Back up your files to an old computer
What you need: A spare computer; Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 Time required: One hour
One way to breathe new life into an old computer is to make it support your current machine. How? By turning it into a backup server to store files for other machines on your home network.
A lot of uses for an old PC require that it stays within arm’s reach, but not this one. As long as your computer has access to power and a network connection, it can be pushed into a corner, stuck in the garage or left in the loft. Best of all, we’ll be using the tools built into Windows to make it accessible on your network, so you won’t need to buy specialist software.
1 Set your old PC’s power options
We’d recommend keeping your old and new computers near to each other as you set them up so you can check they’re working properly. First, switch on your old computer, let it boot and install any
