If you want to give that old computer new life on your home network, try using it as a file server for music so that no matter where in the house you are you can access your massive digital music library from any computer. Here's what you'll need to do.


1) You'll need a home network. I'm going to assume that you do. If you don't you'll need to buy a home network router (from DLink, Linksys, Netgear, etc.) and connect it to you high speed Internet connection and connect all your computers to it, including the old computer you are going to turn into a music server.

2) Check to see that your old computer has the chops to be a music file server.

a) You'll need to make sure that there's enough hard drive space for all your files. Really old computers will have hard drives that are less than 10 GB, so you might consider adding a new larger hard drive. An old Pentium II or better with a 10 GB hard drive is probably your best bet.

b) Double check to see that the computer has a network card so it can be connected to the network. Older computers will have 10 Megabit Ethernet cards which should be fine, but you might consider upgrading to a newer 100 Mbit or Gigabit card.

c) Put all your files on the computer in a folder called MUSIC on the Desktop.

d) For easy identification on the network you might consider renaming the computer MUSICSERVER in control panel under Network and Identification Tab (in Windows 98 )

3) Right click on the MUSIC folder to activate sharing and give the shared folder a name on the network. You may have to run the file and printer sharing wizard first then right click and activate sharing after this.

4) On the MUSICSERVER computer click START then Run then type cmd (XP) or command (Windows 95/98 ) to get a DOS box and type ipconfig to see what the computer's IP address is. make a note of it. It will be something like 192.168.x.x where the X represents number between 0 and 255.

5) Now go to your regular computer and start Windows Explorer where you usually play your MP3 files from. You'll want to assign the MUSICSERVER as a virtual drive, maybe call it your Z drive. In Windows Explorer click Tools then Map Network Drive. Then choose the drive letter to use (ie. Z: ). Under folder type the IP address of the MUSICSERVER computer and name of the folder you assigned when you shared it. It should look something like:\\192.168.1.104\MUSIC\. Then click Finish. Now all those MP3 files are now accessible of the network as your Z drive.

6) NOTE: You have to repeat #5 for each computer you want to access the MUSICSERVER.

Enjoy!

Ten Principles for Peace of Mind..

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourse lf in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4. Do Not Be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control... If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly:

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was desti ned to happen only that way. Why cry over spilt milk?