Low-Power Home Linux Server? 697
mpol writes "For years I've been using a home server with Linux, but recently I've been having doubts about the electric bill. I'm not touched by the recession yet, but I would like to cut costs, and going from a 100-Watt system to a 30-Watt system would save me 70 bucks a year. The system doesn't need to do much, just apache, imap, ssh and some nfs, but I do prefer to have a full-fledged system, where I can choose what to install on it. I also don't really care if it's a low-power Via or an ARM processor as long as it's cheap. I'm aiming for $300 or less for a full system, which I could then earn back in about four years through power savings. I've been reading about the Western Digital Mybook World Edition, which has an ARM processor but isn't that easy to install Debian on. A Mac Mini draws about 85 Watts, so that isn't an option either. Something a bit more than turn-key would be fine, but preferably not a complete hack-job. Adding a temporary CR-ROM or DVD-ROM, or a USB disk with an iso to install from would be nice. Any Slashdotters run nice and cheap low-power Linux systems? What can you recommend?"
Pedal Power (Score:4, Funny)
Buy a mac mini and hook a bicycle + generator up to it. Runs your server and burns off yesterday's donuts.
Re:Sheeva Plug (Score:3, Funny)
Yeah, those are much better than parallel USB ports.
Re:Sheeva Plug (Score:4, Funny)
Now that you've published a link to a Wiki running on a Sheevaplug on Slashdot, you are probably aware of its limitations. I hope it didn't burn your house down when it melted.
Re:Sheeva Plug (Score:3, Funny)
"Should mention that this wiki is being served off a SheevaPlug"
And it still works despite the fact you mentioned it here. Impressive!
Re:Underclocking (Score:3, Funny)
With apache+mysql+php, sshd, samba, and the entire OS X GUI running my Mini draws 16 watts. SIXTEEN.
In conclusion: original post author on crack.