Reuse/Recycle Old Computers: Show Idea

[taswizard]

I had an idea for an episode of Systm a while ago that I would love to see and I think it applies to a lot of computer nerds.

For the last several years, my basement has been filling up with old computers. Many of them run fine for their time, usually with Windows 95 or 98. For a long time, they've just been gathering dust. Also, I know a lot of people who have the same problem - they don't know what to do with the computers.

Maybe Patrick and Dave could have an episode dedicated to breathing knew life into some of these dust-cans. For instance: setting up an old computer as a starter computer for an old couple, networking multiple machines as a mini-supercomputer, building a low maintenance mail-server, even some kind of machine that automates home functions like lights, heating, garage doors, music, etc. Even just scavenging a dead machine for useful parts. The possibilities are only limited by imagination.

I think it may be a very fun project that anyone could do, and clear up space from the older machines.

What do you guys think?

[kronos6948]

I like this idea. I'd like to see what we can do with a bunch of old tech laying around.

[shinmaryuu]

Awesome idea and something i think is right up Pat's alley.

[md2389]

I like this idea. I've got a ton of old PC parts that are so old, theres no way I could sell them for enough money to cover shipping let alone making a profit.

[miner2049er]

Good idea and they did something similar on DLTV.

2 of mine in use are for a MAME cab and a FreeNAS box.

[computoman]

I take p3 or better and turn them into all kinds of servers and desktops. I like to take old p1/2 boxes and make them into firewalls. I also se them as cheapo diskless thin clients for an ltsp server. (New world apple g3's can work as diskless thin clients on ltsp). Ltps is the linux equivalent of ms terminal server. ltsp is a great way to save a small business money. I use a amd duron 800 to support four to five thin clients. Now I am now using compaq t30's which i bought dirt cheap.
Need free equipment. Help your affluent friends with their computer when they upgrade and you just might get their old machine for free. I have latched onto a bunch of stuff that way. I wipe the windows or apple os off the system and viola it's a freed computer. Since I use linux, there is no cost for the replacement os!!!! I used to give some away to the elderly when I lived in an apartment. Now that I have a home and temporarily without a better half, the house is like a museum. I probably need to start giving things away again.

Repurposing old hardware ideas!
Trixbox - iptelephony server.
mythtv - television pvr (personal video recorder) and audio/visual file server.
Generic Server - file, email, database, web, daap (itunes compatible), and etc.
LTSP - Terminal server for thin clients.
kiosks etc, etc, etc

[justafreak]

This is a good show idea, but I want to add for those of you that end up not resuing, please don't throw away. Most Goodwill stores across the country take these in and refurb or recycle them.

So if you don't have a plan for that old system don't toss it in the trash.

[murphy1d]

This is a good show idea, but I want to add for those of you that end up not resuing, please don't throw away. Most Goodwill stores across the country take these in and refurb or recycle them.

So if you don't have a plan for that old system don't toss it in the trash.

I had an idea once, that you take old cases and fans, flip the fans around so they point out, and give them to poor indigent people who have no A/C in the summer. They would place them in their Freezer (with the door cracked slightly) and the fans would slowly blow cool air into the kitchen and cool down that room (maybe, never tested).

The hope is to keep people from dying from overheating and use an a/c they may not know they have. Yes, they could just just leave the door open, but the AC would just hit the ground and not cool the air.

Plus, They could attach a long dryer vent to the fans and run the a/c to their bedroom and even pointing on their bed at night.

[movingrushmore]

Good idea. Specifically turn it into an HD PVR. :)

[ckrieger]

Yeah I like this idea. I just turned an old white Dell Optiplex GX110 into a webserver/FTP server/print server on my home network. I spent hours getting the wake on LAN to work. I'd like to see this idea get on the show though, maybe just to give me some other ideas for recycling an old computer.

[computoman]

Now that things are getting tight, people might be willing to pay to get old machines working instead of sending the machines to auction. Large school districts and companies needlessly send good working machines to auction. I use linux on both apple ppc machines and intel/amd boxes. I bought a used Imac for 20 bucks, installed linux , and then gave it to my daughter for her family. That saved them quite a few bucks.