Key Takeaways
- Use an emulator to create your own gaming system.
- Create a home media server to save on streaming costs.
- Turn your old desktop into a home security camera for free.
If you bought or got a new desktop PC, you may be wondering what to do with the one you already have. You can disassemble and sell the old parts, or you might even consider getting rid of your old desktop setup. However, before you drive to your local electronics recycling center, you might want to think about holding on to your old desktop. I’ve been thinking of ways to replace my hardware as it ages, and here’s what I’m considering for my old desktop as soon as I get a new one.
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1 Use an emulator to create your own gaming system
Turn your old desktop into a home arcade machine
BlueStacks App Player / Pocket-lint
I have been looking for an arcade machine to put in my home. Unfortunately, due to cost and the size constraints of my apartment, it won’t be happening anytime soon. However, I can turn my old desktop into one, and depending on how much I want to contribute to the project, I can even build a small desktop house to house that old arcade machine.
Even very slow old desktops will have enough power to run many classic arcade games, as well as games from modern systems like the Nintendo 64 and SNES. You’ll need more power to get the emulator running on more powerful systems like the GameCube and PlayStation 2, but most desktops manufactured in the last five years should be able to handle these systems with ease.
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The world of acting is as open as it is complex. There are many different emulators out there, and the same goes for ROMs. If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with roleplaying, I’d recommend checking out something like Roleplay Channel, which can be a great way to learn about roleplay and get started with your favorite games.
Stop paying for streaming and create your own platform
It’s no secret that streaming subscription prices are out of control. If you sign up for the basic Netflix, Hulu, and Max plans, you’re already spending $27 a month, and that’s for the ad-heavy versions. I have a huge collection of my favorite movies on Blu-ray, yet I find myself watching movies I already have on disc from streaming services — so if you’re like me, why not build your own Plex server?
Plex has been around for almost two decades, and is arguably the most accessible of all time. There are a variety of tutorial videos, forum answers, and guides on how to set up a Plex server, but when it comes to hardware, the old desktop is fine. Once you have your desktop set up with Plex, you can use any of the various remote desktop access methods to access your Plex server from various devices.
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Everything you need to know to get started with a Plex server can be found in the Plex quick start guide. If you’re familiar with Linux, you can run your own Plex server, but Plex on Windows works best for my use cases, which is hosting a library of movies to watch on my TV.
3 Create your own home security camera
A less expensive alternative to an expensive security system
It’s cheaper than ever to set up your own security cameras, but if you’ve got an old desktop and a webcam lying around, you can make your own home security camera for free. There are several free apps you can install to do this — I’ve used iSpyConnect in the past and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy-to-use security camera app that works well on older desktops.
This also works well on an older laptop because of the built-in webcam, but a desktop with a USB-powered webcam plugged into the desktop will work just as well. Different programs will have different functions, and some require a subscription service to access things like remote viewing and access to multiple camera setups. Ultimately, whatever software you decide to choose will come down to your personal needs, but for me, iSpyConnect’s Agent DVR offers what I would like to do with my old desktop, smart security camera.
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4 Try a new operating system
Install a lightweight operating system and use your old desktop as a learning tool
Depending on the size of your old desktop, it might make a great guest computer or second computer. If you’ve ever been curious about Linux-based operating systems or a lightweight operating system like Chrome OS, now would be the perfect time to carve out some gaming time on your old desktop. There is a wide range of lightweight Linux distros to choose from, or you can choose something like Chrome OS, which has a much easier learning curve than Linux.
I have a lot of family and friends who come to visit throughout the year, and I like to have a second computer in my guest room so that whoever is staying can quickly look things up, write an email, or do some work while they are with me. . The good news is that it’s free to install Chrome Flex and most Linux distros on your old Windows desktop, so you can have everything set up and running quickly.
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5 Provide processing power for scientific research
Help researchers solve math and research problems with your old desktop
Boitumelo / Unsplash
Did you know you can donate your old desktop processing power to help researchers at the University of California Berkeley solve problems on a wide range of topics? It is true in subjects such as astronomy, infectious diseases, mathematics, and more. You just need to sign up for the BIONIC program hosted by the University of California, or any other volunteer computer research project, and connect your idle desktop.
By getting involved with BIONIC projects and projects like these, your old desktop can take on a new purpose that may contribute to saving someone’s life.
