The hardware tag has no wiki summary.
4
votes
1answer
44 views
Generate analog signal from Windows 7 [closed]
I want to output an analog signal from my Windows 7 computer. The wave will be a combination of about 5 frequencies, with a maximum of 28 MHz. It won't be a problem to generate the wave data with C++, ...
6
votes
6answers
207 views
Building software frontend for hardware that does not yet exist
Our task is to build a software frontend to control a hardware device that does not yet exist. We should start development about half a year before the first prototype is available, the project is ...
4
votes
3answers
244 views
Diving into microcontroller programming
I just got a batch of LED matrix modules from Sure Electronics (http://www.sureelectronics.net/goods.php?id=1120) and a driver board (http://www.sureelectronics.net/goods.php?id=972).
I've got it ...
1
vote
1answer
62 views
Simulate limited hardware for testing
How can I simulate limited hardware for testing? I've been working with Virtual PC in the past and heard about VMWare solutions, but I am not sure which is the best and which allows me to simulate ...
-2
votes
2answers
241 views
Could a Programming job be a fall-back for an Electrical Engineer? [closed]
I'm currently in my first year of Computer Science, and I'm finding that the program is quite boring and that I struggle to get through the assignments due to boredom. I can't imaging having a career ...
0
votes
1answer
76 views
When does it become mandatory to sign up with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)?
My company is looking to add Bluetooth functionality to our hardware, so that we can integrate connectivity to our products with various tablet devices.
To do this, we are looking to purchase an ...
3
votes
6answers
557 views
USB software protection dongle for Java with an SDK which is cross-platform “for real”. Does it exist?
What I'd like to ask is if anybody knows about an hardware USB-dongle for software protection which offers a very complete out-of-the-box API support for cross-platform Java deployments.
Its SDK ...
5
votes
4answers
454 views
How can a programmer keep up with the hardware world?
I think that it's safe for me to assume that many, if not most, programmers are quite enthusiastic about computers, and even electronics in general. Now, I realize that a programmer should first and ...
0
votes
1answer
257 views
Best Setup for a Dev Machine using VMs [closed]
Nothing quite covers this that I've been able to find - looking for the perfect design for a new dev laptop using VMs. I have an i7 with 120Gb SSD, 750Gb internal HD and USB3 external HD, current ...
6
votes
4answers
489 views
Increase Performance of VS 2010 by using a SSD [closed]
After searching on the internet for performance improvements when using Visual Studio 2010 with a solid state hard drive, I heard a lot of different opinions.
A lot of people said that there isn't ...
3
votes
1answer
107 views
Getting in to smart card programming
I have a Compaq nw8440 with a smart card reader that is:
Compatible with ISO 7816 compliant Smart Cards. PC/SC interface support
I have been interested in smart cards and wanted to start playing ...
4
votes
1answer
180 views
booth multiplication algorithm
Is booth algorithm for multiplication only for multiplying 2 negative numbers (-3 * -4) or one positive and one negative number (-3 * 4) ? Whenever i multiply 2 positive numbers using booth algorithm ...
19
votes
5answers
970 views
What is the history of why bytes are eight bits?
What where the historical forces at work, the tradeoffs to make, in deciding to use groups of eight bits as the fundamental unit ?
There were machines, once upon a time, using other word sizes, ...
16
votes
5answers
784 views
How to test software that burns CDs without wasting CDs?
I want to write an application that can be used to burn CDs (music). I know I should test it with real CDs anyway, but I don't want to do this every time I make a small change. But I do want to know ...
16
votes
7answers
533 views
Is it necessary to understand what's happening at the hardware level to be a good programmer?
I'm a self-taught programmer, just in case this question is answered in CS 101. I've learned and used lots of languages, mostly for my own personal use, but occasionally for professional stuff.
It ...
4
votes
1answer
119 views
Why there is no ISO hardware query interface?
I'm currently reading a book, chapter about I/O, and one question came to my mind.
Basically, when you program in C/C++, you have an amazing opportunity to optimize for hardware behavior. Using ...
1
vote
5answers
299 views
Development platform for .NET development?
I'm currently in discussions with my boss about getting a new pc since my old one is getting ... old...
I am the only "real" developer in the company (it's not a software company) and as such they ...
33
votes
15answers
3k views
Thoughts on Development using Virtual Machines
I'll be working as a development lead for a startup and I've suggested that we use VMs for development. I'm not talking about each developer having a desktop with VMs for testing/development, I mean ...
7
votes
3answers
350 views
Do you need Hardware skills to be a Robotic Programmer?
I want to know:
Do you need hardware skills to be a robotic programmer?
36
votes
19answers
2k views
Would you purchase hardware with your own money to use at work to do your job better?
At work, I was given a reasonably-spec'ed machine (dual quad 2GHz, 4GB RAM, 160GB 7200RPM drive, Win7), but it was lacking in a few places (HDD / RAM). The IT staff was OK with me replacing hardware ...
6
votes
1answer
132 views
What are the absolute, minimum requirement for containing SE Asian charsets for an embedded system project?
I work for a company that has begun integrating embedded computer systems into our products that we manufacture. We have a pretty wide range of products and they are distributed across the globe. ...
8
votes
4answers
354 views
Isn't functional paradigm too divergent with underlying hardware to be generally efficient?
Inspired by a question from SO: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/6623391/how-to-gain-control-of-a-5gb-heap-in-haskell
It can be a long debate about FP's numerous advantages and disadvantages, but ...
5
votes
8answers
502 views
Slow developer machines - approach with vmware good?
we are using slow developer notebooks. They come equipped with vista and 2 gb rams, which slows down everything. Someone decided a good resolution would be to use vmware clients instead of faster pc ...
1
vote
1answer
98 views
How do libraries such as DirectX relate to drivers?
I've always been curious, how libraries such as DirectX, OpenGL and OpenAL are implemented. Do they use some sort of unified API provided by OS? Talk directly to kernel? Maybe hardware drivers provide ...
4
votes
6answers
266 views
Are computers just means to an end, or can they contribute to the productivity and creativity of programmers?
This is not a question with a single answer, but I am fascinated by the diversity of computer set-ups in the office. Some people work on ancient machines that are absolute donkeys with CRT monitor, ...
43
votes
13answers
1k views
How Do Computers Work? [closed]
This is almost embarrassing ask...I have a degree in Computer Science (and a second one in progress). I've worked as a full-time .NET Developer for nearly five years. I generally seem competent at ...
2
votes
1answer
65 views
Webserver / DB / Application - Best way to setup the system for performance
I have a turbogears app that I am bringing live that uses a postgresql DB on the back end. From a performance issue am I better off having the DB and app on separate server or on the same server? If ...
7
votes
6answers
338 views
Large Multi-Touch Display Monitor?
I'm sure that most shops use a standard whiteboard or a more fancier "glass-board" to discuss ideas during a meeting. After the meeting, people will usually take photos of the artifacts using a ...
1
vote
4answers
471 views
Recommendations on running Visual Studio inside a VMWare VDI environment?
Does anyone have experience running
Visual Studio inside a VDI
environment?
Would you recommend it?
Would you advise against it?
Our Background
Our department is one of the few in the ...
4
votes
1answer
376 views
Android development & hardware testing - Which handsets & tests? What are the best options/deals?
I'm quite new to Android development. I spent a few weeks, doing tutorials and developping simple apps.
Now, I'm focusing on all the test aspects. I have done Junit tests before so I thought it would ...
7
votes
7answers
665 views
What reasons might a programmer have for wanting hyperthreading turned off?
My company just bought new computers to replace old 2GB Windows XP machines. Someone on my team noticed that they came with hyperthreading disabled, and told everyone to reboot and turn it on. Is ...
2
votes
3answers
171 views
Smartphones and tablets for testing
In my work I have started development of a website/webapp that will be viewed primarily on smartphones and tablet.
I have now been given the task of buying the necessary hardware for testing the ...
6
votes
11answers
913 views
How much storage space do developers really need on work systems?
Not Counting the OS And the requirements to run the Development software. The storage space required.
Strictly speaking from work perspective(company setup and not freelancers).A individual ...
5
votes
13answers
762 views
What hardware do newly hired programmers get at various companies? [closed]
Looking at various pictures/office tours of software companies (Facebook for instance), I see a lot of the same hardware in terms of monitors (Dell monitors). I was wondering when companies hire new ...
4
votes
12answers
454 views
What features of old computers helped you learn to be a better programmer?
What features of old computers helped you learn to be a better programmer -- but don't seem to be available on new computers?
I imagine that, while educational, you are really glad some features are ...
3
votes
3answers
145 views
When should I decline to make a requested change?
I work on the software side of a company that provides custom hardware with software running on top of it. Often times the hardware is not engineered well. In those cases, I am often asked first to ...
1
vote
2answers
357 views
Mobile development, recommended computer configuration?
For the last 4 weeks, I have been trying to get into mobile development. Done a couple of tutorials, read some books, developed a couple of dummy Android apps.
The thing is my computer is a 5 years ...
8
votes
5answers
552 views
Mobile Development- Obtaining development hardware - best practices?
I'm looking to get into smartphone development, but there a quite a few options out there for platforms right now. (iOS/Android/WebOS/Bada/Symbian/MeeGo/WindowsMobile/JavaME)
I'd like to have ...
14
votes
2answers
865 views
Why are there separate L1 caches for data and instructions?
Just went over some slides and noticed that the L1 cache (at least on Intel CPUs) distinguishes between data and instruction cache, I would like to know why this is..
9
votes
6answers
233 views
Can lack of “bit parity” between web server and DB server impact performance?
I had a meeting with a software vendor today about their recommended infrastructure for deploying a particular application. The application needs two servers: an app server for server web pages ...
15
votes
20answers
1k views
What equipment do you use to avoid wrist pain? [closed]
I've recently been trying to improve the ergonomics of my workspace, and as a part of that I'm looking into how I can improve the hardware I use. Do you use a standard keyboard, a shaped one, or a ...
11
votes
19answers
8k views
Do computer glasses work? [closed]
There are a few different types of "computer glasses" available:
Steelseries Scope
Gunnar Computer Glasses
They seem to be designed for long gaming sessions. Seem a little silly, but thought I'd ...
17
votes
9answers
1k views
Best boost to productivity : SSD or second screen?
Within the same budget, which do you think would be the best boost to productivity for general web development : An SSD as boot drive, or a second screen ?
I currently use a 16.4" laptop with full HD ...
5
votes
5answers
389 views
Physical effects of long term keyboard use- what does the science say and what factors affect it?
This question asks about the ergonomics of a particular keyboard for long programming hours, what I would like to know is about the ergonomics of using a keyboard in general. What are the most ...
7
votes
5answers
810 views
Laptop Rig, specs for programmers
I'm not interested in a brand recommendation for a laptop. I'm wondering about the actual specifications of a laptop to do the job and do it well.
I work primarily in the Microsoft stack and moments ...
3
votes
7answers
2k views
How is coding on a 13" MacBook Pro? [closed]
I've been working on a 15" machine for years, but recently I was tempted by the 13" MacBook Pro. Because I'm often on the road, I was looking mostly for a lightweight machine, considering I've ...
4
votes
3answers
497 views
Laptop like keyboard, trackpad, and monitor combo that I can hook up to my desktop so I can program while reclining on my couch?
My desktop is fine, except that I like programming while reclining on a couch. My legs hurt after sitting too long in an office chair.
Is there anything like a keyboard, trackpad, and monitor combo ...
4
votes
3answers
496 views
Will large screen increase develop productivity?
I am considering to buy a desktop computer, but could not determine which size of LCD should I buy. What's the size of your screen, will large LCD(30 inches+) will do good to develop?
10
votes
4answers
256 views
Can increased usage of higher and higher programming languages lead to a deficit of programmers with computer architecture knowledge?
Quote from Wikipedia of the article "High-level programming language":
A high-level programming language is a programming language with strong abstraction from the details of the computer. In ...
9
votes
4answers
431 views
Does hybrid hard drive improve programming experience?
I'm tired of how luggish my developments PC is. It's Core2 Duo, 2GB RAM, Seagate ST3500320AS HDD - not the top model, but quite a decent one.
Typically I open several copies of Visual Studio 2008, ...
