It's May and I can't believe the reports of snow in so many places. Needless to say, it's summer in Florida. We haven't quite opened up the pool as the water is still cold, but one more week of hot weather. . . It's already to the point where touching the steering wheel after your car's been sitting out is questionable.
This month's technical article revisits embedded systems a really fast growing technology. Embedded simply means "put into," and software can be embedded in hardware or in other software. While we don't always think of it, Automatic Teller Machines, cell phones/smart phones, handheld games and calculators, standard appliances including microwave ovens and washing machines, and other devices like thermostats, air conditioners, sprinklers, and home security systems are all embedded systems. Now add the new uses: remote control of security systems, lighting controls, medical sensing, automatic meter reading, and especially new security features including embedded systems that can be installed throughout a building/home/airplane that can sense and report on any unusual activity. Creating embedded systems includes its own set of products and technologies well worth talking about.
We'll be in the New York and DC areas this month and, of course, on the Web. TR (Technical Recruiting) is also scheduled for this month and is discussed later in the newsletter.
The public class schedule follows or view it on the Website:
CSTA Web sessions:
May 3,4
June 7,8
CSTA classroom sessions:
May 10 - Boston; May 26 - DC area
June 15 - LA area; June 30 - NYC area
UITJ (Understanding IT Jobs) Web sessions:
May 4
June 8
TR Web session:
May 19
Keep in touch . . .
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EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
Embedded systems have been around for decades, and this is, in fact, considered to be a "mature technology." We're used to the fact that our microwaves, cars, and entertainment systems have computers in them. It's some of the new uses that will make incredible differences in our lives, and there are many new products enabling the new products. Whether the products are old or new, the embedded world has its own tools. It has to developing these systems requires knowledge of hardware. Embedded systems operate in real-time and are often called "event driven" systems because they are controlled by, and respond to, something that happens usually a button push. Timing is critical in these systems, as instructions execute as a response when something happens. Embedded developers must understand both hardware and software in an embedded system they're one and the same.
Languages In order to write event driven systems, developers must know the hardware and program in compiler languages. C is actually the most common language used, although C++, Java, and Ada are also used. In addition, HDLs (Hardware Definition Language) such as Verilog and VHDL (Very High speed integrated circuit Description Language) are used for design, the actual programming, and documentation of embedded systems. And, for fine tuning and the greatest effectiveness, most embedded development uses assembler language.
Development tools For many years, all embedded programming was done in compiler or assembler languages. Now, however, tools referred to as IDEs (Integrated Development Environments), support the entire life cycle and usually include modeling and testing functions. Some of the most popular include:
· Green Hills' MULTI IDE was first introduced in 1990, and version 4.0 was released in 2003.
· Wind River Workbench 2.2 is an Eclipse-based development suite that supports the entire device software development lifecycle from hardware bring-up to manufacturing. It was released in November, 2004, as was Wind River General Purpose Platform 3.0, which is a runtime environment that integrates VxWorks with Wind River Workbench.
· QNX's Momentics supports multiple languages and host and target systems and version 6.3 was released in June, 2004.
· ATi's Nucleus EDGE (Embedded Developers Graphical Environment) provides a GUI (Graphic User Interface) and was just released supporting the PowerPC in 2005.
These are only some of the tools available, and we can expect still more.
Operating systems We've already slipped one in VxWorks from Wind River but that's only one of the RTOS (Real Time Operating Systems) used with embedded systems. An RTOS works with real-time programs (embedded programs) and handles the synchronization of events. For example, RTOSs are usually embedded in machinery and control manufacturing steps by, i.e., not proceeding with the assembly of a product until a certain part has been connected. The most common RTOS is now embedded Linux, and there are many distributions. In addition there are dozens of other RTOSs, including VxWorks, Symbian OS (popular in smart phones), CMX-RTX (versions available for many microprocessors from 8- to 64-bit systems), and Integrity (royalty-free operating system based on velOSity microkernel) from Green Hills.
Embedded databases Embedded systems often contain databases. Picture the calendar, scheduling, or even the address book functions in a handheld system. They all store information in a database. So do the newer systems, such as those than monitor our security systems and control the lighting and temperature in our homes. These systems also store information in a database high and low settings, passwords, etc. Some of these embedded databases are relational or object-relational databases, others are simply a collection of files, but all maintain a small footprint (require little memory). Sometimes a database engine that can access the data in external files will be embedded into a device or other software; sometimes it's an entire DBMS (DataBase Management System). There are dozens of options, with one of the latest being VistaDB 2.1.15, an embedded database engine that works with the .NET development platform just released in April.
Some of the products in this article have been around for a while, and some are quite new. All of them require a solid understanding of hardware and developing embedded systems is often more difficult than developing applications for larger systems because of this additional knowledge/skill requirement. This area of technology is growing, so we'll keep updating our coverage.
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1. What's the latest IT TASK?
2. What's the difference between LAMP and WAMP?
3. What common upgrade to business intelligence software are Cognos, SAS, and MicroStrategy making?
4. Are managed storage services part of on-demand technology?
5. Which of the following doesn't belong?
a ant
b. python
c. coyote
d. tiger
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UITJ (Understanding IT Jobs) and TR (Technical Recruiting) |
Information Technology is a fun field to work with mainly because IT professionals generally love their jobs. And, it's fun to work with people who like what they're doing! We still, however, have to understand what they're doing - that can be just as confusing as understanding the technology.
UITJ (Understanding IT Jobs)
Understanding technology is important, but it's only part of an IT job. It's all too common to find a perfect match between the skills on a resume and a job description, only to have the job requestor reject the applicant. This seminar tells you why that happens by covering every part of the job specifications especially the parts that aren't explicitly stated. UITJ is a 75-minute Web session that covers the different types of IT jobs, specialties, titles, etc. It is designed for people who have taken CSTA (Computers: Systems, Terms, and Acronyms) and/or understand the technology, but also need to understand the jobs. UITJ is attended by technical recruiters, account managers, compensation analysts anyone who works with resumes and job descriptions.
TR (Technical Recruiting)
This seminar concentrates on what makes technical recruiting unique, and provides special references for technical recruiters. It covers the entire recruiting life cycle, from sourcing to screening, to interviewing, to negotiation, and ends with the job offer. It discusses technical jobs how to find technical applicants, screen techies, interview techies, and negotiate with techies. Participants work with a session guide, an Addenda, and the RecruitingLinks portal.
The Addenda is actually a workbook which contains:
· Sample forms used throughout the recruiting cycle which can be modified
· List of questions, legal issues, resume red flags, interviewing red flags, etc.
· Definitions of generic IT job titles
· Glossary of recruiting terms.
The RecruitingLinks portal is a part of our Website which contains links to helpful sites for recruiters including:
· Salary surveys (for technical jobs)
· Job boards (general, technical, technical specialty, diversity, etc.)
· Technical skills testing
· Technical sales
· Technical resume sites
· And more
TR also includes everything covered in UITJ. Recruiters new to recruiting (or new to technical recruiting) usually take TR while experienced recruiters attend UITJ.
Remember our Web sessions are instructor-led, interactive sessions. There's always time to ask questions and share experiences. Also, both of these sessions are offered with a 50% discount to attendees of CSTA. We know the total picture is what recruiters and account managers need. UITJ is scheduled monthly (May 4, June 8); TR every 10-12 weeks (May 19, Aug 23).
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Short Computer Architecture Vocabulary |
Short Computer Architecture Vocabulary
For a long time all computers were made the same a processor, I/O (Input/Output), and memory. Then they started getting smaller and bigger and specialized and virtualized. Many ways to build computers, and many new terms and concepts.
blade server, or server blade Computer architecture. Computer system built by stacking physically small parts, or blades, of a computer system in a rack to occupy less space. Parts include processors, disk drives, and I/O cards which can be switched in and out. Total systems are called blade, hyper dense, or ultra dense servers. Systems built with even more parts are called brick servers. Being produced by many vendors including IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Sun, Compaq, and several start-up companies. Released: 2001.
cell Processing chip designed for next-generation computers, game consoles, and televisions. More powerful than conventional chips and designed to move large pieces of data over broadband channels to handle audio and video. The chip is a multicore semiconductor composed of several processors that work together to handle multiple tasks at the same time, which is necessary for these applications. Development of the new chip announced in 2001 by IBM, Sony, and Toshiba, and the companies announced a prototype of the chip in February, 2005 with products (TVs, playstations, etc.) planned for 2006.
chip, integrated circuit An integrated circuit is actually a computer chip, and can have many functions including processing, memory, timing, etc. These chips consist of millions of transistors, which are switches, or gates, and work with the presence or absence of electricity. Chips can be either linear or digital. Linear, or analog, chips receive continuous variable data such as radio waves, and digital chips work with discrete data binary, 1s and 0s. Transistors make up integrated circuits (or chips), and computers are made up of integrated circuits.
chipset Microprocessor architecture. A set of chips that handles a specific function such as the processor, or the complete set of chips (processor, memory, input/output) that make up the basic functions. The term is sometimes used to refer to the functionality of the motherboard.
cluster, clustering Technology used to manage both computers and storage devices. A computer cluster is a group of computers linked together to provide multiprocessing capabilities. A high-availability cluster links a second computer that acts as a backup in case of system failure. Clusters can actually contain dozens of processors and Linux clusters (all the processors run under Linux) are increasingly popular. A Linux cluster can provide the same processing power as a supercomputer for a fraction of the cost. Computer clusters are also referred to as parallel processing. A storage cluster is multiple disks treated as one by a software system.
embedded device Computer chip that has been programmed, or embedded with software that cannot be changed. Used in many ways including cars (to signal that gas is low), microwaves (to set time when reheat is selected), gas pumps (to turn the pump off when the tank is full), for a few examples. Embedded devices are also used in Internet appliances and handheld computers. Also called embedded computers.
fault tolerant Computer architecture. A fault tolerant computer or system is one that is built with redundant processors so that if one processor crashes the system automatically switches to a second system to provide uninterrupted processing. These systems are used in critical systems such as medical systems where there can be no down time, and are also used by businesses to provide uninterrupted support and access to customers.
MPU (Micro Processor Unit) Hardware. Computer chip used in desktop systems. Contains the processor which defines the instruction set of the computer. Microprocessors are defined as RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) or CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer). The processor is also called the CPU (Central Processing Unit), although this term is usually used in mainframe systems.
MCU (Micro Controller Unit) Hardware. Computer chip that contains a processor and both RAM and ROM on a single chip. Often called computer-on-a-chip. Used in consumer devices, industrial robots and equipment, automobiles, etc.
micron Hardware architecture. Unit of measure used in cable and chip technology. A micron is 1/25,000 of an inch. Fiber optic cables typically have a diameter of approximately 60 microns. The width of a computer chip is defined in microns, with available chips ranging from .13 to .25 microns. The small chips run cooler and take less power. Micron is also called micrometer.
NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access) Architecture defined and controlled by system software that clusters computers. Allows clustering more than the standard 16 processors. Arranges the processors into groups (called nodes) to control communications. Each of these nodes has its own memory pool which is also shared.
parallel computer A computer that has multiple processors and can have each processor work on part of a problem. Considered to be the supercomputer of the future; parallel computers are faster than standard supercomputers. Used mostly in scientific and engineering applications, but quickly being implemented in the business world. Parallel computers usually have a few processors; massively parallel processors can have thousands.
semiconductor Type of material that is neither a good conductor of electricity, nor a good insulator. Silicon is a semiconductor, (copper is a good conductor and rubber is a good insulator, and does not conduct electricity). Semiconductor material is used to build computer chips, or integrated circuits. Transistors (the building blocks of integrated circuits, or chips) can be built with semiconductor material by introducing impurities into the silicon (or other semiconductor) which enables it to conduct electricity.
supercomputers Supercomputers are designed to process complex scientific applications and speed is the most important feature in their design. Today's supercomputers are five times faster than the mainframes used in business, and on-going research seeks to increase these speeds. MPP (Massively Parallel Processor) systems are the most powerful supercomputers. Supercomputers are also build by clustering many processors, a technique defined as Beowulf technology.
virtualization System management technology. Refers to pooling together resources into a single unit that can be managed from a single point. This allows resources to be assigned to a user only as needed, and returned to the pool when free. The term is most often used to refer to disk storage, where the software manages many physical disks as a single unit. This allows devices to be added without shutting down the system, handles disks from different vendors that have different sizes, speeds, and vendors, and provides the most efficient use of the physical resources by creating virtual devices, e.g. if a system needs more storage, unused space from another disk can be used. Virtualization not only applies to disk space, but to any IT resource including processors, operating systems, and application software. Virtualization is used in SANs (Storage Area Networks) and on-demand computing.
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1. Task stands for Tiny Application Sensor Kit, and is a research project from Berkeley. It's a suite of tools for non-technical users who can deploy applications using sensor networks. A sensor network gathers information from small sensors (also called motes) scattered around an area collecting data on the environment, traffic, weather, etc. Technology called TinyDB collect the data, TinyOS is the operating system, and several client-side programs help users define the data collection, filtering, and monitoring rules. The system is currently in use monitoring duck nests in Maine, and the vibrations on oil rigs off the shores of northern Scotland. Intel sponsors this, and other academic research, to find technologies and uses for the corporate world.
2. LAMP Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP (or Perl or Python) is an entirely open-source environment. WAMP, which substitutes Windows for Linux, uses a proprietary operating system. Keep your eye on both of these. With the use of open-source software growing daily, you'll see more of both.
3. The latest enhancement to BI (Business Intelligence) software from all these vendors and others is to make the software usable by more people, and by business men and women throughout a company's structure. One problem with BI software is that the products have been so complex that only a few power users in many companies have been able to use them. Therefore, producing products that business users throughout the company can easily use is a common goal of most BI vendors.
4. Absolutely! On-demand is any system which provides resources as needed rather than according to a pre-defined schedule. A managed storage system does exactly that it allows companies to rent storage hardware and software and pay for actual usage. Not everything that falls under the on-demand umbrella uses the words in either name or definition.
5. It's definitely d) tiger. Not only is Tiger an operating system while the others are all development tools, Tiger is proprietary the most recent release of Mac OS X (release 10.4) from Apple. The three development tools are all open source even Coyote, which is a set of modules from Sun Microsystems that allows users of NetBeans to use scripting languages Groovy and Jython. Both Groovy and Jython are open source, and at this point so is Coyote.
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