NASLite Network Attached Storage

Is it possible to use NASLite without a CDRom and Floppy?
I'm building a mini-ITX system using an IDE Flash Memory module
http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=16#ideflash

I hope to have the NASLite+ operating system AND configuration stored on a single memory module (which the system sees as an IDE hard disk).

The reason for this is to have a completely noise-less system - its annoying hearing the CDRom and floppy!

Is this possible?

Take a look at NASLite+ for USB Flash as well as NASLite in a Nutshell guide in the Documentation section. The process of embedding the OS on a DOC is almost identical to embedding the OS on a IDE Flash.

Personally, i think that if you are going to boot from a solid state device, USB Flash is better since it leaves all IDE ports open for storage. In addition, using the admin utility, you can format Disk-1 (presumably your IDE Flash boot disk).

Anyway, hope that helps...

Thanks, i read the article.
so the answer, in short, is "no"...
I can't have the OS and config files on the same device (in my case the flash IDE module)....
So as i understand it, the system *must* operate using a minimum of 3 devices:
1. OS storage
2. Config Storage
3. File Storage
There's no way to combine 1 and 2?

I'm building this system for the living room using a stylish MiniITX case, so I don't want to have a USB flash drive poking out the side.

Can anyone think of a better solution?

Most MBs have auxiliary USB headers. Using those one can install the USB Flash inside the case. That should satisfy the above requirement.

If you are concerned with noise, keep in mind that after initial boot, the CD and floppy are never accessed, so both will spin down for the duration.

If your goal is mainly appearance, then the USB is the best approach.

Anyone know if the VIA EPIA 5000 has "auxiliary USB headers"?

Okay well I have already purchased NASLite+ and i already have the equipmnt: motherboard and the IDE Flash Drive.

I do also have a USB memory stick somewhere.

What's the cheapest option for me now? Can i run with this using NASLite+ using the IDE Flash Drive for the OS and the USB Stick for the config?
This would save me having to buy Naslite USB Flash, right?

That particular board is an exception and not the rule. Granted it does not have auxiliary USB headers but it also does not support a floppy, so NASLite+ is out of the question since it specifically looks for a floppy disk for configuration.

I have the same board in a test setup. I boot NASLite+ for USB Flash from 64M PNY Attaché USB Flash drive formatted as a superfloppy, with the BIOS set to boot from USB ZIP.

okay so let me just make sure i understand -
it's not possible to run any version of naslite (the "+" or the "usb flash") from a single Flash IDE device (which the pc sees as a hard disk) without the use of a floppy or cdrom device?
is that correct?

hello?