A computer with nine lives, well at least two.

The Economist has a very informative article about what to do with an old computer. In it, a classically anonymous correspondent tried out different free versions of the operating system Linux and found out they were quite usable.

Now, the same crowd that says the environment couldn't be improved because it goes against human nature and doesn't economically make sense is the same crowd that says people wouldn't work for free to create a high quality operating system. Yet, like a bumblebee it in fact does fly.

The Economist goes even further in offering to help old machines get in the homes of kids who don't have a computer.

Anyone wishing to contribute a superannuated machine to the cause (and who is prepared to pay the shipping cost to Los Angeles) should contact The Economist’s office in New York.