Ideas For Old Computers

When you look at that old single core machine you probably see a pile of junk. You might even think that the components are so old they couldn't be used for anything. Well I'm here to tell you they are good for something. I will concede they are not up to playing the latest games and running modern programs (at least in the windows world) but they are still useful machines. Some of my ideas may call for an upgrade or two, but most of these ideas can make use out of your hardware as is.

Build A Firewall/Router

A firewall can be built using little more than a Pentium II system, two NICs, and 256 MB RAM. Download and install a Linux distro that is designed to act as a firewall/router, and you are ready to go. The low hardware requirements and easy setup make this an easy project for anyone with a little tech know-how and tight budget. A couple of distros worth mentioning are Devil Linux and IP Cop.

Setup An Internet Surfer

These can be built with a Pentium III system with 512 MB RAM and a NIC. Add Xubuntu, Lubuntu and you are set. For systems that have at least a 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM, you could install Ubuntu or PC Linux. I like to clear off the desktop and add a shortcut to Firefox and rename it "Internet". It's an easy solution for visitors, and it reduces the possibility of compromising your machine.

Build A File Server

A simple server to store and serve up files is cheap and easy to build. A Pentium III with 512 MB RAM should do nicely. I'm not talking about RAID arrays. Just a simple file server for storing files and backups. Gentoo or Slackware are good choices for this. For the average home user, this will do nicely. Grab an account with a dynamic DNS provider like No-IP.com and access your files from everywhere.

Setup A PBX

If you still use telephones, you could build a PBX system. The faster the system the better, but you could build a PBX capable of handling 1-2 lines with a Pentium III equipped with 512 MB RAM. This project isn't simple or easy. For starters you can't use just any hardware for connectivity. Setting one up requires doing research and LOTS of configuration time. If you are looking for a challenging project, this is for you. Visit Asterisk to get started.

Media Center

You will need a Pentium IV system, 2 GB of RAM, TV tuner, and all of the disk space you can stuff into it. Luckily there are a few great options for software. If you are running Winders, Media portal is a great open source option, if you do not own Windows Media Center Edition, or XBMC. For Linux there is MythTV, XBMC, LinuxMCE, and GeeXboX. All of them have enough skins, features, and plugins to make a really nice media center.

Setup A MAME Box

Go to MameDev.org and load it on your old Windows box. Then head out to Cool Rom or ROM World to grab a few ROMs. Mame is a ROM emulator that runs old video game ROMs that are no longer being marketed. If your box will run Windows, it will most certainly run MAME. This is a great way to put old joysticks to use as well.

Setup an Active Directory Domain

Depending on the version of Windows Server you have, a Pentium III with 512 MB RAM should suffice. Load up Windows Server, configure Active Directory, and add it to your network. It's a great way of adding security and control to your network.

Build A RADIUS Server

Add authentication to your network with a RADIUS server. FreeRADIUS.org offers a free Linux based RADIUS server to install on your machine. A Pentium II with 256 MB RAM should be sufficient to run a small home RADIUS server.

Honeypot

Configure any old machine, put it in your DMZ, and hack it. Invite your friends to hack it. This is a great way to learn computer security. It's fun, too.

Serve Your Website

For small personal sites, this is the way to go. Pentium III with 512 MB RAM. Grab an account at No-Ip.com and serve your visitors from home.

Surveillance

Hook up a few cams, grab EyeSpyFX.com software, and make it accessible from everywhere. I would recommend a Pentium III, at least 768 MB RAM, and 100 GB disk for recording, less disk space if not. This makes good use of those old webcams.

Jukebox

Install Winamp and load it down with your favorite songs. Add some quality powered speakers, or connect to your stereo for hours of non-stop music.

SIP of Asterisk

Ever wondered how difficult it is to setup a PBX (Private Branch Exchange)? In my book it's a monumental task. I have setup a couple of these machines in my time, and my time for PBX configuration is over. There are many pitfalls in setting up one of these servers. Not the least of which is available information on which hardware (other than the higher end models) that will work to cobble together even a rudimentary build. Other considerations complicating the task are decisions about the type and reliability of the service carrier, the number of lines, voicemail accounts, automated answering, and data backup.

There is plenty of older hardware that will work with Asterisk, but you must rely on the trial and error method of finding it. The place to start with older (or cheap) hardware, is finding a modem with voicemail capability and a motorola chipset. If you are unsure, google the chipset plus "asterisk" and begin there. Stay away from "unlocked" hardware from other providers. They are a pain as well. In my experience Digium hardware and Cisco phones are the only way to fly.

Backup, make notes, and research. Configuring a PBX is no simple task. There many variables that need to be set, and many more that can effect other parts of the system. If you reach a point where something is working the way it should, back up the system. Make notes of configuration changes, and research configuration options when unsure. Sometimes reading other people's issues and solutions can help down the road.

Choosing a carrier isn't easy. There are many good companies that offer reliable SIP/IAX service or interface with traditional POTS (phone company) line. They all offer competitive rates, but some are better at customer service than others. You want to avoid startups. Go with a company who has been around the block. This will save you headaches down the road.

Configuring voicemail, automated answering, caller ID, and more advanced features aren't simple tasks. I remember voicemail being a particular nuisance. The first (or even the second and third) build are a labor of love and learning.

Backing up all of the data stored on your newly employed PBX is an important consideration as well. Voice messages require more space than text files, email volume can be taxing on a backup system, and you may want to keep a running list of incoming calls. Simple configuration changes can effect data adversely, so backup is extremely important.

Want to know more? Google "configuring asterisk". There are plenty of sites with good information on specific hardware and configurations. My last build was 3 years ago, and I will never forget (or replicate) it.

10 Quick And Easy Case Mods

If you are tired of staring at the same old case, try sprucing it up with some inexpensive and (mostly) easy mods:

1. Paint it - The plastic front panel of most modern computers pop or screw right off. Use masking tape or painter's tape to tape off any remaining holes from the inside and cover any areas you may not want painted on the outside, and paint away.
2. Add some design - If you like the industrial/punk look, most craft stores carry reuseable vinyl stickers that you can paint over and remove. Masking tape can be used to tape off a custom design to paint over. If you have a plasma cutter available to you, you can cut out the side and add Plexiglas, or cut designs straight into the case, after removing the components of course ;).
3. Lights make a bold addition to systems with Plexiglas sides.
5. Add a hardware monitor - These are relatively cheap and easy to install. All you need is an empty drive bay.
6. Install a removable drive bay - Even you don't have a drive to fill it, they make great drawers for usb cables, jump drives, or other small items. They are lockable, too.
7. Insert metal screws - Most hardware stores have a huge selection of specialty screws that can add zip to your system. A series of short screws down the edges, around the front panel, or in a simple design on the side can add a polished industrial look to your case.
8. Add light metal and heavy plastic designs - Some specialty hardware stores carry a decent selection of light metals that be easily cut, bent, or used off the shelf for accent pieces. Metal and plastic designs can be found in places like flea markets, auto parts stores, motorcycle shops, and even the local wally world. Add screws or super strength glue, and you're good to go.
9. Add LED's - If you have soldering or electronic skills, LED's can be easily added to any case, anywhere.
10. Customize controls - Adding simple switches to control things like lights, fans, or even power. On most systems, the button covers, or tops, can be interchanged. An empty drive bay could be utilized to create a custom control panel.
11. Create accents with sticker paper - There are millions of images available on the internet, and some are really kewl. Sticker paper can be used to add some clever touches to your case.