Spare Computer

StimpE · 07-06-2005, 02:00 AM

I'll be receiving a spare computer which I got for free at the end of the month.
problem is, I can't think of a very productive use for it, I normally use my athlon64 pc. the pc that is coming is a 2.4ghz celeron HP, but thats all I know.
what neat things could I do with it? I was thinking of maybe turning it into a gaming server for my home network heh, but i dont want to sell it
any suggestions?

Anti-Trend · 07-06-2005, 01:18 AM

You could make a file/print/game server out of it, try out Linux, or both

You could also make it a dedicated firewall.

StimpE · 07-06-2005, 01:28 AM

I have another computer as an internet/firewall server, but good idea

for the file/print/game server, what distro of linux would you recommend? I have a copy of damn small linux on hand.

Anti-Trend · 07-06-2005, 01:54 AM

I really like Mandriva Linux, since it's like a faster Red Hat done right. It's easy to install, use, and administrate. I'd avoid a heavy window manager (like KDE) and go with a light one (like WindowMaker), if any. Mandrake has some really nice tools & wizards to help you get started (see screenshot), so you shouldn't have any trouble getting started. I'd suggest you either download the free DVD or 3CD ISO(s) from an FTP mirror site, or if you don't have broadband buy a silk-screened copy from CheapBytes (or another online vendor) for a few bucks (under $10).

StimpE · 07-06-2005, 01:58 AM

Thanks for the good help Anti, as I've never used any linux before except red hat 5.2

for a single partition linux install, can you tell me which partition type to format the drive with? the different types sort of confuse me, not like windows partitioning, where i know the differences of ntfs vs fat system, thanks.

Anti-Trend · 07-06-2005, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StimpE

...for a single partition linux install, can you tell me which partition type to format the drive with? the different types sort of confuse me, not like windows partitioning, where i know the differences of ntfs vs fat system, thanks.

Just about any Linux filesystem is superior to FAT or NTFS, but I recommend ReiserFS for general purpose usage. It's fast, solid, and flexible. For a typical single-partition setup you want to make a root partition '/' and a swap partition which is equal the amount of RAM you have. Feel free to post in our Linux forum if you have any more questions about Linux.

All the best,
-AT

StimpE · 07-06-2005, 02:17 AM

Thanks, I'll check it out after i start messing around with linux.

Big B · 07-06-2005, 01:38 PM

Another good use, which would work under Linux as well as Windows is Folding...

/shameless plug.

07-06-2005, 02:00 AM	#1 (permalink) Top
StimpE lol, Internet! Join Date: Jun 2005 Age: 19 Male Posts: 683 Times Helpful: 38 Status: Offline My Computer	Spare Computer I'll be receiving a spare computer which I got for free at the end of the month. problem is, I can't think of a very productive use for it, I normally use my athlon64 pc. the pc that is coming is a 2.4ghz celeron HP, but thats all I know. what neat things could I do with it? I was thinking of maybe turning it into a gaming server for my home network heh, but i dont want to sell it any suggestions?

07-06-2005, 01:18 AM	#2 (permalink) Top
Anti-Trend Nonconformist Geek Join Date: Oct 2003 Age: 27 Male Posts: 4,882 Times Helpful: 538 Status: Offline My Computer	You could make a file/print/game server out of it, try out Linux, or both You could also make it a dedicated firewall. __________________ See My Desktop \| Try Linux \| Install Linux \| Visit My Server \| Support Hardware Forums \| Easily rip DVDs in Linux \| Remember Everything

07-06-2005, 01:54 AM	#4 (permalink) Top
Anti-Trend Nonconformist Geek Join Date: Oct 2003 Age: 27 Male Posts: 4,882 Times Helpful: 538 Status: Offline My Computer	I really like Mandriva Linux, since it's like a faster Red Hat done right. It's easy to install, use, and administrate. I'd avoid a heavy window manager (like KDE) and go with a light one (like WindowMaker), if any. Mandrake has some really nice tools & wizards to help you get started (see screenshot), so you shouldn't have any trouble getting started. I'd suggest you either download the free DVD or 3CD ISO(s) from an FTP mirror site, or if you don't have broadband buy a silk-screened copy from CheapBytes (or another online vendor) for a few bucks (under $10). Attached Thumbnails __________________ See My Desktop \| Try Linux \| Install Linux \| Visit My Server \| Support Hardware Forums \| Easily rip DVDs in Linux \| Remember Everything

07-06-2005, 01:38 PM	#8 (permalink) Top
Big B HWF Godfather Join Date: Dec 2001 Age: 28 Male Posts: 9,640 Times Helpful: 585 My Mood: Devilish Status: Offline My Computer	Another good use, which would work under Linux as well as Windows is Folding... /shameless plug. __________________ Hardware Forums\|HWF Rules\|My DVD's\|PSU FAQ\|HWF Folding Team\|2CPU

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07-06-2005, 01:28 AM	#3 (permalink) Top
StimpE lol, Internet! Join Date: Jun 2005 Age: 19 Male Posts: 683 Times Helpful: 38 Status: Offline My Computer	I have another computer as an internet/firewall server, but good idea for the file/print/game server, what distro of linux would you recommend? I have a copy of damn small linux on hand.

07-06-2005, 01:58 AM	#5 (permalink) Top
StimpE lol, Internet! Join Date: Jun 2005 Age: 19 Male Posts: 683 Times Helpful: 38 Status: Offline My Computer	Thanks for the good help Anti, as I've never used any linux before except red hat 5.2 for a single partition linux install, can you tell me which partition type to format the drive with? the different types sort of confuse me, not like windows partitioning, where i know the differences of ntfs vs fat system, thanks.

07-06-2005, 02:17 AM	#7 (permalink) Top
StimpE lol, Internet! Join Date: Jun 2005 Age: 19 Male Posts: 683 Times Helpful: 38 Status: Offline My Computer	Thanks, I'll check it out after i start messing around with linux.

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