Hi!

So you've finally replaced than 10-yr old p3 or p4 with a core duo?  If that old PC is still servicable, turn it into a internet server *** firewall by installing  IPcop, a linux distro optimized for keeping unwanted stuff from your network. It can be downloaded for free here...

http://www.ipcop.org/ 

This is a great way to make use of the old PCs. I had a 386 running a very old version of Red Hat linux distribution and it gave me enough power to run computations that I needed. But using it as a firewall is a great solution and can be very usefull for many people. Sure will try and look for one laying around and set it up.

 A 386?!? How much RAM does it have? I'm not a computer techie but it has become a hobby to make old PCs run thru GNU/Linux. The oldest I worked on was a Pentium MMX with 64MB of RAM. I was able to make it work with XFCE. :) I'm shopping around for a sturdy P3 for my IPcop.

I have several old laptops running linux, and a machine in the kitchen and bedroom, plus a hardware firewall.  I like to buy up all the old machines that schools and local businesses are getting rid of.  Some of them I upgrade so they're at least serviceable by todays standards and then give to people I know who don't have PCs and want one 'just to send people emails'.  The rest, the oldest of the old, I'm making into a mini museum in the spare room :) 

 Wow! You could get hooked up with organizations and foundations that gather old PCs, refurbish them, and send them to needy schoolchildren in Africa or Asia. Your hobby could turn into a real humanitarian effort. I'm sure there's an organization based in UK but the ones I've found so far in the web are operating in the US and Canada. :)

You have, or can an old computer that is no longer used and a basic router for your home network.

So let’s say you hit the technology jackpot and score yourself a shiny new super computer. (OK, maybe just a plain old new computer.) Congratulations! Now, after you get over the initial euphoria of setting up your new workhorse, you might start wondering what to do with your faithful old friend.