One thing that I have found that is important is to know the limitations that your old hardware has. This is of importance when you want to consider adding extra capabilities to it.
For example, I would identify the maximum hard-drive capacity that the PC’s BIOS can handle. This is of importance if you need to upsize the hard disk. It is also worth tracking down the latest drivers for the older hardware from the vendor’s site. This will allow you to get the most out of the hardware. Other factors worth considering are whether the hardware can work with newer hardware “as is” or at a minimum cost. This also covers whether the OS / BIOS can handle working with the added hardware if expansion was required.
At times, I have had to “improve” AT and LPX boxes for home or charity use (very tight budgets – single parents in the first case and a community radio broadcaster in the second case) and I have had to come across these issues.
With regards,
Simon Mackay
