How to Revive an Old, Slow PC
Have an old, slow computer that you have no idea what to do with? Here are some ideas:
Try speeding it up!
Before you try anything drastic, try doing some simple optimization steps, including cleaning out junk files and defragmenting your computer. I actually made a YouTube video about this, check it out below:
Install a new operating system (OS)!
More likely than not, the computer you currently have has an out of date, insecure operating system that is so slow to the point of being unusable. However, if your computer isn’t too old, there’s a chance that you can still get some use out of it as an actual computer.
Other operating systems, from Lubuntu to Elementary OS to Neverware’s Cloudready (which essentially turns your computer into a Chromebook, an internet only computer) are a lot lighter than Windows and macOS.
For example, Lubuntu is an incredibly light Linux distribution which can run on as little as Pentium 3 and 256MB of RAM.
Now, don’t expect blazing fast performance or the latest and greatest features from it, but it should still be usable enough that you can browse the internet, check your e-mail, watch YouTube videos, and play some light games.
Use it as a network file server!
Another use for an old computer is as a network file server or NAS. A NAS can be used to store files, photos, documents, videos, and more on a central storage device that can be accessed by anyone accessing the network.
For example, let’s say you wanted to transfer a video from one computer to another. Now you have a couple of options. You can use a USB drive to transfer it, but that’s often inconvenient and let’s be honest, we all lose USB drives all of the time. You could e-mail it to yourself or upload it to a cloud storage solution, but that risks the privacy of your file and it can take ages depending on the speed of your internet connection.
That’s where a network file server comes into play. Your speed is only limited to the connection of the speed to your router (not internet speed, for example if you have gigabit ethernet, you can transfer up to 125 MB/s), while protecting your privacy and allowing you expandable storage space with fixed prices.
How do you convert your PC into a file server? Now Windows and macOS do offer some built in file sharing options, but the best option for the long term is to use a dedicated server OS, such as FreeNAS.
The guide for installing FreeNAS is beyond the scope of this article, but there is a great installation guide by HowToGeek that you can find here.
Cut the cord!
Cutting the cord is all the rage these days. With cable prices going up, many are trying to find an alternative to paying monthly prices, often buying set top streaming boxes, such as the Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
But, if your computer is up to the task, you can convert your computer into a home theater PC.
Now the obvious thing that you could do is to simply hook up your computer to the TV using an HDMI cable and cast the content you want to watch online. That method definitely works, especially when you pair it with the first item in the list, installing a faster operating system.
However, if you want a dedicated TV interface that you can use with a remote and looks like it was meant for the TV, look into HTPC software, such as Kodi.
Kodi is a program that compiles your media and internet apps into one, clean interface. It is heavily customizable and is completely free, so definitely try it out if you can.
Game!
While your old computer may seem slow and useless, you can still use it to play video games.
Retro Gaming
You can turn your old computer into a retro gaming station and play old games on it from various video game console platforms. While your computer may not be handle the latest AAA games, it may still be able to handle older retro games.
Game Streaming
Have a gaming PC upstairs but want to play on your TV? That’s when game streaming might be good for you!
Game streaming essentially casts your gaming PC’s screen to your other PC to be displayed on your TV. There are certain services that don’t even require a gaming PC or console, but we’ll be focusing on in-home game streaming.
This option is still in beta, and latency / lag still exists, especially over WiFi. However, companies such as Microsoft and Steam are quickly developing new streaming services that can be used.
Use your computing power for good!
Another thing you can do with your computer is to use your extra computing power as part of a mass computing project for good. For example, there is climateprediction.net, which donates your computing resources to create climate models to help visualize the future effects of climate change.
For more ideas, see this link which includes more options you can donate your processing power.
Donate or recycle your PC!
If your PC is completely unusable or if you just want to get rid of it, consider donating or recycling your PC. Many public libraries and schools are looking for computers they can use, or you can recycle your PC to an e-waste location. Never throw your PC away in the garbage. And make sure you fully wipe your PC before you donate or recycle it.
Take a look at the following resources for places to donate / recycle: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/donate-used-computers-monitors-tvs-3515022
These resources include international computer exchanges, local schools, and recycling centers.
