Archive for the 'Hardware' Category

A Fundamental Guide To Selecting The Right Netbook Computers

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

With hundreds developments taken place in consumer electronics each and every day, only a handful have proved to be more convenient and productive than the introduction of the netbook computer. The actual size of netbooks is the core reason that makes them so needed to the typical end user or enterprise. Where notebook computers are some what weighty to fit perfectly on most people’s laps, netbook computers offers the perfect size & portability. Possibly the best example to show this would be on a train, or passenger jet while travelling to, or from your destination. In this instance, a netbook computer is by far the more adaptable hardware, normally being virtually half the size of a typical laptop computer. Find a large assortment of technology products such as; netbooks, dab radios and laptop computers from leading brands online.

The actual size of these netbook computers brings to light quite a lot of concerns when it comes to their display resolution. With such a small size, comes a small display, so you might want to make sure you get a specific product that has a high contrast ratio, & high resolution. This will save you from a lot of head pains when trying to watch a presentation or a movie. Making sure you get the highest contrast ratio for your set budget is simple, & there are loads of websites that evaluates different netbook computer models next to their competition. This can provide you valuable information when procuring a netbook.

This examination of netbook computer manufacturers can be worthwhile in maximizing the quality of the hardware in the computer, as well as the amount of money that you are willing to pay for it. Hard drive space, wireless functionality and the price tag are a number of the most important features that you ought to make sure you explore when procuring a netbook computer. With such an assortment of different businesses putting out netbooks already in 2009, there are countless different discounts around that you can catch simply by undertaking some homework before purchasing. Making sure you get the best hardware available for your cash is vital, especially in this difficult economic condition. Why not take the first steps towards upgrading your mobile computing experience. Get hold of a netbook computer and enter into the superb world of convenience and portability that netbooks give you.

Windscreen Replacement

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

The most intimidating experiences of owning a car is when you need to replace or repair a chipped windshield. Windshield replacement is not for the faint of heart; it takes strength, a steady hand, and a willingness to follow instructions carefully.

Every vehicle is different, most frequently, removing a windscreen requires loosening the urethane that holds it in place, then carefully raising it out of its place so as not to drop and shatter it. Once this step is done, using the a utility knife the left over urethane must be cleared away to make room for the new windshield. The new windscreen is then glued into place, and enforced with bolts. The most important step is to make sure that the new urethane seal is put in place properly, because any leaks can cause wind to get into the car, completely ruining the experience of driving.

If a windshield has a chip, it may be possible to repair it rather than replacing it. Windscreen repair is a considerably simpler procedure. All auto parts store these days sell repair kits, and involves sealing the chip with resin. The resin the clear and does not leave a mark, and once the procedure is finished, it is nearly impossible to distinguish that the windscreen was ever chipped. Windscreen repair kits can be unreliable when used to repair large cracks, however, and can sometimes make the problem worse, requiring a replacement. This job is generally better left to professionals.

If you decide to let a professional deal with your windscreen problems, you may be delighted to find that very often you do not need to bring your car to the garage. Many companies offer mobile repair services, which can be completed in a matter of an hour or less, even if the windscreen requires to be replaced entirely. Mobile windscreen repair services are able to perform the service at your home, or while you are at work, making the process an extremely convenient one.

Surge Protector: A Simple Mechanism Description

Saturday, June 14th, 2008

A surge protector [AKA surge suppressor] is an electrical plug-in device designed to distribute safe electrical voltages to other electrical or electronic devices. Surge protectors resemble power strips in appearance; however, they are more sophisticated and deliver a constant, continuous power supply.

In addition to connecting multiple devices to a single power source, surge protectors provide protection from frequent problems that plague conventional utility power. The most common of these problems are surges (temporary increase of voltage) and brownouts (temporary decrease of voltage). These disturbances slowly degrade many power supply units and cause premature equipment failure. The rising demand on our nation’s power grids is causing more brownouts than ever before (Gamble; Power Protect Your Computer).

The Inside of a Surge Protector

Toroidal Choke Coil: The toroidal choke coil is an electromagnet wrapped in wire. It filters out line noise as the hot wire passes through it.

Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV’s): An MOV has three parts: a piece of metal oxide material in the middle and two semiconductors joined to the hot and ground wire. As a protective connecting unit it shifts unsafe voltage levels to the ground wire.

Neutral Wire: The neutral wire is common in modern wiring practices for safety. It is used in conjunction with the hot wire and the ground wire.

Hot Wire: The hot wire holds the passing current which contains excess voltage.

Fuse: A fuse is a resistor used to protect the wiring from getting too hot. Fuses “blow or burn out”, thereby preventing the electrical current from traveling further.

Ground Wire: The ground wire protects users from getting an electrical shock. It receives excess voltage from from the MOVs.
Most surge protectors contain a parallel circuit design whereby the extra voltage is fed away from the standard path to another circuit. Another design is a series circuit where the electrical current is slowed; moreover it detects high voltage, stores the electricity, and releases it gradually (Harris).

The majority of the electrical currents diversion is done through the metal oxide varistor or MOV. The MOV acts as a pressure-sensitive valve: based on the level of voltage, the electrons in the semiconductors behave differently either creating lower or higher resistance. When the voltage is correct, an MOV doesn’t do anything (Harris).

Specifications and Quality Considerations

Energy Absorption: Surge processors are measured in joules (the amount of energy they can absorb). The higher the number, the better the protection: 200 joules provides basic protection, 400 is good and 600 or high is superior protection.

UL1449: Standard rated by Underwriters Laboratories as the minimum protection standards for surge protectors. It rates suppressors by the amount of voltage passage they allow.

Protection Indicator: LED indicator as to metal-oxide varistors functioning. MOVs do not last forever – one lightening strike can fry them out.

Line Conditioning: Most surge protectors contain this feature. It filters out line noise using a toroidal choke coil to “condition” the current.

Power Switch: There are manual on/off power switches as well as circuit switches. Circuit switches are useful for keeping some components running while others are shut off.

Circuit Breaker or Fuse: A fuse is a resistor that can conduct current below a certain level. If the current is higher than acceptable, heat burns the fuse and cuts off the circuit. Breakers are more economical than fuses as they do not have to be replaced.

Protection Guarantee: Read the terms and conditions carefully! It is important to understand your consumer rights in the event of damage to devices your surge protector neglects to protect (Kozierok).

According to data published on Hewlett Packard’s website, recent statistics reveal 63 percent of all electronics casualties are the result of a power related problem. Most affected are devices using computer chips and high-speed microprocessors. Unprotected computers can suffer hardware degradation and extensive damage when exposed to power surges (Power Protect Your Computer).

The cost of a surge protector varies greatly depending on user needs. Basic models sell for as low as $10 but one should be cautious as to the capabilities these units offer.

NOTE: It is important to connect all peripheral equipment to the surge protector for complete protection. This includes phone jacks, modems, cables, and any other external devices that will receive electrical current.

All visuals have been removed from this article to comply with the publishing rules for this site.

Additional Resources

Gamble, T. “Storm Season” www.bestbuy.com 15 Sep. 2004
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat31600050019&type=category

Harris, T. “How Surge Protectors Work”
www.computer.howstuffworks.com 15 Sep. 2004
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/surge-protector2.htm

Kozierok, C.M. “External Power Problems” www.pcguide.com 15 Sep.
2004, http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/ext/probs.htm

Power Protect Your Computer, www.hp.com 15 Sep. 2004
http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/764-0-0-225-121.aspx

T.L. McMullen
Equity Zip Financial
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