Just IT Hardware Blog

When purchasing a product, whether it is from a retail outlet, grocery store, or even an online retailer, you have probably noticed that every item has a barcode either on or attached to it. This barcode, or Universal Product Code (UPC), was created to enable quicker checkout and more efficient inventory tracking. While it started within grocery stores, this categorization and methodology quickly spread to all forms of retail.

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is a complex system that consists of the collection, transfer, and analyzation of data over a network that does not require any human to human or human to computer interaction to function. IoT devices can benefit many sectors, including consumer, infrastructure, industrial, and commercial applications. The first example of an IoT device was a Coke machine that was able to track its own inventory, as well as detect whether the drinks it held were cold or warm. While this is a simple example, the basis of the system that controls it can be used to create many different possible functions across a variety of devices and systems.

From personal computers to smartphones, there are many important parts that come together to provide the functionality that many of us heavily rely on nowadays. Though computers and mobile phones may seem somewhat different, their internal peripherals are often very similar. In this blog, we will provide a short overview of the integral types of computer hardware components that are most common.

RAM is the computer component that stores needed variables and content for computers. When installed onto a computer motherboard, various channels will be utilized depending on the amount of RAM sticks inserted. One stick would be single channel, and two would be dual channel. One could install up to four sticks and run a quad channel configuration, though single and dual channels are the most commonly applied configuration with one to two sticks installed. By running more channels with smaller capacity sticks, the memory bandwidth is theoretically doubled, or even quadrupled, all while having the same memory as a single larger one. But does increasing the bandwidth also increase the performance of computers? With applications like video games, they are loaded onto the RAM rather than the hard drive as it is easier to store temporary items on them. This makes video games a great way to test RAM capabilities with high stress and intensive programs.

Modern desktop computers are frequently multitasking. While the user is browsing the Internet, typing up a report, or playing a video game, they may also be listening to music, streaming their favorite TV show, and running an antivirus program in the background. But each of these programs takes up computational power from the micro-processor, and a processor’s core can only compute one task at a time. Therefore, most modern processors are multi-core, able to juggle multiple programs at the same time.

Installing an extra graphics card into any PC can improve the overall performance of the computer. Each PC has a built-in graphics card, but with how much technology and digital imaging has advanced, adding a secondary card will benefit several aspects of the display including video quality, increase memory storage, and overall computer quality.

Sensing the proximity of objects via electromagnetic waves is not a new idea. Radar functions off of that basic premise to detect objects flying in the sky, and that is a technology we have possessed since the 1940’s. When we talk about proximity sensors in this day and age however, we are usually referring to the small sensors found in objects like modern mobile devices, parking sensors on automobiles, and automatic faucets. Small, inconspicuous devices we barely think about, but incredibly useful, nonetheless.
               

It’s fascinating to think that the technology used to develop displays, particularly screens, is over a hundred years old. Which begs the question, when did screens first appear? The first signs of display technology appeared in 1897 with physicist Karl Ferdinand Braun, who developed the Cathode Ray Tube. This small tube would lay the humble beginnings of  the very first television.

Imagine having to keep everything that depends on electricity connected to the wall— it would be extremely impractical and sometimes impossible. Thanks to batteries, we don't have to do this.  Batteries store generated electrical energy and allow us to operate independently of outlets and wall plugs. There are two major battery types: primary and secondary.

A motherboard is the main printed circuit board found in technological systems and is the platform for all components of a system to communicate. All parts are connected to the motherboard. The components of a motherboard are the expansion slots, random access memory (RAM) slots, central processing unit (CPU) socket, the basic input output system (BIOS), the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) battery, power connectors, the integrated drive electronics (IDE) connector, the serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) connector, the co-processor, and the cabinet connections. 

Wireless routers are more important now than ever for any business because the internet is such an integral part of everything. There are many different types of wireless routers to choose from and many different things to consider.

Today, one of the most important things you can do is set up your own network. Whether you run your own business or you’re moving into a new home, the rise in the Internet of Things (IoT) mandates the need for a computer network. But, before you set one up, it’s important to understand the different segments and how they work.

Today, being connected is essential to daily life. If you are not connected, it is nearly impossible to function as an individual or business as everything relies on a connected mobile or desktop device. Networking devices are vital to the functionality of a computer. To access the internet, you need to have a networking device so that you can be connected. Different network devices include network switch, modem, network router, bridge, network hub and repeater. Two of the most common are a modem and a network router.

There are two major types of computer memory which are the primary memory and secondary memory. They both have similar functions but with many different features.

In recent news, Microsoft has launched a new security MCU (microcontrollers) unit for IoT products. IoT stands for internet of things, which are used for interrelated computer devices and hardware that are connected via internet, wifi, or bluetooth. IoT products allow you to stay connected to devices and gadgets while physically separated from the device. There are many IoT products on the market that is gaining popularity such as; smart thermostat, home security systems, smart pet feeder, smart washer and dryer and the like. IoT products allow the user to control the device while being away.

The first Integrated Circuit was created in 1959 by Fairchild Semiconductor, marking the beginning of microprocessor history that resulted in giving us the advanced computer capabilities we have today. A microprocessor, essentially, is a computer processor that is built on a microchip; its job is to process and execute any instructions it is given. But how does this apply to you? The computer you are using to read this, is employing a microprocessor to transfer data to you.

Western Digital has been able to successfully incorporate their resources with SanDisk with their recent merger. As a result of the merger, Western Digital has released what is known to be the fastest UHS-1 flash memory card, creating the 400GB SanDisk Extreme UHS-1 microSDXCTM.

Gamers are suffering because of digital currency mining. More and more companies are getting their stock eaten up and causing prices to soar. Advanced Micro Devices(AMD), based in Sunnyvale, California and Nvidia, based out of Santa Clara, California, are both struggling to keep their hungry fan base happy. The two companies have been hit hard by the cryptocurrency market. Both of the companies make popular chips used by “miners” to hoard coins, because of this they are buying up the market and an incredibly expedited pace, causing the companies to bump up the price for their normal customers by an insane amount.

Netduma has been in the works of creating its own type of gaming router for many years and finally found a more efficient solution to its goal. Joining Netgear Inc, they have discovered a way to bring both their resources to create a greater unit. Releasing the latest innovative networking system by the name Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 router and Nighthawk SX10 10G/Multi-Gig LAN Switch. The partnering companies have created a router that has the potential to carry out 56 Gbps of bandwidth.

IBM and Hitachi announced plans to collaborate for a new mainframe computing environment that uses Hitachi’s operating system and IBM z Systems hardware technology. This partnership builds upon IBM and Hitachi’s long history of working together to expand computer technology and better serve their customer base.