Single board computer

Single-board computers or SBCs, are pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. It's a computer on a single chip. Basically, any cellphone, TV Remote, radio, or tablet in it's naked form.

However, some hobbyist have made experimenting with SBCs a little more user-friendly. The majority of SBCs use the ARM computer architecture and just about every accessory needed for them to operate for whatever project you plan on using them for is sold separatedly.

Rigel Linux (and it's sub distributions Kang and Kodos) is designed to operate on SBCs. This project is designed to explain how to do it without completely being bogged down by technical jargon.

Popular SBCs

• [Raspberry Pi](Raspberry Pi) - A popular SBC that can be used for all sorts of simple task. This chip is attractive because the cost for the chip alone is $35 (B+ Model). The B and B+ models sport 512 MB memory and 700 MHz Single Core CPU. Great for getting started with SBCs or learning computers. I initially used a Raspberry Pi B when I developed my hacktop, until I decided to upgrade to something more powerful. Kang Linux is designed for Raspberry Pi B and B+. I hope to have that completed in 2015.
• Odroid - An SBC 16x more powerful that the Raspberry Pi. The U3 model sports 2GB memory and 1.7 GHz Quad Core CPU. Basically, this device has about the same computing power as either a Netbook circa 2009 or a Samsung Galaxy 3. Being this chip is from Korea, a lot of Samsung components (mainly microprocessors) are built into these devices. I recommend this for making a more advanced Hacktop. Kodos Linux is designed for use with the ODroid U3. I wish I could use a more advanced Odroid, specifically the Octa-core model they have.
• Arduino is a great way to learn electronics. The next level up for learning that task would be either Beagleboard or Raspberry Pi. Most of Arduino stuff is based on the Processing programming language.
• Beagleboard is another popular SBC. I don't have much experience with this.

Things you can do with SBCs

• Make remote control cars.
• Learn electronics.
• Build a robot!
• Route your internet traffic trough it for VPN stuff.
• Mine Bitcoins!
• Build a hacktop!
• Make a 3D printer!
• Learn programming.
• Anything you can put your mind you! The possiblities are unlimited!