Compact, fanless home server runs Debian Linux

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Jan. 11, 2007

A small company in Sweden is shipping a low-power, ultra-quiet Linux file and print server based on Debian Linux. Excito's "Bubba" is based on a 200MHz ARM processor, and comes equipped with 80GB to 500GB drives plus a customizable OS featuring a handy torrent/http/ftp download manager.

The Bubba server was designed to be left on all the time, without using much power or generating a lot of noise pollution. With a noise output of 27dB, the passively cooled, fanless device is almost silent, and it draws a maximum of 10 Watts, the company says.

Bubba, topless
(Click to enlarge)
Bubba's hardware specs include:

200MHz ARM processor
64MB RAM
3.5-inch, 7200rpm 80GB, 320GB, or 500GB IDE hard drive
1 x 10/100 Ethernet
USB 2.0 type A to printer or memory stick connection
USB 2.0 type B to PC
7.2 x 4.5 x 1.7 inches (184 x 114 x 43 mm)
3.7 pounds (1700 grams)

Rendering of Bubba's ports
On the software side, Bubba comes with a Debian Sarge GNU/Linux distribution, based on a 2.6-series Linux kernel, pre-installed on its hard drive. The Debian-based OS is easy to enhance and customize, according to Excito founder Torr Krill. Krill noted that, "Since it runs Debian Sarge, tens of thousands of applications [are] available for easy installation."

Bubba's standard software includes:

Download manager supporting torrent, ftp, and http downloads
- Turn off PC while downloading large files overnight
Streaming media server with DAAP (iPod/iTunes) support
Web, file, mail, and print servers

Bubba's web interface
(Click to enlarge)

All of Bubba's stock features -- including basic file managment, samba file/print sharing, mail transport agent, IMAP server, and webmail -- can be controlled via a web interface. Additionally, an interface is provided for firmware upgrades.

Another planned feature is a UPnP media server. However, several users already appear to have SlimServer media software running on the device, according to posts in the device's fledgling user forum.

Availability

The Bubba is available now, in Ivory White or Sky Blue, priced between 264 and 432 Euros, depending on drive size.

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