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Q: My daughter wants a laptop computer to go to college next fall. I’m hoping it gets used mostly for studying but she also likes to play World of Warcraft. What type of laptop would be best for her?  Pricewise, what type would have good memory but would fit into my tiny budget? Also, I saw that McDonalds offers WiFi. What is this? Does it work with any laptop computer? Doesn’t a laptop have internet capabilities from  anywhere, or does it have to be a certain distance from something like cable or phone lines?

– Linda W.
Crestview,FL

 A: Linda, since I’m not a paid endorser, I try not to recommend specific brands or models in my column, so I hope you weren’t expecting that.  You should be able to get a pretty nice laptop locally in the $700-$800 range.  Watch the Sunday newspaper ads, and ask lots questions of your salesperson.  “Good memory” would be at least two gigs.  Other important issues are processor type and speed (faster is better), hard drive size and speed (larger and faster are better), and available optical storage (DVD writers are becoming standard). You should also talk to your daughter about her screen size preference (small for portability vs. large for movies and games).

 Laptops can’t access the internet simply by their proximity to a cable or telephone wire.  You must have service from an internet provider, and some sort of way to connect.  “WiFi” is a contraction of the words “Wireless Fidelity” which is a cute but inaccurate reference to the ability to connect without a cord.  Almost all new laptops have this feature built-in, and it can be added on older models not so-equipped.  When you hear that a place offers WiFi, it means that they have set up an internet connection and a wireless router, and anyone with a properly equipped device can get online there, usually for free.  These sites are called “Hot Spots”.  The Daily News has a list of local WiFi Hot Spots online.  Go to www.nwfdailynews.com and from the main navigation bar, mouse over “Local” and choose “Wifi Locations”.

Q:  I have recently upgraded my computer with all new equipment. What is the best way to dispose of the old stuff?  I don’t want to trash it since it is still useable. I live in Destin and want to know if there is an organization or location that I can donate/drop it off at?

– Ed P.
Destin,FL

 A: This is a problem many people face, Ed.  Advancements keep pushing the bleeding edge of technology forward, while prices drop and capabilities expand.  Many people like you and me want to keep our technology at least reasonably up to date.  But what to do with the old stuff?  Although you may be finished with it, you can’t simply throw it away, because many components contain mercury, lead, PCBs, or other toxic substances.  This goes not just for computers, but for most electronic devices.  Besides, this is still usable stuff, and it’s a shame to see it go to waste.

 There was a time when schools were clamoring for old computer donations, but those days are largely gone.  You might check with churches or youth organizations in your area, but I suspect you’ll have few takers.  For a better option, I asked Spouse Peripheral, who is a big-time coupon clipper, and recycler.  She and Daughter Board have been giving away all sorts of stuff via an up-and-coming online community called Freecycle. Here’s what she said:

“Freecycle is a fast growing international movement begun inTucson, AZ in 2003 that now boasts thousands of groups all over the world.  Freecycle groups match people who have things they want to get rid of with people who can use them.  The goal is to keep usable items out of the landfills.  The main rule is that all items must be ‘free.’  Other than that, nothing is too big or too small.”

 Freecycle has several local groups, including Fort Walton Beach, Niceville/Bluewater Bay, and Crestview.  Check them out online at Freecycle.org.