High Performance Single Board Computers

Writen by Kristy Annely

Computers are very powerful devices that if properly integrated with other electronic components, will make a very power electronic device or industrial machine. Not all kinds of computers can be combined with other electronic components to form another product. Desktop computers, for example, are simply too large to be fitted inside another electronic device. For such applications, you need a single board computer (SBC).

However, ordinary single board computers, are not enough for certain applications. Mission critical telecommunication applications, for example, need more than just a simple SBC. For such applications, a rugged SBC with some kind of supercomputing power is needed. Such single board computers are called high performance single board computers.

High performance single board computers are SBCs ,specifically designed of use in applications that require high reliability, functionality, serviceability and manageability. These computers have a superior computing ability and the capacity to support rigorous I/O operations. High performance SBCs often find use in aerospace, military, automotive, telemetry, scientific, medical, industrial control and transportation applications.

The “high performance” term in high performance SBCs has nothing to do with its size. Surprisingly, it also has nothing to do with the processor speed, although most heavy-duty applications require higher microprocessor speeds. Modern high-performance SBCs have processors with typical speeds of 1.7 to 2.7 GHz with 800 MHz system bus speed. It is not uncommon to find high performance SBCs in the 40 to 400 MHz ranges, especially if the SBC is small and used as an embedded SBC.

The memory size, whether the board uses a DDRAM or an SDRAM, won’t help you identify whether an SBC is high performance or not. Most high performance SBCs are equipped with more than 1 GB of memory, although there are units that are equipped with only 256 MB of memory. If you look at the specs of most high performance SBCs, you’ll their capability to support many I/O operations are common. Many of these SBCs have integrated video, serial devices, graphics support and other I/O devices. Most of them are also open for I/O expansion.

For heavy-duty applications, only a high performance SBC that has superior computer capabilities and can support rigorous I/O operations may be used.

Single Board Computers provides detailed information on Single Board Computers, Embedded Single Board Computers, Industrial Single Board Computers, High Performance Single Board Computers and more. Single Board Computers is affiliated with Office Workstations.

DVD Duplication And Replication

Writen by Michael Colucci

There are two primary methods that are used to copy DVDs, and these are DVD Duplication and DVD Replication. With the replication method, the disc will be compressed via a glass master, and the image will be printed on the surface of the disc. This will produce an effect that is similar to what you would find in DVDs that are purchased in stores. With the duplication method, the disc will be burned from the original DVD onto a blank DVD. The images from the original DVD may be printed and added to the surface of the new DVD.

If you have the time and money to order a large package of blank DVDs, it is important to make sure you use DVD duplication or replication. There are a large number of companies available that can make professional copies of DVDs. If you use the services that are offered by these companies, it is important for you to make sure they use the “compare and verify” function when they are in the process of burning your discs. A lot of these companies will turn off this feature so they can speed up the time it takes for them to complete the order, but making sure the “compare and verify” function is turned on will insure that you discs are correctly duplicated.

While there are companies available that can mass copy DVDs for you within a short period of time, purchasing your own equipment can allow you to make copies of DVDs. The basic thing you will need is a computer with a DVD burner. A lot of computers now come with DVD burners, and some of them may be able to burn both CDs and DVDs. If you don’t already have one in your computer, it can be purchased from your local electronics store. In most cases, internal DVD burners are cheaper than external burners. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements for the DVD burner you are purchasing. Once you have the burner, you will now need to acquire the software.

Some of the most popular DVD burning software are Nero, Alcohol 120%, and Disc Juggler. Another popular program is DVD 2 Copy. Virtually all of these programs can be acquired online or at your local electronics store. If you use a professional company, it is important to compare them with other companies that offer the same service. A good company should test your DVD copies on a large number of different DVD players to make sure they are compatible. In addition to the playback, it is important to make sure your discs have a professional look. If you have a large order, it will take a good company about 4 to 5 days to complete it. However, if you are in a rush, some companies can complete the order in as little as 2 days.

When it comes to disc storage, you will often be given the option of “mini” or “full size.” Full size will give you the maximum amount of space per disc, which is about 8.4 gigabytes. The mini size will give you about 1.47 gigabytes of space per disc. The size that you choose is dependent on your needs.

Is Your Computer Rugged Enough? What is a Rugged PC?

Writen by Conrad Blickenstorfer

The dictionary defines the word “rugged” as “robust” and “hardy,” or “strongly built and constituted.” The latter is what we generally mean when we refer to a computer as “rugged.” However, there are no simple, universally accepted definitions as to what makes a “rugged PC” rather than just a computer that’s well built or durable. So let’s take a look at ruggedness as it applies to computers. How rugged does a device have to be? What are the trade-offs in terms of cost and weight?

Although there are a variety of testing methods and ratings, there is no single entity that manages, monitors, and enforces a set of ruggedness standards for mobile computers. As a result, the term “rugged” is relative. Just because a manufacturer describes a device as “rugged” doesn’t necessarily mean that it fills your particular needs. Any “rugged” device has likely been reinforced to some extent and will offer some extra protection, but in order to find out you need to take a good look at it, know what the listed ruggedness specifications mean, and probably ask a number of questions.

In fairness to manufacturers, the lack of a clear definition of the term “rugged” is probably as frustrating to them as it is to customers. It makes, for example, no sense to go all out and design a device that is nearly indestructible when all that is needed is protection from a bit of occasional rain or some bumps in the road. In the same respect, if a device must survive under the harshest environmental conditions, then it better be up to the task.

With that in mind, let’s consider what ruggedness really means, and what different categories of ruggedness there are. The basic purpose of computer ruggedization is protection from external abuse and penetration. The computer needs to be able to not only physically survive punishment, but continue to function as well. Quite obviously, “abuse” is relative. Let’s look at some examples. A Sony Playstation, for example, must be able to take plenty of abuse from kids without losing its ability to read a CD-ROM disk, but no one would call a Playstation “rugged.” A notebook computer that does duty in a police cruiser must be able to withstand some vibration and a few bumps, handle the temperature extremes encountered in a vehicle, and generally absorb some rough handling day after day. That requires a certain degree of ruggedization, but they are minor compared to what would be required for a device that will be strapped down inside a tank. Similarly, a handheld data collection terminal used to read meter data at customer locations must be engineered to be water resistant (though not necessarily water-proof) and handle an occasional drop. One used by the U.S. Marines, on the other hand, must be totally waterproof and able to withstand just about any torture imaginable.

Considering the above, it is easy to come to some conclusions. First, when it comes to a rugged PC, one size does not fit all. You need to figure out what the device needs to be protected against and then seek one that provides that protection. Second, a rugged PC means extra cost and extra weight. It makes no sense to go for maximum protection with the corresponding high cost when a less extreme design will do.

About the Author:

Conrad Blickenstorfer, Ph.D. is the editor-in-chief of Rugged PC Review and Pen Computing Magazine. He is also Publications Director of Digital Camera Magazine. For more information about Rugged PCs, please visit RuggedPCReview.com.

Copyright 2006 All rights reserved

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LaserJet Printer Advice

Writen by John Gibb

Before you purchase a printer you need to consider many factors, things like, whether you want a color or monochrome printer, do you want to print text or images. Printers are a long term investment and you’d be wise to weigh many factors before making the right choice.

Laser printers can draw crisper lines than inkjets. Laser Printers cost less than inkjets in the long run. They are also the perfect choice if you want to print large documents. Ideally, from running cost and maintenance perspective, they are the perfect choice for anything above home office. One aspect that laser printers are poor at is when it comes to printing photos. Laser printers are best suited for printing text because of their ability to store device fonts.

Laser printers have the capability of printing on a wide variety of media types. They are the fastest type of printers and can handle huge volumes of input, and also, deliver large volumes of output.

Whether you want to go for a monochrome or color printer, it’s a choice which you need to be making carefully. Color printers can be too expensive to maintain and use. Also, don’t get attracted by few color printouts that you see from the printer. Checkout the price it takes to replace the cartridges. Also, make sure there is a separate black cartridge in the printer, as this saves color ink and makes using color printers more economical.

If the printer is to be used in an office, it is better to purchase a duplexing unit by shelling some extra money. The money you save in the form of paper, by allowing the users to duplex through the duplexing option – via the driver interface, will be more than the initial cost, if you were to go without a duplexing unit. You may want to checkout the connectivity options and the ability to upgrade the connectivity. If you plan to use multiple media types, you may want to go for a printer with multiple drawers.

A short checklist when choosing laser printers:-

1) Do you want to print lots of text documentation?

2) Do you want a very fast printer?

3) Are you going to use the printer in the office?

4) How many media types do you think you would be using – most of the time?

5) Are you going to use the printer to print text rather than photos?

6) Do you want color printouts and don’t mind high running costs?

If you answered no to all of the above, a Laser printer is not what you need. If you answered yes to most of the them except (6), a mono laser printer with add-ons is your choice.

If you answered yes to all of them, the color laser printer with add-ons is what you are looking for.

John Gibb manages http://www.computer-and-printer-reviews.com The site dedicated to computers and printers.

Top 5 External Hard Drives

Writen by Gary Hendricks

This article steps through some of the most popular external hard drives that money can buy today. We’re talking about some costly models – but they are very much worth the money if you can justify the need for the extra storage space.

SmartDisk FireLite

This little baby is a 60GB wonder that runs on a USB 2,0 interface and is compatible on both PC and Mac platforms. Excellent value for money and one of the hottest sellers out there.

LaCie 160 GB

Want some serious space? Look at the LaCie 160GB herd drive that comes with a Fiewire interface. This drive will ensure that you are storing all your data in a safe and secure place for a long, long time.

LaCie 250 GB

This guy is a cousin of the LaCie 160 GB hard drive. Ok, so nobody will really need a 250GB external hard drive. But for video files and movies, this drive is the one to get.

Western Digital 80 GB

A nicely priced model, the Western Digital drive stores 80GB of data and supports a speedy USB 2.0 interface. Real value for money and certainly one for the home user to consider.

Iomega 160 GB

Iomega also produces external hard drives (remember they used to produce the defunct zip disk?) Well, their brand of external hard drives are top notch. And they look really good too. Worth considering if you’re in the market for one.

Conclusion

That’s a quick round up of the external hard drives which are popular in the market today. If you need a good drive for home use, I’d recommend the Iomega 160 GB hard drive. If you’re a professional looking for serious backup, then the LaCie 250 GB hard drive is a good choice. Good luck and happy shopping!

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at Build-Your-Own-Computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components.