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Digital Home DIY: Step-by-step guides that make home tech projects easy
Convert a PC into a network server
Your old computer may be too slow to play the latest video games, but that doesn't mean it's totally useless. We'll show you how to press old faithful back into service as a network server that functions as a centralized repository for your files.Why you should convert your old PC into a network-attached storage device.
What the editors say
1
Save money.
Walk into your local computer store, and you can expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for a complete NAS device. Why drop a wad of cash when you can easily configure an old PC to do the same job?2
Save your data--and your derriere.
It's no secret that every hard drive eventually crashes. So don't let your new PC's dashing good looks and lightning-fast processor fool you into thinking it's immune to catastrophic failure. If you back up important files on a network attached storage device, you'll be prepared when disaster strikes.3
Share your multimedia files.
A NAS device makes it easy to share your video, music, and image files with everyone in the household. Any computer on the network can readily be configured for drive-letter access to the repository. Even Grandma will be able to stream Britney Spears's latest single or retrieve the family vacation photos. What you say
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- Print labels on CDs and DVDs
- Video chat with your DV camcorder
Digital imaging
- Home automation (whole house)
Home control
