I have an upcoming project which requires a Ubuntu server and after doing some PC repairs and upgrades I had a few bits left over:

• 1 x AMD K6/2 CPU and motherboard
  
• 2 x 128MB memory
  
• 1 x ATX power supply
  
• 1 x 4GB hard disk
  
• 1 x Trio AGP graphics card
  
• 1 x Intel e100 network card
  

I will be the first to admit that it isn’t the fastest machine in the world… by a long way!!! But to test something like Ubuntu server which doesn’t need a graphical desktop (like KDE or GNOME) this is perfect.

I temporarily connected a CDROM to it and install Ubuntu Server 08.04 without any problems. Now I can connect to it over SSH, no monitor, no mouse, no keyboard.

It is a shame that the motherboard doesn’t have built-in VGA or Ethernet as then I would be able to get the thing into a smaller cardboard box, I will hunt for one on eBay!

The biggest problem is that I don’t have a on/off switch so I need to short the two contacts on the motherboard with a screwdriver to get it to start!

The cardboard box is made up of two lids from a couple of copy paper boxes. Here it is with the lid on.