when is a pc too old to re-sell?

[macgig]

I have a compaq presario SR1500NX. got it for free. windows xp. seems to me that anything with xp is too dated to bother selling? the local pawn shop won't even take a pc with xp on it.

what about selling it for parts? is that an option? if so what parts should I try selling? I'm thinking the power supply..... but what else? or is trying to sell for parts a waste of time?

thoughts?

 

[Fantail]

Why not keep it and use it to learn a new OS such as a Linux flavor.

 

[macgig]

thats a good idea, never thought of that. probably better than selling it because even if it does sell I doubt id get much for it. it's 9 yrs old. which linux version would be best for this old beast?

 

[archer]

I will suggest to sell for parts. You can sell, hard drive, PSU, CPU. But, the system mentioned does not have the hardware that anyone will need now. So, what you can do is keep it with you and use that as a backup system or donate it to someone needy.

 

[Layback Bear]

when is a pc too old to re-sell?

Never if you can find a buyer.

 

[macgig]

donate also a cool Idea I overlooked. thanks.

 

[Ex_Brit]

I read somewhere about people setting up old PC's as media servers for their home theatre setup. Or is you are charity-minded there may be a PC pickup service where they use their parts for various purposes, recycling most of them or rendering them down for their raw materials. Make sure you thoroughly erase the hard drive first.

 

[OvenMaster]

I'm the type to keep anything and everything as long as it works. When my main rig is down, it's a comfort to know that I have a backup machine ready to just plug in and go, even if it's slow. If I didn't have a backup machine, how on earth would I order repair parts?

 

[AddRAM]

Why not keep it and use it to learn a new OS such as a Linux flavor.

I totally agree with this, go crazy on it, the only way you`re gonna learn

 

[whs]

thats a good idea, never thought of that. probably better than selling it because even if it does sell I doubt id get much for it. it's 9 yrs old. which linux version would be best for this old beast?

Have a look here: This shows 2 Linux versions that are made for Windows users.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there

Old PC's make excellent home file / multi-media / printer servers / Internet gateways etc etc. The only problem might be if you only have IDE disks -- however you can probably find SATA adapters.

Great way to learn something about Linux too -- Linux will run on just about anything.

Store all your backup data from laptops / tablets etc on the Linux server as your "Private Cloud" too - so you can learn about cloud computing as well.

The Linux server doesn't need a huge amount of RAM either - and even if it has hideous graphics it doesn't matter as you can use the Command line or even a REMOTE console. You don't even need to connect a screen to the server at all if you operate it as a remote console. !!

Decent Linux distros to try : Debian, SUSE, Linux Mint, Ubuntu ===> that's 4 decent ones's just for starters.

Linux has come on a LONG way in recent years -- your main problem might be in getting some of the newer wireless cards / wifi USB adapters to work but as a server I'd use a WIRED LAN connection -- most home routers have 3 or 4 LAN connections available as well as the standard Wi-Fi. You will still be able to access the server from a Wireless connection on your LAN.

For file sharing etc look at APACHE. (As with most things Linux it's all FREE !!!)

http://www.apache.org/

Cheers
jimbo

 

[jimbo45]

I'm the type to keep anything and everything as long as it works. When my main rig is down, it's a comfort to know that I have a backup machine ready to just plug in and go, even if it's slow. If I didn't have a backup machine, how on earth would I order repair parts?

Hi Ovenmaster

It's called Telephone and snail mail !!!!!! -- still works sort of even in 2014 !!!!-- I agree though it's a pain when not having the Internet.

(Hope you aren't the sort who gets hopelessly lost if the SATNAV system fails -- Maps still work too !!!!! but I'd still draw the line at using Morse code for last ditch communication !!!.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[madcratebuilder]

I find a second computer indispensable. If I have problems with the main PC I have a means of getting online for info, d/l drivers, email. A case of 1 is none and 2 is 1.

 

[macgig]

tried installing Lubuntu on it, but it didnt work. cant boot xp or linux. "a disk read error occurred press ctrl alt del to restart". can't seem to get to my restore point. oh well I'm just playing and experimenting anyway. lol

 

[dperecky]

I installed wireless printer application/driver software on my old XP machine. This is because I found that printer software, at least historically... has been a big dent in performance.

I seldom print anything. Most of what I do with the HP printer is the opposite- scanning documents. If it's needed, the XP machine is fired up and the document is printed from there.

Heard of a way to 'share a printer' in the home network, but never had the incentive to research how that works. Plus with wireless printers, it may not work anyways.

-------------------------------------

tried installing Lubuntu on it, but it didnt work. cant boot xp or linux. "a disk read error occurred press ctrl alt del to restart". can't seem to get to my restore point. oh well I'm just playing and experimenting anyway.

For Linux, try Ubuntu or OpenSUSE. Ubuntu has a 'Try without install' feature if you install it onto a USB. These worked good for me. I also like Puppy Linux. It's cute and has a VERY small footprint.

 

[whs]

tried installing Lubuntu on it, but it didnt work. cant boot xp or linux. "a disk read error occurred press ctrl alt del to restart". can't seem to get to my restore point. oh well I'm just playing and experimenting anyway. lol

You can either get a cheap new disk or run it from a USB stick.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Maybe just keep it for a garage wireless system for web searches, music, emails and light duty needs.

 

[matts6887]

I find a second computer indispensable. If I have problems with the main PC I have a means of getting online for info, d/l drivers, email. A case of 1 is none and 2 is 1.

I definitely agree with this as well; which is partially why i havent disposed of my previous system which is a very old dell tower with xp on it. It is definitely better to have a second one; than nothing more to turn to if your main system goes down for some reason.

 

[3Colors]

If you do or you thought about working with heavier programs (editing, design, etc.) The old pc can use for basic programs. Or you can give away or sell to someone who needs.