Blog
  • Arsenal V Liverpool
  • NSLU2 - SLUG
  • Acer Aspire 5630 (5633)
  • Back to the front
  • Taking a few days off
  • Japanese page updated
  • International Management
  • Welcome
  • New Content
  • Finally mySQL
  • Oh my god it's March!

    Links
  • Linux Links

    Linux
  • SCIM and XIM
  • Avant Window Navigator
  • UIM not SCIM
  • Root Browsing Gnome
  • Japanese Fonts
  • CPU Frequency
  • Feisty Fawn
  • Crossover

    Projects
  • Japanese.RyuKent.co.uk
  • linux.RyuKent.co.uk
    • NSLU2 - SLUG - 2008-03-12 10:56:12

    NSLU2

    The NSLU2, sometimes lovingly referred to as the slug is a handy piece of kit from Linksys that's designed to provide network storage for your home or business network via USB. Basically it's a box smaller than your router with a network port and 2 USB2 ports. But it's what's inside that's really special.

    Under the hood

    The system runs on an Intel IXP420 ARM 266 processor. It has 32MB of ram and 2 USB ports.... so we can add hard disks easily too. With a quick reflash of the default firmware, within 5 minutes we can have an up and running Linux box here. Smaller than a router, no fan, VERY low power consumption, silent.... you can see why I'm so happy. Plus, mine cost me £35, so cheap too.

    Which version of Linux?

    You can run a modded version of the original Linksys firmware that maintains the web based interface. This can be found at     http://www.nslu2-linux.org/ or you run a full blown Debian install: Debian on the NSLU2

    Pros/Cons

    Basically, the modded version (Unslung) is quicker to install and more lightweight. It's compiled specifically for the SLUG which has low memory. It's doesn't have all the features of full Debian though and runs on a rather old kernel. Debian is a little bit harder to install, does not have a web based interface and its packages are designed for systems with higher ram. I removed openSSH and replaced it with beardrop to save memory. There's a number of other tweaks you need too. Having said that, I found that the extra packages and documentation for Debian made it my choice.

    What can you do?

    Well anything really. My little box acts as a home file server, irc channel operator, webserver, torrent downloader etc... It's especially good for applications that require to be on all the time. I don't want my main PC running 24/7 because it's noisy and will use up lots of power. This box on the other hand can provide my presence on the internet silently as I sleep. And all for £35!
    Contents