Free for all

Let's face it, we're a cheap lot. Something about computers brings out the misers in us. We know obsolescence is a fact of technology, so we prolong the servitude of our PCs by cramming them with the latest software until the hard disk grinds more than an espresso bar on Monday morning. You may have reluctantly upgraded to a new box, but what do you do with the old one that's still running perfectly - albeit like a dog - now that you've transferred all the expensive software over?

If you happen to have a PC that's survived beyond its use-by date (or should that be "best before" date?), the last thing you want to do is spend a small fortune in software to bring it back into active duty. The hardware may no longer be worth much, but that doesn't mean it can't be gainfully employed as a productive PC. It's all a matter of finding the right software applications and operating system for your box, and how adventurous you want to get.

Read Full Story