A photo posted to Reddit and followup media coverage about computers being discarded in large amounts due to software policies should ignite public concern o...

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A viral Reddit photo showing pallets of discarded government PCs highlights how software policies create massive e-waste. These computers are being thrown out not because they're broken, but because they can't upgrade to newer Windows versions, despite being capable of running Linux distributions like openSUSE. The article advocates for the "Public Money, Public Code" principle, arguing that government adoption of open-source software could reduce taxpayer costs, extend hardware lifecycles, and prevent environmental damage from toxic e-waste. With Windows 10 extended support ending in October 2026, the "End of 10" campaign promotes transitioning to Linux as a fiscally and environmentally responsible alternative.

Software Policies Can Fuel Waste

<p>As I am getting older I more appreciate hardware that can last longer and be repaired. I just stopped hunting latest and greatest and trying to use HW as longas possible. Most of the work can be done even on old computers and phones. Only issues usually is battery and software updates as mentioned in the article.</p>


<p>I don’t believe Linux can save every computer slated for disposal, but the effort to try is important. DDR4 and DDR5 memory prices are skyrocketing, and HDD and SSD components are also expected to see chronic price increases going forward. Therefore, parts that are still usable should be repurposed as secondhand components for other machines. Linux is a realistic option for this purpose. However, in this unstable global situation, casually discarding computers for Windows doesn’t seem like a good idea.</p>
