This Old PC
We had an aging PC in our office that ran a version of MS
that Microsoft was going to stop supporting so instead of getting rid of it I decided
to find a new function for it.
I examined our IT needs and decided that I needed to improve
our internal data storage by adding a NAS to the network (NAS – Network Attached
Storage).
I made the NAS by:
1) Replaced the hard drive with a new larger drive.
2) The RAM was already sufficient, but it never hurts to add
RAM if possible.
3) Installed a copy of Linux on the PC as the Operating
System.
4) Updated the BIOs on the PC hardware.
5) Downloaded a copy of Free NAS onto the PC then configured
it.
The end product is a NAS with decent processing power that
fulfilled the needs of our office. Obviously this won’t work on an Enterprise level, but for
our boutique office in Shanghai, China this was a great low cost solution and admittedly
a fun project for me.
Years ago I wrote another blog post about utilizing an old PC
in your small business.
I labeled it “This Old PC part one”, I was living in
Shanghai at the time and unfortunately soon after that the Chinese blocked all non-Chinese
blogs, the Great Fire Wall of China severely stopped my blogging.
I am spending a little time back in the USA after a decade
in China and I am cleaning up an old laptop and I came across some old blogs and
I have decided to go ahead and post some of them, though they might be a bit
dated I hope they are some value to you.
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| David Nealis President of Ceres Ltd |
In the past if a PC wasn’t up to task for its current role I
would clean them up and try to repurpose them while using the old operating system.
But in the current age that we live in with additional cybersecurity concerns
that is no longer a feasible thing to do, even if this PC isn’t directly
connecting to the internet it still is a security risk as hackers scan your
network looking for the weakest link. When Miscosoft stops supporting an operating
system it becomes more of a liability on
your network because security updates for it
end as well as for third party venders. This makes it a massive security
liability on your network.
Previously I wrote about utilizing older PCs for print
servers and DNS Servers, but we no longer have any PCs in the office so as I look
to the future of my legacy IT equipment my imagination is at work thinking
about what can I repurpose those laptops , tablets and smart phones to do.
This brings back memories of a fail project using an old palm pilot to be the brain of a very very simple robot. This makes
me hope that I sent that to the e-waste collection place and it’s not rusting
away in my basement or garage.
Here are the links to previous tech blogs of mine:
2 comments:
I remember when you built this in the office. I wanted to take a moment to express my understanding and appreciation for the decision to implement the file server system within our firm. Having had the opportunity to work with this valuable addition to our technology infrastructure, I have come to recognize the significant benefits it brings to our organization.
The introduction of the file server has not only streamlined our internal operations but has also had a positive impact on our overall productivity and efficiency. Here are some of the key reasons why I believe this investment was a wise decision:
1. Centralized Data Management: The file server serves as a centralized repository for our company's data and documents. This has eliminated the need for scattered storage solutions and greatly improved data organization and accessibility.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: The server has facilitated seamless collaboration among our team members. With shared access to files and documents, we can work together more effectively, even when remote or working from different locations.
3. Data Security: The file server is equipped with robust security features, ensuring that our sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access or data breaches. This is of paramount importance in today's digital age.
4. Backup and Recovery: The server's automated backup and recovery capabilities have given us peace of mind, knowing that our critical data is regularly backed up and can be quickly restored in the event of data loss.
5. Scalability: As our firm continues to grow, the file server's scalability ensures that it can accommodate our increasing data storage and access needs without significant disruption.
6. Cost Efficiency: While the initial investment in the file server was substantial, it has proven to be a cost-effective solution in the long run. It has reduced the need for extensive hardware upgrades and software licenses.
7. Compliance and Documentation: The file server has simplified compliance requirements by allowing us to maintain a well-organized record of documents, which is particularly valuable for audits and regulatory purposes.
8. Remote Access: In an era where remote work has become increasingly prevalent, the file server's remote access capabilities have been instrumental in enabling our team to work efficiently from any location.
I want to acknowledge the foresight and diligence that went into the planning and implementation of this technology solution. It has had a positive impact on our day-to-day operations and has positioned our firm for continued growth and success.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly understand and support the decision to build the file server for our firm. It has proven to be a strategic investment that enhances our competitive edge and empowers us to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the business landscape.
Thank you for your commitment to our firm's technological advancement, and I look forward to continued success as we leverage the advantages of this valuable resource.
I remember when you built this in the office. I wanted to take a moment to express my understanding and appreciation for the decision to implement the file server system within our firm. Having had the opportunity to work with this valuable addition to our technology infrastructure, I have come to recognize the significant benefits it brings to our organization.
The introduction of the file server has not only streamlined our internal operations but has also had a positive impact on our overall productivity and efficiency. Here are some of the key reasons why I believe this investment was a wise decision:
1. Centralized Data Management: The file server serves as a centralized repository for our company's data and documents. This has eliminated the need for scattered storage solutions and greatly improved data organization and accessibility.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: The server has facilitated seamless collaboration among our team members. With shared access to files and documents, we can work together more effectively, even when remote or working from different locations.
3. Data Security: The file server is equipped with robust security features, ensuring that our sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access or data breaches. This is of paramount importance in today's digital age.
4. Backup and Recovery: The server's automated backup and recovery capabilities have given us peace of mind, knowing that our critical data is regularly backed up and can be quickly restored in the event of data loss.
5. Scalability: As our firm continues to grow, the file server's scalability ensures that it can accommodate our increasing data storage and access needs without significant disruption.
6. Cost Efficiency: While the initial investment in the file server was substantial, it has proven to be a cost-effective solution in the long run. It has reduced the need for extensive hardware upgrades and software licenses.
7. Compliance and Documentation: The file server has simplified compliance requirements by allowing us to maintain a well-organized record of documents, which is particularly valuable for audits and regulatory purposes.
8. Remote Access: In an era where remote work has become increasingly prevalent, the file server's remote access capabilities have been instrumental in enabling our team to work efficiently from any location.
I want to acknowledge the foresight and diligence that went into the planning and implementation of this technology solution. It has had a positive impact on our day-to-day operations and has positioned our firm for continued growth and success.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly understand and support the decision to build the file server for our firm. It has proven to be a strategic investment that enhances our competitive edge and empowers us to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the business landscape.
Thank you for your commitment to our firm's technological advancement, and I look forward to continued success as we leverage the advantages of this valuable resource.
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