Cheapest Linux Box Possible

Dirk Diggler · 22 May 2014 at 21:48

As the thread title says, I'm looking to build the cheapest Linux box possible. I want it for secure offline storage of files. It will only be online to update core software, and will probably spend most of it's little life switched off.

As long as I can get Ubuntu, online and USB access I think that would cover everything.

deano-5 · 22 May 2014 at 22:23

Can't you install Linux on a portable usb drive?
Or partition your pcs hdd for linux?

Tealc · 22 May 2014 at 22:29

I don't know much about Linux or Ubuntu but the Raspberry Pi is a Linux thingy isn't it?

Cromulent · 22 May 2014 at 22:51

Tealc said:
I don't know much about Linux or Ubuntu but the Raspberry Pi is a Linux thingy isn't it?

This.

Stick a USB hard drive on the Raspberry Pi and store as much as you want.

Dirk Diggler · 22 May 2014 at 22:51

deano-5 said:
Can't you install Linux on a portable usb drive?
Or partition your pcs hdd for linux?

I can never get the persistence thing to work right. I'll have another play around with it... Running from USB would certainly be the cheapest option. :cool:

Dirk Diggler · 22 May 2014 at 23:50

Well, thats another hour of my life I'm not getting back. Persistence USB is a nightmare in my experience.

Looking at Raspberry PI, it doesn't support Ubuntu which is the distro I want.

deano-5 · 23 May 2014 at 01:49

A cheap old laptop?

Steveocee · 23 May 2014 at 08:22

Cheap old laptop
That auction site normally has some pretty good deals on ex corporate Dell and HP SFF desktops
Go to a car boot?
Check that stickybranch website see if anyone local is getting rid of old PC's?

Cromulent · 23 May 2014 at 13:11

String said:
Looking at Raspberry PI, it doesn't support Ubuntu which is the distro I want.

It supports Raspbian which is Debian which is the distribution that Ubuntu is based on. The differences are marginal and you should be fine using it.

stopper · 23 May 2014 at 13:49

Some thing like THIS would be perfect.