If you’ve made the switch to an Intel-based Mac, the skeleton in your closet might be an old PowerBook. Or perhaps it’s an original flat-panel iMac gathering dust behind your skis. Buying a new computer typically leads to a dilemma many consumers don’t think about ahead of time: What to do with the old one?
Well, you may find that it has some life in it yet. There are plenty of useful ways to put an old Mac to work around the house. We’ll show you four simple projects that can turn an old PowerPC Mac into a useful member of your household.
And even if it is time to unplug your Mac for good, remember that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. From charities to eBay, you’ve got plenty of options for disposing of your Mac—and none of them involves the back of the closet.
- New life for old Macs
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Family message center
Say good-bye to the days of hastily scribbled notes shoved behind refrigerator magnets. You can use an outdated Mac to keep track of your family’s comings and goings—it can serve as a messaging hub, an answering machine, a weather station, and the keeper of the family calendar.
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Security system
Want to look in on the kids while you’re at work? Or simply see what the dog does all day? By outfitting your old Mac with a camera and software, you can build a monitoring system that lets you spy on your house from anywhere in the world.
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Multiple-Mac backup server
If you have several Macs at home, consider putting an old PowerPC system to work as a backup server. Rather than stocking up on DVDs or installing second hard drives, you can use one machine to back up everyone over the network.
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Kid's digital easel
Does your five-year-old watch in fascination as you work with Photoshop? Encourage your child’s interests by turning your retired Mac into a digital art station.
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Saying good-bye to your Mac
There may come a time when you have to bid a fond farewell to an old computer. Whether you want to sell it, donate it, or simply recycle it, you should take steps to protect yourself and the environment.
4 ways to put your old PowerPC Mac to work
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