Learn about Linux
Download Linux
Get Linux helpSpecial Offers
Linux.com : Server Hardware
GNUveau Networks builds solar-powered Linux computer networks for remote villages (video)
Scott Johnson of GNUveau Networks has developed a solar-powered Internet "hub" system (running Ubuntu GNU/Linux) that he builds to order in his Daytona Beach, Florida, home. His objective is to bring computers and the Internet to places that have no connectivity, no phone service, and no electricity. This is no pipe dream. There are real SolarNetOne installations running in Africa right now, providing wireless connectivity and "Internet Cafe" access to hundreds of people. The system uses off-the-shelf hardware that Scott modifies to run on 12V -- and to use a lot less power than the stock versions. As Scott says, in solar-powered computer installations, "The Watt is king."
Bubba Two: The little server that could
Converting an old PC into a home or office server may look like a good idea on paper, but in reality, the idea has a few serious drawbacks. For starters, old PCs tend to be noisy, power-guzzling monsters, and older components make them less reliable. Turning an old PC into a server also means installing and configuring all the necessary software, which can be a time-consuming and laborious process. If the drawbacks of this approach outweigh for you its possible advantages, consider instead Bubba Two, a nifty Debian-based device that can be used for a variety of tasks.
SSD vs. SATA benchmarks, round 2: Server applications
Yesterday I presented Bonnie++ and IOzone benchmarks for a solid state drive in a client machine and discussed the relative merits of purchasing an SSD over a set of hard disks costing the same money. Today I'll look at deploying and taking advantage of the extremely fast seek time of the SSD on a server.
