Computers have been around for a long time now, and you may have a few older PCs kicking around your home. Today, we’re going to show you some of the best ways to squeeze extra life out of your old PC – even if it doesn’t start up at all.
Turn it into a server
One of the best things to do with an old PC is to turn it into a server for your music, printer, files, or whatever else you can think of. This is surprisingly easy to do. You can either create a server on your local network, or on the internet itself. It all depends on what you want to get out of it.
So how do you go about turning a PC into a server? Basically, all you need to do is install Linux Server software on your old PC and then fire it up. Obviously, it helps if you know a little about the Linux operating system before you attempt to do this, but it certainly isn’t required.
You can find a good guide on how to do this HERE.
Turn your old CRT monitor into a fish tank
CRT monitors are pretty much extinct. If you have an old computer lying around that still uses an old CRT monitor, then you can put it to good use as a fish tank. The glass screen and wide back area make an ideal swimming pool for your favorite fish. This doesn’t require you to be good with computers, but being handy with tools will certainly help.
First, strip out the insides of your old computer monitor. Be careful while doing this, as the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) itself can be fragile and dangerous. Dispose of the parts properly and then use waterproof caulking to install an enclosure. Decorate it with whatever you want and pop a filter in there. Be sure to check if your case is waterproof before putting the fish in.
For a more in-depth guide on how to do this, check out this article.
Turn it into a safe
One of the more creative ways to get extra life out of an old PC is to turn it into a safe. You can hollow out the insides and put whatever you want within. Nobody thinks to hide valuables in an old PC case, especially one that looks run-down and broken, and you can easily secure the case with a key lock or swinging door to make it extra secure.
Some people also recommend doing this with the CD-Drive itself: if you can form a case area around the original disk tray while retaining the old open/close mechanism, you’ve got one cool looking storage cabinet for your small valuables, like cash or jewelry. You may also consider hollowing out the hard drive or any other parts you can think of.
Donate it to charity or trade it in
If you really can’t find a good use for your old PC, then maybe somebody else can. Donate your old computer to charity or trade it in for a little bit of cash. Some countries, states, and provinces will reward consumers for recycling their old electronics, so it’s important to check out the regulations in your area.
