Which plug to buy?

[wonka68]

I've decided to buy a plug computer, and it looks like this will either be the PogoPlug, or a sheevaplug.

My main requirements are:
1) simple file-sharing over the internet  (which is why I'm attracted to pogoplug)
2) as a print server at home, which I guess means the use of CUPS

Would also like to have a good play about with whichever device I get.

The pogoplug looks like I would have to install openpogo, as PlugBox Linux seems to be problematic right now.  But openpogo is quite an old kernel.

But if I go sheevaplug, it doesn't look like there are easy ways of getting at files over the internet?  I think SAMBA can only be used in a local network?

Thoughts?

[peter a]

If “simple file-sharing over the internet” is your problem then I can`t see any problems, because it`s just a case of downloading the right software, I think you can even download the pogoplug software for the sheevaplug.

The Sheevaplug from what I can remember as more ram than the pogoplug, and is a little more flexable to what you can install on it.

Yes SAMBA is for sharing over the lan , what you need is just a web server.

I think the mean differences between the sheevaplug and the pogoplug are that the sheevaplug is a base to add your own stuff and roil your own device, were the pogoplug is a ready make device which is a little set in stone.   

[wonka68]

Thanks Peter.

I know a web server can be easily added to sheevaplug, and I know files can be accessed over HTTP.  But then it's a big leap from that to accessing a 1TB USB drive over that, especially when copying folders with large numbers of files, or backing up.

So I'm guessing you're suggesting that there is some web-based software for doing just that?  If so, could you give an example?

As I said, I'm looking for a way of using sheevaplug in a similar way to a pogoplug.

I know you can download many parts of pogoplug, such as the kernel and bootloader they use. But I don't believe they make available the software that contains the file-sharing features.  And even if they do, I'm a bit of a linux noob, so the chances of me getting it installed and working are pretty slim   :-)

[peter a]

I would ask on http://plugcomputer.org  , which is the best program that can be installed on the sheevaplug to share files over the internet?.
I remember when it was last asked there is some good program which was put forward to do it.

Even Webmin as a built it file upload/downloader, so don`t think there is a problem finding one
 
I just use Secure FTP and samba and apache for a web server.
If you have a static IP address you could use FTP and map your computer to it.

especially when copying folders with large numbers of files, or backing up.

So you want to backup over the internet? , if so don`t forget you are limited to the upstream of your adsl , which in most cases isn`t that fast.

[wonka68]

Thanks Peter.

Webmin does look good, but not quite the file sharing I'm looking for.

After hours of googling and reading plug forums I think I have found what I'm looking for.

The softwarebehind TonidoPlug(which is VERY similar to PogoPlug) can be downloaded separately (albeit for 29 bucks) and apparently will work on a sheeva plug.  So, along with CUPS, I could have a combined print-server & file sharing setup.

[peter a]

No, I didn`t think or say that Webmin would be any good for what you are after, I was a comment that file servers are so commonplace.

Yes ,I remember the tonidoplug software was on the list of what people put forward.