Can another OS be installed on this machine? I love the hardware and form factor just not happy with the OS. I am so used to debian.
999529
Highly likely that it would work just fine, but you could probably roll your own hardware for cheaper than this if all you wanted to do was have a Debian box.
999530
It is off the shelf hardware. It should work with Linux distributions AFAIK. You can build your own for slightly cheaper, but not too much cheaper. For the extra money, you do get warranty support on the hardware as well as having it tested and burnt in. That was worth my mine for having the piece of mind. Search for the free as mini reviews and you can get a breakdown of the hardware to check compatibility.
999531
The FreeNAS Mini uses ASRock C2750D4I Mini ITX server optimized motherboard. The specs for that board call out compatibility with Microsoft Server 2008 R2 (x64), Server 2012 (x64), Linux RedHat Enterprise Linux Server 5.5/6.4 (x32 and x64), CentOS 5.5/6.4 (x32 and x64), SUSE Enterprise Linux Server 11 SP1 (x32 and x64), FreeBSD 9.1 (x32 and x64), Fedora core 18 (x64), Ubuntu 12.04/12.10 (x64), and VMWare ESXi 5.1). Based on Ubuntu 12.04 I'd think you could probably run Debian just fine. Check directly with ASRock website for more detail.
1275805
We do not recommend trying to install a different software on our hardware. The hardware is specifically configured to work with our software only. By loading a different software it could cause the hardware to malfunction.
633177
I don't have Linux here. A Google (can I say that here?) search revealed that some geeks say it works out of the box. Others say it doesn't without modifying config files. It's two bucks, try it. You may like it. If not then wrap it up as a fun Christmas gift for your favorite Windows guru who has to have everything. cya...
862307
No OS on this one. I used Ubuntu Linux, which took soem tweaking to run well. You can use any OS you would like.
1088528
The drive comes like any other drive and can be used with any OS that supports hard drives. There is no reason why multiple OS installs can't be made on it, following the standard multi-boot issues.
373289
No, that is a hitch. It comes without an operating system. If you can get your hands on W7 / W8 disc then you just get an external DVD drive, install for me was a breeze.
1254876
I got a debian 7.4 live image to boot, but I haven't (yet) installed Linux on the system. There were some minor problems with it, such as a warning message that gnome didn't come up, but it did have a working UI. This version of Linux does not have a working touchscreen driver that runs while the keyboard is connected. Perhaps the hardware would switch over when the tablet is removed. I didn't test that. Or other versions of Linux may have a working driver. The USB ports are both on the keyboard, so when the tablet is removed, it isn't possible to have a USB keyboard. And I couldn't connect a BT keyboard. So if the touchscreen doesn't switch over in hardware, then you won't be able to use the system as a tablet. The HP site does say that this unit has BT, but this version of Debian did not recognize it. If you can get BT working, then that would provide a way to get a keyboard and mouse while it's disconnected from the keyboard. But requiring those external devices might not be suitable for many people while using it in a tablet format. When I've had more time to work with it, I'll update my review.
2030280
I'd consider doing a dual boot just in case the second OS doesn't take properly.
2127101
I tried to install Linux on it right after getting my hands on, but could not boot from CD. I think it is something about encrypted or locked boot loader. I was busy so I did not bother myself looking for a solution. But soon, I'll give it another try and find out the possible solutions and I think it is not that hard to get resolved.Reg's,Rodi
2084041
I don't see why not! I don't use the operating system, but my understanding of Ubuntu is that it is less demanding on system resources. If your are a Amazon prime member, I would suggest you give it a try. If it doesn't perform the only money you will be out is the return shipping cost.
954632
There is no reason why this machine could not be upgraded. I'm not a fan of WIN8 and you would have to buy the program separately but otherwise it should be fine running on the new OS.
1473882
It works on Ubuntu, so I'm guessing you are good for all debian based (and probably all but I'm not as familiar with others.)
2082918
O just saw the first post not all there. Heres the rest.. I am also looking forward to "PicUntu" which will allow a linux android dual boot. With "linux PicUntu" the issues with flash support and the websites like cbs,hulu recognizing the pc as android, and thereby blocking the device, should no longer be an issue simce i would see picuntu, a version of Ubuntu, instead. But there is no timetable as to when it will be ready for the average customer. Another poster mentioned slatedroid for articles referring to picuntu. So i continue to wait.
927652
Debian has a special release for this CPU/SoC.. I have never tried to do the apt-get dance with openssh, but I would be surprised to find it is not available. USB HDD will work fine with the distro's I've used (mostly raspbmc). At my work we have one loaded with Debian, Apache, etc. as a simple [LAMP] web server.
564382
The model I bought required adding a hard drive and ram. Then install an os. Not exactly plug and play.
1626326
Install Arch Linux and Samba and it's a pretty fantastic set up. I have 2 of these setup this way.
712820
'Let's put it this way--who is the happier person: The one who moves back and forth between two (or more) operating systems, using what they like best out of either, and knows how to get around with either, or the person who sticks with just ONE, and aggressively insults the other?' Very well put. I use linux, and just bought Vista basic a few hours ago, I had tried xp (x64 pro) even, used it some. but yes, what is wrong with using multiple systems and why insult the other systems? It's childish. This isn't religion or weather or not we have high morals, or a drug, it's an operating system. I use linux for almost everything, windows just for some games. other games work under linux like american mcgee's alice, doom 3, call of duty, descent 3, and several others.