Build a Developers Linux Workstation - Complete Guide
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/IoT & Connected Devices/Telemetry & Remote Logging/Build a Developers Linux Workstation - Complete Guide
Intermediate
ANALOG / DISCRETE
> ₹15,000
3 – 6 Hours
Partial Kit
Build a Developers Linux Workstation - Complete Guide
Step-by-step guide to assembling a barebones Intel NUC computer, installing Ubuntu Linux, and setting up an extensive suite of developer tools and IDEs.
We stock the boards, sensors and modules this project needs. A full parts list is coming soon — for now, browse our DIY Kits & components or search for Analog / Discrete parts.
This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.
We don't carry yet: Logic ICs (74xx / 40xx)
Microcontroller IC (DIP) / Chip
Intel NUC 10 with Intel i7 processor
TB Western Digital Blue SATA SSD
USB flash drive for OS installation
This project involves building and configuring a high-performance, compact computing workstation designed for software development and IoT engineering. The hardware foundation is built around an Intel NUC 10 mini PC powered by an Intel i7 processor. To ensure fast data access and ample storage capacity, the system integrates a 1 TB Samsung EVO V-NAND M.2 SSD for the operating system and critical applications, alongside a 1 TB Western Digital Blue SATA SSD for additional storage. Memory-intensive tasks and multitasking are handled by 64GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR4 2666MHz RAM, distributed across two 32GB chips. The operating system, Ubuntu Linux 20.04, is initially flashed onto a USB drive using Balena Etcher and then installed onto the NUC. Once the Linux environment is running, a comprehensive suite of software tools is deployed. This includes development environments and IDEs like the Arduino IDE, Visual Studio Code, PlatformIO, PyCharm, Thonny IDE, and Geany for writing and compiling code for microcontrollers and applications. Utility and design software such as KiCad and EasyEDA are installed for hardware schematic and PCB design, while tools like FileZilla and Meld assist with file transfers and code comparison. Together, this hardware and software ecosystem creates a powerful, dedicated node capable of handling local code compilation, remote telemetry logging, and connected device development.
Why Build This
Create a powerful, dedicated Linux development station tailored for programming microcontrollers, IoT devices, and software applications.
Gain hands-on experience assembling desktop-grade hardware components like M.2 SSDs, SATA drives, and RAM modules into a compact barebones chassis.
Set up a complete professional software toolchain on Ubuntu Linux, including code editors, IDEs, and electronic design automation tools.
Real-World Application
Providing a dedicated, reliable development environment for software engineers, hobbyists, and IoT developers working with microcontrollers and single-board computers.
Skills You'll Learn
Computer hardware assembly
Linux operating system installation
BIOS/UEFI configuration
software toolchain management
IDE configuration for IoT development
Safety Precautions
Ensure you use an anti-static wrist strap and proper ESD precautions when handling internal computer components like RAM chips and SSD drives.
Technology Tags
LINUX
UBUNTU
HARDWARE ASSEMBLY
IDES
PYTHON
ARDUINO
VS CODE
GIT
Frequently Asked Questions
You will generally only need a small precision screwdriver to open the NUC chassis and secure the M.2 SSD, alongside an anti-static wrist strap for safety.
Ubuntu Linux provides a stable, lightweight, and widely supported environment for software development, particularly for tools targeting IoT devices, microcontrollers, and open-source platforms.
Yes, but you must ensure the components are physically and electrically compatible with the Intel NUC 10 specifications, such as DDR4 SODIMM form factor for the RAM and M.2/SATA form factors for the storage drives.
Gallery
This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.
Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.
