| Computers are electronic devices that store, retrieve, and process data, and can be programmed with instructions. Personal computers are primarily designed to provide independent computing power to a single user, and can usually be classified into a desktop computers, floor-standing computers, or portable computers (notebook or laptop computers, personal digital assistants). Laptop computers are very popular information products today as they are light and compact. A typical computer system is basically built with a motherboard, interface cards and peripherals. Motherboard is the main board in the computer and also called the logic board or system board. The motherboard usually contains a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM) and random-access-memory (RAM), main memory, chipset, expansion (bus) slots, graphics cards, and sound card. A computer processor is used to control the operation of the computer in accordance with the computer programming stored in the hard drive. Sound cards are add-on expansion boards installed in a computer to produce or process audio signals for enhancing sound quality. Graphics card is a plug-in card that connects to the motherboard to enable the computer to process and deliver video. A computer has a non-volatile mass storage system for storing a predetermined program for the CPU. Volatile memory stores data for computer programs being executed by the computer system. Computer storage media devices such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, removable hard disks, compact disks (CD), digital versatile disks (DVD), tape drives, smart cards, and PCMCIA cards are employed in many computer systems. A compute server is a high-performance computer system connected to a less powerful client computer system via network hardware and software to provide additional computational power to support the client system. Servers provide a large number of computer users with access to large stores of information. |
| Computer server: rack mount, blade |
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| Computer servers provide a multitude of functions and services to other servers and other computer clients. Computer servers are widely used in enterprises and organizations for the advantages of high data storage capacity and system stability. A blade server system is a mainstream computer server that combines the hardware of the computer server, such as a processor, a memory and a network connection, into one blade server. In a rack-mounted server blade environment, the ability to hot plug server blades is a standard feature. Rack mount servers provide a flexible and effective way of providing varying levels of computing power in a relatively small volume. Rack mounted servers are typically mounted in vertical racks that comply with Electronic Industry Association (EIA). |
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A tablet PC is a small, pen-driven computer. Pen-based computers are portable computers which allow for information input by a light or electromagnetic pen or stylus to a tablet. A battery-operated digitizer tablet PC includes a main or host processor that executes one or more application programs under a pen oriented operating system. The computer includes a digitizer coupled with a display that is intended to be the primary output device for interacting with a user. The pen can control the PC and perform document processing without using a keyboard or mouse. Tablet computers have the capabilities and full functionality of a high-end notebook computer. Tablets allow users to literally write on the screen in a variety of modes. Tablet computers are often graphical user interface (GUI) driven.
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| Programmable logic controller (PLC) |
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| Programmable logic controllers (PLC) are commonly used in industrial equipment such as assembly lines and machine tools to sequentially operate the equipment in accordance with a control program stored in the controller. A PLC is used to monitor input signals from a variety of input points (input sensors) which report events and conditions occurring in a controlled process. A control program is stored in a memory within the PLC to instruct the PLC what actions to take upon encountering particular input signals. A programmable logic controller is typically programmed with a sequential program for controlling a machine, such as a pressing or marking machine, that continuously repeats the same motions during, for example, an automated assembly process or other manufacturing process. |
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| An optical mouse provides precise detection of a movement of user's hand and its movement, as compared with a conventional mechanical ball mouse. In optical mice, a light emitted from a light source is reflected by an operating surface, and the reflected light passes through a lens to be inputted to an image sensor made of semiconductor process. The optical mouse determines its own position relative to the surface by comparing the differences between consecutive images. The optical mouse measures a quantity of the light projected to the image sensor and stores a pattern made by comparing a difference between pixels of the image sensor. The mouse generates cursor signals corresponding to its movement, converts the signals to electrical signals, and transmits the electric signal to the computer. |
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| An embedded system is a specialized computer system, including both hardware and software. Embedded systems can offer high performance as well as reliability and availability to meet the needs of critical real-time applications. Many embedded system architectures contain several general-purpose processors and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) interconnected by various types of communication links. Computer processor control in embedded devices allows a level of flexibility to the embedded devices which can reduce costs while improving product quality. Embedded systems are used in modems, answering machines, automobile controls, cellular phones, microwave ovens, digital cameras, personal digital assistant, automation products, and computer networks. |
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| Notebook computers, also known as laptop computers, are widely used by persons who require a mobile computer system. A docking station is used with a notebook computer as a way of expanding the functions of the notebook computer. Docking stations are typically used to interface portable computers to other computer peripherals, such as computer monitors, optical disk drives, full-size keyboards, pointing devices such as trackballs or mice, digital cameras, and other devices. A docking station has a port replicator hat allows the portable computer to interface with peripheral devices. The port replicator is coupled to an expansion port positioned on the rear side of the portable computer, to allow the electrical and mechanical connection of the portable computer with the docking station. |
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| A hard disk drive (HDD) is a mass-storage device of a computer, which reads out data stored in a magnetic disk or records data on the magnetic disk by using a magnetic head. The hard disk drive includes one or more randomly accessible rotatable storage media, or disks upon which data is encoded. The data is encoded as bits of information using magnetic field reversals grouped in tracks on the magnetic hard surface of rotating disks. Hard disk drives contain a plurality of transducers that are coupled to magnetic disks. The transducers can read and write information by magnetizing and sensing the magnetic fields of the disks. The transducers are integrated into a head that is mounted to a suspension. The head and suspension are typically referred to as a head gimbal assembly. |
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| Desktop, laptop computer keyboard |
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| The computer keyboard is the primary input device for the entry of commands and data into a computer system. Keyboards typically allow the user to type in letters, numbers, and commands. Keyboards have a plurality of keycaps wherein alphanumeric symbols are printed on the keycaps to help users select the desired input to the computer. A keyboard comprises a number of keyboard buttons and each keyboard button corresponds to a command. Each keyboard button corresponds to a character or a function. Wireless keyboards have a number of advantages over the wire connected keyboards employed in computer systems. In the laptop computer, a keyboard is installed at a deck case of the main body. A main board mounting various electronic circuit parts is installed inside the main body. |
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| A computer mouse is a handheld interactive input device that takes physical movement and converts it into commands which control a cursor on a screen which permits an operator to select specific items on menus or dialog boxes that are presented on the screen. The use of mice increase the speed and ease of inputting commands to the computer and facilitate much faster data entry than that provided by keyboard usage. An optical mouse comprises an image sensor for sensing an image of a motion and outputting the resulting image signal, an A/D converter for converting the image signal from the image sensor into digital data, an image processor for performing a signal processing operation, and a controller for providing data corresponding to the detected motion to a computer. |
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| A USB flash drive is a non-volatile memory device integrated with a USB interface. Flash memory is a type of nonvolatile rewritable memory useful in a wide variety of digital data applications that require occasional writing and/or rewriting of data, nonvolatile storage, and relatively high-speed read capability. USB provides an expandable, hot-pluggable serial interface that ensures a standard, low-cost connection for peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, joysticks, printers, scanners, storage devices, and modems. A flash memory card includes an internal, high-speed solid-state memory capable of persistently storing data without application of power. A wide variety of flash memory cards have been recently introduced, each having different capacities, access speeds, formats, interfaces, and connectors. |
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| A computer system comprises electrical and electronic components for driving the system and mechanical elements for protecting and containing the electrical elements. Computer systems include a motherboard, a power source, and other components mounted within an enclosure. The case protects the exposed components from physical contact and shields the components from electromagnetic interference. A computer case generally comprises a side opening through which computer parts are installed in the case, and a side cover panel adapted to close the side opening. A computer has a plurality of expansion slots in a mother board thereof, for receiving expansion cards to expand the functions. A computer case is often finished with a coating to improve the appearance of the enclosure. |
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| Hard disk drives perform write, read, and servo operations when storing and retrieving data. A hard drive has a plurality of concentric tracks for storing data. A hard disk drive typically includes one or more rotatable storage media, or disks upon which data is encoded. The disks are mounted on the shaft of a spindle motor for rotation. Data is encoded on the rotating disks as bits of information using magnetic field reversals grouped in tracks. A hard drive is typically disposed on a carrier assembly, and the carrier assembly is inserted into a bay in a computer chassis. External hard drive solves the problem of connecting a drive to a computer without opening up the computers. The external hard disk drive typically has the same structure as that of a hard disk drive internally mounted in the computer. |
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| A keyboard is the part of a computer system that enables the user to control certain aspects of the computer. Keyboards typically come in two basic configurations: wired and wireless. Wireless keyboards have a number of advantages over the more common wire connected keyboards employed in computer systems. Wireless keyboards reduce the amount of wires connected over or around a desktop. Wireless keyboard transmits data to the central processing unit of the computer via either radio frequency (RF) signals or infrared (IR) signals. An infrared wireless keyboard simply uses an infrared transmitter in the keyboard and an infrared receiver in a computing apparatuses to establish a link between the keyboard and the computing apparatus. RF wireless keyboards use RF antennas for transmitting RF signals. |
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| Computer systems typically employ a central processing unit (CPU), a display device, input devices, and memory for data storage. There are many different types of memory including random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and flash memory. In a computer, non-volatile memory is used for long term storage of programs and data which seldom or never change, and volatile memory devices are used for the short-term storage of program instructions and data during the execution of a program. Flash memory devices are applicable for multiple operations of data writing, reading and erasing, and are used as non-volatile memory devices for personal computers and other electronic products. |
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| Computer systems, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, work stations, and servers, are information handling systems that are utilized by many individuals and businesses today. These computer systems typically include a system board, or motherboard, secured within a chassis. as well as memory units, processor units, power systems, a cooling system, various input/output PCI cards. The main board, which is a printed circuit board known as a motherboard, is used to electrically connect these components together. A typical motherboard comprises a large printed circuit board having a number of components mounted thereon, including a processor coupled to a host or local bus, a chip set, system memory coupled to a memory bus, and a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus. |
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| Flash memory is a semiconductor memory comprising a cell transistor having a floating gate or trap gate, and the memory core generally comprises a plurality of sectors. Flash memory cells comprising floating gate transistors are laid out in such a manner that a plurality of cells forms a memory array. Flash memory cards are formed in card shapes in which memory chips are sealed in card type outer shells. Flash memory cards are designed in many standards such as an SD (Secure-Digital) card, a multimedia card, a Smartmedia, a compact flash (CF) card, and a memory stick. Flash memories can program, read and erase data for multiple times, and data stored therein can be maintained even if the power applied thereto is off. Flash memory has been widely used for high volume data storage. |
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| Laptop, notebook computer |
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| Laptop or notebook computers are used extensively by people that seek computer availability while traveling and at a variety of destinations. Laptop computers are basically comprised of a base structure or main portion and a display monitor pivotally attached to one another. The notebook computer can be connected to various peripheral devices to expand functions of the notebook computer. In monitors for laptops, liquid crystal panels (LCD) are widely used for the purpose of high-luminance and high-contrast display. A typical laptop computer may contain a similar processor to a desktop computer. Notebook computer systems typically include a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. Audio systems are generally used for outputting audio signals of a laptop computer. |
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