I've got an old PC just laying here, doing nothing and going no where but the dump. I'd hate to throw all that old tech out, knowing theres so much potential. I'm basically asking for ideas (and more preferable guides) to do something cool with old PC components. I think I saw a guide a while back that showed how to make DVD drive's laser into a holdable device that could pop balloons and make small flames. Awesome. Here's some of the notable hardware in question: 20gb IDE Hard drive 250w PSU 52kpbs modem/Ethernet port PS/2 Keyboard & Mouse 52x Optical CD-ROM Drive <---- I just really want to do something with this for some reason. I know this is an unusual thread, but I just want to do something interesting with this old tech instead of just throwing it out.
you could install linux on it and bring it back to life. you could also try to make it into a file server. What processor does it have and how much ram?
kick it to the curb and run like hell! just kidding of course. unless it was less than 350MHZ processor then i wont be kidding why you ask? glad you did ask 350-800 mhz is good for using it as a print server. Print servers run you about $100 USD last I looked. All the computers on your network can access the printer through the low power, weak, or old if you wish, computer which you canleave on 24/7 with cost towards your electric bill. They are not only quiet they through off little heat.
sorry ! i wasnt done ..i hit the wrong key and it posted (on ward) back to 350-800mhz : if you add a wireless pci card you will be able to shoot the print job with a labtop or desk top if your router is wireless.. now there's a bunch of things to think about eh? 800-1200 mhz : you could install xp pro on it and turn it into a server supplying all your friends with a place to download programs pictures and movies. Tis good if you have a router. this one requires a bit steeper learning curve. 1200 mhz+ : one software word--> Synergy i run four monitors because i have two video cards that can handle two monitors each which are plugged into their own computer each which each computer is running dual processor. Sounds like a mouthful eh? i installed (FREE) Synergy hence i'm running (like it's one system) quad monitors dual computers with a total of four processes using one keyboard and mouse being able to go from one monitor to the next with the mouse with ease. hey i had to brag..I LOVE IT hope i was help Paul
I personally recycle old PC's donated / upgraded to file servers / NAS boxes. Even systems such as old PII's can run in this way. Either look at FreeNAS or NASLite. Personally I use NASLite for numerous reasons. At the moment I have 5x500GB hard drives in mine in a RAID5 configuration (2TB total storage) which I store all my video / audio on.
