View source for Plug computer

[[File:SheevaPlug.JPG|thumb|[[Marvell Technology Group]]'s [[SheevaPlug]] plug computer]]
[[File:Seagate Dockstar.jpg|thumb|Seagate Dockstar, a plug computer similar to the SheevaPlug]]
A '''plug computer''' is a [[Small form factor (desktop and motherboard)|small-form-factor]] computer whose chassis contains the [[AC power plugs and sockets|AC power plug]], and thus plugs directly into the wall. Alternatively, the computer may resemble an [[AC adapter]] or a similarly small device. Plug computers are often configured for use in the [[home server|home]] or office as compact computer.

== Description ==
Plug computers consist of a high-[[computer performance|performance]], low-power [[system-on-a-chip]] processor, with several [[input/output|I/O]] hardware [[computer port (hardware)|port]]s ([[USB]] ports, [[Ethernet]] connectors, etc.). Most versions do not have provisions for connecting a [[computer monitor|display]] and are best suited to running [[media server]]s, back-up services, or [[file sharing]] and [[remote desktop software|remote access]] functions; thus acting as a bridge between in-home [[communication protocol|protocol]]s (such as [[Digital Living Network Alliance]] (DLNA) and [[Server Message Block]] (SMB)) and [[cloud computing|cloud-based service]]s. There are, however, plug computer offerings that have analog [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]] monitor and/or [[HDMI]] connectors, which, along with multiple USB ports, permit the use of a display, keyboard, and mouse, thus making them full-fledged, low-power alternatives to [[desktop computer|desktop]] and [[laptop]] computers. They typically run any of a number of [[Linux]] distributions.

Plug computers typically consume little power and are inexpensive.

== History ==
A number of other devices of this type began to appear at the 2009 [[Consumer Electronics Show]].

* On January 6, 2009 [[CTERA Networks]] launched a device called ''CloudPlug'' that provides [[online backup]] at local disk speeds and overlays a file sharing service.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.ctera.com/home/ctera-networks-launches-introduces-cloud-attached-storage.html |title=CTERA Networks Launches, Introduces Cloud Attached Storage |date=6 January 2009 |publisher=Ctera networks |access-date=2009-02-25}}</ref> The device also transforms any external [[USB]] hard drive into a [[network-attached storage]] device.<ref>{{cite video |first=Fritz |last=Nelson |title=CTERA at CES: USB as NAS and Cloud Backup |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GGOnPORmAo |date=January 11, 2009 |publisher=TechWebTV |access-date=2009-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/010609-startup-ctera-will-offer-cloud.html |title=Startup Ctera will offer cloud storage through carriers |first=Stephen |last=Lawson |date=January 6, 2009 |publisher=[[Network World]] |access-date=2009-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303100005/http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/010609-startup-ctera-will-offer-cloud.html |archive-date=March 3, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* On January 7, 2009,  Cloud Engines unveiled the ''Pogoplug'' network access server.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123138754279863721 |title=Gadgets for Leaner Times |access-date=2009-01-27 |first=Don |last=Clark |author2=Christopher Lawton  |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=January 8, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://cnet.nytimes.com/8301-19167_1-10135097-100.html?scp=1&sq=pogoplug&st=cse |title=Pogoplug puts any hard drive on the Internet |date=January 7, 2009 |first=Rafe |last=Needleman |work=The New York Times |access-date=2009-02-25 |archive-date=2020-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806080336/http://cnet.nytimes.com/8301-19167_1-10135097-100.html?scp=1&sq=pogoplug&st=cse |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_11430781 |title=Consumer electronics: Take a peek at geek chic |first=Dave |last=Lester |date=January 12, 2009 |publisher=[[The Denver Post]] |access-date=2009-02-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |url=http://www.fastcompany.tv/video/exclusive-first-look-pogoplug-brings-easy-file-sharing-your-home-network |title=Pogoplug brings easy file sharing to your home network |date=January 7, 2009 |publisher=[[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company]] |access-date=2009-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116125839/http://www.fastcompany.tv/video/exclusive-first-look-pogoplug-brings-easy-file-sharing-your-home-network |archive-date=January 16, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* On January 8, 2009, Axentra announced availability of their ''HipServ'' platform.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Axentra Announces HipServ 2.0 for PlugTop Computing |date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://www.axentra.com/en/pdf/2009-AXTA-PR-PlugTopComputing.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706093838/http://www.axentra.com/en/pdf/2009-AXTA-PR-PlugTopComputing.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |publisher=Axentra |access-date=2009-02-25}}</ref>
* On February 23, 2009, [[Marvell Technology Group]] announced its plans to build a mini-industry around plug computers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Marvell Bets on Plug Computers |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=February 23, 2009 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123535737573645547 |access-date=2009-02-25 |first=Don |last=Clark}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.marvell.com/products/embedded_processors/plug_computing_small_computer_digital_media/release/1256/ |title=Marvell Introduces Plug Computing ─ High-Performance, Low-Power, Exceptionally Small Computer for Managing and Storing Digital Media Assets |date=February 24, 2009 |publisher=Marvell Technology Group |access-date=2009-03-16}}</ref>
* On August 19, 2009, CodeLathe announced availability of their ''[[TonidoPlug]]'' network access server.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2567804.htm |title=CodeLathe introduces TonidoPlug |date=12 August 2009 |publisher=CodeLathe |access-date=20 August 2009 |archive-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228030724/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2567804.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* On November 13, 2009 QuadAxis launched its plug computing device product line and development platform, featuring the ''QuadPlug'' and ''QuadPC'' and running QuadMix, a modified Linux.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.briefingwire.com/pr/quadaxis-launches-plug-computers |title=QuadAxis Launches Plug Computers |date=13 November 2009 |publisher=QuadAxis}}</ref>
* On January 5, 2010, Iomega announced their ''iConnect'' network access server.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iomega.com/about/prreleases/2010/010510_iconnect.html |title=Iomega's New iConnect Wireless Data Station: Share Files, Manage Torrents, Access Your Data Remotely, Backup Your PC and Mac And Much More for Only $99 |date=5 January 2010 |publisher=Iomega |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022052203/http://www.iomega.com/about/prreleases/2010/010510_iconnect.html |archive-date=2014-10-22}}</ref>
* On January 7, 2010 Pbxnsip launched its plug computing device the ''sipJack'' running pbxnsip: an IP Communications platform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blogpbxnsip.com/2010/01/pbxnsip-ip-pbx-demonstrate-sheeva-plug.html |title=pbxnsip Demonstrate Sheeva Plug compatibility |date=January 7, 2010 |publisher=pbxnsip |access-date=January 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124102251/http://www.blogpbxnsip.com/2010/01/pbxnsip-ip-pbx-demonstrate-sheeva-plug.html |archive-date=January 24, 2010}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Classes of computers]]
* [[Computer appliance]]
* [[CuBox]], a plug computer
* [[GuruPlug]], a plug computer
* [[DreamPlug]], a plug computer
* [[FreedomBox]], an operating system
* [[Personal web server]]
* [[Print server]]
* [[Raspberry Pi]], a single-board computer
* [[SheevaPlug]], a plug computer
* [[Stick PC]], a computer attached to and powered by a USB or HDMI plug

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline|Plug computers}}

{{Cloud computing}}
{{Computer sizes}}
{{Linux devices}}

[[Category:Cloud computing]]
[[Category:Classes of computers]]
[[Category:Cloud clients]]
[[Category:Home servers]]
[[Category:Server appliance]]