We had an old 386sx/16 DOS computer with 4 mb RAM at work that was once part of a network no longer in use. In addition to a customized database, it had some good, usable DOS programs such as Word Perfect 5.1, Lotus 1-2-3, Procomm Plus and PC Anywhere. No one wanted it, so I got permission to make it as usable as I could. This was the beginning of my interest in upgrading older computers, and in using DOS and Windows 3.1.
I installed an old 14.4 modem and Prodigy for DOS. I found lots of DOS shareware still available including a DOS browser called Arachne. I also upgraded to DOS 6.22, added a mouse, Win 3.1 and some more old programs I was no longer using at home. I got hold of some 1 MB SIMMS and maxed the memory to 8 mb. Now I had something usable. And 2 more of them to upgrade.
These old computers were my "training ground". Before this, I had never even opened the case. I learned to add memory and expansion cards, and change hard drives. I had to reformat the hard drive and reset the CMOS/BIOS. I learned how to make an emergency boot disk, and installed a Y2K patch.
It felt very strange to work with DOS and Win 3.1, since I had Win 95 at home. But I was happy to find a use for my old programs. The Arachne browser for DOS includes a freeware PPP dialer and worked quite well. I also downloaded MSIE 3.02 for Win 3.1 which included the Shiva dialer. I also connected with Trumpet Winsock/Netscape 3.04, and with AOL version 3.0, but it was very slow.
I had a lot of fun learning from these old computers, but have moved on from these projects.