The Celestix Aries was marketed as the smallest Server/Internet Appliance commercially available. Sold back in 2001, the micro-server was aimed at being a low-cost web/email server, capable of around 50 users. I uses a custom version of Red Hat Linux 2.2. Complete with on-board LCD for quick setup of basic functions, such as IP address, the Aries had everything required for a small business.
The Aries was so small it weighs under 1kg. Its 10Gb hard drive was very reasonable given its $999 price tag. That is $1,500 (ยฃ1,070) in 2019. Its 15W nominal power usage was also considered to be very efficient. Its fanless operation meant the computer was silent, apart from the whining of the hard drive.
An extra $300 would have bought you double the RAM and hard drive space (128Mb, 20Gb).
IO Ports are as follows:
- Parallel Printer
- Local Area Network 10/100Mbps
- Wide Area Network 10Mbps
- 2x USB
- Audio in/out/mic
- RS232 serial
- PS/2 Keyboard
- VGA Monitor
- 2x PCMCIA slots
- IrDA Infra-Red comms
Server features:
- POP3
- IMAP
- SMTP
- Multi-drop POP
- Apache web server
- php support
- Web proxy cache
- Packet-filtering firewall
- Embedded Linux, based on 2.2.5 kernel
- File Sharing, with quota management
- Print sharing
- DNS
- DHCP
- Dial-on-demand
- Network Address Translation
- Remote Access
- Virtual Private Network
- Support for Windows, Mac, Unix & Linux
| Year | 2001 |
| Make & Model | Celestix Aries |
| Generation | 4th |
| CPU | Geode GX1 |
| Speed | 200MHz |
| RAM & ROM | 64Mb, 10Gb hard drive |
| Power | 15W nominal, 30W Max |
| Exhibit No. | 1321 |
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