make use of old pc?

[tackechi]

What use can I make from an old pc in a lan?

I have 3 computers, and I'm trying to make them share a dsl connection, and play games. I'm trying to avoid to use a proxy or NAT software, just because in order for a client to connect to the internet, the server needs to be on, and the server in this case is in my bedroom.

But, before I rush to go buy a router, I'd like to see if there is a way to make a use of the old pc 133MHz, and a 5 port Linksys switch, that I already have on hand.

The items I'd like to share are: dsl connection, scanner, and printer.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Guest]

I've never tried to share a scanner so I can't help you with that, but your P133 will do just fine as a light-duty file and print server. Connect the printer to it and share it, and share out the machine's HD while you're at it. It'll be nice for sharing files between your other machines or for quick-and-dirty backups.

---
Dave Farquhar
Author, <i>Optimizing Windows for Games, Graphics and Multimedia</i> (O'Reilly)
<A HREF="http://thesiliconunderground.editthispage.com" target="_new">http://thesiliconunderground.editthispage.com</A>

 

[Guest]

I don't know what you are like with linux/unix systems, but there is something called the LRP (Linux Router Project) This is the program set of a router on a disk, and it is designed for exactly your use, an old pc, (actually for 386 and 486 but pentium will obveously work aswell) to be used as a cheep router, i believe they are up to the stage that they work quite nicely, just make the disk, and boot off it. I don't even think you need a HDD or anything for this. It just goes. But the pc is no longer available for any other use as it will no longer be acting like a computer at all. It will be a router and no more.

Hope this is uselfull.

 

[tackechi]

<I don't know what you are like with linux/unix systems>
I don't know very much about linux, but the LRP sounds like the type of set up, that I'm looking for. I'll give it try, and see how it goes.

Thanks for the reply, guys!
_________________________________


Remember: If you go to bed with itchy butt, you'll wake up with smelly fingers.

 

[Guest]

Could use it for a doorstop or very big paper weight.

 

[Guest]

Nah, that's what old Macs are for.