Uses for an old computer

rmg1

In that case, I think I'll just drop Windows XP back on it (actually, I think I've got an old image from this machine I should be able to redo).
I'll definitely be installing [EMAIL="folding@home"]folding@home[/EMAIL] on it and probably some sort of streaming as well (providing I can hook it up to the TV (not sure what outputs are on the PC now).

somersethillbilly

gonzo127 wrote: »

oh and you might also need to set it up for duel boot

Throw down the gauntlet!

gonzo127

rmg1 wrote: »

In that case, I think I'll just drop Windows XP back on it (actually, I think I've got an old image from this machine I should be able to redo).
I'll definitely be installing folding@home on it and probably some sort of streaming as well (providing I can hook it up to the TV (not sure what outputs are on the PC now).

most modern TV's have a VGA port and a 3.5mm audio in port so just use a VGA cable (and if needed a DVI to VGA converter) and a 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable

Steve-o

27col wrote: »

I am not sure that I have understood a word of this thread, so far.

The original poster is looking for uses that he can put an old computer to, rather than throw it away.

Suggested so far:

• putting Linux on it, which is an operating system that is different from Windows. The operating system is the software that comes on when you first turn a computer on, and 'runs' the computer hardware. Most software is written to work on a specific operating system so you cannot, for instance, run something written for an Apple Mac on a PC with Windows 8 on it.
• using the computer as a home entertainment system (HTPC = Home Theatre PC). This can 'stream' (simply put, "use") files from another computer's hard drive, or media files from the internet using services such as Netflix.
• using it in the kitchen, as an entertainment system and database for recipes.
• a "folding@home" box: this basically means that your computer is being used by a group for research, accessed over the internet, and is generically known as "distributed computing". This can be information used to research diseases and potential cures, or even searching for extra-terrestrial intelligence (such as the SETI project). It's a cheap way for research groups to increase their computing power, and a way for an individual to know that their computer is actually being useful when they are not actively using it.
• Dual boot: setting up more than one operating system on a computer, choosing which operating system to use when you turn it on. So, for instance, you could have Linux and Windows 8 as options to run on your PC.

Steve-o

rmg1 wrote: »

I'd like to give it a new lease of life (and basically use it as a tinkering machine).

Anyone any ideas?

• You can use it to program chips. Only really useful if you build your own circuits.
• Interfacing with Arduino projects. I haven't really looked at the Arduino, so can't offer any deeper information that that statement.
• A bittorrent, or newsgroup box.
• Use it as a server/NAS storage.
• A video conversion box.
• A rendering box.
• A game server - does not rely on graphics processing, so you could probably run the modern game servers on it.
• Use it to run your old games, or (even better) as a MAME box!
• Using it as a digital photo frame, although this is expensive on the electric when used solely for this purpose. You could combine this with a couple of the others uses mentioned, with the screen-saver being the photo frame image.
• Give it to someone who needs a computer to browse the internet, or do some word processing, for whom a new computer would be overkill.
• If the computer isn't powerful enough to use as a video media server, use it as a music server.
• CCTV home security, with a webcam.
• Music studio using MIDI function.

There are probably a lot more uses, dependant on what your personal interests are. What sort of hobbies do you have, or that you think you might like to try?

Steve-o

Adding a couple of things that I've done myself:

• Donate to someone for use as a sensory item. In my case it was as a very old computer to use as a music player, using Windows Media Player to also show swirly visualisations on a TV at the same time.
• Use a cheap joypad, and some software (can't remember the name of it), so that each button press sets off a certain action. In my case this was re-purposing it, and building a hacked joypad panel, so that someone with a learning disability could use it as an "objects of reference" communication panel: when they took an object off a panel it played a recorded sentence or sound (such as "I'd like a drink"), or when they pressed a panel with a certain picture on it.

The last one could be used for anyone with a communication problem, with the control buttons built to their needs. The same idea can also be used for someone with limited motor skills, so that the hacked joypad could operate (for instance) a web browser. There are probably lots of off-the-shelf pieces of software on the web to use for that, but you could also use some simple software such as PlayBasic to write your own.

Edit to add: here is an Instructable, which was the original springboard for my own ideas: http://www.instructables.com/id/Talking-Joystick-Mouse/

The uses with a joypad are pretty much only limited by your imagination. Great if you like to solve problems.

Edit 2: Another Instructable by the same guy: http://www.instructables.com/id/Foil-Capability-Switch/

Steve-o

After rooting around the web...

• If you program, use it as a compiler box.
• As an additional back-up for the files you don't want to lose.
• A Skype station. Seems like a waste of electricity, but you could tie this in with any of the other uses (picture frame, media server, etc).
• Use it as a base to practice case mod's on.
• Also one I've done to power 6 light systems in a person's sensory room: using the PSU & case only, convert it so that the PSU acts as a multi-terminal power supply, supplying (at least) 3.3v, 5v, and 12v. Much cheaper than paying out for a dedicated power supply station.
• Set it up as a Tor node in the Tor Project - this allows people to use the internet anonymously; great for people in countries with strict internet controls, or for activists in countries where their ideals could lead to death, but not too good in that it can also conceal nefarious uses.
• Run older software (non-gaming) that will not run on newer OSes, or where you don't want your main machine cluttered up with little programs that you don't use very often (for myself, that would include electronics layout software).
• If you download lots of software, use it to test software for viruses - if it gets infected you just do a quick re-install.
• Install software aimed at kids, and donate it to someone who might use it. This can also be used as a restricted web browsing machine.
• Use it as a music/DVD ripping station.

Steve-o

• Sell it. Even it's the most basic machine, it can be set up to be useful to somebody.
• Strip it down and sell the parts, even if for 50p an item at a car boot sale.
• If you're into electronics, strip the components from the boards.
• Use it as a box to experiment with robotics, and/or system controls.
• Re-box the whole thing, converting it into a Steampunk-look computer.

alinwales

I've still got an old PC up in the attic that I plan to bring back to life by putting an SSD in (i've got a 30GB one kicking around). I've always wondered how much better even a poor old PC will be improved by having a better hard drive in it.
Mind you, what I'll do with it then is anyone's guess. The problem with tower PCs is that they take up so much space, so don't have anywhere for it to go.

kwikbreaks

rmg1 wrote: »

I'll definitely be installing [EMAIL="folding@home"]folding@home[/EMAIL] on it

If that means you will be running it 24x7 then take into account the power used - old PCs are power hungry and low performance - e.g. 150w on 24x7 will cost ~ £150 a year.