Interesting

How you can use an old laptop

Good time everyone!

When purchasing new equipment, many are in a hurry to throw out the old one, and laptops are no exception here 😢. In my opinion, you should not rush to throw it away (or shake it off), because the technique can be used in a different capacity (many simply do not know how).

Actually, in this article I wanted to consider what can be done specifically with an old laptop (even in cases where it is broken). I think this post will be very useful for many users.

👉 Note!

Perhaps you will find useful an article on how to quickly assess the performance of a laptop (it may well be that your laptop is not that old? 😉)

And so, now closer to the topic ...

Unusual laptop use. Caricature by Eugene Cran

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Options for using an old laptop

👉 Remark: how a laptop can be given a second life (speed it up)

Many users underestimate the performance of their older devices. But I will tell you that with some effort and relatively small financial costs, you can significantly speed up the work of an old laptop. Here's a quick summary of what most users will be able to accomplish.

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1) Increase RAM

Most older laptops have 2-4 GB of RAM, which is simply not enough for many modern programs. At the same time, there is no big problem to buy a RAM bar (all the more, you can take it from another old laptop or buy it in a Chinese online store for "a penny").

👉 To help!

1) Chinese online stores in Russian with the cheapest prices: my selection

2) How to choose the "correct" memory bar, how to install, etc. questions - see this instruction for beginners

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2) Install an SSD drive

It's no joke to say, but after switching to SSD, many do not recognize their old computers. 😉

For example, Windows starts up in 7-10 seconds, programs start instantly, the read / write speed becomes 3-5 times higher than it was before! (see the screen below with the test results, line "Seq")

SSD (NVMe, SATA), HDD speed test

Moreover, the SSD drive can be installed without removing the old HDD (i.e. all data with which you work will remain with you).

The topics with the choice and connection of SSDs are quite extensive, therefore, in this article I will give only links to my past notes.

👉 Articles to help

1) How to connect 2 disks to a laptop (HDD + HDD or HDD + SSD drive)

2) How to transfer Windows from a hard disk drive (HDD) to an SSD drive on a laptop (without reinstalling Windows) - in just 3 steps!

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3) Optimize the system (reinstall Windows OS)

I think many people have repeatedly come across the fact that PCs / laptops that are approximately comparable in terms of hardware characteristics work in different ways: one is pleasant to work with, and the other you want to break 😢.

This happens often due to non-optimized Windows (or some errors, a large number of startup programs, "garbage", which many have not cleaned for years).

I would recommend you to "walk" through the tips in the articles below. Yes, and by the way, I advise you to use only a licensed copy of Windows (with "all sorts" assemblies, problems often arise out of the blue ...).

👉 To help!

1) How to optimize and speed up Windows 7? I'm tired of the long loading of the system and its slow work.

2) Optimizing Windows 10 to improve computer performance.

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4) Clean the laptop from dust (replace thermal paste)

Dust itself is not the cause of the brakes. The fact is that it clogs the ventilation holes, impairing heat transfer. As a result, heated air from the laptop begins to escape more slowly, which leads to an increase in temperature.

Well, then, when certain values ​​are reached, the processor starts to slow down its work (i.e. reduce performance). He does this to normalize the temperature.If the temperature continues to rise, then the laptop will simply turn off (auto-protection against CPU burnout will work).

👉 To help!

1) How to clean a laptop from dust: by yourself at home - see the instructions

2) Laptop is warming up: what to do? Temperature is high all the time: 85 ° C +

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5) For some tasks, you can use cloud services

Well, the last piece of advice. Various cloud services are gaining popularity now, replacing many programs.

For example, today it is not necessary to have a graph to draw or edit a picture or photo. editor. It is enough to know the required network address 👍.

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👉 Several online services:

  • services Word online (for text works);
  • virus scan - online antivirus;
  • drawing - a solid selection of services;
  • photo translators are the best products!

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Option 1: use as a typewriter, video eyelet, or as a "travel" device

Do you type a lot? Do you often go somewhere (for example, to the dacha, on a hike, etc.), where a laptop would not hurt (but at the same time, there is a certain risk of ruining the thing)?

In these cases, it is quite possible to take your old laptop with you and use it without fear.

With a laptop in nature

It can also be given to children - for the first acquaintance with technology and learning. Quite an option!

Moreover, there is another interesting option - to adapt the laptop for video surveillance ... For example, now in Chinese stores you can buy mini-cameras (eyes) and install them around the perimeter of the dacha, hang them on the platform, in front of the door, etc. There are a lot of options.

And on a laptop, you can record who is with you and what he does in your absence.

Laptop as a video peephole screen

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Option 2: you can distribute a Wi-Fi network (for example, create an access point in the country)

If you have a short Wi-Fi range (or there is no Wi-Fi network at all, for example, at the same dacha), then you can create an additional one. hotspot using an old laptop. ✌

To do this, you just need to connect it to the Internet (for example, using 3G / 4G Internet) and distribute it via Wi-Fi to all devices that will be within the range of the network.

Moreover, I note that now there are dozens of programs for distributing Wi-Fi (which will automatically configure Windows for this task). You just need to run them and set the network name and password for connection (a screen of one of these programs is presented below).

👉 By the way!

I also have instructions on how to distribute Wi-Fi from a laptop on my blog [good for Windows 7, 8, 10].

MyPublicWiFi - main program window

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Option 3: a file server on the local network (for storage: films, photos, etc.)

Tell me, would you like to combine your home PCs, laptops into one local network? Imagine, on an old laptop it would be possible to organize a file storage: to store collections of music, films, programs, etc. on it. Moreover, you can access it from any computer on the local network! 👍

It's actually pretty handy. For example, you can quickly transfer a file from one PC to another (without having to carry flash drives back and forth), there is no need to download the same thing to each PC in the local network, etc.

In general, to share a folder (that is, to make it available to all network users), just open its properties, in the "Access" tab, click on the "Share" button, give the "Everyone" group permission to read (or write; or for both). See a couple of screenshots below (👇).

Folder Properties: Sharing

Add permission to read and modify files in this folder for ALL users of the local network

👉 But there is one "BUT"... Everything will work for you if you have it configured the local network. The process of setting it up is quite extensive, so here are a couple of links below that will help you do this ...

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👉 To help!

1) Laptop and PC are connected to a Wi-Fi router: how to transfer files between them, make a public folder or disk.

2) How to create and configure a local area network between two computers.

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Option 4: use for old games (nostalgia 👍)

Most people sooner or later awaken one feeling called nostalgic (this is when fond memories of old games that you had a good time in) come up.

Moreover, over time, this feeling can intensify, and you suddenly load an old game, install it and bang ... but it does not work on a new PC ...

👉 By the way!

A large collection of old games - what exactly is worth playing!

Heroes of Might and Magic III is the most popular turn-based strategy game (unfortunately, time is advancing inexorably ...)

Of course, some of the old games can be run on a new computer using various "tricky" methods, but not all не.

And here, an "old" friend would definitely not hurt! I will say even more, many fans of specials. they buy themselves old laptops from their hands to use them for rare games.

👉 Instructions!

How to run an old game on a new computer - tips and tricks

In general, a laptop is a compact thing, it won't take up a lot of shelf space, and it can be neatly packed in a box and put in a "dusty" corner for the next 3-5 (and more) years. And after a while you will be grateful to yourself for keeping it!

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Option 5: using a laptop as a second display

This is possible, of course, if it is not so "old", and it is possible to install Windows 10 (version 1809+) on it.

How it works: with the help of special. WiDi technology, your old laptop will be connected via a Wi-Fi wireless network to your current computer and it will be possible to send an image (with sound) to it like a regular monitor!

To configure this mode: open Windows 10 settings (Win + i) and in the section "System / project to this computer" allow to display a picture from other devices on it (👇).

👉 To help!

[Details] How to create a second monitor from a laptop (or a few words about WiDi - wireless projection onto this computer, with sound)

launching the configuration application on this PC

Next, on another computer (it also needs Windows 10 and a working Wi-Fi adapter), you need to press the combination Win + P - a menu will appear in which you can just connect a wireless display. It remains only to select ours from the list and finish pairing.

Connecting to a wireless display

Next, you can display a movie on the laptop screen (it's good that not only a picture, but also a sound is fed 😉).

Photo: wireless display connected

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👉 By the way!

If you have some experience in soldering, and you are a little versed in hardware, then you can disassemble the old laptop, disconnect the monitor from it and connect it to the PC (another laptop). Will work like a regular external monitor. Good too...

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Option 6: take out the hard drive and use it further (for example, as an external drive)

Well, the last option is especially useful for those laptops that no longer even turn on (perhaps some of the hardware is simply broken ...).

Many users do not realize that an old hard drive can be removed from a laptop and connected to a computer, or even made an external hard drive out of it! There is never enough space! (you can store the same backups on it)

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Option 1: PC connection

First, you need to remove the disk from the laptop case. As a rule, for quick access to the disk and RAM - on laptops special. small protective cover (thanks to its presence, there is no need to disassemble the entire device to the screw).

By the way, before disassembling the laptop: turn it off, disconnect all cables and wires from it, disconnect the battery.

The hard drive in laptops is usually hidden behind a small cover (see arrow 2). Do not forget to disconnect the battery before doing this (arrow-1)!

Hard disk (1) and RAM (2)

After you remove the disk, you can easily connect it to the PC, just like a regular hard disk (the ports on it are fully compatible). By the way, for example, you can connect a second HDD instead of a CD / DVD drive. See a couple of photos below. (👇)

Connecting laptop hard drive to PC

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👉 Instructions to help!

1) How to connect a hard drive from a laptop to a computer.

2) How to connect a second hard drive to a computer.

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Option 2: we make an external drive from the old disk that is connected to USB

To do this, you need to purchase a special box (box) into which you insert the hard drive. Further, this "box" can be used as an external drive connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop (the principle of work as with a flash drive).

You can buy such boxes in any computer store (for example, in the same Chinese online stores).

Important!

Just keep in mind that these boxes are available for different drives (SATA, IDE, 3.5 and 2.5 inches, etc.). Those. before buying, at least look at the sticker on the disc (there this information is indicated. You can also see the technical characteristics by the model of the disc).

BOX for connecting a disk to a laptop, PC

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PS

At worst, you can give or sell to someone for a symbolic price. For example, an acquaintance of mine is engaged in the repair of such equipment and I give unnecessary pieces of iron to him (otherwise all the shelves are already filled up ✌).

But if I need complex repairs, I am always ready to quickly and practically free of charge ... There are also repair shops (for sure) with your house, many of them will be happy with such a gift (and may even pay you).

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That's it for now, add-ons are welcome!

Good luck!

👋

First published: 08.09.2018

Correction: 08/28/2020

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