Because you're experimenting.
what happens when I use this combination, what would it take to be able to get this group of computers to do that task
And learning also fits into this: like the computer version of a school chemistry laboratory. Setting up computers to perform tests for certification.
For what it's worth I agree with you about the equipment -but I read on reddit a lot of /r/homelabbers getting equipment for work so that would make sense.
I don't work in the field so for me personally it's more a question of wanting to experiment with software while not throwing away perfectly working (but old) computers.
And learning also fits into this: like the computer version of a school chemistry laboratory. Setting up computers to perform tests for certification.
For what it's worth I agree with you about the equipment -but I read on reddit a lot of /r/homelabbers getting equipment for work so that would make sense.
I don't work in the field so for me personally it's more a question of wanting to experiment with software while not throwing away perfectly working (but old) computers.