6 ways to repurpose your old computer hardware

Photo courtesy of morguefile user  tcatcarson

Photo courtesy of morguefile user tcatcarson

Do you have a computer that you are no longer using in your business? Are you trying to figure out what to do with it? If you are…then read on.

Now that Microsoft has ended support for Windows XP, you may be wondering how to repurpose your old computer hardware.

You will be happy to know that there are a several different ways that you can make better use of your old equipment. I’ve scoured the web in search of innovative ways that old pcs and laptops are being used. For this post, we will take a look at 6 of them.

Ways to repurpose PC’s

1. Turn your old computer into a Network Attached Storage device
If you have multiple users accessing your home network, you can easily turn your old pc into a NAS using a software application like Windows Home Server or FreeNAS.

2. Keep it as an extra PC that can be used for Internet browsing and other light tasks
If you plan on using your old PC for light duties, that your children may use here are a few things that you will need to do:

  • Install an anti-malware and spyware protection program
  • Use anti-virus software
  • Enable parental controls (K9 Web Protection is an excellent and free internet filter that you can use to setup security controls on your PC)

3. Donate it to charity
Remember, any items that you donate to charitable organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill can make you eligible to receive a tax-write off for your donation.

Ways to repurpose old laptop computers

1. Create an emergency wireless access point
Need an extra wireless hotspot in your home? Check out these tips for setting up your old laptop as an additional wireless connection.

2. Use the laptop screen as an external monitor
Yep, it’s true; you can take your old laptop pc and re-use the screen as a monitor. Instructables.com has a great step-by-step tutorial for setting this up.

3. Recycle it
Environmentally conscious companies like eCyclebest.com offer great deals for recycled old laptop pcs, smartphones and tablets.

As you can see, there is plenty you can do with older PC hardware. Hopefully, the six tips mentioned in today’s post will get your gears turning with ideas you can use to salvage your old and dated equipment.

Have any tips of your own? Feel free to share them below in the comments section or reach out to us Facebook or Twitter.

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