Uses for an old computer?

[SirFelixCat]

We have two high powered computers now and the older one I was considering selling for parts.

But I got to thinking that all I need is a HDD and I have a fully functioning, decent computer.

But I really don't 'need' it. So if I were to keep it, what use would it be for me? Ideas?

 

[Trashman]

Use it as a server, I'd install Windows Home Server on it, can do backups on both systems daily, can share files in between systems as well as sharing printers and such.....i could keep goign but you get the jist of it.

 

[SirFelixCat]

Originally posted by: Trashman
Use it as a server, I'd install Windows Home Server on it, can do backups on both systems daily, can share files in between systems as well as sharing printers and such.....i could keep goign but you get the jist of it.

Not to be dense, here, but I can share files between them already. I get the backup idea...that's nice. But other than that, I just don't see what else I'm getting out of it.

Please, learn me, fellas.

 

[DSF]

When I build my new computer in January-ish my old P4 2.6GHz is going into the living room to be an HTPC/Secondary gaming box.

My plans for it:
-Convert old VHS to DVD, along with recording TV.
-Splice SNES controllers to a parallel port connector like so to use my computer as a combination Atari/NES/SNES/Sega via emulation.
-Secondary gaming computer for use with games like Counter-Strike when friends come over.
-Play my music library in the living room in lieu of a stereo system.
-Surf the internet from the couch with wireless keyboard/mouse.

 

[bamacre]

Give it to a charity.

 

[1sikbITCH]

When I upgrade the old computer goes in the bedroom hooked up to the old plasma tv. We stream video from my main PC, watch dvd's, record tv, and of course in the middle of a movie when we can't figure out who that actor is I'm hitting IMDB to find out.

I wouldn't spend money to do that but since I had the box already built it's turned out to be a great use for it.

I also have an old computer hooked up to the tv in our workout room so I'll actually be motivated to go in there and stay in there a while.

Edit - plus, if your new computer happens to fry or a part needs to be replaced, you'll be glad to have a spare.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: SirFelixCat

Originally posted by: Trashman
Use it as a server, I'd install Windows Home Server on it, can do backups on both systems daily, can share files in between systems as well as sharing printers and such.....i could keep goign but you get the jist of it.

Not to be dense, here, but I can share files between them already. I get the backup idea...that's nice. But other than that, I just don't see what else I'm getting out of it.

Please, learn me, fellas.

Turning it into a fileserver is of a great benefit, one you clearly don't see at this time.

ie. you can put a bunch of HDDs in there and have a central place for data storage for the whole network instead of spaghetti type storage.

 

[SirFelixCat]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: SirFelixCat

Originally posted by: Trashman
Use it as a server, I'd install Windows Home Server on it, can do backups on both systems daily, can share files in between systems as well as sharing printers and such.....i could keep goign but you get the jist of it.

Not to be dense, here, but I can share files between them already. I get the backup idea...that's nice. But other than that, I just don't see what else I'm getting out of it.

Please, learn me, fellas.

Turning it into a fileserver is of a great benefit, one you clearly don't see at this time.

ie. you can put a bunch of HDDs in there and have a central place for data storage for the whole network instead of spaghetti type storage.

Ok, thanks for the feedback fellas.

And fleabag, you're right, I don't. I'm sorry for being 'slow' here, but how is the best way to do this (any how-to's out there?) and care to break this down for me like I'm 5? Sorry to be obtuse here fellas, but I'm just new to this server aspect is all.

Thanks for the help...please keep it coming w/ the above.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: SirFelixCat

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: SirFelixCat

Originally posted by: Trashman
Use it as a server, I'd install Windows Home Server on it, can do backups on both systems daily, can share files in between systems as well as sharing printers and such.....i could keep goign but you get the jist of it.

Not to be dense, here, but I can share files between them already. I get the backup idea...that's nice. But other than that, I just don't see what else I'm getting out of it.

Please, learn me, fellas.

Turning it into a fileserver is of a great benefit, one you clearly don't see at this time.

ie. you can put a bunch of HDDs in there and have a central place for data storage for the whole network instead of spaghetti type storage.

Ok, thanks for the feedback fellas.

And fleabag, you're right, I don't. I'm sorry for being 'slow' here, but how is the best way to do this (any how-to's out there?) and care to break this down for me like I'm 5? Sorry to be obtuse here fellas, but I'm just new to this server aspect is all.

Thanks for the help...please keep it coming w/ the above.

Well for basic needs, it's simplier than you think.
Get a system, stick a bunch of drives in there, access it like you'd normally do with any other system on the network, just remember to make shares. Unless you want to share with more than 10 people, simultaneously, windows 2k/xp vanilla will suffice for this task.