Uses for Older Mac Mini

I have an old 2011 Mac mini Server that just acts as a file storage now. I can access it from my M1 MBA and other devices if needed and offload files onto it.

I also have it setup as a web server for certain development projects so that's certainly doable. I use MAMP for that.

I use my 2012 Mac mini with a 1T SSD and 16GB of RAM as a media server.

It is connected to a Samsung 32" HDMI TV.

I use FireFox for Browsing and Streaming Live TV.

I use a USB LG DVD/CD player for playing DVD movies.

It has a copy of my large Music Library Imported from CDs.

Plus it holds a copy of my large Photos Library for doing slideshows.

I occasionally access it via Screen and File Sharing from my newer Mac Mini's to update the Music and Photos Libraries.

I occasionally use Mac mini late 2009 with El Capitan (or PowerBook G4 15.2" 1.25GHz 2003 with Leopard) to import DV/D8 tapes via Firewire to iMovie v1-6 and to use old 32-bit apps like QuickTime Player 7 Pro, and MPEG Streamclip (although those 32-bit apps and some PowerPC apps like MT-NewsWatcher work also in Mac Mini 2018 with Sequoia via VMware Fusion VM via El Capitan and Snow Leopard Server).

Well you certainly have had your money's worth out of your 2012 Intel i5 Mac mini.

And really for at least security issues you should be upgrading to the newest Mac mini and you will notice improvements with the performance and overall experience with the Mac OS.

I am really no Apple security guru, but still running software on a outdated, not supported browser leaves your computer open to all levels of security vulnerabilities.

Not recommended if you do any banking etc, certainly gives a bank a backup to say "Sorry but No, can't help you" if are scammed.

Also your customer's are very open to security issues if there is any connection from your network with your 2012 "oldie" Mac mini.

Only my thoughts, could you install Linux on the 2012 Mac mini, if you have the time to work all that out.

Just a bit of ramble, will be interesting to see what other people think.

Cheers

I have a 2011 MacMini that is being used as a Home Theater PC connected to my TV through my receiver.

I have a 2010 MacMini that I am using as a home fileserver/backup server.