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A lot of people do throw their old (real old) computers away. First that is horrible for the enviroment… you should find a facility that recycles old computers if you really don't want to keep it. However, this post is not about getting rid of your old computer… its about it providing information about what you can do with this computer and where to find support.Lets assume you have an old IBM PS2 486/66MHZ computer running or used to run Windows 3.1. If the operating system is screwed up or not functional and you need to reinstall the operating system, you can easily find the software on eBay…  usually pretty cheap. Here is a list of current Windows 3.1 auctions on eBay: Windows 3.1 on eBay.

If you already have the Windows 3.1 software that is great! Half you work is over. But how do you install/reinstall it? How do I use it? How can I get my Windows 3.1 computer on the Internet? What else can I do with my Windows 3.1 computer? Below is a list of reference sites that provide excellent support for Windows 3.1:

• Windows 3.x Help and Information - This website tells you everything about Windows 3.1. Complete history, trouble shooting tips, FAQ's, and tech support. Excellent site! I would go here first!
• Windowx 3.1 Help - This website is also a good reference that will provide you will tons of information regarding Windows 3.1. This site is vintage… last updated in 1998!
• CIS 110 Lab Index: Windows 3.1 (Part One - Part Two - Part Three) - This is a very old site… but has excellent information about the Windows 3.1 operating system and how to use it.

Another thought would be to upgrade to Windows 95. The computer above will work fine with Windows 95… if you are interested in upgrading to Windows 95, at this time… support is still largely available on the Net and itsn't too hard to find… I might in the future create a post providing references… However, on this post I want to focus mainly on Windows 3.1.

A Windows 3.1 computer can be very useful to the individual PC user. Perhaps you are a computer user that missed that era of computing? It would be great to experiment around and experience what computing was all about in the early 90's. If you are wanting to know the in's and out's of Windows Operating Systems… maybe it would be easier to start from the very beginning… (Windows 3.1 wasn't the very beginning.. but a good starting point). Whatever reason… if your computer still works, there is no reason to throw it away. If you really have no interest in the computer… recycle it, donate it, or give it to a friend of family member… you would be surprised to see how many people will jump at the opportunity to have a computer (old or not). 

For additional support, there is a VERY active message board that provides Windows 3.1 support. If you are working on a Win3x system, Computing.net's Windows 3.1 Forum is a great place to learn more about the OS, meet people, and ask for help.