Don’t throw out your old Laptop or Computer for scrap metal just yet, unless maybe it dates back to the prehistoric 90’s operating systems. Your old PC can be re-purposed for several different uses in and out of the office. You might need to configure the computer in order for it to function the way you desire but it shouldn’t be difficult to do especially when you have YouTube as a resource for (do-it-yourself) DIY projects.
1. Use your Old PC as a Home Web Server-
This is a great way to connect your devices and share files between them all. It will help keep files stored in a safe place that will be only accessed by you and anyone you assign an account for. Most PCs are not directly ready to be a server and needs to be configured to do so. For directions on how to convert your old computer to a web server click on the link here: LifeHacker
2. Use your Old PC as a Home Media Player-
You can use an old PC as a home media player. Software such as KODI and others enables you to stream movies and shows straight from the internet. You can also add your movies and TV shows directly to your computer and connect them to your TV entertainment center so you don’t have to scramble through hundreds of DVDs just to find the show you are searching for.
3. Turn Your Old PC into a Digital Picture Frame-
This might take a little bit of time and reverse engineering to make possible but with a little help from YouTube and a trip or two to the hardware store you can create a professional looking digital picture frame. When all your friends and family come over you can proudly display your vacation pictures with this handmade piece of craftsmanship. For instructions on how to do this click on the link here: Homemade Digital photo frame. Be sure to watch part 2 as well.
4. Create a Wi-Fi Hotspot or Wi-Fi extender-
This is a great idea if you are having trouble with your Wifi connection within your home. We all understand that the internet can be really bad if we don’t have a good strong connection to the Wifi but with an old PC you can make a Wifi extender, or better known as a Wifi Repeater. Even though the best option for a Wifi Repeater is buying one under $50 this is still a good way to keep using an old computer around the house. For instructions on how to setup your PC to be a Wifi Repeater Click the link Here: MyPublicWifi.com
5. Sell it for parts-
If a PC is broken or damaged there may be still potential to recover the cost of what you paid for your old computer. You can part it out by selling the old hardware, especially with gaming PCs. PC hardware, such as motherboards, game cards, graphics cards, CPUs/ Processors, memory, optical drives, and others can be sold for cash to help you save up for a new computer.
6. Recycle your Computer-
Recycling a computer either by donating it to science, a student, a charity, or for scraps is a lot better than throwing it in the trash heading to the landfill. Computers are normally large and take up a lot of real estate in landfills and contain many materials that are toxic to our environment. If your old computer can not be used anymore or you don’t know what to do with it we urge you to take it to an Electronics Recycling Center where they can re-purpose it or break it down to scraps for sorting. Bring your old computers, laptops, PCs and other electronics to a responsible recycling center such as California Electronics Recycler located in Orange County, CA.
