than one pass. However, on SSDs, the third option should be used because:
- All blocks are overwritten internally.
- Clean hidden areas.
- Delete reassigned data.
- Return the device to its factory settings.
- Directly erases NAND cells.
- Access blocks inaccessible by software
How to erase hard drives
To erase a traditional hard drive in Windows, we can use the following programs:
- Active@ KillDisk Freeware: La free version This program includes executables for Windows and Linux and a disk creator for use in live mode. It writes zeros to the entire surface of the disk.
- Disk Wipe: Another enforcement Free, but not free for secure erasure. Compatible with various security standards, it first formats the disk and then fills it with random data.
- Hard drive eraser: This program, which can be downloaded directly from the Microsoft Store, erases data, making it unrecoverable according to security standards. It even works with hidden, unattended, and reassigned blocks.
To erase hard drives in Linux we have the following tools:
- nwipe: Es a tool It can be used from both the command line and the terminal. It's a fork of the program we'll discuss below. It deletes the contents of all blocks.
- DBAN: Software which is used in live mode and erases disks by writing pseudo-random data according to standards.
- hdparm / shred / dd: These are commands that come pre-installed in Ubuntu and are used to write disks with zeros or random data.
How to erase solid state drives (SSDs)
The best way to do this is by using an Ubuntu installation medium or another Linux distribution in live mode. The procedure is as follows:
The first step is to identify the device with the command:
lsblk -d -o NAME,SIZE,MODEL
We will obtain an output of the type
sda 512G marca_modelo_disco1
sdb 1T marca_modelo_disco2
Let's say we want to work with the first disk. We need to check if it allows erasure. We do this with the command:
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sda | grep -i security
If it appears as frozen, we must type the command:
sudo systemctl suspend
And we turn the device back on. We repeat the previous command.
Next, we set a temporary password and perform the deletion:
sudo hdparm --user-master u --security-set-pass p /dev/sda
sudo hdparm –user-master u –security-erase-enhanced p /dev/sda
Once the erasing process is complete (no more than 3 minutes for 512GB) we check again if the disk is available
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sda | grep -i security
The message "not enabled" should appear.
5) Select the Linux distribution
Computers with a relatively modern processor and 4 GB of RAM can run Ubuntu or one of the other major distributions. Those with a good processor but limited RAM will have to opt for lighter desktop environments like Lubuntu, while those with more resources can choose leaner distributions like Puppy Linux.
In the next article we will list the lightweight distributions that can be used for older computers.