Two home computers can be better than one

Long ago most families had one car. Dad went to work, Mom stayed home and errands waited until evenings or weekends. It wasn’t very convenient.

Not so long ago, most families had one computer. A line formed behind the person using it. It wasn’t very convenient, either.

TECHNOBUDDY

E-mail Bill Husted

Related:
• Bill's computer tips
• More Business news

More Technobuddy

• When repairs are in order, replacing may be cheaper 
• Shocks, dirt, heat, impact can all kill your computer 
• 10 secrets that'll make you a computer genius 
• Got an old computer? Use it for spare parts 
• Some PC fixes don't require special skills 

Along came a second computer, then a third. At least you don’t need a bigger garage.

But multiple computers raise questions about how best to use them — including cast-off computers that have the approximate dollar value of an old suit.

We’ll tackle this in two stages, starting with the easiest. If you have extra computers that can still do heavy lifting, they can do a lot of tasks and serve as a networked computer holding backed-up data. For those interested in that prospect, here’s a Web site that covers that method, as well as other backup techniques: http://ask-leo.com/what_backup_program_should_i_use.html

That was the easy part. Some computers are no longer fast enough to handle big tasks; that’s why they were replaced. Still, there are some interesting ways to use these lonely underpowered computers.

We’ll want our lonely heart computers to be able to talk to your network. That means you’ll need to add a wireless adapter if they don’t have wireless capability. You’ll find cards that can be added to an accessory slot along with wireless adapters that connect to a USB port. And, of course, you’ll need one of those too.

Now, let’s find a home for that computer.

• Kitchen: Years ago, I started accumulating cookbooks as well as recipes that I jot down on note cards. Nowadays, when I need help making a Memphis dry rub for barbecue or a refresher course on veal marsala, I just turn to the Web. Adding a computer to the kitchen — in an area protected from spills and grease — means your cookbooks won’t be needed as often. And there also are excellent sites that help you convert measurements. One tip: Kitchen computers profit from a plastic dust cover, for obvious reasons.

• The shop: If you’re building a deck, a fence or even a bookshelf, you may need design help. Many excellent programs offer that — and will even tell you, based on the project, the type and length of boards you’ll need. Again, a dust cover is a must.

• The den: In my house, a television program can spark interest in an unfamiliar country, animal or event. A computer tucked away in a cabinet so it isn’t an eyesore lets you find the answers quickly without abandoning the show. A laptop is even better, as you won’t have to get out of that favorite chair.

• A guest computer: Overnight guests often want to check e-mail, read their favorite news Web sites or blogs or even play games. I oblige, although there’s a privacy risk with a networked computer. Keeping it separate removes those worries.

• In the bedroom: No jokes, please. A bedroom computer can be extremely handy. Many times I’ve retired for the night only to realize I needed to send an e-mail or check for one. A computer in my bedroom means I can take care of that without disarming my home security system and wandering around the house.

Some of this may be excessive now. But I promise you: One-computer households will soon seem as quaint as one-car families.