[Tfug] The $50.00 challenge

Sam Hart hart at physics.arizona.edu
Wed Nov 5 08:46:44 MST 2003


Sorry, haven't been following the thread, have no idea if anyone suggested 
this or not:

Well, you can always go to Savers/DI/SA/etc and pick up an old 486 for 
less than $20 (doesn't need a HDD or CD-ROM). Then pick up a couple of 
cheapo NICs for $9 each (preferably ISA if it's a really old 486) and turn 
it into a router/firewall with something like Coyote Linux or Pico 
FreeBSD.

For years thats what I had for my home network, and it cost me less than 
$40 and I even was able to pick up a 5 port Linksys switch from Bookmans 
for $8 to complete the system (that was included in the $40 ;-)

I don't use it anymore as the XT power supply died and I've been to 
lazy/busy to do anything about it.

* On 03-11-04, scott cowell wrote:

> 
> Hello All,
> 
> I have had an argument with a friend of mine and I was wondering if you can give
> me input.  We have a working hypothesis that you can enjoy ANY hobby in the
> world while spending a maximum of $50.00.  Of course, this means you have to
> spend a lot more effort in reading and doing things, but it can be done.  So my
> question is:  Is it possible to cobble a computer together,  download Linux and
> all needed software and Only spend $50.00 in the process??  Just a thought.

-- 
Sam Hart
University/Work addr. <hart at physics.arizona.edu>
Personal addr. <criswell at geekcomix.com>
Alternative <criswell at tux4kids.net>
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