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Netbooks for running Slackware or Ubuntu 24/7 (i.e. as a web server)

Tags:
  • Netbooks
  • Web Server
  • Ubuntu
Last response: in Laptop General Discussion
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October 14, 2014 11:00:17 PM

Hello. I was hoping to get some advice or recommendations for netbooks I can run 24/7 as a web server.

What doesn't matter to me:

  • Uptime. I currently have a Linode, but I just don't use it enough to justify $25/mo. Of course there are cheaper hosts but I've also been using it for Linux programming projects (Python, C++), some of which gather data periodically throughout the day, which is why I'm not just dual-booting my laptop.
  • Performance. I'm not doing anything computationally intensive. Mostly running a LAMP or LEMP stack and making HTTP GET requests every few minutes (at most for a couple hundred KB of data) and parsing.
  • Power Usage. I can't imagine any modern netbook consuming more than 12 watts on average, but even saying 15 watts, that's 10.8 kWh/month, and even at 30 cents/kWh (summer peak rates), that's only $3/month.


  • What does matter to me:

    • Durability over 24/7 operation. I'm mainly concerned about it running smoothly and consistently despite running constantly—Are there any netbooks (makers or models) that have a reputation for such reliability? Or—and this would help me just as much—Are there any netbooks (makers or models) that have a reputation for overheating or degrading noticeably over time, that I should avoid?
    • Cost. I would be dissuaded if this ended up being too pricey. Under $200 would be ideal, but it should absolutely be under $300. (1 year of Linode = $300. Not that that's how I've come up with the number.)
    • Capable of running Slackware (preferred) or Ubuntu, compatibly. (I'm not sure if this is too technical for this forum so please ignore this point if it is.) I haven't kept up with Linux in a while—do most netbooks nowadays have smooth support for Linux? (Maybe it's better to put conversely—Does Slackware include support for most netbook hardware nowadays?—I'm not worried about Ubuntu, but I prefer to use Slackware.) Or are there some makes / models that are known to enjoy better support with Linux. I remember 7 years ago having to jump through many hoops (building modules from source) just to get my ThinkPad's wireless card working on Slackware. (And I was a student then—but now I have a job—I have no time for unnecessary shenanigans :) )


  • I would really appreciate any comments / suggestions even if they don't give complete answers. I'm a programmer but completely clueless about hardware and the latest tech. I've never owned a netbook, for one thing, and the last time I installed Linux was 7 years ago.

    Thanks in advance.
  • More about : netbooks running slackware ubuntu web server

    October 16, 2014 12:50:58 AM

    netbooks by design will not last long as a web server 24/7. suggest buy a used desktop maybe a core 2 quad, with 4gb+ memory and a good HDD.
    !