What Are Computers Used for in Space?

Many think of a spacecraft as an ultramodern vehicle loaded with the latest in modern computing that would put household computers to shame. However, due to the difficulty of operating computer hardware in the vacuum of space and the very limited amount of energy available aboard a spacecraft, most space computers are actually basic and decades old, only performing the simplest of functions.

1. Shuttles/Rockets

   • The ships themselves use computers for guidance, but the processing chips are actually quite slow. Since a spacecraft computer doesn't have to do a lot of quick calculations -- just enough to keep itself on a generally accurate course toward space -- it doesn't need a powerful chip. In fact, a high-speed processor sucks a lot of energy, which is precious on spaceships that have limited space for energy storage and need all of it to do other tasks.
     

   Space Probes

   • Space probes use computers to gather scientific data, process it and store it. They face a difficult problem in that the computers they host generate heat which can't be dissipated by fans or liquid cooling in the vacuum of space. Many probes use old tape drives for data storage, as most modern hard drives won't work in space.
     

   Satellites

   • Satellites also use basic computers for guidance and other basic tasks, as most of the technology is in their sensors and antennas. Companies are more concerned with the reliability of a satellite and don't want to have to replace it because of a computer malfunction, and prefer to host most computational power on the ground. However, as the cost of launching satellites drops, companies may opt for greater computational power on a satellite in the future, leading to space-based data servers, for example.
     

   Crews

   • International Space Station crews use modern laptop computers for a number of different tasks, such as payload management, navigation, avionics and support. As of March 2011, the space station had 119 laptop computers, which control a variety of platforms. The laptops usually last about three or fours years. Getting new laptops can be a tricky and expensive proposition, since testing new hardware for space and delivering it to the space station are time-consuming processes.
     

What Is the Difference Between Hyper Threading & Multi-Core Technology

Hyper-threading and multi-core central processing unit technologies both improve system performance by increasing the amount of work the device can do in the same relative amount of time. However, hyper-threading and multi-core technologies approach performance gains differently, and both can be used simultaneously. Hyper-threading optimizes processes to improve CPU efficiency, while multi-core technology adds the equivalent to multiple processors in a single chip. Hyper-threading is a proprietary Intel technology, whereas any CPU maker can implement multiple-cores.



Threads and Processes




A single-core CPU doesn't actually multitask: rather, it's so fast at switching between tasks or threads that it gives the user the the impression and experience of running multiple programs at the same time. The processor divides how much of its time will be dedicated to each process in a given interval, and swaps between tasks rapidly to create the multi-tasking user environment. For example, if you're running Windows Media Player and editing an image in Adobe Photoshop, the CPU may be dividing its resources so that 10 percent goes to WMP, 30 percent goes to Adobe Photoshop, 20 percent goes to Windows, 10 percent goes to various other tasks and the remaining 30 percent is left unused.
Multi-core




Adding a second core to a CPU adds what the computer hypothetically doubles as processing power: a second core is like running two single-core processors. If the computer has multiple processors or a multi-core processor, it can actually run multiple tasks simultaneously. Multi-core CPUs can still only handle individual threads as fast as each CPU's clock-speed allows. However, programs can be written to split up tasks over multiple threads to take advantage of the multi-core technology. A computer that's running a dozen tasks at once can decrease how often it jumps between threads for each CPU in a multi-core environment.
Hyperthreading




Hyper-threading creates the effect of adding an additional core to an existing CPU, allowing it to more efficiently handle thread switching. The CPU is the fastest part of the computer, and it can only process information as fast as the rest of the computer can bring it over — this leads to inefficiencies when switching between tasks. If there's no information for the CPU to process, no work can be completed and the missed cycles are left unused. Hyper-threading helps organize multiple threads more efficiently so they can be passed to the CPU to process in the previously unused cycles. According to PC Stats, a CPU without hyper-threading typically runs at about 60 percent efficiency, whereas the use of this technology improves the efficiency to around 90 percent.
Drawbacks




Hyper-threading and multi-core technology improves general computer performance and multitasking capabilities in almost every situation. According to PC Magazine, hyper-threading may hinder individual thread performance, so users may see a performance improvement without hyper-threading when running just one thread at a time. Software needs to be written to take advantage of multiple threads to see performance boosts. Single-thread programs are unable to take advantage of multi-core and hyper-threading processors.

How to Write an Academic Paper on Computer Technology

Writing an academic paper on computer technology is similar to writing for any other subject area; you must have a clear thesis statement that is supported in the body paragraphs of your paper. Writing an essay is meant to prove to your teacher or reader your mastery of the subject, and you must research your topic thoroughly. Many technical papers follow an essay-like structure, but other research papers may include your research methods, results and discussion.

1. Essay

   • 1
     Research your topic. You want to truly understand your subject and be able to support your ideas or methods.
     
   • 2
     Write your thesis statement. "People have become too dependent on computer technology, which will lead to problems in the future" is an example of a thesis statement.
     
   • 3
     Write your introduction, in which you clearly state the purpose of the paper. Use an attention-getter to start the introduction, and end with your thesis.
     
   • 4
     Introduce body paragraphs that support your thesis statement. Use experiments or data that researchers have collected. You can also use quotations and statistics. For example, you must explain why or how people are too dependent on technology and how this reliance is detrimental to society.
     
   • 5
     Finish your paper with a conclusion, which should begin with a restatement of your thesis. Summarize your main points, and do not add any new information.
     

   Research Paper

   • 6
     Research your topic. You want to support your research project with experiments that have been done in the past.
     
   • 7
     Determine what question you want to answer in your paper. Answering the question "Do people use the computer too much each day?" through research is a question for a research paper.
     
   • 8
     Write a background section of your paper, in which you summarize other research that has been done in the past and how it relates to your research. Write your method section, which explains how you conducted your research. This section should include any materials you used and should be very specific, so that you or others can repeat the research. Complete your results. Put any statistics or data in a table or graph for a visual aid. Tell your reader your findings from your research in this section.
     
   • 9
     Write the discussion of your results. The results section should be only the data you collected from your research, and your discussion is your explanation of the results and what they mean.
     
   • 10
     Finish your paper with a conclusion that may restate the problem or question you wanted to answer with your research, the main conclusions from your data and discussion, and what actions should be taken for future research.
     

How to Strip Computers

That old computer sitting in your garage or basement isn't necessarily a useless piece of junk. Even old computers have parts that can be stripped and used with other working computers. You can use the parts to replace broken parts on other computers, sell the parts, or use the parts from several stripped computers to build a new computer. The practice of stripping computers for parts to use in other computers is commonly referred to as "cannibalizing." The logic behind cannibalizing is that you can keep three broken computers or cannibalize one and have two working computers.


How to Strip a Desktop Computer

Shut down the computer and disconnect all cables and peripherals, including the power cable.

Open the computer case by removing the screws on the back panel and sliding the side or sides off.

Disconnect all internal cables that connect computer parts together and remove them from the case if possible.

Unscrew the hard drives and optical drives from the computer's bays and slide them out. The drives might be screwed in on multiple sides.

Disconnect all peripheral cards from the motherboard -- they look like boards sticking perpendicularly out of the computer -- by removing the screw mechanism holding the edge of each card in place and gently pulling the card away from the computer.

Remove the memory modules by depressing the lever on the locking mechanisms on both ends of each stick and lifting the sticks out.

Remove the computer's power supply by unscrewing it from the case and sliding it out of the holding mechanism.

Disconnect the motherboard from the case by removing the screws that hold the board to the case. There are usually seven to 12 screws.
How to Strip a Laptop Computer

Shut down the computer, disconnect the power cable, and eject the battery. The battery is usually removed from the back of the computer and has one or two slider switches that you push to release it.

Turn the laptop upside down and remove all the screws holding down removable panels on the bottom of the computer.

Slide all the removable panels off the bottom of the laptop -- you may need to use a wedge.

Remove the hard drive from the laptop if you can see it under one of the removed panels.

Slide the memory modules up and out to remove them if you can see them. You may need to release the modules by pushing some retaining levers.

Remove the screws or slide the eject levers -- similar to the ones on the battery -- connecting the optical disc drive to the laptop, if the laptop has one. The drive should then slide out.

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Communication Technology Pros and Cons

Communication technology refers to electronic communication, like cell phones, social networking websites, and email. The effect of communication technology on the communication process is plentiful. Some of these effects are positive, while others are negative.

Pro - Accessibility

Communication technology has created many electronic communication tools. These electronic communication tools have made the world a more connected place.

Con - Nonverbal Communication

In face to face communication, nonverbal communication, like facial expressions and body language, reinforces your message. Communication technology does not allow for nonverbal communication.

Pro - Mass Communication

Electronic communication, especially email, makes sharing information with a large group of people easy. Many businesses and academic institutions use electronic communication to send information to a large number of people.

Con - Digital Divide

Not everyone has the same level of expertise with communication technology. The difference in communication technology skills within groups of people is known as the digital divide.

Pro- Social Relief

People who are socially awkward in person can interact easier with others through electronic communication. Chat rooms, online forums, and dating websites are among the technology which can relieve the socially awkward.

Con - Laziness

Communication technology creates laziness for some people. People who use electronic communication to talk to somebody in the same room are displaying lazy behavior.

IT & Computer Maintenance Job Description

Information technology and computer maintenance professionals, specialists and technicians have become ubiquitous in today's computing and IT-intensive work, and business environments. An IT maintenance professional's job responsibilities encompass installing, testing and monitoring large computer and hardware systems, Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks; troubleshooting and solving IT-centric issues and ensuring smooth running of all IT systems. The primarily hardware-centric job description has broadened to include maintaining or repairing peripherals components, multiple software and storage devices, and monitoring help desk applications.

Educational Requirements

• Computer maintenance professionals generally have associate degrees in computer science, information technology, telecommunications or electronics engineering. Other professionals can enhance their market value with varied IT certifications offered by Novell, Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA. Expert tinkerers or individuals with exceptional technical skills, knowledge and adaptability but with no formal degrees also find employment as PC technicians in many small and medium businesses and non-profit groups.
  

Primary Responsibilities

• Computer maintenance professionals or specialists plan, design, test, install and connect computers and workstations in a network; troubleshoot hardware, network and software problems; fix and repair PCs; address security and performance issues and systems crashes in large corporations and businesses. They also address help desk and Internet connectivity issues, and ensure that employees can functions in a trouble-free manner. IT maintenance technicians employed with computer manufacturers and big-box retailers generally diagnose, troubleshoot, fix, replace parts and repair PCs as well as install computer security programs.
  

Additional Knowledge/Attributes

• Computer and IT maintenance professionals deal with fast-changing technology and constantly evolving and overlapping job responsibilities. They must show the willingness to gain new knowledge and technical skills apart from the specific educational qualifications. They must keep abreast of latest developments in hardware and software technologies; understand protocols, networks and operating systems such as Linux, UNIX, Novell NetWare and Microsoft and new-generation Web-based applications. A basic comprehension of peer-to-peer networks, email systems and network architecture models is also becoming important.
  

Varied Job Settings

• Employment opportunities and workplace settings have increased with widespread use and deployment of computer systems and IT/Web-based applications. Computer and IT maintenance professionals with different specializations build, monitor and maintain large IT systems, data center facilities and networks in government agencies, large-workforce corporations, high-tech firms, educational institutions, retail, media and entertainment businesses. Others work with specialized computer retail stores such as CompUSA and Microcenter. Experienced IT maintenance professionals work as independent consultants or are part of small and medium IT repair/maintenance shops.
  

Required Tools of the Trade

• IT and computer maintenance professionals and specialists always work with a set of tools and allied technological aids. They have to always be on call or alert to respond to specific queries, IT-related or help-desk issues in most large office environments. They are always on the move during working hours and have to be equipped with exhaustive tools and paraphernalia of the trade. While fixing issues physically on site or location, they need software troubleshooting CDs, hardware tools, testers, hand toolboxes, software-loaded USB drives, Boot CD with diagnostic programs, anti-virus programs, utility, applications and PC security CDs.