Old computers/laptops

[Misunderstoodduck]

Having clear out at parents house and found some old laptops and computers is there anything i should do before taking them to the tip? Thinking security wise not even sure I can find the cables to charge/power them 🫣 parents who never threw anything certainly make things interesting.

Preferably remove and destroy any hard drives - a hammer will do the trick. If some stuff is REALLY old, check it's value as some things can now be worth a bob or two.

If they work, install unix (Ubuntu is a good starting point) & use them as a firewall, or CCTV recorder.