Reusing Old Computers

[Shadowwrath5]

I think this would be the best forum for this. Anyway I have 2 old computers for some old projects that either didnt work out or I found a better solution later as new stuff gets released.
I would hate to throw them away but Im not sure what to do with them. One is an old dell optiplex (insperon I forgot) and I have a gigabyte brix (the lower powered one). I googled some ideas and I either have done it already of didnt need it. Currently I have computers acting as: htpcs (3), minecraft server, utorrent client, freenas, and a retro console.

I was thinking of maybe doing a firewall but but all my computers have one build in so Im not sure its necessary. Someone suggested a network traffic monitor and a security camera setup but I wasnt sure how to go about those because I have limited expansion on the computers as far as pci slots.

If you have any Ideas please let me know!

 

[geofelt]

Donate them to a needy kid or organization.

 

[utgotye]

I am dealing with a similar situation recently with three old Dell desktops of 2007/2008 vintage. I scavenged the RAM and passively cooled video card and will compile what I can into the Intel system. Grab a used E8400 off the web for like $20 and I'll have the same problem. A perfectly viable older computer to do...what with? I already have a file/media server and don't really need anything else. I'm considering running Civ V Pitboss on it.

 

[Shadowwrath5]

Donation would be a last resort. I really would like to re purpose them somehow.

 

[Ubrales]

One use would be to have a dedicated computer for banking purposes only. When suitably setup this can ensure some very secure transactions.

 

[Shadowwrath5]

One use would be to have a dedicated computer for banking purposes only. When suitably setup this can ensure some very secure transactions.

That is not a bad idea. What os works well for something like that?? What other security do hickies can you think of?

I also have an hd homerun. Anyone know what you would need to recoed from it? Pc requirements?

 

[jsmithepa]

I was thinking of maybe doing a firewall but but all my computers have one build in so Im not sure its necessary

I find software firewall on each computer a maintenance nightmare don't you? Every time you wanna do something and you want to communicate with your LAN boxes, they are on the INTRANET, they are by virtue of being inside the physical domain of your house, SAFE, but Windows, by default, assumes anything immediately outside it, is dangerous. Maintenance hassle by OCD I say.

Reason why I run a single hardware firewall between my LAN and my Internet gateway, that's it. That FW protects me from my inside LAN to the outside INTERNET, as it should. Any changes I do it to ONE box, not 5 boxes.

Why throw yet ANOTHER task to your desktop, let FW be a dedicated box, and you will never wonder if that Windows FW is preventing you from installing some App.

 

[Shadowwrath5]

I was thinking of maybe doing a firewall but but all my computers have one build in so Im not sure its necessary

I find software firewall on each computer a maintenance nightmare don't you? Every time you wanna do something and you want to communicate with your LAN boxes, they are on the INTRANET, they are by virtue of being inside the physical domain of your house, SAFE, but Windows, by default, assumes anything immediately outside it, is dangerous. Maintenance hassle by OCD I say.

Reason why I run a single hardware firewall between my LAN and my Internet gateway, that's it. That FW protects me from my inside LAN to the outside INTERNET, as it should. Any changes I do it to ONE box, not 5 boxes.

Why throw yet ANOTHER task to your desktop, let FW be a dedicated box, and you will never wonder if that Windows FW is preventing you from installing some App.

So what software did you use to set something like this up? Also isn't there something you can do that allows you to download widows update on a single computer and they get applied to all of them automatically?

 

[Ubrales]

One use would be to have a dedicated computer for banking purposes only. When suitably setup this can ensure some very secure transactions.

That is not a bad idea. What os works well for something like that?? What other security do hickies can you think of?

I also have an hd homerun. Anyone know what you would need to recoed from it? Pc requirements?

Your existing OS will be fine. Please keep in mind that support for Vista ends in 2017, and support for Win 7 ends in 2020 - support for Win XP has already ended and therefore computers with XP will NOT be suitable for use as a dedicated banking transactions computer.

Regarding Homerun; use it like you did in the past. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDHomeRun (I have Hauppauge HVR 1950 which is an older model and does work quite well on Win 7).

 

[jsmithepa]

So what software did you use to set something like this up?

Myself am running a plug&play SonicWall Internet appliance but am aware there is at least one linux-base FW for PC out there, name of which I don't recall at the moment.

Also isn't there something you can do that allows you to download widows update on a single computer and they get applied to all of them automatically?

Yes, but this is for business environment, you have to setup Management servers, proper configured domains, so software changes and policies are distributed to the hundred and thousands of PCs in your organization. Even if you are a certified System Administrator/Engineer, this would not be practical for your half dozen PC home environment.

 

[Shadowwrath5]

Now if you have a router that has a firewall built in, how would that plug and play device or a custom built firewall compare?

 

[Shadowwrath5]

Your existing OS will be fine. Please keep in mind that support for Vista ends in 2017, and support for Win 7 ends in 2020 - support for Win XP has already ended and therefore computers with XP will NOT be suitable for use as a dedicated banking transactions computer.

How is a secure banking computer made secure? You mentioned a setup but for what applications? what kind of security for something like this?

 

[Ubrales]

Your existing OS will be fine. Please keep in mind that support for Vista ends in 2017, and support for Win 7 ends in 2020 - support for Win XP has already ended and therefore computers with XP will NOT be suitable for use as a dedicated banking transactions computer.

How is a secure banking computer made secure? You mentioned a setup but for what applications? what kind of security for something like this?

Block everything else. This way only the bank will get access to your computer for online transactions.