Appendix A

Hardware

Hardware is a general term referring to the physical components of a computer system, including peripherals such as printers, modems, and pointing devices.

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)

IDE devices integrate the drive control circuitry directly on the drive itself, eliminating the need for a separate adapter card (in the case for SCSI devices). UltraDMA/66 or 100 IDE devices can achieve up to 33MB/Sec transfer.

IEEE1394

Also known as iLINK (Sony) or FireWire (Apple). IEEE1394 is a high speed serial bus like SCSI but has simple connections and hot-plugging capabilities like USB. The interface IEEE1394 has a bandwidth of 400-1000 Mbits/sec and can handle up to 63 units on the same bus. It is very likely that IEEE1394, together with USB, will replace Parallel, IDE, SCSI, and EIDE ports. IEEE1394 is also used in high-end digital equipment and should be marked “DV” for Digital Video port.

Infrared Port (IrDA)

The infrared (IrDA) communication port allows convenient wireless data communication with infrared -equipped devices or computers up to 4 Mbits/sec. This allows easy wireless synchronization with PDAs or mobile phones and even wireless printing to printers. If your office supports IrDA networking, you can have wireless connection to a network anywhere provided there is a direct line of sight to an IrDA node. Small offices can use IrDA technology to share a printer between several closely placed Notebook PCs and even send files to each other without a network.

Kensington® Locks

Kensington® locks (or compatible) allow the Notebook PC to be secured usually using a metal cable and lock that prevent the Notebook PC to be removed from a fixed object. Some security products may also include a motion detector to sound an alarm when moved.

Laser Classifications

As lasers became more numerous and more widely used, the need to warn users of laser hazards became apparent. To meet this need, laser classifications were established. Current classification levels vary from optically safe, requiring no controls (Class 1) to very hazardous, requiring strict controls (Class 4).

CLASS 1: A Class 1 laser or laser system emits levels of optical energy that are eye-safe and consequently require no controls. An example of this class of laser system is the checkout scanning device found in most grocery stores or lasers used in optical drives.

CLASS 2 & CLASS 3A: Class 2 and Class 3A lasers emit visible, continuous-wave (CW) optical radiation levels slightly above the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) level. Although these lasers can cause eye damage, their brightness usually causes observers to look away or blink before eye damage occurs. These lasers have strict administrative controls requiring placement of signs warning personnel not to stare directly into the beam. Class 3A lasers must not be viewed with optically-aided devices.

57