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 (£1,070) 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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