How To Get A Free Computer
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Key Takeaways
- There are actually many ways for you to get a free computer.
- Most of these are non-profit organizations that focus on those who live in poverty or have disabilities, and they require evidence of the fact.
- Some people just want to give their things away because they got something else, and they advertise this on social media and platforms like Craigslist.
- There are even organizations that specialize in people giving each other free things in order to clear up landfills and encourage the re-use of items.
When it comes to getting free stuff, we don’t often think of something like a computer being available for free. Yet it’s something that very few people would say no to. Well, there are actually places that offer free computers! Most of them have terms that must be met, but it’s still incredible that some people and organizations provide computers for free. Let’s look at a few of them.
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Ways You Can Get A Free Computer
Before we get started, it’s crucial to remember that there are many scammers and cons out there. Always make sure of your facts before closing a deal. It is possible to get a free computer legitimately, but some people may try to fool you to rob you somehow. Always use care, especially when dealing with private individuals. Now let’s see where you can get a free computer.
Craigslist & Other Market Places
Just about everyone knows what Craigslist is, yet it is not the only online marketplace. And there are a few things they all have in common, one of them being that people want to give away free stuff. It’s not uncommon to find someone who’s cleaning house or maybe got an unwanted gift, and now they want to give their computer to someone who might need it more than they do.
You can simply go on to Craigslist (or another online marketplace) and type your region and the words “free computer” into the search bar. Chances are you will find something. Do it frequently, though, because even if you’re too late to get it, there will be more opportunities later. Here’s an example: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/search/sya?query=free
Online Colleges
Ever since the pandemic hit in 2020, studying online has grown into a mega-industry. Colleges and other educational institutions understand that times have changed, and they also realize that their students need ways to get online. If you’re a student, many online colleges offer a free computer when you enroll.
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Some examples include:
World Computer Exchange
So far, this list didn’t focus on any specific niche except maybe students. This one, though, is mostly an option if you live in a developing country. The World Computer Exchange helps communities, especially the youth, in developing countries to get connected by donating computers and arranging internet connectivity. A simple way to get a free computer if you live in a developing country.
See if they can help you by going to https://worldcomputerexchange.org.
Windows Central
Windows Central is a popular online Windows-focused computer magazine and community. They are also famous for their giveaways and competitions. They have regular giveaways of Microsoft Surface devices, and though it’s not a sure thing, these opportunities come up so frequently that chances of you getting a new free Microsoft Surface computer are not bad at all.
Check out the Windows Central Surface Give-Away at https://www.windowscentral.com/win-surface-go-and-accessory-bundle-windows-central
Social Media Pages
Many companies offer free stuff, even computers, on their social media pages. This is especially common on Twitter, though it happens on Facebook and Instagram as well. AT&T and Verizon are two that are known for this. It may not be every day, and you will have to watch their feeds carefully to find the opportunity on time, but there are plenty of giveaways on social media!
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Computers With Causes
Computers With Causes is a non-profit organization focusing on providing free computers for struggling families, focusing on students, teachers, parents, older people, and veterans. They also supply to other NPOs that share their vision or are like-minded. Most of their computers are refurbished corporate machines that were donated after the businesses upgraded to new models.
You can apply for a free computer at https://www.computerswithcauses.org/application/
PCs For People
Another NPO, PCs For People, has two main parts to their model: they provide electronics-recycling services to businesses, which supplies the other side of giving computers to people, families, and other NPOs. Any person in need can apply for a free computer from them, though the process is a bit more rigorous than with Computers With Causes.
You can apply for a free computer here: https://www.pcsforpeople.org
The On It Foundation
The On It Foundation receives donations from others in order to donate the computers to people in need, especially students in public High Schools in the United States. They are a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, which means they even offer a warranty with the computers that they donate. Applying is easy if you meet the requirements.
To see if you qualify for a free computer, go to https://theonitfoundation.org/faqs/
SmartRiverside
SmartRiverside provides free tablet computers to low-income households. Active mainly in the US and Canada, they accept donations from private individuals or businesses, after which the devices are refurbished and cleaned, and provided to families in need. Their vision is to get everyone connected in order to improve people’s quality of life and the standard of education.
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You can see if you qualify for a free tablet computer by going to http://www.smartriverside.org
Related Questions
Unfortunately, the answer is usually not “generosity.” Many companies upgrade their computer devices every couple of years to stay on top of technology. They then donate their old computers, which are still valuable and useful, as a tax-deductible donation. This benefits them, but it also allows you to get a free computer.
The other possible reason is marketing. Some, like Windows Central, get more interaction and increase their subscriber numbers by giving away free stuff, and the more valuable the giveaway, the more attention it will bring to them.
There is no real catch in this case unless you count possible scams. If you fulfill the requirements for a free computer, most of the providers on this list will donate it with no strings attached. If you are not looking at one of the donation options, the catch is that you will have to keep your eye on social media posts and marketplace ads to make sure that you don’t miss a golden opportunity.
On the donation platforms, the answer is generally “no.” They ensure that the computers they provide are in line with current entry-level or mid-range specifications so that they can be useful to you. Still, generally, you can’t demand a particular type of computer.