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Christian InTech Articles - Computers
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Creating Secure Online Backups
Today, many pc users are storing files on the Internet by using some free online storage service. While these online locations can easily be used to store backups as well, you should be very careful when sending sensitive documents and emails across...
Great Plains Dexterity History and Programming Overview
As of now - Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise is transformed/renamed into Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft Business Solutions is in process of merging all its accounting applications: Great Plains, Solomon, Navision and Axapta into somewhat...
Learn the Lost Art of Touch Typing
Computers have replaced typewriters, but two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing can never replace the touch typing of a trained professional.
A recent report by Robert Johnson in the Boston Globe highlights the decline of typing skills. Human...
PC Doctor+ Guide 10 Pop-Ups and How To Stop Them
POP-UPS AND HOW TO STOP THEM What Are Pop-Ups? OK. So you've been quietly browsing away on the web when suddenly out of nowhere a small window appears advertising some previously unheard of product or service. Welcome to Pop-Ups. Actually,...
Plug-Ins and XTensions: InDesign Indexers, QuarkXPress Catalogers, Photoshop Fixers
What are Plug-Ins? According to Webopedia, it is a hardware or software module that adds a specific feature or services to a larger system. The idea is that the new component simply plugs in to the existing system. About-the-web.com says that they...
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Small Wonders: Single Board Computers
What are Single Board Computers
When most people think of computers, the image of a PC or laptop
comes to mind. Some may even recall the football field size
computers of the 1960's and 70's before the emergence of the PC.
Very few people would picture single board computers , even if
there was one sitting right in front of them! A single board
computer is the terminology used for a printed circuit board
that contains a processor, memory, I/O (input/output) and a
clock. Single board computers (aka SBC's) resemble the
motherboard contained in a typical PC, but include all the
elements of a basic computer within it's small design. Since the
early 1980's, the technology behind this type of computers has
been used in industrial manufacturing and computerized product
design to apply basic processing functions for high-tech product
features.
Usage of Single Board Computers
Also commonly referred to as embedded computers, single board
computers are used in products from airplanes and rocket ships,
to toys and high performance athletic shoes. Almost everyone
uses single board computers without being aware of their
existence. Most products that utilize computer technology (such
as fax machines, cameras, cell phones, etc) contain embedded
single board computers. While these tiny computers can host a
full size operating system such as Windows XP, most SBC's have
internal operating systems that take up much less space. Simpler
operating systems equal a lower cost per computer. Software for
single board computers is generally contained on a flash memory
system or ROM chip. Quality indictors for single board systems
include processor performance, I/O compatibility, SSD storage
and wireless
capabilities.
Pros and Cons of Single Board Computers
There are both advantages and disadvantages to using SBC's for
industrial and product enhancement. Deciding whether or not to
implement single board computer technology is largely a matter
of application necessity and cost. Some of the deciding factors
on using them include:
+ Pro : Current technologies have increased the capability of
the single board computer, while reducing its size and cost.
+ Pro : Wireless technology has made it possible for easy
internet access via SBC.
+ Pro : The competitive market has greatly expanding the options
and functionalities available for SBC's.
+ Pro : Advanced computer technology offers reliability for
industrial manufacturers and quality products for vendors using
SBC's.
- Con : Incorporation can be costly for high volume products and
applications.
- Con : Some applications require customized sizes or I/O
functions that are not compatible with standard SBC's.
Single Board Computer Technologies
While all SBC's are built using similar standards, different
technologies can be included with individual SBC's. Video
capability, Ethernet access functionality and digital computer
technologies are just some of the features that can be
incorporated into a single board computer. In general, SBC's can
be as simple or as complex as an application demands.
Additionally, supplemental hardware such as backplanes and
mezzanine structures can significantly increase the
functionality of a single board computer.
About the author:
P. Basauri is an expert author who writes for Single Board
Computers
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