this post was submitted on 16 May 2026
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Had several old PCs over the years from relatives, but either gave them to other people or threw them to the trash because I didn't see the usefulness back then...

Right now all I have is my PC (which I guess I could put VMs on), and maybe a few phones (maybe just because they kinda are there like backup phones), which I couldn't find how to root, if these are of any use with unrooted Termux.

Do you have any advice about it? Should I start with my PC with VMs? An unrooted phone with Termux? Try to look somewhere that is gonna get rid of PCs or something? If so, where?

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[–] folekaule@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago

For learning, VMs are fine. Spin up as many as you'd like. Install, duplicate, reinstall, delete at will. I would start there.

Then, while you're learning, set aside since money to get an SBC or mini pc. That will allow you to keep it running as a server continuously. Phones can work for this, but to act as servers you'll probably need to root them.

Computers are way more expensive than they used to be but within reach for most people if you can save up for it.

Check thrift stores, Facebook, eBay, the usual suspects. Watch out for PCs stripped for RAM and other shenanigans, though.