New re-uses for old computers, by Eddie

Bobby aka Bob has written several articles already, Maybe it is time for me to do one also. He mentioned that I was into robots. Actually my favorite projects are to re-purpose old computers for new re-uses. Doing robots is certainly one of those ends. Do not think I have bought a completely new computer in over five years. Would love to have a completely new machine. Several issues have me more and more into older equipment. First is that you can get the items free or very cheap. Despite the argument that older equipment requires more electricity, You can with proper planning not really use that much more in power for a single installation. For the corporate world where you would be using maybe thousands of systems, then you want the new greener equipment (being all things are equal). Secondly you are not really purchasing equipment any more but actually renting it. Look at the fine print of the EULA (End User Licensing agreement) agreement of you newer systems. Companies such as Sony have been know to reduce the capabilities of your equipment without your permission. I.e. the PS3 and the removal of the ability to use Linux. To add even more insult to injury, you could get sued if you modify equipment to better serve your own needs. Dare I say Apple. The question is "Who really owns your equipment?." Software patents is even another issue, but I will get into that in another article. Most older systems are not bound by any Eula, depending on what the time is. A better reason for using older equipment is unless you are heavy into the latest media or graphics development, your average system will do just fine. The only short coming is that now hardware is changing so quick, it is hard to get parts especially (i.e. hard drives for the older systems). If you take care of your equipment, it should last for a reasonable amount of time. Most people like to use computer equivalents of the traditional office. Typewriter know as a word processor, Filing cabinet known as a database, accountants worksheet plus a calculator known as an electronic spreadsheet, Mail box is now known as email and etc. Those jobs can easily be done on traditional systems. These tools have been used for years even with equipment for less powerful that what we have today. Where can you get some of these goodies. I like to go to Goodwill computer centers,frequent computer clubs, corporate reject bins, and the generosity of friends who think they need a new computer. They feel like they need a new computer for what ever reason (newer is better), so I will get hand me downs on occasion. The best bet for getting free computer equipment is from couples and marriages breaking up. Partners just want to move on. Some Goodwill computer centers will teach you to put together a system and if you build a certain amount of units, you will get a free one! One caveat of getting older equipment is that you can get some worthless equipment that truly needs to be disposed of. It takes some experience to know what could be for you to use. When I get equipment, I do not expect it to work or be useful to me in any way. That way there is no let down when you do get a clunker. I do still get a few. Next time we will look at possibilities of what we can do with older equipment from desktops to all kinds of servers.