The Linutop is a small, light, environmentally friendly Nettop computer containing a metal case and no
moving parts
Machines include both fixed and moving parts. The moving parts have controlled and constrained motions.
Moving parts are machine components excluding any moving fluids, such as fuel, coolant or hydraulic fluid. Moving parts also do not include ...
, that runs the Linutop OS (a customized version of
Linux
Linux ( or ) is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged as a Linux distribution, which ...
based on the
Xubuntu
Xubuntu () is a Canonical Ltd.–recognized, community-maintained derivative of the Ubuntu operating system. The name ''Xubuntu'' is a portmanteau of ''Xfce'' and ''Ubuntu'', as it uses the Xfce desktop environment, instead of Ubuntu's Unity a ...
and
Ubuntu
Ubuntu ( ) is a Linux distribution based on Debian and composed mostly of free and open-source software. Ubuntu is officially released in three editions: ''Desktop'', ''Server'', and ''Core'' for Internet of things devices and robots. All the ...
/
XFCE distribution).
Linutop Kiosk
software
Software is a set of computer programs and associated documentation and data. This is in contrast to hardware, from which the system is built and which actually performs the work.
At the lowest programming level, executable code consists ...
and Linutop Tv
server
Server may refer to:
Computing
*Server (computing), a computer program or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called clients
Role
* Waiting staff, those who work at a restaurant or a bar attending customers and su ...
offer a full Digital signage solution.
A variety of
QT applications oriented towards secure web browsing and
digital signage
Digital signage is a segment of electronic signage. Digital displays use technologies such as LCD, LED, projection and e-paper to display digital images, video, web pages, weather data, restaurant menus, or text. They can be found in public ...
are available in the
Operating system
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs.
Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also in ...
. Linutop is multimedia-capable and offers line-out/mic-in for sound. The device can be configured easily into a LTSP thin client. Linutop is suited for use in internet cafés, public libraries and schools.
History
Linutop 1
The first device was based on the
ThinCan
ThinCan is the name for a thin client manufactured by Estonian electronic design start-up Artec Group. The ThinCan remained relatively unknown outside Estonia until 2006, when a recent ThinCan iteration was selected as the hardware base for the ...
reference design
Reference design refers to a technical blueprint of a system that is intended for others to copy. It contains the essential elements of the system; however, third parties may enhance or modify the design as required. When discussing computer desi ...
from
Estonia
Estonia, formally the Republic of Estonia, is a country by the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland across from Finland, to the west by the sea across from Sweden, to the south by Latvia, a ...
n company Artec Group.
Linutop 2
On February 20, 2008, the company unveiled the Linutop 2 based on the
FIC ION A603 mini PC (like Works Everywhere Appliance). Linutop 2 had a stronger
Geode
A geode (; ) is a geological secondary formation within sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Geodes are hollow, vaguely spherical rocks, in which masses of mineral matter (which may include crystals) are secluded. The crystals are formed by the fill ...
processor and more memory, allowing it to run
OpenOffice.org
OpenOffice.org (OOo), commonly known as OpenOffice, is a discontinued open-source office suite. Active successor projects include LibreOffice (the most actively developed), Apache OpenOffice, Collabora Online (enterprise ready LibreOffice) a ...
. It has 512 MB RAM and 1 GB
flash memory
Flash memory is an electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. The two main types of flash memory, NOR flash and NAND flash, are named for the NOR and NAND logic gates. Both us ...
storage.
Hardware
Specifications
Linutop XS
The Linutop XS is the smallest computer offered by Linutop. Due to its small size, and the absence of fan making it very silent, it is often hidden behind the dynamic display screens by professionals. The compact Linutop XS comes in a small aluminum case with dimensions 9 x 6 x 2 cm ( 3,5 x 2,3 x 0,8in ) for a weight of 92 grams (3 oz) and a power consumption of 3 Watts. On board, there is a processor running at 900 MHz, a RAM of 1 GB and an 8 GB flash memory.
Connectors: HDMI, mini-jack audio, RJ-45 Ethernet, four USB 2.0, 5-volt micro USB power.
The Linutop XS is a professional packaging of the Raspberry Pi 2 and incorporates a 1080p HD video Hardware accelerator. With this compact configuration, designed for the fields of education, transport, trade and health for
the dissemination of information.
Linutop 6
Linutop 6 is the most powerful Linutop.
The Linutop 6 microcomputer is in the form of a small fanless metal case with dimensions 9.5 x 9.1 x 3.6 cm (3,7 x 3,6 x 1,4in ) for a weight of 350 grams (12 oz) and an energy consumption of 14 Watts. On board, there is an Intel ATOM x5-Z8350 processor, a 2GB RAM and a 16GB flash memory.
Connectors: HDMI, RJ-45 Ethernet, four USB 2.0, 5-volt power supply.
With this configuration, the Linutop 6 computer targets a varied use where compactness and power are required.
Linutop OS
Linutop Kiosk
Linutop Kiosk is a software in Linutop OS that allows you to easily configure:
* A secure Internet access point.
* A dynamic display, multi-format (photos, HD videos, MP3, web pages, music, PDF ...)
Linutop OS 14.04 for PC
Linutop OS 14.04 is based on
Xubuntu
Xubuntu () is a Canonical Ltd.–recognized, community-maintained derivative of the Ubuntu operating system. The name ''Xubuntu'' is a portmanteau of ''Xfce'' and ''Ubuntu'', as it uses the Xfce desktop environment, instead of Ubuntu's Unity a ...
/
XFCE
It contains features designed for business use cases:
* Firefox 44, Libre Office 4, et VLC 2, Terminal server client, pdf viewer, GNU Paint, Mirage, Archive Manager, VNC, Gedit, Samba
* Internet kiosk : Full screen, toolbar management, white/blacklist management.
* Display kiosk : user can define a playlist loop of URLs, photos, video and PDF
* Configuration panel allows the user to "lock" the configuration, to backup or restore on bootable USB Key.
* size 850 MB for USB key, Hard Drive or flash memory
* minimum
PC requirements : PIII 800 MHz, 512MB RAM
Linutop OS XS for Raspberry Pi
Linutop OS XS is based on
Raspbian
Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) is a Unix-like operating system based on the Debian Linux distribution for the Raspberry Pi family of compact single-board computers. First developed independently in 2012, it has been produced as the primary o ...
/
XFCE
It contains features designed for business use cases:
* Epiphany web browser, Libre Office 3, et VLC 2 (with hardware acceleration), Terminal server client, pdf viewer, GNU Paint, Mirage, Archive Manager, VNC, Gedit, Samba
* Internet kiosk : Full screen, toolbar management, white/blacklist management.
* Display kiosk : user can define a playlist loop of URLs, photos, video and PDF
* Configuration panel allows the user to "lock" the configuration, to configure the graphics.
* size 2900 MB for Micro SD flash memory
*
Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi () is a series of small single-board computers (SBCs) developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in association with Broadcom. The Raspberry Pi project originally leaned towards the promotion of teaching basic ...
compatibility : Zero, Zero W, A, A+, B, B+, 2, 3
demo versionof Linutop OS is available for free
Also available in NOOBS format.
Linutop TV
Linutop tv has been designed to manage a network of connected digital signage screens and allows centralized management via an http interface. Each screens needs a player (PC, Raspberry Pi, or Linutop Mini PC), running Linutop Kiosk software, connected to the server in order to update display content automatically.
Linutop tv is a server solution available in two versions:
* SaaS (or "cloud") server: accessible via Internet.
* Private (local) server: works on the local network. This solution is often used in corporations intranet. It offers maximum security.
References
Linutop XS introduction
External links
Linutop WikiLinutop VideoFIC ION A603 mini PCLinutop 2 Mini PC review - TrustedReviewsLinutops fanless linux pc review - SlashgearTiny Linutop 3 computer - TechnabobLinutop 5 fanless mini linux desktop - Ubergizmo
Sources
Linutop Blog
See also
*
fit-PC
The fit-PC is a small, light, fan-less nettop computer manufactured by the Israeli company CompuLab.
Many fit-PC models are available. fit-PC 1.0 was introduced in July 2007, fit-PC Slim was introduced in September 2008, fit-PC 2 was introduced ...
*
EeePC
The ASUS Eee PC is a netbook computer line from Asus, and a part of the ASUS Eee product family. At the time of its introduction in late 2007, it was noted for its combination of a lightweight, Linux-based operating system, solid-state drive ( ...
*
Zonbu
Zonbu was a technology company that markets a computing platform which combines a web-centric service, a small form factor PC, and an open source based software architecture. Zonbu was founded by Alain Rossmann (previously Founder and CEO of ...
*
Koolu
*
Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi () is a series of small single-board computers (SBCs) developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in association with Broadcom. The Raspberry Pi project originally leaned towards the promotion of teaching basic ...
*
Ubuntu (operating system)
Ubuntu ( ) is a Linux distribution based on Debian and composed mostly of free and open-source software. Ubuntu is officially released in three editions: ''Desktop'', ''Server'', and ''Core'' for Internet of things devices and robots. All the ...
*
Digital Signage
Digital signage is a segment of electronic signage. Digital displays use technologies such as LCD, LED, projection and e-paper to display digital images, video, web pages, weather data, restaurant menus, or text. They can be found in public ...
*
Interactive kiosk
An interactive kiosk is a computer terminal featuring specialized hardware and software that provides access to information and applications for communication, commerce, entertainment, or education.
By 2010, the largest bill pay kiosk network ...
{{Linux devices
Computers and the environment
Linux-based devices
Nettop