Hardware Articles

Computers » Hardware | By Daniel Lorenz @ Tuesday, 3rd August 2010 @ 3:04 PM

The RS232 and RS485 serial port has its share of problems. Some of them are inherent while others arise during its usage. The intrinsic ones are constituted by its limitations, while the ones that occur when being used are spontaneous. This means that the RS232 / RS485 serial port has 'an already predicted' problem (the inherent ones) and problems that are unforeseeable. These unpredictable problems, however, occur very frequently and should therefore be seriously considered. Th... more...

Computers » Hardware | By Daniel Lorenz @ Tuesday, 3rd August 2010 @ 3:02 PM

The RS232 and RS485 interfaces use asynchronous serial communication. This means that they utilizes start and stop bits in order to know when information is being sent. This is a bit different from the synchronous data communication in which devises must be synchronized at first and then send data continuously. This means that in the latter, idle RS232 data has to be sent, sometimes, in order to keep the two devises connected. This makes devices that use synchronous RS232 or RS485 communication ... more...

Computers » Hardware | By Jacque Crook @ Wednesday, 28th July 2010 @ 3:02 PM

More and more computer owners are switching to optical mice each year. The old, mechanical ball mice have served their purpose admirably, but they just can't compete with an optical mouse when it comes to sensitivity and accuracy. Also, with their high number of moving parts, mechanical ball mice don't have the same lifespan as a modern mouse. That's not to say that optical mice are perfect. They also require cleaning and occasional maintenance to keep them functioning at a high l... more...

Computers » Hardware | By Chris Smith @ Wednesday, 14th July 2010 @ 5:08 PM

Buying a new computer is a big decision. Not only do you need to decide on things like screen size, hard disk capacity, amount of memory and processor type - you'll also want to consider whether to buy a shiny new computer or a refurbished model. The refurbished computer option is well worth investigating, it has many things going for it but there's also some potential drawbacks. Let's have a deeper look into some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a refur... more...

Computers » Hardware | By Drew Burns @ Monday, 12th July 2010 @ 10:33 AM

While it may seem strange to talk about a 1980s computer being an 'antique', that's really what it is. Technology has changed so quickly that computers built just 25 years ago seem hopelessly outdated. Yet for true computer geeks, 80s computers represent the start of the modern age of what has become an everyday part of our lives. These old machines are treasured by many who snap them up on eBay and the buyers who religiously purchase and collect them. There are ... more...

Computers » Hardware | By Dominic Donaldson @ Friday, 2nd July 2010 @ 10:51 PM

Computers get more advanced with every year that passes, there was a time when the most advanced thing that a computer could do was perform rudimentary mathematics when programmed to do so. Now thanks to the massive advancements that have been made with computer hardware and software you can now perform a number of tasks with just a simple click of a mouse button. This is mainly due to the intensive multi language programming languages that has been developed and the graphical user interface.more...

Computers » Hardware | By Daniel Lorenz @ Thursday, 1st July 2010 @ 2:28 AM

Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports have become very popular and most new computers come installed with two or more. Users are comfortable with the advantages of USB's plug and play and with the variety of peripheral devices that can be easily connected. However, there are still many legacy devices, especially in industrial automation environments, where RS232 (and RS422 / RS485) serial connectivity works just fine. It is for these devices that USB to RS232 converters are ideally suited. more...

Computers » Hardware | By Daniel Lorenz @ Wednesday, 30th June 2010 @ 2:24 AM

In the serial communications world one of the most enduring specifications is RS232. Indeed, many personal computers (PCs) still have at least one RS232 port, even with the popularity of Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. It is partly this longevity that has created a market for converters to interface between RS232 and other serial interfaces e.g. RS422 and RS485. RS232 serial ports usually have a 25-pin (DB-25) male connector, although most of the pins are not required and a 9-pin (DB-9)... more...

Computers » Hardware | By Daniel Lorenz @ Tuesday, 29th June 2010 @ 2:08 AM

Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors are well known for the high-speed data transfer and hot swap capabilities they provide to personal computers (PCs). It's also becoming common to see PCs with USB ports used as diagnostics and monitoring devices in industrial automation networks, such as those used by RS422-compliant surveillance and security camera systems. It's important to remember that the EIA Standard RS422-A specification is effectively the successor of the RS232 specif... more...

Computers » Hardware | By Brian Jones @ Monday, 28th June 2010 @ 5:05 PM

Laptops are very important especially for business and leisure travelers. However, just like any other electronic device, it is possible to experience different kinds of technical and maintenance problems. Because of its delicate nature, the laptop screen is one of the most commonly affected parts, which is susceptible to damage and malfunction. Free yourself from all these troubles by learning how to repair different kinds of laptop screen problems. For those who wish to avoid such maintenance ... more...