What to do with old Windows Desktop?

[MSFT]

Since I got my MBA I really don't use the desktop that I built about 2 years ago (because Windows 7 crashed big time).

Unfortunately, the hardware is pretty good and still modern. I forget the specifics but its a fast computer capable of running multiple monitors.

I'd rather get some use out of it. Anyone have any ideas? Home theatre computer?

 

[G51989]

Since I got my MBA I really don't use the desktop that I built about 2 years ago (because Windows 7 crashed big time).

Unfortunately, the hardware is pretty good and still modern. I forget the specifics but its a fast computer capable of running multiple monitors.

I'd rather get some use out of it. Anyone have any ideas? Home theatre computer?

Throw a decent video card in it? Gaming machine. Just reinstall windows with the disc, it isn't difficult

 

[blueroom]

You could make it an WMC7 OTA DVR and possibly cut your cable TV. That's what I did (with an HDHomeRun dual tuner)

 

[G51989]

Simply change to Mac.. All will be solved.

And oh yeah, if you read the OP.

He already has a Mac, he needs something to do with a PC that isn't used much anymore.

 

[three]

As mentioned before, reinstall Windows and make it a gaming machine.

 

[designs216]

What about a media server?

 

[MSFT]

I don't game. The last game I played was Americas Army. Now that I do it in real life, it's not as fun on a computer.

Media server sounds interesting. Though I don't really have much media (~100GB)...

How hard is Hackintosh to install these days? Is that discussion allowed here? If not, just ignore...

 

[oldhifi]

Install Linux on it..

 

[boast]

bitcoin miner

 

[jdechko]

What about a media server?

I don't game. The last game I played was Americas Army. Now that I do it in real life, it's not as fun on a computer.

Media server sounds interesting. Though I don't really have much media (~100GB)...

How hard is Hackintosh to install these days? Is that discussion allowed here? If not, just ignore...

That's what I did with my old desktop: a media server & backup server.

I have Crashplan set to back up our laptops & my mom's desktop. iTunes serves DVD-ripped movies up to the AppleTV and the desktop is also functions as the dedicated ripping machine (DVD Fab & Handbrake).

I installed Microsoft Remote Desktop on my Air, and now the Dell sits headless in the corner.

 

[MSFT]

I think I am going to go for the media/backup server. It will be a waste of the nice graphics card and the two monitors, but that is OK.

Any good guides for setting this all up?

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[jdechko]

Step 1) Configure the desktop for remote access.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/turn-on-remote-desktop-in-windows-vista/

Also, download the latest Microsoft Remote Desktop client from the App Store.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id715768417?mt=12

Step 1a) Install Teamviewer for remote access while you're away from home. Remote Desktop & Teamviewer are complementary to each other.

Step 2) Install iTunes & turn on home sharing (I assume this step is already done?)

Step 3) Decide how you want to back up your Mac. You could go the Time Machine route or you could use something like Crashplan. The free version of Crashplan includes the ability to back up from one computer to another. If you want to combine that with offsite backups, go ahead and sign up.

Next Steps

Step 4) Install OpenVPN to create a more secure network when you are away from home.

Step 5) DVDFab for ripping DVD's & BluRay.

Step 6) Handbrake for converting the DVD & BluRay Rips to .m4v files for playback on just about any modern device: Mac, PC, USB (direct TV input), iPhone, Android, AppleTV, Roku, etc.

Step 8) If you're into Minecraft, download the standalone server and host a local, private server for you & your friends. Use a Dynamic DNS service and port forwarding to allow them to connect from anywhere.