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Comment by imhoguy | Hacker News Reader

On the other hand this year I felt joy of restoring some 13+ years old laptop computers for school as donation. Amazing how cheap new 120GB SSD plus used 4GB RAM upgrade let them run modern OS, the Internet and edu software nicely. There is abundance of second-hand parts on ebay ready for delivery.

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Oh boy do I love all the used stuff, that's all I've been buying for the past decade with some rare exceptions like monitors and storage drives :D

But just in case you need monitor for someone ;) check Dell P2214Hb - it is quality IPS, fast and flicker free! A lot of off lease units for $70.

I have two 8gb sticks of ddr3 I can't find nuc or something to put to good use :-(

What OS do they run?

Don't know what the OP was doing, but schools operate with different rules for licensing. Some scenarios that aren't possible for individuals or enterprise are possible for schools, depending on the agreements in place.

Mostly likely Windows because most education software is written for it and most education places get it basically for free.

Mostly Windows 10 - supports even 32-bit CoreDuo, all edu software works, staff knows it. In EU you can buy second-hand software licenses legally. Some schools participate in volume licensing schemes with MS too.

But I also install Ubuntu on some specialized "workstations", e.g. pendrive/Internet terminal laptop connected to beefy old laser copier/printer where CUPS PCL works with zero drivers. Other use case: jukebox laptop for music classes :)

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