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using old hard drives in something other than an old computer?

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From Leo's mailbag:

> From: A Computer User
> Sent: June 8, 2005
> To: Ask Leo!
> Subject: using old hard drives in something other than an old computer?
>
> Leo,

> We have a linksys system set up and working well. We also
> have a couple perfectly good hard drives laying around. I'd
> like to add them to the network as always-available storage
> for both computers. Is there a way to do this that doesn't
> involve finding an old computer, installing the drives and
> leaving it on all the time? I'd like something that doesn't
> use quite so much power.

Not that I'm aware of. You need something with an network
interface and a power supply for the drives. It's pretty close
to a PC in terms of components. If the disks are worth using,
I'd install them in an existing PC, or grab an old one to
use as a fileserver with them. Disconnect or turn off the
monitor, don't connect any unnecessary peripherals, and you're
pretty close to the best you can expect.

Thanks for asking!

Leo

Article 379