Uses for an old computer

Computers have become commodities in recent times. PCs that are dozens of times more powerful than their predecessors of just a decade ago now cost less than a mid-range television at Wal-Mart and many other discount retailers. But while this is a very good thing for consumers, it poses quite a problem in one respect…

Old PCs are being replaced with faster, more powerful, yet cheaper models at a record pace. This means of course that there are countless used computers and monitors sitting around while their owners try to decide just exactly what to do with them. They can be recycled, but I believe a better course of action is to simply keep them and use them for routine tasks that would otherwise suck up CPU cycles on the new PCs.

Here are a few great uses for a used computer:

1 – Using the Internet

Most any computer with at least a Pentium-class CPU will work just fine for surfing the Internet and sending and receiving emails. This frees up your new computer for running resource intensive applications such as photo and video editing software or games. Even better, if you happen to visit a website or open an email that contains a virus, your primary computer will not become infected.

2 – A “learning” PC

If you have you been planning to learn Linux or a powerful programming language, you can install the software on your old machine and experiment to your heart’s content. That way when you make a mistake and wipe out the system, it’s no big deal. Simply format the hard drive and re-install.

3 – Running beta software

Have you always wanted to try out a beta version of Windows or some other software package but you were afraid to install it on your only PC? Well you can install and “test drive” beta software any time you like on a backup machine. Again, if a problem arises, you can simply reformat and re-install.

4 – Tinkering around with its “innards”

Have you always been curious about the inner workings of a computer system? Well pop the case on your old one and have a ball removing parts, upgrading others, and learning everything you can about computer hardware without having to fear damaging your primary PC.

Conclusion: The number of uses for your used PC is limited only by your imagination. Hook that baby up, turn on the power, and have some fun!