What to do with an old computer?

[trueman]

I have just acquired a 200mhz pentium with 64mb ram and a 1gb hdd. I want to use the monitor with a switch box to connect up customers pc's to it in my workshop but am looking for ideas as to what I can do with the pc itself. Should I just install Win98 on it or perhaps even install Linux which I must admit I have never played with. What exactly can I do with Linux anyway once its installed? Anyone have some ideas on what you have done with old pc's? it would be a shame to throw it out and just have the monitor sitting there.

[Droppyale]

you could transform it into a router....

[tmx468]

There would certainly be no harm in loading Linux onto the system, and learning your way around it.

And with Linux, it is a case of learning how to use it, and use it in different ways. The overall knowledge is the key (IMO)

[trueman]

What version of Linux should I install? What will run on a 200mhz with 64m ram?

[kaziah]

I like Droppyale's suggestion =) Throw Smoothwall on it and turn it into a router =)

[Optimus Prime]

Hey, we've got Smoothwall, it's a great program!

[trueman]

But what use would I have for a router? I don't have a LAN and surely a software firewall is good enough for home needs.

[trueman]

I was thinking about putting in a second drive (3gb) and installing Win98SE on one drive, and Linux on the original 1gb drive.
I could let my kids play their games and type letters and stuff on Win98SE whilst I play around with Linux. Two questions though.
1. Will Win98SE run okay on 200mhz with 64m ram?
2. What flavour of linux should i install? It has to run on the above specs but also be good for begginers?

[Blac]

MP3 Jukebox. Oooooh yeah.

[Beemer]

Win98se will run just fine on that machine. When Win98se hit the market that was the norm for computers.

Linux? You'll have to wait for a penguin to help out with that one.

Cheers!