Hi all,
In my case, for my weather computer, I am using an old Dell Inspiron 530 (mini tower). It used to belong to my father, but after its HDD failed we got him a new computer and I saved the Dell from the recycling and/or landfill
This Inspiron comes with an Intel E2160 (Dual Core, Single Threaded 1.8 GHz) CPU. I upgraded the original 2 GB RAM up to the maximum of 8 GB RAM (I did had to put the latest BIOS for the computer to recognize the 8 GB). I also had a 500 GB SATA HDD (I had "new" changed from warranty from another computer that I replaced the HDD) around, so I changed the old failing HDD with that one. I do use the build in graphics right now (hmmm maybe add video card later if I get one???
).
For Operating System (OS) I upgraded the machine from the Windows Vista that it came with Windows 7 Professional 64 bits (and yes is legal, is from the MS Academic Alliance I have at work).
Since the machine does not have a serial port, I added a PCI Dual Port Serial Card, but unfortunatedly I can not make it (or any other PCI Serial Card). I think might be the drivers, since the machine and windows recognize the card and the 2 serial ports. They just do not communicate. All card I have tried say they are win7 64bit compatible. Well, so for a serial port I am for the moment using a USB to Serial Dongle, probably try to change it later to a 2 or 4 port edgeport I/O. (and yes I need serial port, but not for the weather station).
I am running right now the following software. I run Cumulus for the weather station and to update my weather web page. I also run (full time) GRLevel3. I also decode NOAA APT images using wxtoimg. For the webcam/weathercam I use Yawcam. Also full time I have running 2 of the satellite programs I use; gpredict and orbitron. I also keep running from CPUID the program Hardware Monitor (HWMonitor) to keep an eye on temperature, fan rpm's, voltage, etc.
The serial port is used to control the APT radio. I have an R2FX. As mentioned before, the software used to decode the images is Wxtoimg (Pro version). I also use an external second USB sound card to decode the images, instead of using the internal (keep the internal just to play the windows sounds).
Right now this machine also plays as a backup computer, since my primary computer monster is down
Actually right now I am posting from the Dell.
Maybe in a future, I might change the computer for a Nettop, and delegate this computer to another function or duty, but except for the not so much electric economy, this machine is working great so far (knock on wood!!!).