What do do with spare computer #3

scarfase99

Diamond Member
Feb 4, 2000
4,017
0
76
ok, i've asked before, but after several donations for favors, im left with this:

a spare P-3 450 Mhz Computer, 192mb Ram, 10>gb HD, onboard video & sound

Now, in my 1-bedroom apt, i already have my main rig (Athlon XP 2000+ fully loaded, & my HTPC 1.3 Duron fully loaded which streams music & video files)

So my question is, is there anything useful i can use this computer for? anything fun? I tried out linux, but that just wasn't for me. Any suggestions?
 

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
Get a family member on the net, that's a good PC for surfing and older games.

If a family member has kids, this could also be a good donation to their day care either for the kids or for office work.
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
10,869
1
0
i hear you on the "linux isn't for me". I got really excited when i installed it and after numerous problems and fixing them, i realized how spoiled i was by windows. I also got tired of the repetitive "google is your friend" and "RTFM". There's a real ass that constantly spats out that answer in the Operating Systems forum here. Apparently, he seems to think his status grants him to be an ass and not help people out. I will, however, say that the people in OT are the best people evAr for getting linux help. Soo...bump for you in attempt to find a use for your computer.

-=bmacd=-
 

Staples

Diamond Member
Oct 28, 2001
4,953
119
106
I usually just give them to some linux geek I know who likes to have 100 computers in his room. There is something about the Linux geeks and the want for 10+ computer in their room. I just need one frickin' computer. I will give away the slowest one out of my sisters and brother and then just give them my computer.
 

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
81
How much up/down bandwidth do you have? You could run a game or ftp server, or stay permanently logged into a filesharing network.
 

DurocShark

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
15,708
5
56
Entertainment PC! I just got a Radeon 8500DV AIW and it rocks. With the remote that comes in the package and such it's great.
 

scarfase99

Diamond Member
Feb 4, 2000
4,017
0
76
well, im on Road Runner, so i doubt i have much. as for leaving it on, i leave my other 2 rigs on all the time, one running Kazaa 24/7

i was thinking web server but don't know if that'd work with road runner & exactly what the benefits/disadvantages are to it
 

HokieESM

Senior member
Jun 10, 2002
798
0
0
Do you do any work at home? I was in a similar situation (with a spare P2 350)... but I made a "backup" system. At 3am every night, my main computer "copies" my research and personal documents folders to the spare machine (over-writing any duplicate files). Its saved my rear end more than once... and if you ever need to format a "main machine", go right ahead--your personal stuff is all safe.

 
Aug 16, 2001
22,505
4
81
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Get a family member on the net, that's a good PC for surfing and older games.

If a family member has kids, this could also be a good donation to their day care either for the kids or for office work.

It's scary.
Back in late '98 early '99 that was the thing to have. +$2000.

 

Sketcher

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2001
2,237
0
0
Originally posted by: bmacd
i hear you on the "linux isn't for me". I got really excited when i installed it and after numerous problems and fixing them, i realized how spoiled i was by windows. I also got tired of the repetitive "google is your friend" and "RTFM". There's a real ass that constantly spats out that answer in the Operating Systems forum here. Apparently, he seems to think his status grants him to be an ass and not help people out. I will, however, say that the people in OT are the best people evAr for getting linux help. Soo...bump for you in attempt to find a use for your computer.

-=bmacd=-
True that.

 

Storm

Diamond Member
Nov 5, 1999
3,952
0
76
My thoughts:

1.)Put a typing program on it like Mavis Beacon or whatever and use it to teach people in the family how to use the computer, surf the web, e-mail.
2.)Make it a MAME machine, you might need a better video card for some of the games.
3.)Give Linux another shot? I dont use it but hey why not? Im sure there are plenty of people willing to convert.. erm I mean help you out.
4.)Distributed computing
5.)Donate it and get a tax break