The world has been computer mad for about 20 years now, and as a result, with the number of PCs used worldwide now exceeding 1 billion - a figure some computer repair experts estimate will double as soon as 2014.

With the current 12 percent annual increase rate, we will soon reach 2 billion PCs, as soon as 2014. These sales do not take into account laptop sales, which are also increasing every day at an equally fast clip.

A survey of Boca Raton computer repair experts reveals that the most growth in PC sales is not here in the Sunshine State, but is coming from (not surprisingly) developing markets in the U.S. and abroad.

Narrowly-defined merging markets will count for 70 percent of the next billion sales, computer service analysts have said, as improved Internet access as well as PC prices coming down has sent sales soaring.

At present, about 58 percent of PCs are owned by U.S., European, and Japanese users. A sad fact about these PCs is that 180 million (or about 16-20 percent) will be retired, and about 35 million will end up in a landfill.

People seem to have little regard as to toxic waste of their computers, and the challenge of disposing safely of electronic waste will also expand in developing markets - as well as here in America - in the coming years.

Now more than ever, we need to find a way of disposing of computers in a safer way, to ensure the proper stewardship of our planet.

Next time you are thinking of disposing of one, consider taking it to, or even donating it to, a Fort Lauderdale computer repair company who can fix it up - or at least recycle it in proper fashion.

Maybe you can even restore its functionality - if not for yourself, to someone a little less fortunate who would love to get his or her hands on your second-hand computer. For the good of the planet, give it some thought!