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Best Use For An Old Machine
If you have an old machine sitting around about doing nothing, you might consider using it for a specific task that does not require today's modern resource requirements.
My Top Pick of alternate workstation usage must clearly be the solution shown on the left! I am sure you will agree.
A different idea though is to use such a machine as an exclusive dedicated torrent downloader (& uploader). The machine doesn't need to be very powerful; torrents and emules don't care about much except the speed of your connection. Most home users can't afford another direct inet connection, so it will normally have to share your current connection: the easiest way to do this is via a cheap hardware hub or router. Once setup, simply build a long list of torrents you want, and let it download 24/7. You may find it necessary to monitor your bandwidth if you lose normal surfing speed on your main machine, but this is easily rectified by simply pausing active torrents on the torrent-dedicated machine.
If you have several computers and users in your house (husband, wife, children) you could also us it as server for family files. If it runs Windows you can share files from that machine, e.g. a family photo album. You can then access those files from any other computer in the network.
An older laptop might be useful in the kitchen. You might want to watch news videos or other sources while cooking. Accessing cooking websites directly next to your oven might help to make the meal better. Such usage requires a good spot in the kitchen where the computer is safe from spills.
Let us know what you do with your ex-workstations. Leave a comment below.
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Comments
Use it for running programs that won't run in Widnows 7. Especially AudioShell since I was advised against running Windows 7 XP Mode
I have two ways to access my old machine that can be used simultaeiously Remote Desktop and it was mapped as a drive so that I can put things in and take them out
Older PC's are great tutor machines for kids. Face it, they HAVE to have proficient PC skills to make it in their generation, and if they break a mouse or crash the HDD it's no worry. (Always keep a current image of the HDD, but you already knew that.)
Print server, HIPS/hardware firewall, Folding@Home, wifey's kitchen Recipe server/soap opera player, automobile media player (stuff a SSD inside a notbook and it's on) are just a few more.
you can donate it ^_^ or freecycle it!
hit enviro-nuts over the head with your old PC when they make comments on a website about how computers running are ruining the planet whilst they are useing a computer...
Use it as a journaling PC for the kids.
use it for printing coupons....the main coupon sites usually only allow you to print 1 or 2 per computer and some of these coupons can be valuable...you can likely make up the price of an old $50 desktop in a year's time - just fire it up when you need to print ... :)
You guys are trippin'. "Environmental Effects" Get out of heree with that non-sense. The Planet Earth has endured way more catostrophic events, than 5 million running computers. That's just ridiculous. Unless you live in an Energy Star Home, and drive a Bio Vehicle, you shouldnt even open your mouth about Environmental Effects. We all know what you do behind closed doors.
Ok people we all have an opinion regarding environmental issues. This particular item relates to "best use for an old machine" and not "best way to save the planet or otherwise". If you wish a debate on environmental issues, please register and take it to the forums. Any further such comments will be deleted.
I say use it to visit all the latenight "dangerous" sites. Since you're not gonna be using it to type any secure info, you're not gonna worry about the bajillion trojans and spyware you pick up along the way.
Definitely leave it on 24/7 so others can feel smug and superior to you because they have seen the environmental light and are simply better people.
It's easier than those other religions and just as horrible.
In reply to Anon from 3/01/10-3:34 There is wisdom in these words, all you earthworm lemmings are in for a shock. First thing I read that made me smile all day, you should run for president in three years. I mean it, I can only hope for that kind of change.
woops meant 1/6/10 or the guy above me rather.
use it as a linux desktop with all the functionalities.
Go to http://www.puppylinux.com
tanxxxxxxx
I've got an older pc setup with just music and photos and a good set of speakers in our "entertainment" area. I have Jaangle installed and use it as a jukebox when we have visitors/parties. I have the screensaver set to come on after only a minuter or two to display photos so it doubles as one of those digital photo frames. If it's family visiting then I have family photos displaying, if it's friends I have heaps of nice pictures I've gathered off the net over the years.
This article is neither a 'guide' nor is it a 'How to'. It isnt even a good tip.
or maybe just upload! SEED SEED SEED
I will SEED THE WORLD!!
that's always an option.
It solves the to much to watch in your lifetime dilemma and helps the rest of us out!
leave it on 24/7 downloading. Its good for the environment and you ll have tons of downloads to waste your time with....brilliant advice mate cheers...
You're welcome.
I pay my ISP for 24-hour usage. WHy should I switch my machines off?
I can't really comment on the environmental effects. Some studies suggest it's the equivalent of a single light bulb.
But there are literally millions of machines all over the world running 24/7.
You should be using a 14W compact fluorescent bulb. In the summer, when the AC is running, your computer probably costs you a 1000 watts of electricity.
There are literally millions of machines running all over the world because are thinking, "There are literally millions of machines running all over the world! Why should mine be any different?" And those studies suggesting a computer running for any amount of time consumes the same power as a light bulb for any amount of time is WRONG, unless of course you were comparing the power used in an idle computer for a minute compared to the power used in a light bulb for a day...
'I pay my ISP for 24-hour usage. Why should I switch my machines off?'
1. Because of the environmental effects.
2. Because of cumalative cost to your electricity bill.
3. Because of the horrible hum of the PC's fans 24/7.
4. Because running a PC just for torrents over a decent Broadband connection would generate more movies/audio/software than you could ever get through. or want to get through.
I could go on but cant be bothered
use it as paper weight
or use it as harddrive backup for photos or music ect.davy
Or use it as an dedicated linux firewall/router.
Now you guys are talking. I use my old P3 800 as a firewall & file server. Works great with Linux.
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