kitchen pc 08 - Procedures

1. Create Frame and Space for PC in the Kitchen
2. Assemble PC and fit in chosen area
3. Install Linux (Gentoo)
4. Connect to LAN or Internet to install appropriate software, drivers and patches
5. Configure Linux for the specific use
6. Configure network setting

Future posts will go through each step in details

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kitchen pc 07 - Software Map

The figure below outlines the high level software map of the system:



The following steps are taken to get the operating system ready:
- Install the correct kernel and patch
- Install appropriate drivers
- Install the GUI (Graphical User Interface), also known as the Window System
- Configure the required scripts

After following these process, the chosen software can now be installed





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kitchen pc 06 - Why Mini-ITX

I have chosen Mini-ITX because of it's compact size. Also, the mini-itx board & processor class Eden EPIA from VIA has a very low power consumption. Yet most of them have onboard 5.1 audio, 3d Graphics, MPEG encryptor/decryptor and the processor speed can be up to 1GHz (the Nehemia - soon to come is a 1.2GHz one).

A Nano-ITX from VIA again would have been the best option but this is unfortunately not on the market yet.



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kitchen pc 05 - Cost Estimate

7" Touch Screen 155
Mother Board + Processor 65
RAM 25
HDD 40
Power Supply 10
Modem 10
TOTAL £305

Note that these estimate are based on obtaining components as second hand (e.g. through ebay)

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Slightly Out of Topic

This is slightly out of topic to the current project. I just like to mention that the next project may be one of these two:

• Car Intelligence PC
• Home Robot

Thanks for reading

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kitchen pc 04 - Hardware Design

The picture below shows a draft of the Hardware Design:




1. Motherboard
2. 128MB RAM
3. Power Suply
4. Speakers
5. 10GB-40GB Hard Disk
6. Internal Flash Cards Reader/Writer
7. USB Bluetooth Receiver/Transmitter
8. Touch Screen and Pen
9. ADSL Modem


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kitchen pc 03 - Network Design

Network Diagram of the Kitchen PC:





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