Shuttle XPC Linux Network Appliance 186
NoPants writes "Another big name looks like it's going to shack up with Linux. Shuttle, the maker of those small little cube looking PCs, is adopting Mandrake Linux with their newest network appliance XPCs. You can check out a review of the machine at Sudhian."
not news (Score:5, Informative)
"small little cube looking PCs" (Score:4, Funny)
Re:"small little cube looking PCs" (Score:2)
123 pounds of Linuxy goodness...
Things you will only read on /. (Score:2)
Another big name... Shuttle, the maker of those small little cube looking PCs...
Heh.
The installation review is really impressive (Score:5, Informative)
Bottom line: Mandrake was easier and faster to install than XP. It had just as many pretty pictures, and it required less knowledge on the part of the user regarding networking, hardware, etc. It took 40 minutes instead of 50, and required only one reboot as opposed to the nine+ required to install XP. And when it was done, the reviewer had far more applications ready to run installed on the machine.
His conclusion was that Linux is indeed ready for the desktop.
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:3, Interesting)
He went right back to Windows XP. Too bad...
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:3, Insightful)
Ask the poor guy to rename "Program Files" to "stuff_to_run" or something like that and see how XP handles it. Slippery slope, but c'mon, renaming folders is just about equivalent to renaming your drives in Linux. There are hooks tied to those names (LSB, maybe?) and when you suddenly switch to a name the machine doesn't expect, things go wrong. No different in Window
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Mac OS X didn't like that so much. She stuck with Mac OS X. Maybe every OS needs to telepathically interpret your desires, or maybe your coworker is the problem. Sure, maybe Mandrake should have prevented him from easily changing those names if it was going to be destructive.
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Not necessarily complicated:
Monitor the "/home" directory for changes with FAM [sgi.com] a "FAMMoved"-event denotes the renaming of a home directory. Make approriate changes in necessary files (e.g. passwd/shadow). A "FAMDeleted"-event could trigger a dialogue, which confirms the removal of the user from the db, a "FAMCreated"-event the dialogue for adding a new user.
The problem is, for every such solution there are surely hundred of other places
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:5, Informative)
It's actually supermount that provides the names for the drives. To rename them, you just rename
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2, Interesting)
Once you disable the moron-proofing, you are left with a distro that is as easy to use as you want it to. Great stuff, mandrake.
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:3, Interesting)
As far as "Mandrake is easy to break" goes... I guess if you do some pretty silly stuff while logged in as root, yes, you can break it. It's much easier to break stuff in WinXP Home - because everyone is an Administrator. I didn't need that silly \windows\system32\krnl386.exe file anyway, did I?
Installing Mandrake is extremely easy, as the author states. There are often
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:5, Insightful)
My install of RH9 took a few minutes and one reboot -- after which I've got my devices working (yeah yeah, issues with Linux hardware support but if you're careful, everything is supported out of the "box"), have most of the software I need, and am pretty much ready to go. Then you install APT, run the update/upgrade, and maybe reboot again just for fun.
For a base install (without the extra tweaks), RH9 seems to be more convenient. In all cases, though, especially for updates, broadband comes in very handy.
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:5, Funny)
Reboot is one of the biggest annoyances that made me switch to Linux. I can't tell you how many times Windows reboot interrupted my downloading ISO images from alt.binaries.vcd.xxx. Now I'm so glad I switched to Linux and understand why people are so fond of it.
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:3, Interesting)
I'm running Gentoo Linux [gentoo.org] and there is nothing, not a single package, not a single service installed on my system that I didn't instruct my system to install or was required to boot the machine to a stripped command line.
Each distro is a bit different, but that choice does wonders for the computing experience. For me, my setup fits my computing style like a glove.
Cheers
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:5, Funny)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2, Funny)
Only rebooted the machine once? Wow. Sure, one reboot is all you need. Now hook it up to the interweb and let's see uptime at its finest...or at least post their IP addys to have a few script kiddies reboot your machines for you.
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Sucks big time compared to installing debian and typing apt-get upgrade.
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:1)
For the M$ install the time didn't include partitioning and for Mandrake it did, so instead of it being 10 mins faster it's more like 15-20
Re:The installation review is really impressive (Score:2)
Asus DigiMatrix (Score:5, Informative)
I'm seriously considering getting one of these and making a linux media station / fileserver. Obviously Asus supports only Win2k and WinXP, but it seems like a fun challenge getting all those cutting-edge hardware components to run in linux. Most of them, even the ethernet controller, are so new they aren't directly supported in the kernel yet. And getting all the various Linux media applications to start up and obey the case buttons automatically based on what is inserted sounds like a software project in itself.
Re:Asus DigiMatrix (Score:5, Informative)
Linus on ASUS DigiMatrix [easter-eggs.org]
Re:Asus DigiMatrix (Score:1)
Linux on ASUS DigiMatrix.
Re:Asus DigiMatrix (Score:2, Funny)
I tried that link, but I was disapointed to see that it wasn't Linus standing on a ASUS DigiMatrix!
Re:Asus DigiMatrix (Score:1)
The main reason to get a Digimatrix is it's ***HDTV*** AND CABLE TUNER.
The HDTV part has no Linux drivers, and unless ASUS helps out here with at least binary drivers, it's almost pointless to use Linux here.
I looked HARD at this box, and am tempted, but it will be a Windows box (unless ASUS helps) and I don't do Windows. (Yes, I'm one of those people, still have an Amiga 3000, so bite me)
One more thought... (Score:1)
Re:One more thought... (Score:2)
Re:Asus DigiMatrix (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Asus DigiMatrix (Score:2)
You can't play DVDs on a TV with this machine, and neither ASUS nor the reviewer didn't conside
Re:Asus DigiMatrix (Score:2)
Re:Asus DigiMatrix (Score:2)
But, like you pointed out, we can't really tell what's going on yet - from the exact situation that's causing the problem, to what the actual product will do.
Network Appliance? (Score:5, Interesting)
I'm just curious...
Re:Network Appliance? (Score:4, Informative)
"Unless you're a close follower of Shuttle press releases, you may wonder what defines a Network Appliance XPC - and indeed the definition does seem somewhat fuzzy. The common feature tends to be the inclusion of one or more "server" features - such as Gigabit LAN, or dual PCI, or dual LAN or RAID support. The current range of Network Appliance XPCs includes the SB52G2 (featuring the Intel 845GV chipset, Gigabit LAN and two PCI slots), the SB62G2 (featuring the Intel 865G chipset, SATA RAID, dual LAN adapters and the subject of today's review) and the SB75G2 (featuring the Intel 875P chipset, SATA RAID and a single Gigabit LAN adapter)."
My best guess is that it has some hardware abilities more in-line with a server than a standard desktop.
Re:Network Appliance? (Score:5, Interesting)
After I complete my Mandrake installation, how do I instruct my non-techie brother to copy a video he downloaded to the appliance, and then play it on the TV? I have to write some script to monitor a folder for new videos and play them automatically. Same for pictures? Need some sort of folder monitor and slideshow. Not to mention I have to set up the shares. Forget it.
A true appliance won't even need a keyboard or mouse. It's front panel would have all the controls you need and well documented usage instructions. I don't have to telnet to my microwave, nor do I have to telnet to my complicated DVD and surround sound equipment, which supports VCDs and the like. I put them in and they start. I put food in, press a button, and it gets hot.
Since this is a computer-based appliance, it should have the option for remote configuration. Perhaps I'd name my machine Linguo. I'd expect to dump a video to \\linguo\Play_Video and press a video button on the front panel. When it's done, it would archive it into a DVR-like system that I could call up and play later using http://linguo from any computer in the house.
I'd dump a picture to \\linguo\Pictures and press a picture button on the front panel and it would start a slideshow. Another front panel button would flip it into thumbnail mode (like my digital camera) and a few arrow keys and the picture button would let me view the pictures.
I'd dump an MP3 to \\linguo\Music and press a music button on the front panel. It would start playing the first track and would have two buttons - album select, track select. If I had 4000 MP3s up there, I might choose to visit http://linguo and ask it to play a specific song.
Of course, a standard tv-style remote control unit should eliminate the need for even the web server, though it should maybe stay for the "select one song from 4000" example, where a PC interface is simply the most efficient.
Ideally, I'd never even install the OS, and wouldn't even know or care what it was running. All I know is that it creates shares on my network compatible with Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux, and it works.
That's an appliance.
Re:Network Appliance? (Score:2, Informative)
Speeding up....... (Score:5, Insightful)
With a Linux distro bundled with hardware, buyers of said hardware do not need to go on their own initiative to download and install linux. It is right at their fingertips, bundled with their new barebone. They've just bought a Penguin Powered system, and chances are they will try linux out and not just delete it...... And then they will see the light.....
And this is where Linux on the Desktop really starts to expand......
Let it begin.
Re:Speeding up....... (Score:4, Insightful)
Not good. (Score:2)
Only works if.. (Score:3, Insightful)
Might be good for people already familiar with Linux or who want to make the switch. But for a new user to convert its going to have to do something better then the current standard (which like it or not is Windows). Something that will actually positively effect their day to day use or give them some ragging rights. Like preinstalled MythTV.
Linux (Score:5, Funny)
Linux seems to really get around. But what will the children look like?
Re:Linux (Score:3, Insightful)
The kids (Score:2, Informative)
The kids [google.com]
Re:Linux (Score:2)
Re:Linux (Score:1)
Re:Linux (Score:4, Funny)
Mirror! (Score:5, Informative)
Mirror! [fibersnet.net]
Network Appliance. (Score:5, Informative)
A PC+Linux isn't a network appliance, its still a PC. A true network appliance, is a raid array with an ethernet adapter, its a piece of hardware performing a function.
Before you say, well yes the computer can do it also.. You have install and set it up. Appliances in general are stupid things that are cheap and easy to replace, you just plug in and turn on. PC's are not appliances.
Little pet peeve, but really if you don't care for HD's and the whole 1000k vs 1024K, this is along those lines. Use the correct terms you hackers.
Just got my own Shuttle system (Score:5, Interesting)
The quality of the case and motherboard are very impressive, the cooling solution for such a small system is very clever. In addition, the instructions that came with the system are very clear, with photographs that detail each step of the build.
I'm dual booting it between XP and Redhat 9, and both are running great on the system.
-- Bander
Re:Just got my own Shuttle system (Score:3, Informative)
I have four of the SK41G Shuttle boxes running Debian stable as web servers. I have to agree that the construction it top notch and the cooling system is very effective. The integrated sound chipset is also quite nice once you set up ALSA. The integrated video is unimpressive for a desktop, but works well enough on a server and there's an AGP 4x slot open with plenty of room for a decent video card (ai
Re:Just got my own Shuttle system (Score:2, Informative)
Well, I went nuts and got a Radeon 9800 Pro for the 8x AGP slot. Seems to work fine, no heat-related issues so far, and I've been giving the UT2004 demo a few workouts.
Do all of the features of the SB65G2 work with a 2.4 kernel?
On-board 10/100 ethernet works great. I use a USB keyboard with an optical mouse chained to it, both work fine. (You do need a PS2 keyboard to mess with the BIOS,
Re:Just got my own Shuttle system (Score:2)
UT2003 uses an OpenGL wrapper that makes it noticeably slower on Linux, even with optimal hardware. Enemy Territory would be a better way of comparing between the two, but I'd expect the ATI drivers on Linux to slow things down a bit.
Guess I'll stick with the SK41G until SATA is 100% reliable.
Re:Just got my own Shuttle system (Score:2)
Good article... (Score:5, Interesting)
My point is, surely your experience of installing an OS is largely dependant on the *extra* hardware that you have e.g. 802.11b card etc
I think it is great that Linux can get a fairly "standard" PC up and running without too much hastle these days. However, it is the glitches encountered with "non-standard" PCs that mean it isn't quite ready for the end users desktop.
Just my two pennies worth...
Plenty of glitches with Windows (Score:1)
Re:Good article... (Score:1)
Re:Good article... (Score:5, Informative)
Another good thing about Linux, it was able to make use of my fancy new NVidia 5900 as soon as I put it in. A quick configuration dialogue (two or three clicks, no settings had to be changed) and I was done with it. With Windows, I was forced to run in a very low resolution while tracking down the NVidia drivers for it. Again, Linux makes using new hardware easier and faster.
One more story, I bought a USB keyboard to replace a broken, old, PS2 one. Linux autoconfigured it, and I was done with it as quickly as I was with the video card. In Windows, I could not type a password to log on, because it did not recognize the USB keyboard. I had to borrow a working PS2 one from a friend so I could log on, and then plug in the USB KB. I then had to use the character map utility for a bit as I installed the new KB. It took me an extra two days to get a KB working under Windows!
Bring on the heatpipes! (Score:4, Interesting)
How long will it take until they start making these things with heatpipes and large heatsinks and without fans?
I'd much rather have a passively cooled box with a transmeta crusoe/efficeon or VIA C3 and a PVR350 card, than a box that can do software encoding+decoding and needs lots of fans.
Re: (Score:2)
Re:Bring on the heatpipes! (Score:4, Informative)
And if you want really quiet try one of these [hushtechnologies.com]
I must be behind... (Score:2)
I guess nobody told my P4-1.4 that, because it's certainly handling its duties as a web/file server, router and workstation quite well.
Re:I must be behind... (Score:2)
how about PVR? (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:how about PVR? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:how about PVR? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:how about PVR? (Score:2)
Looks like... (Score:2, Interesting)
Shuttles rock! (Score:3, Informative)
Now shipping with Linux (and it installs easier than XP)! Holy cow! How did the future sneak up on us like that?
Re:Shuttles rock! (Score:2)
I hope more systems integrators "get it" soon. The Big Case vs Laptop at premium prices is a false economic choice to have to make.
Re:Shuttles rock! (Score:2)
Hey, if you get Linux working well on one of them, let me know... I've been dying to buy one and maybe a Flash-RAM IDE drive and get MythTV or the like working on it...
I've had one of the Shuttle XPCs for about 2 years now and am very happy with it, but its more of a workstation choice than a MediaPC/Appliance.
Reviewer should test Mandrake also previosly... (Score:3, Interesting)
Shuttle and Linux (Score:2)
HTPC (Score:4, Interesting)
Using one of these you can build a device for your home theater that will handle MP3's, DVD's, DIVX, Pictures and act like a TIVO.
Adding Linux to the mix could make pre-configured HTPC boxes as common as DVD players. Maybe even for sale at Walmart.
On the bottom of the linked Shuttle page: (Score:4, Insightful)
This may be a good company to support(with purchases). Thier left hand and right hand seem to be coordinated.
Linux on MSI Mega180 (Score:2)
Re:from the little-black-noisy dept... (Score:5, Informative)
I was really impressed with the little XPC machine. My mom thought it was cute machine and I was like, "This is what I have wanted to make for you!"
adpowers
Re:from the little-black-noisy dept... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:from the little-black-noisy dept... (Score:1, Interesting)
Just put a quieter fan in there and watch that fan.
Re:from the little-black-noisy dept... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:from the little-black-noisy dept... (Score:2)
Reminds me of a bunch of Acers that were shipped about a month or two ago to the retail store where I worked. They also had a "smart" system fan. Unfortunately, the "smart" part of the fan got screwed somewhere and the fan revved up to full speed and stayed there, not only making the blasted thing sound like a Chinook [fas.org] helicopter, but also venting out air at ludicrous speeds. It was bad enough that you could feel the air flow even 3 meters ( ~9 feet for the silly people among us ) away from the thing. And he
Re:Shuttle is a spammer (Score:5, Informative)
I have never received an unsolicited mail from them.
Re:"Big Name"????? (Score:2, Informative)
Mod parent down, He hasnt used mandrake! (Score:3, Interesting)
Sharing files, just right click and share once you have set it up using Mandrake Control Center.
Burning a CD, say hello to K3b [k3b.org], the easiest Linux burning software.
Setting up a firewall is a job for your mouse in Mandrake as well.
Please stop spreading fud. Mandrake makes things easy, you are now on my foes list.
Re:Mod parent down, He hasnt used mandrake! (Score:2)
My point was that you install an OS once (usually) - it doesn't matter how long it takes, because the time you spend installing is a fraction of the time you spend using it for everyday tasks (websurfing, CD burning, email, etc.).
The learning curve of linux is still steeper than windows (mainly due to the spit'n'polish research microsoft can afford to do)
Re:Who cares about installation simplicity... (Score:5, Informative)
At the same time, I made a script to do my backups, mkisofs and cdrecord based. Being able to use the command line for these tasks is sometimes more convenient, at least for the repetitive ones. I just click the icon that runs my backup script, and I'm done, thanks to that ugly CLI.
Pretty has its place. Function has its place. Linux gives you both.
Surprise: Troll does not read article. (Score:4, Interesting)
Mandrake* has had every item the moron mentioned covered to some degree for quite awhile now.
*as well as every other distro, I use Mandrake myself since ~8.x days, (usually run cooker snapshots now though) Mandrake is usually ahead of SUSE as far as Desktop functionality, but it is a good race.
I will withold any opinions on Fedora until I see it work right, perhaps they just need time, they seem to be getting there.
Re:crack smokers (Score:1)
Re:crack smokers (Score:2, Insightful)