Repurposing old hardware

As technology advances at a rapid pace, we often find ourselves with old gadgets and devices that we no longer use or need. One such device is the mini PC, a compact and affordable computer that was once all the rage but has since been overshadowed by more powerful and advanced options. However, just because a mini PC is no longer the latest and greatest doesn’t mean it’s completely useless. In fact, repurposing old mini PCs can open up a whole new world of possibilities, from serving as a pihole to acting as a phone server. Here are some other creative uses for your old mini PC.

1. Media center One great use for an old mini PC is to transform it into a media center. With a few simple tweaks and installations, you can turn your mini PC into a home entertainment system, complete with access to all of your favorite movies, TV shows, and streaming services. Platforms like Kodi and Plex allow you to easily set up your media center and access all of your digital content in one place. With a mini PC, you can even turn an old TV into a smart TV, allowing you to stream content from Netflix, Hulu, and other popular services.
2. Pihole Another interesting use for an old mini PC is to set it up as a pihole. A pihole is essentially a network-wide ad blocker that can be installed on a small computer, such as a Raspberry Pi or a mini PC. By setting up a pihole, you can block ads and other unwanted content from appearing on all of the devices connected to your home network, including phones, tablets, and laptops. This not only speeds up your browsing experience, but also protects your privacy by blocking tracking scripts and other potentially harmful content.
3. Server Mini PCs can also be repurposed as servers for a variety of applications. For example, you can set up a file server to easily share files between multiple devices on your network. Alternatively, you can set up a web server to host a personal website or blog. You can even use your mini PC as a game server to host multiplayer games with your friends.
4. Phone server Another interesting use for an old mini PC is to set it up as a phone server. By installing software like Asterisk, you can turn your mini PC into a phone system that allows you to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world. This is particularly useful for small businesses or home offices that want a professional phone system without the high cost of traditional phone service.
5. Home automation Finally, mini PCs can also be used to set up a home automation system. By installing software like Home Assistant or OpenHAB, you can turn your mini PC into a central hub for controlling all of your smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras. With the right setup, you can even control your home automation system with voice commands, making it easy and convenient to use.

In conclusion, just because your mini PC may no longer be the latest and greatest doesn’t mean it’s completely useless. With a little bit of creativity and some technical know-how, you can repurpose your old mini PC for a variety of interesting and useful applications. Whether you’re looking to set up a media center, a pihole, a server, a phone system, or a home automation system, a mini PC can be a powerful and affordable tool to help you achieve your goals. So don’t let that old mini PC collect dust in the closet – put it to work and discover all of the amazing things it can do!