You can repurpose an old desktop or laptop as a digital stereo component. It doesn't matter how slow the computer's processor is, since playing music doesn't take much computing power. However, the computer will need an Ethernet or wireless card, and its operating system needs to be at least Mac OS X 10.2.8 or Windows XP/2000—the minimum required to run iTunes.
- If you're using a desktop, use the smallest monitor you have (an old 15-inch flat panel monitor is ideal) and a mouse—no keyboard required.
- Position the computer near your stereo system and connect it to your Ethernet or wireless network.
- Connect the computer to your stereo.
- Install iTunes and use iTunes Sharing to connect to the music on your network. You might also rip CDs to the new computer or copy music to it over the network.
- Play music from the old computer's hard drive or other computers on your network over your stereo system.
- Consider adding an iTunes remote to your old computer (use an IR remote to integrate with your stereo's universal remote).
