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

Year2001
Make & ModelCelestix Aries
Generation4th
CPUGeode GX1
Speed200MHz
RAM & ROM64Mb, 10Gb hard drive
Power15W nominal, 30W Max
Exhibit No.1321

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