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I just returned home from school on the 22nd and found a computer (G470) that runs Windows 10 very slowly, but runs Linux quite well, so I thought I could maximize its video-watching capabilities before the Lunar New Year in 2025. It seems to have a service history of about fifteen years; it's an old buddy from my high school days. Assuming your outdated computer was produced 10 to 20 years ago, if you want to maximize its video-watching capabilities, you can check out my recommendations. Why didn't I add "the best" to my title? It probably divides into the following groups (personal opinion) that have different specific needs; here I mainly illustrate my personal video-watching needs.
Geek Players#
The majority of tinkering users, experiencing the ultimate comfort. Since they are all geeks, Linux, X86 Android, NAS, Win8.1 (not recommended), slimmed-down Windows, servers, and playing cloud computing to earn bandwidth (just kidding) are very suitable.
- Linux
Here we have Linux Mint, Pop!OS, Linux Lite, Arch Linux series, xfce desktop, Mate desktop, LXDE desktop, cinnamon desktop, etc.
I first tried Pop!OS, which allows for easy viewing of Bilibili and YouTube on an external display. At this point, pairing it with remote access is fantastic. It's like a TV, with the phone as the remote control.
The remote software used here: GSConnect
I then tried the lightweight Q4OS: a lightweight KDE desktop system. It has updates until 2028, and there aren't many old computer systems that can still receive updates in these years.
The remote software used here: KDE Connect
Additionally, it can be slightly developed; in short, it has many uses, and smooth performance on old computers is the most important.
- X86 Android
This system is basically for office work, light typing, and heavy web usage. There are quite a few options to consider, such as Fyde OS, Phoenix OS (not recommended, as most systems running on USB drives lack data storage capabilities, have many bugs, and slow updates), and network TV systems (using a mouse as a remote).
In fact, looking at the recommendations, only Fyde OS and native ChromeOS stand out. I recommend Fydeos because the computer environment does not require scientific internet access and can also adapt to some CPUs.
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NAS
Here, I only mention what is feasible, not necessarily the best. I think Linux + Alist also provides a good experience; after downloading on the host, I can directly transfer it to my NAS (which goes against the original intention of the blog QwQ). Of course, my laziness in tinkering is also due to my lack of technical skills TAT.
https://blog.csdn.net/a100954636/article/details/104949412
https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/97529279
https://www.zhihu.com/tardis/zm/art/605064697?source_id=1005 -
Server
I don't need to say much about servers; in fact, this method can also accomplish all the tasks mentioned above, right? Still, the same saying applies: save time, don't tinker.
Nostalgic Gamers#
For this type, you generally just need to burn an old game image, which is really simple.
- Reference Videos:
Turn your computer into a game console, 160G integrated package, classic retro games for you to play.
Free 350G Batocera game image, turn your computer into a game console, all Switch games, exquisite graphics, free to claim
A Suggestion#
I really don't want to tinker with NAS; buying one doesn't cost much. But everyone can try; I'm just making a suggestion. I believe other Linux systems are the best solution; the more features Linux has, the more old computers can utilize. Gamers belong to the retro category, but it really is quite appealing. When the apocalypse comes, you can choose a server; as long as you have a bicycle to pedal a generator, you can exercise while generating power. Life can be changed; it's just a thought, an action.