A
plug computer is an external device, often configured for use in the
home or office as a compact computer. It consists of a high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip processor with several I/O ports (USB ports, ...) and typically runs any of a number of
Linux distributions. Most versions do not have provisions for connecting a display and are best suited as for running
media server, back-up services,
file sharing and
remote access functions, thus acting as a bridge between in-home protocols such as
Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and
Server Message Block (SMB) and cloud based services. There are, however, plug computer offerings that have analog VGA monitor and/or
HDMI connectors, which, along with multiple USB ports, permit the use of a display, keyboard, and mouse, thus making them full-fledged, low-power alternatives to desktop and notebook computers.