nettop
Nettop is a neologism from network and desktop. They are compact and inexpensive desktops for network applications with limited functionalities and a limited range of interfaces.
The nettop concept is from Intel and is based on a motherboard with a mini- ITX form factor and the Atom processor, which is characterized by extremely low power consumption. Therefore, nettops do not need a fan. When a solid state drive( SSD) is installed, they operate completely silently.
As for the working memory, there are one or two slots in which DIMMs DDR2 with up to 1 GB can be installed. In addition, a slot for PCI or PCI Express is available for expansion cards. The chipset for the Atom processor is the 945GC with Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (GMA), which requires up to 256 MB of RAM.
Nettops support WLANs according to 802.11g and have an interface for Gigabit Ethernet, furthermore several USB interfaces, an input for microphones and a headphone output and support surround sound 5.1.
Everything about a nettop is optimized in terms of cost. For example, the Atom processor is soldered directly onto the Mini-ITX motherboard without a CPU socket, and the power supply is designed for the lowest possible power. Nettops are even available as barebones.
The nettop concept relies on Windows XP, Windows Vista Basic, WebOS, Moblin and other smartphone operating systems as operating systems.