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A radio interview with Peter Bernscherer from the association PCs für alleThe interview was conducted by Ali Cem Deniz for FM4. The rapid development of artificial intelligence – especially tools like ChatGPT – is leaving a noticeable mark on the hardware market. What at first glance appears to be technological progress has had a significant impact on clubs like... PCs für alle Very concrete and problematic consequences. Why are computer components becoming more expensive? Large technology companies like Nvidia, OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft are investing massively in expanding their AI infrastructure. For their enormous data centers, they are buying up graphics cards, RAM, and SSDs in vast quantities – components that are also found in regular computers and smartphones. The result: drastically rising prices for everyone. The phenomenon surrounding RAM is particularly striking, already being dubbed "Ramageddon" in the industry – an unprecedented shortage and price explosion of RAM modules, triggered by the mass purchases of the AI ​​companies. By comparison, we experienced something similar during the graphics card boom caused by crypto mining. Back then, however, it was primarily individuals and smaller companies seeking quick profits. Today, global tech giants are engaged in a veritable AI arms race – with significantly greater market power. What does this mean for pcs for all? The association pcs for all has made it its mission to provide refurbished computers at affordable prices to people who cannot afford new devices. A key component of this refurbishment is the installation of fast SSDs – they are easily replaceable and significantly increase the performance of older devices. But this is precisely where price increases have a major impact: While a 120 GB M.2 SSD used to cost less than 10 euros, the price is now around 25 euros – a doubling in a short time. This may sound like a small amount, but it affects all our work and the number of people we can help. AI is also changing communication with those seeking help. Peter Bernscherer has observed another, rather unexpected change: the way people contact the association has changed. Previously, inquiries were short and direct – for example: "We need a PC for our children." Today, many emails arrive that were clearly written by AI tools: long-winded, awkwardly worded, and often difficult to understand. His advice: AI tools should be used judiciously – not for every short message. Those with simple inquiries are best off communicating themselves, clearly and concisely. AI-generated texts often come across as impersonal and counterproductive in such cases. Outlook: No relief in sight. Manufacturers like Samsung and Apple have already announced that upcoming smartphone generations could be more expensive – with only minor performance improvements. When the situation on the component market will return to normal is uncertain. The current situation is unprecedented in this form. fm4.orf.at/player/20260217  

A great success for international cooperation, educational equity and sustainability in practice: A total of 150 complete PC systems were prepared for transport to the mountainous regions of Colombia. Behind this lies a moving community project, which was recently featured on the ORF program "Wien heute" (in a great report by Kathi Weinmann). The true heroes of this campaign? Viennese students who "help others." When discarded technology in Vienna becomes new educational opportunities in South America, that's circular economy in action and global solidarity in action. In 2025, we were able to send a valuable cargo on its way: 150 complete computer systems that are urgently needed in Colombia. But the path to get there was teamwork. Viennese youth pitch in: schools help with helping. A project of this magnitude only works with active partners. The young people from two Viennese schools have proven what social commitment means in practice: The Evangelical Gymnasium and Werkschulheim, The Vienna Business School Akademiestraße. The students did not simply pack the computers into boxes. The devices were meticulously inspected, cleaned, old data securely deleted, and the systems completely rebuilt. For the young people, this was a perfect opportunity to put their IT knowledge into practice and at the same time experience how much power lies in their own commitment. They have refurbished the hardware for its "second spring". Strong partnership with the Nawowa association: To ensure that the aid reaches exactly where it is most urgently needed, we work closely with the Nawowa association. Nawowa is an association that focuses on sustainable development aid in structurally weak regions. The goal: to support people in shaping their own future independently. Besides supporting small businesses and families, Nawowa places a special emphasis on children's education. Computers for the Arhuaca and Kogi communities: The 150 complete PC systems are destined for a very special region: they are going to the remote mountain regions of Colombia. Nawowa works closely with various indigenous schools in the Arhuaca and Kogi communities, actively supporting them in expanding their infrastructure. In an increasingly digital world, access to a computer means far more to the children of these indigenous communities than just learning keyboard commands. It means: access to global knowledge that would otherwise be denied to them; equal opportunities and the chance to begin a sound education; strengthening the community to shape their own future sustainably and independently. A project that knows only winners. This initiative impressively demonstrates how much can be achieved when schools, civil society, and development aid work hand in hand. The Viennese schools have made an important contribution to environmental protection (by extending the life cycle of PCs) and to social responsibility. And in the mountains of Colombia, a gateway to the world is being opened for the children of the Arhuaco and Kogi people. We extend our heartfelt thanks to ORF and Kathi Weinmann for the wonderful report, to the dedicated students and teachers of the participating schools, and to the entire Nawowa team for their invaluable work on the ground!

We provided computers for the Serbian Red Cross. The initiative was organized by Milos - you can find him on our team page - who also prepared the equipment and arranged the transport.The computers were handed over to the Red Cross in Jagodina - my home town. Most of the equipment will remain on site and will be used where it is most urgently needed. Some could be passed on to other Red Cross locations in Serbia. One laptop will probably be used for work in the field, for example during visits to rural areas where data needs to be recorded or forms filled out directly on site. 

Thank you for the many great information and for the insightful and funny article about us - see episode 2 here, Vienna repairs