How to Turn an Old Computer Into Network Storage
Whether your goal is to purchase a brand new computer or if you just need to get rid of your old one, old computers can be used in a number of ways. One simple, yet practical, way of using old computers is to turn it into network storage. This is an effective way to save space on your new computer and backup all of your information.
- Obtain a clean version of the operating system, format and reinstall it onto the old computer. The operating system should be as stable as possible and preferably be Linux or Windows. Create a separate partition for the operating system and another partition for storing your data. You can also create a third one for your data as well, this depends on the amount of information you plan to store.
- Add larger hard drives to your old computer. In order to get the most from an old computer, add the fastest and largest one you can find.
- Allow the hard drives to become available to the network, in order for you to be able to use them. In order to do this, simply set the hard drives as shared resources. If you are using Windows operating system, right click on the drive and select “Properties.” Select “Sharing” and make sure you are allowing the hard drives to be shared.
- Store the old computer or network storage device, in an area that is well ventilated and does not get too hot. The device needs to stay on, but it does not need to have a monitor or any other sort of device connected to it. As long as you have a mouse, keyboard and monitor to use when you need to make necessary changes, you are ready to use your network storage device.