Which OS for this system?

[wh666-666]

Hey all,

A bit of a question. At the moment, I have several databases on my server as well as other things.

The problem is, if I want to dump some files back on the server, update a customer record or alter stock in my supplies, I have to start up a computer and everything which is a pain and it results in things not getting updated properly or as often as it should.

So what I want is a small PC, very low in power, connected to the main TV in the house with a wireless keyboard and a barcode scanner that I have hooked up.

Then all I have to do when I come in is pop the TV on, which usually does get turned on at some point, scan a barcode if Im taking something out of my supply cupboard or update something quickly or dump a file on there to then organise later.

So as for hardware, I was thinking of a Raspberry. However the problem is, my databases are mdb's (MS Access). So since it ships with linux, I need a good free alternative to MS Access for linux. If that doesnt exist, I believe windows CE will work on the system? If so, does it just use win2k/xp drivers or a completely different type of drivers for hardware? I presume MS Access works on windows CE?

[James]

Hey all,

A bit of a question. At the moment, I have several databases on my server as well as other things.

The problem is, if I want to dump some files back on the server, update a customer record or alter stock in my supplies, I have to start up a computer and everything which is a pain and it results in things not getting updated properly or as often as it should.

So what I want is a small PC, very low in power, connected to the main TV in the house with a wireless keyboard and a barcode scanner that I have hooked up.

Then all I have to do when I come in is pop the TV on, which usually does get turned on at some point, scan a barcode if Im taking something out of my supply cupboard or update something quickly or dump a file on there to then organise later.

So as for hardware, I was thinking of a Raspberry. However the problem is, my databases are mdb's (MS Access). So since it ships with linux, I need a good free alternative to MS Access for linux. If that doesnt exist, I believe windows CE will work on the system? If so, does it just use win2k/xp drivers or a completely different type of drivers for hardware? I presume MS Access works on windows CE?

WindowsCE/Embedded both use completely distinct drivers vs. XP/2K since it is designed to run on ARM, not x86.

How low power are you trying to go? Would a board with a single core Atom or AMD APU work out in your power-envelope?

[wh666-666]

Essential requirements:
- Has to be completely fanless
- As small as possible (needs to fit in a crowded area around digi-boxs or even behind a TV mount)
- Has to be able to run and edit *.mdb's
- Needs one rj45 jack and display output and two usb
- Has to be able to cope with being on 24/7/365
- If a suggestion that isnt a conventional PC is made, I need the device to stay connected to a home network (over rj45 would be more secure) and be able somehow to be readily available/always booted for instant access




Desirable requirements:
- Very low powered, as much as possible considering constant standby and utilisation
- As cheap as possible (I have considered a tablet, but too pricey)




That is about it really. I did initially look at itx atom boards but they were more expensive and bigger.

[James]

picoATX, nanoITX, mini-ITX, etc. would all be viable for that.

An Atom solution could easily be fanless and would provide more power than you need. When in a sleep state, it draws maybe 1-3w total for the system (assuming solid state storage locally).

http://www.logicsupply.com/products/epia_p720_10 <- Seems like an ideal solution.