Computer Donations

Customer Frequently Asked Questions

What types of computer donations do you accept?
We accept donated computers under 4 to 6 years old which are laptops, desktops, netbooks, notebooks, and PC workstations, in reusable condition.
Computer equipment donations are by scheduled appointment only - see Acceptable Computer Donations Equipment.

Why should we consider donating computers to you and how are you different?
We utilize advanced wiping processes to eradicate & destroy data on hard drives, thus making previous data forensically irretrievable. After we wipe clean a system, we recondition, reformat, and re-image the machine with new operating system and applications for repurposing into the marketplace, with a portion of machines donated to Military Veterans, families-in-need and other worthy causes.

What should we do if we want to donate our used computers, however we have pre-existing data remaining on the system?
   All customers are responsible for their own data, including having a reliable backup of their data off of their computer. All customers are recommended to backup and remove their data from their computer donations prior to scheduled dropoff, and it is customer's responsibility to delete their data. We shall not be held liable for any breach of customer data.
   We utilize advanced processes for eradicating any data remaining on hard drive – our secure erase methods ensure no data remains.

Will my valuable data and information be safely & securely wiped from memory?
Yes, if it has not already been thoroughly removed by customer - see above. Each system is thoroughly wiped and cleaned using our advanced sanitizing methods, thereby eliminating all previous data including files, folders, directories, sensitive & confidential information, malware threats, and all other pre-existing data.


Advanced Process Used

What process is used to destroy sensitive data?
To ensure complete eradication of data from systems, we use sophisticated data wiping methods and the Federal standard (NIST 800-88) secure erase process. This ensures complete eradication of all data, files, folders, directories and information which previously resided on the systems.

Secure Data Wiping Procedures

How can we be assured our data "won't travel"?
We tag & record the make/model/serial number of each inbound system and then immediately commence our data eradication, drive wiping, & disk sanitizing methods in a secure area.

Can my data travel via wireless at your facility?
No. Each system is wiped clean disconnected from the internet. We access systems outside of their drive-based operating systems to implement data destruction & drive wiping at a hardware level. This enables our tools full ability to wipe the entire drive (including areas of memory which could otherwise be locked by an operating system & utility software). This also eliminates any previously-residing malware or drive-based software threats from causing unintended consequences.

Can my data travel over the internet?
No; all machines at our facility are in standalone mode and not connected to the internet during data eradication, drive wiping, & disk sanitizing procedures.

Peace of Mind Assurance

How can I be assured that the hard drive has been wiped ? And that the data is non-retrievable and fully eradicated?
We issue a Certificate of Assurance which lists your make/model/serial number and guarantee of completed wiping, data eradication and successful drive sanitization process.

Computer Donations For a Good Cause

Does your service aid any good causes?
Yes. A portion of the computers, after our drive wiping and sanitizing procedures, are reconditioned & reimaged as working computers for military service veterans & their families, disadvantaged, and students. In addition, our service helps to reduce the worldwide incidence of identity theft, stolen data, and information falling into unintended hands.

Acceptable Computer Donations Equipment

What are the minimum computer systems acceptable for your Computer Donations program?

For laptop computers, netbooks, notebooks:
Pentium 4 & later processor systems, and equivalent AMD-based laptops
For desktop & workstation computers:
Pentium 4 & more recent processor systems, and equivalent AMD-based desktops
For monitors:  LCD & flat panel monitors without scratches in display

Note: All donations are by scheduled appointment only. Please fill out the form below, or call us. Thank you.

Pertinent Questions for Your Organization

1. What are you doing with the computer systems of your laid-off and terminated employees?
2. Do you require those prior employees' computers to be wiped clean or sanitized of previous hard drive data?
3. Does your "PC Refresh" Project leave old computers lying around containing data which could be compromised?
4. Is your organization experiencing staff turnover which might necessitate eradicating previous user settings, activity & data, and reimaging the system to accommodate a new employee?

Our drive wiping, sanitizing, & reimaging service can resolve those issues and provides a solution for repurposing computer systems.
Also see our Reimaging Service page for more information.

Please fill out the form below, or call us:

ILINK TECHNOLOGY
5055 Avenida Encinas, Ste. 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Mailing Address:
iLink Technology, Inc.
PO Box 6622
Oceanside, CA 92052-6622
(760) 216-6560

Note: Scheduling of computer donations is By Appointment Only.