What is a computing appliance?
According to various sources on the Internet, a ‘computing appliance’ is a class of computer product which is designed with a specific function in mind and has limits on the ability to be configured beyond that specific function. There are three forms of computer appliances currently in common use: ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) based devices with no separate operating system. The device has a limited user interface (usually available via web browser or serial connection) that allows basic configuration of the device. Devices in this class of appliance can include items like DSL Routers, Cable Modems, Music Players (iPod, etc.). Often, devices in this class are solid-state devices and may or may not have disks for storage. General purpose computer with a custom operating system that integrates an application directly into the OS. Because of the custom nature of the operating system, vendors tend to lock these devices down to a minimal set of configuration options and ma
