What to do with an old computer?

If you're like me, you will have used a few computers in your time. Undoubtedly, some will have died and been thrown away; but you may still have some sitting around that you're no longer using. If you've been wondering what to do with that collection of old computers, check out the list below for some ideas!

1. Turn it into a FTP Surver. FTP survers are a great way to share files, and with an FTP surver you can access your files from anywhere. Use a program like:
   The Free File Zilla Surver


2. Turn it into a gaming machine. Got loads of games on your computer filling it up? Why not put them on that old computer! Anything with a CPU over 1 ghz should work fine.


3. Use it to teach yourself about the most advanced parts of an operating system. What happens if you delete windows registry or system 32 folder. What happens if you remove gnome or any desktop from linux. What happens if you manage to delete the "library" folder in mac OSX. This is your chance to find out! *NOTE* Backup everything before doing any of these things.


4. Does it have a big harddrive? Why not get a usb harddrive case and put it in, and build a external harddrive! Then you can always have a backup of your important files.


5. Install another operating system on it. It's quite interesting if your into computers, to install linux or a completely different operating system on it. another interesting OS to try,
   React OS.


6. Take it to pieces. If the computer doesn't work, or if it is so old it won't run windows ME or even 98, (try windows 3.1 or dos) Take it to pieces. "What does a CPU look like?" "What is inside a harddrive?" "What does ram look like?" All these questions (and many more) will be answered if you take your old machine to pieces! Please check out my
   Podcast
   Where I demonstrate taking some of this stuff to pieces.


7. Give it to somebody else. There are people who arn't fortunate enough to have a computer, and if you know one of these people, give them your old computer.


8. Install windows 95 and jaws 3. See what old windows was like. Try web browsing and playing music. Try and get an audio editor going on this computer!


9. Turn it into an audio workstation. Get a good soundcard (creative audigy or better) and record and mix all your music on it.


10. Turn it into a jukebox. Load all your music onto it, install some software like winamp or iTunes, plug it into a amp and you have a music system!


11. Word processor. Install an older version of windows (this gives you more drive space for documents) and an older version of office, or the free
    Open Office
    or
    Jarte.
    And you have a simple, relyable word processor!


12. If it has a floppy drive, and a 50 MB or larger harddrive, try installing dos and even windows 3.1!


13. A web design computer. Are you a web designer? Do you have quite a big website you are always working on? Then an old computer is perfect. Put your web files on, install some webpage creation software (or just use notepad) and create your website on it!


14. That's all for the moment, but if you have any other suggestions, please
    Contact Me and I will add them here!