Free Computers for Seniors

If your current budget doesn’t allow for a technological investment, there are many resources available for free computers for seniors. However, this doesn't mean you can always take the computers home.

Finding free computers for seniors isn't that difficult.

Computing is a terrific way to stay up-to-date on news and weather, keep in touch with family and friends through e-mail, and explore hobbies, senior travel opportunities, and other senior activities. A free messaging system such as Yahoo Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger enables grandparents to "chat" with the younger set and reduce long distance phone charges as well.

Many seniors also use computers to write a family history, catalogue pictures, even trace the roots of the family tree.

A computer loaded with specialized software is also a helpful asset for managing banking and expenses, tracking retirement investments, and preparing taxes.

Most public libraries have a bank of computers, free for use by all library cardholders. If you’d like to do a little research, print off online coupons before shopping, or check in with an old school chum through e-mail, the library is a great option. These institutions will often restrict access to certain websites, and you won’t be able to download or install software, but you will be able to take care of basic computing needs.

To protect your identity and other valuable information, do not access online financial accounts on a public computer, and always make sure to log off of e-mail accounts.

If you’re participating in a lifelong learning program or another advanced education class, there are free computers for seniors to use for coursework, research, e-mail, and other fundamentals. You’ll find these systems in college libraries and computing centers. As with public libraries, certain restrictions may apply.

Community senior centers continue to expand the resources available to people over age 55. Many facilities not only offer the free use of computers, but also host a variety of computing classes to keep your skills sharp.

Senior centers are also slightly more willing to consider installing a certain software program, such as a genealogy or messaging program, if they feel all members will benefit from its use.

Some communities have assistance programs that offer free computers for seniors, especially those who are parents or guardians of school-age children, or in-home schoolteachers. These programs are usually funded with grants, part of a federal excess redistribution program, or a local sponsor’s effort of outreach.

One example is Computers for Learning, which redistributes federal and corporation surplus computers. Another is Share the Technology, which allows seniors with disabilities to request a computer from a pool of donated resources.

Ask a librarian for assistance in finding local, county, and state agencies that may be a part of a computer donation or recycling program. Note that you may have to fall within a certain income bracket to be eligible.

Most states in America have a liquidation center that warehouses overstock goods and used items from schools and agencies. Open to the public, many of these centers house computers, monitors, keyboards, and other incidentals needed to build a system.

If you’re handy, and do have some money to put toward the effort, it’s common to purchase the necessary hardware components at these centers for under $100. Some centers also work in conjunction with the prison system to allow inmates to refurbish the computers and install software.

For more information, contact your state department of administration to find out where excess supplies are sent. You can also search online for a prison industry center.

If you’re already familiar with the Web, you’ve probably seen a lot of ads for free computers for seniors, such as laptops and home computers. Use extreme caution when investigating these offers. It’s true that advertising agencies and big corporations offer legitimate promotions. But, even those PR deals require you to complete certain tasks and provide a lot of information you’d rather not.

Additionally, your gift may be real, but there’s a catch. For example, you’re offered a free laptop as a premium for completing a certain number of surveys, but the laptop is simply the hardware – you still need to install software to make it operate. Consequently, that “free” laptop may cost $300 or more. If that seems like a good discount on a new computer, give it a try, but remember, caveat emptor – let the buyer beware.

Other offers ask for all your personal information before fully explaining the promotional gambit. Avoid these completely.

• LoveToKnow Save continually researches options for free computers for seniors, cheap computers and software, and other electronics.

• AARP offers a wealth of computer information, including how-to guides, product reviews, and lessons to expand your knowledge.

• Want to hear the voices of your family and friends without long-distance phone charges? Try this new technology, YackPack.

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