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"No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched."

George Jean Nathan








 




 
Featured Computers Articles

Computer Support Gone Awry
In today's modern world of computer support, something has gone terribly wrong. It's a sea of confusion that even the most talented navigator would get lost in. Computer support is something that should be inexpensive, calming and efficient. However, this ...

Keyboard Power: Using Your Computer Even If Your Mouse "Dies"
There are various accessories that could help operating a computer easier. The mouse is just an example of an accessory which makes navigation simple with just one click. However, most of these accessories have short "lifespan" and can be considered ...

Why Build Your Own Gaming Computer?
The best way to get the gaming computer that you want, that will provide optimum performance is to build your own computer. If you think you do not have the technical knowledge or are not capable of building a computer you are wrong. I'm pretty certain ...




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



Computers News


Ubergizmo

Intel's Learning Computer Experiments Could Be The Future Of Personal Tech
Huffington Post
"Within five years all of the human senses will be in computers and in 10 years we will have more transistors in one chip than neurons in the human brain," said Moody Eden, president of Intel Israel. Rattner said Intel is already implementing the new ...
Intel reportedly developing computers that can learnUbergizmo
Intel research hopes to give computers human smarts, appreciate our idiosyncrasiesEngadget

all 84 news articles »

San Francisco investigator testifies about child porn found on man's computer ...
San Jose Mercury News
By JESSICA M. PASKO - Santa Cruz Sentinel SANTA CRUZ - Hundreds of inappropriate images and videos, including child pornography, were found on computers used by a San Francisco man, an investigator testified Thursday. James Edward Taylor is on trial ...

and more »

Group Mobile Adds Economical Handheld Computers from DT Research to Product Line
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
Group Mobile, well known for carrying the top brands in rugged computers, has recently extended its product offerings to include the line of economical, rugged handheld computers from DT Research, Inc. DT Research point-of-service (POS) handhelds ...

and more »

Sky News

Georgy Avanesov, Bredolab Botnet Creator, Found Guilty And Sentenced To Four ...
Huffington Post
The trial is monumental, not only for the sentencing of a criminal who hijacked millions of computers, but also because it is reportedly the country's first conviction of a computer criminal. Arrested in 2010, 27-year-old Avanesov is famous for ...
Bredolab Botnet Creator Arrested AgainRedOrbit
Notorious Bredolab virus creator is sentenced to prisonCNET
Russian Cybercrime Mastermind Georgiy Avanesov Jailed After Hijacking Millions ...Sky News
Naked Security -Moneycontrol.com
all 38 news articles »

GI seeks dismissal of 10 counts in WikiLeaks case
Fox News
He allegedly sent to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks hundreds of thousands of classified diplomatic cables and war logs downloaded from government computers while working as an intelligence analyst in Baghdad in late 2009 and early 2010.

and more »