I have an old computer

[Yellow Fang]

You could just buy a copy of Linux magazine (June 2014). It has a DVD with some lightweight distros (Linux operating systems). Have fun installing and playing around with those. Puppy is good for old PCs. When you are bored with that you can rebuild your PC. I expect you can find a decent manual in Maplins.

 

[ufkacbln]

I still have in my loft an Amstrad word processor

I upgraded that to 1MB or RAM, it doesn't have a head drive, and the disks are either 180 kB per side, or 360 KB on the high density!

 

[raleighnut]

Be very careful when removing RAM, Motherboard or CPU.... ALWAYS.... wear an earthing strap that has been tested as static will destroy these components! These wrist straps are not expensive and work by having a capacitor in contact with your skin that takes a few seconds to equalise the charge between you and the machine, so a bit of wire is of no use, as its the gradual discharge that is the key factor. Also ensure that any new components are in their correct metallised packaging and are kept in it until fitting I.e. DON'T take em out for a quick gander/drool before fitting and then handle them by the edges only. This was dinned into us on the "City and Guilds" Computer Technicians course I passed a few years ago,
I only got onto this course by "accident" in that I wanted to learn how to operate a computer but instead learnt how to be a computer mechanic, good fun though.

 

[Leaway2]

As JoeyB says, unless you really really want a project, it is not worth it. Very little will be able to be used. Possibly only the case. It will cost a lot of money.
I would add RAM to the max (if you can still get it) and load Ubuntu Linux. Learning the Linux OS is a project in its self.

 

[JoeyB]

[QUOTE 3078326, member: 259"].Trigger's broom? [/QUOTE]

Flogging a dead horse?

Well he did say he only wants to keep the case and DVD drive. Not sure why everyone is being so cagey and only recommending he fettle with RAM upgrades?

 

[jefmcg]

Well, I'd start with http://uk.crucial.com/gbr/en/systemscanner Just maxing out the memory can make a huge difference. New hard drive as well.

Beyond that, you are basically putting a new PC in an old case. Which is fine, but why? Old case tend to look out of date without being retro, so I am not sure of the appeal.

Can you post a picture of the case? Would it answer my question? Just curious ....

 

[ASC1951]

...Beyond that, you are basically putting a new PC in an old case. Which is fine, but why? .

Because he says he wants a project. Some people run round in 40 year old MGB GTs, even though Ford Fiesta would be better in every respect - and I used to have a Norton Commando decades after it should have been turned back into bottle tops.

 

[martint235]

[QUOTE 3078326, member: 259"].Trigger's broom? [/QUOTE]
I was going to say that. Once you put a modern motherboard into that case, it's unlikely anything else will be following it. It'll all be new.

 

[JoeyB]

I was going to say that. Once you put a modern motherboard into that case, it's unlikely anything else will be following it. It'll all be new.

Maybe I misread the post but I thought that was the point?

 

[jefmcg]

Because he says he wants a project. Some people run round in 40 year old MGB GTs, even though Ford Fiesta would be better in every respect - and I used to have a Norton Commando decades after it should have been turned back into bottle tops.

But people don't restore an MGB and put a Micra engine in it, do they? The dream is to get the car running exactly like it was 1965. And I've never seen a PC case anywhere near as cool as that Norton. That PC is probably about 10 years old. Things of that age aren't cool again for another 20 years.

 

[raleighnut]

But people don't restore an MGB and put a Micra engine in it, do they? The dream is to get the car running exactly like it was 1965. And I've never seen a PC case anywhere near as cool as that Norton. That PC is probably about 10 years old. Things of that age aren't cool again for another 20 years.

They have been known to stick Rover V8s in though as did the factory for a while, and anyone who drives a Triumph Stag will tell you the stock V8 is crap and a lot fitted Rover/Chevy motors in them or even the Ford V6

 

[ASC1951]

.... And I've never seen a PC case anywhere near as cool as that Norton. ....

The best thing about my Norton was the swirly black logo on the tank. Below that it went steadily downhill. I quote from the Norton Owners Club manual -

"Isolastic suspension - a Mickey Mouse arrangement of washers and rubber cobbled together as a substitute for Research and Development"

 

[subaqua]

They have been known to stick Rover V8s in though as did the factory for a while, and anyone who drives a Triumph Stag will tell you the stock V8 is crap and a lot fitted Rover/Chevy motors in them or even the Ford V6

TBH the V8 from BL/Rover/MG was a outdated engine when BL/Rover/MG bought it from the septics

 

[subaqua]

The best thing about my Norton was the swirly black logo on the tank. Below that it went steadily downhill. I quote from the Norton Owners Club manual -

at least Norton Bikes didn't come with a drip tray as standard

 

[raleighnut]

TBH the V8 from BL/Rover/MG was a outdated engine when BL/Rover/MG bought it from the septics

Story was it was spotted in a boatyard and enquiries were made as to who built it and could they buy some or the rights to build them. the yanks didn't like it cos it was aluminum (sic). Tough old motor though capable of being overbored to 4.8 and producing over 300BHP then you could Twin Turbo it. Stalwart of sports cars for years, Morgan, Westfield, MG and many others used it not to mention the many Replica/Kit Cars and Customisers.