Breathe New Life into an Old Laptop: Create a Home Network Ad Blocker

Got an old laptop gathering dust? Before you think about throwing it out, consider this: that device (even a classic like my MacBook Pro from 2009) is a powerful piece of tech just waiting to be repurposed. At Revive PCs we value sustainability and smart tech solutions, so repurposing old tech is right up our alley. One of the best ways to give an old laptop a second chance is to turn it into a dedicated ad blocker for your entire home network using a tool called Pi-hole.

Why This is Better Than Buying Ad-Blocking Software

You've probably used browser extensions or software to block ads on your computer. While these are effective on a single device, they have a major limitation: they only work on the specific browser or machine where they are installed. This leaves your smartphone, smart TV, game console, and other Wi-Fi devices unprotected. Instead of paying for a solution that only works on one screen, you can turn an old laptop into a Pi-hole and get a free, network-wide ad blocker. This central solution blocks ads and trackers for every single device in your home, improving performance and privacy for everyone. It's a far more comprehensive and cost-effective approach, proving that used laptops can be transformed into a superior solution for a cleaner internet experience.

How to Turn Your Old Laptop into a Pi-hole Ad Blocker

Even my 16-year-old MacBook still had more than enough power to handle the simple task of running Pi-hole. This open-source software works as a DNS sinkhole, blocking ads and malicious domains for all devices connected to my Wi-Fi. Here’s a basic overview of the steps:

• Install a Lightweight Operating System: The first step is to wipe the old macOS and install a lightweight Linux distribution, I chose Ubuntu MATE. This OS is efficient and doesn't require a lot of resources, which is perfect for an old laptop. It will use the MacBook Pro's robust hardware without the overhead of a full desktop environment.
• Install Pi-hole: Once Linux is installed, you can simply run the one-line command from the official Pi-hole website. The installation process is straightforward and walks you through the configuration.
• Configure Your Router: The final step is to change the DNS settings on your home router to point to your new Pi-hole device. Once done, every device on your network—from your phone to your smart TV—will be protected from ads!

The Results: A Faster, Cleaner Internet

So, what happened when I got my Pi-hole up and running? The results were immediate and impressive. My internet speed actually felt faster. Without all those ads loading, web pages and videos popped up on my screen almost instantly. But the most satisfying part was checking the Pi-hole dashboard. Within just a couple of hours, it had already blocked thousands of potentially dangerous and annoying queries. It was incredible to see how much background noise and tracking was being filtered out in real-time.

Your New Old Laptop Is Waiting

Repurposing technology is not only a great way to save money and the environment, but it's also a rewarding project that gives new purpose to used laptops. If you care about your internet privacy, reusing old tech is an economically genius move. If you don't happen to have any old tech sitting in the back of your closet, check out our selection of affordable and professionally refurbished used laptops to find your next project machine. With a little effort, you can transform an old device into a powerful ad-blocking tool and make a positive impact.

Need some help getting started? We’d be happy to help you get started. Send us an email (info@revivepcs.com) and let's see how we can help protect you and your data.