Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Everyone Needs a Personal Server

Posted by michael on from the chicken-in-every-pot dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Intel Labs is prototyping a potentially revolutionary new 'personal server'. The tiny device -- smaller than a PDA -- comprises a hard disk, BlueTooth, a Web-DAV enabled HTTP daemon, and other technologies enabling the user to access and modify their files from any enabled PC within their "Personal Area Network." In theory, this would allow the worker to access their own data -- essentially to have their own PC -- at any suitable workstation as long as the personal server were nearby. This article at LinuxDevices.com provides background on the personal server concept, explains how the device will enable a truly mobile experience, discusses the basic technologies involved, and provides an architectural block diagram of the prototype, which is based on an XScale Processor running at 400MHz running an embedded Linux OS."

6 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. Instant beowulf on the subway? by sandgroper · · Score: 5, Funny

    Brings a whole new meaning to mobile computing ;-)

  2. I misread the title by gowen · · Score: 5, Funny
    I thought all developers required a personal Saviour. My first thought was
    "That's strangely religious for /."
    My second was
    AHA! A gap in the market for "What would Linus do?" bumper stickers -- special Segway version available
    --
    Athletic Scholarships to universities make as much sense as academic scholarships to sports teams.
  3. Re:Security by Pros_n_Cons · · Score: 5, Funny

    but how secure that kind of device can be?

    In my life time I have lost 12 pairs of glasses.2 wallets and 5 remote controls, Losing a web server is going to 0wn

    --

    -- "of course thats just my opinion, I could be wrong." --Dennis Miller
  4. where's the belt by moodz · · Score: 5, Funny

    what you want me to lug my phone, pda, mp3 player, digital camera and now a server as well.
    Robin hand me my utility belt and a bandolier of batteries.

  5. Different implementations by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sun: Introducting Cobalt Qube (not very consumer friendly, but it gets the job done; discontinued)

    Linux/BSD: We had this for years, but it takes a rocket scientist to figure out how to secure a small server and maintain it; not consumer friendly but effective)

    Microsoft: Introducing .NET (access your files anywhere, anytime. One catch - your files are not your property)

    Intel: Lets build a box for the regular Joe so he can access their files anytime, from anywhere, if he has an always-on connection.

    Linux community: Lets hack together a working alternative that works out of the box and runs of dirt cheap hardware and even grandma can use it. Just like we did with MythTV and other lesser known PVRs

    Apple: Introducing iPersonalServe

    SCO: It was our idea all along!

  6. Easier by clinko · · Score: 5, Funny

    I have a great idea. You can transport your files from one computer to another. i think i'll call it... WAIT! It's been done! it's called A fucking disk!

    if you want to be tech wiz, you could even buy a USB memory card. WOOO!