Good Uses for an Old Computer
Are there good uses for an old computer? If you've replaced a computer, there are still some useful applications for the older model. Most require little upgrading, if any. You probably have everything you need installed on that old computer to perform all or some of the functions below.
Other People Are Reading
-
Music Player
-
Turn that old computer into a dedicated music player. You can hook it up to a stereo or just connect nice speakers to it. Just uninstall any unnecessary programs except your favorite digital music player, such as iTunes or Windows Media Player.
Typewriter
-
Since word processors don't take up much space or memory, you can use that old computer for just that: as an electronic typewriter. Again, just uninstall everything but that word processor (or add a program for word processing if you need to).
-
Internet/Email
-
There's no reason to bog down one main computer for all the tasks a family performs. One good use for an old computer is to use it as a dedicated Internet computer. The only two issues you may have is if an older operating system is installed. Some operating systems can't handle the new browsers, and some towers may not have Ethernet cards installed.
Network Storage
-
If you are running Windows 2000, Me, XP or Vista, then you can set up your computer as a network storage device. Anyone on the wired or wireless network will be able to store and access files on the main computer. If possible, upgrade the memory as much as you can so the older computer's performance isn't affected by the increased use.
Plaything
-
Most older computers are great tools for testing software, especially operating systems. For example, if you've ever wanted to try Ubuntu or another incarnation of Linux, you can try it out on your older computer. Most operating systems such as Linux don't need powerful specs to run, which is perfect for that 7-year-old, low memory, mediocre processing computer.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit www.sxc.hu/photo/512894
