cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/40805695

I have two machines:

  • 2014 Mac Mini
  • HP Pavilion g7

Mac Mini 2014:

Very slow, probably can no longer be updated, nor can it run worthwhile programs.

HP Pavilion g7

Extremely bulky, chunky, and doesn’t even turn on unless it’s plugged in. It’s basically a desktop since the battery doesn’t hold a charge.

I put Linux on it (Mint I think) a few months ago as a weekend experiment.

Question:

What should I do with them? Are they worth salvaging? Should I simply donate or recycle them?

I was thinking I could use at least one of them as a home media server or something so that I can disconnect my Smart TV from the internet, but I’m not sure if they will hold or how I would even control them from my phone (Android) if I’m sitting on the couch.

Open to all ideas. I’m somewhat technical (perhaps far less than the Lemmy community), but I don’t know much about Linux or the command line unless I’m given step by step instructions on how to do something.

  • Em Adespoton@lemmy.ca
    4·
    1 day ago

    Well, my C2D Mini that I’ve been using as a backup server for the last decade just died. I’d be happy to receive a replacement :D

    A 2014 Mini should work great running El Cap Server. Stick a slow external 8TB HDD on it and you’ve got a capable NAS or backup device.

    Do note that if you have other Apple devices, Apple will be dropping support for AFS with macOS 27, so you’ll need to enable Windows filesharing to let the Mini talk to other devices.

    The pavillion? Install Linux Mint and it would make a decent entry level workstation for web browsing. Or install Ubuntu Server and make it into a media server running NextCloud and Jellyfin.

    • rageagainstmachines@lemmy.worldOP
      1·
      23 hours ago

      I’d like to try Nextcloud just for fun! And I like the idea of a NAS. I would need to learn how to do that though. I used to have a Synology NAS, but I’m not sure how I would do it on the Mac.

      • Em Adespoton@lemmy.ca
        1·
        16 hours ago

        It’s essentially built-in, although the server package helps with administrative tools if you want network-based accounts as well, or quotas etc.