Data center hardware and strategy
Data center hardware includes a broad range of devices. Hardware components that make up the IT infrastructure of a data center include servers and computing equipment, networking equipment and storage equipment, plus additional infrastructure to support it like power and cooling systems. Get insights into developing a data center hardware strategy.
Top Stories
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News
19 Dec 2024
VMware by Broadcom changes to continue in 2025
After a year of lawsuits, customer confusion and a restructuring of the core business, VMware by Broadcom has much to prove in 2025 to avoid future irrelevancy in the data center. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2024
GPU scarcity shifts focus to GPUaaS
High GPU costs and scarcity drive users to GPUaaS for AI workloads. But businesses should assess needs before investing. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 May 2023
serial communications interface (SCI)
A serial communications interface (SCI) is a device that enables the serial exchange of data -- that is, one bit at a time -- between a microprocessor and peripherals, such as printers, external drives, scanners and mice. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2023
5 steps for mainframe migration
The complicated task of migrating time-tested mainframe environments calls for careful assessment, attention to technical details and thorough project planning. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2023
Tips to use the Cockpit web consoles
Admins that use Cockpit to manage Linux servers can use the web consoles to add users, build firewalls and perform other tasks. Use these web consoles to oversee your servers. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2023
screen scraping
Screen scraping is a data collection method used to gather information shown on a display to use for another purpose. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Apr 2023
reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS)
Reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) is a set of related attributes that must be considered when designing, manufacturing, purchasing and using a computer product or component. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2023
mouse
A mouse is a small device that a computer user pushes across a desk surface in order to point to a place on a display screen and to select one or more actions to take from that position. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2023
data center as a service (DCaaS)
Data center as a service (DCaaS) is the provision of off-site physical data center facilities and infrastructure to clients. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
Examine the benefits of data center consolidation
Many data centers have too many assets. Data center consolidation can help organizations make better use of assets, cut costs, and improve security and compliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Apr 2023
beep code
A beep code is the audio signal from a computer when it first powers on to give the Power-On Self-Test (POST) result. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Apr 2023
mainframe (big iron)
A mainframe (also known as 'big iron') is a high-performance computer used for large-scale computing purposes that require greater availability and security than a smaller-scale machine can offer... (Continued) Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2023
HDTV (high-definition television)
HDTV (high-definition television) is a television display technology that provides picture quality similar to 35 mm movies with sound quality similar to that of a compact disc. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Apr 2023
The era of the sustainable data center
Sustainability in product design is becoming important to organizations. In the age of sustainability in the data center, don't forget about energy efficiency in your messaging. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2023
Google touts AI supercomputer; Nvidia tops MLPerf 3.0 tests
Google added a little more heat to the AI supercomputing wars, revealing the latest details of its upcoming system positioned against that of market leader Nvidia. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Apr 2023
Pentium
Pentium is a widely used series of microprocessors developed by Intel Corporation. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2023
IBM's rack mount Z16 mainframe targets edge computing
IBM's new rack mount Z16 mainframe gives edge locations the ability to process workloads locally, taking the burden off systems running workloads in larger data centers. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2023
reliability of computers
Reliability is an attribute of any computer-related component -- software, hardware or a network, for example -- that consistently performs according to its specifications. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Mar 2023
RISC (reduced instruction set computer)
RISC (reduced instruction set computer) is a microprocessor that is designed to perform a smaller number of computer instruction types, so it can operate at a higher speed, performing more millions of instructions per second, or MIPS. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2023
Nvidia DGX Quantum system blends CPUs, GPUs with CUDA
Nvidia and Quantum Machines deliver a new architecture that combines CPUs and GPUs with quantum technologies. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Mar 2023
App modernization, mainframe, microservices: IBM event recap
At the recent IBM Infrastructure Analyst Event, IBM announced advances in IBM zSystems for AI, app architecture and other areas to help businesses achieve their goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
How to prepare for the next version of Exchange Server
The Exchange Server roadmap charts several twists and turns that shows Microsoft deviating from its typical course with the server-based email platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Mar 2023
clock speed
Clock speed is the number of times a second that a circuit operates and is most associated with the central processing unit (CPU). Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2023
USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB)
USB 3.0 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) data transfer standard that is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices and is very commonly used for computer peripherals. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2023
ASHRAE standard 90.4 updates emphasize green energy
New addenda to ASHRAE 90.4 simplify mechanical load component calculations and modify the definition of UPS, among other changes. Use the updates to guide green data center design. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2023
New Microsoft Azure VMs target generative AI developers
Generative AI app developers can soon access the supercomputing infrastructure they need through Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Mar 2023
IBM Roadrunner
Roadrunner was a supercomputer developed by IBM at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2023
AWS Network Load Balancer (NLB)
AWS Network Load Balancer (NLB) is an Amazon Web Services tool that distributes high-performance traffic across multiple cloud instances and provides automatic scaling of resources to ensure low latency and high throughput for applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2023
pizza box server
The term 'pizza box server' refers to the shape of a computer server enclosed in a rectangular and horizontally- arranged chassis and often installed in a rack with similar servers. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
job scheduler
A job scheduler is a computer program that enables an enterprise to schedule and, in some cases, monitor computer 'batch' jobs (units of work). Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
statistical mean, median, mode and range
The terms mean, median, mode, and range describe properties of statistical distributions. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2023
superconductivity
Superconductivity is the ability of certain materials to conduct a direct electric current (DC) with practically zero resistance. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2023
A primer on hyperscale data centers
Hyperscale data centers can hold thousands of servers and process much more data than an enterprise facility. However, they can be difficult to build and maintain. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2023
Get familiar with who builds 5G infrastructure
Organizations that build 5G data centers may need to upgrade their infrastructure. These 5G providers offer products like virtual RAN options, wireless access routers and others. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2023
IBM drops from top spot in patents, surpassed by Samsung
IBM lost its title as patent king to Samsung, which had more than 8,500 patents approved in 2022. One reason cited is IBM's transformation to a software and services company. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2023
Words to go: 6 key data center sustainability metrics
When organizations go green in their data center, they will have to measure the facility's efficiency and environmental impact. Use sustainability metrics to get started. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
AMD lifts optimism for the chip market with upbeat earnings
AMD reported a rise in fourth-quarter revenue, along with expectations for a much-needed surge in demand for PCs in the second half of 2023. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2023
Intel revenue drops again; company to speed up next-gen chips
Dogged by stalled PC sales and tighter IT spending, Intel once again reported down revenues. CEO Pat Gelsinger highlighted progress and plans to remedy the issue. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2023
distributed control system (DCS)
A distributed control system (DCS) is a digital automated industrial control system (ICS) that uses geographically distributed control loops throughout a factory, machine or control area. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jan 2023
data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE)
Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center. The metric, which is expressed as a percentage, is calculated by dividing IT equipment power by total facility power. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jan 2023
ohm
The ohm is the standard unit of electrical resistance in the International System of Units (SI). Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2023
Dell's next-generation PowerEdge servers target AI inferencing
Dell has delivered versions of its PowerEdge servers using Intel's 4th Gen Xeon Scalable processors and AMD's EPYC chips. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2023
surge suppressor (surge protector)
A surge suppressor, sometimes optimistically called a surge protector, is a device inserted in the alternating current (AC) utility line and/or telephone line to prevent damage to electronic equipment from voltage spikes, or transients. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2023
Nvidia, Intel team up on energy efficient AI server
Nvidia and Intel go from competitors to partners by jointly developing a system designed to push heavy AI workloads and offer users significant energy savings. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2023
Data center environmental controls a high priority for admins
More data growth and tightening financial conditions are coming. Protect data center assets in 2023 through environmental controls like cooling, humidity and others. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jan 2023
RGB (red, green and blue)
RGB (red, green and blue) refers to a system representing the colors used on a digital display screen. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2022
Quantum data centers might be the way of the future
Quantum computing has lots of potential for high compute applications. But the technology is still in the early stages, so it may be a while before more data centers adopt it. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Dec 2022
thyristor
A thyristor is a four-layer semiconductor device, consisting of alternating P-type and N-type materials (PNPN). Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2022
Learn different data lake vs. data warehouse uses
Data lakes and data warehouses both store big data. When choosing a lake or warehouse, consider factors such as cost and what insights or analytics you need to gain from the data. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2022
Classical vs. quantum computing: What are the differences?
Classical and quantum computers have many differences in their compute capabilities and operational traits. Know their differences to help prepare data centers. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2022
debouncing
Debouncing is removing unwanted input noise from buttons, switches or other user input. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Dec 2022
AS/400 (IBM iSeries, AS/400e, eServer iSeries/400, Power Systems)
The IBM Application System/400 -- or AS/400 -- is a family of midrange computers that was released in 1988, succeeding both System/36 and System/38 platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2022
Key differences between BICSI and TIA/EIA standards
Data center standards help organizations design facilities for efficiency and safety. Organizations can use BICSI and TIA standards as guidance for data center design. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Dec 2022
pipelining
Pipelining is the process of storing and prioritizing computer instructions that the processor executes. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2022
Learn what SDN data center controllers do in a network
In a software-defined network, SDN data center controllers are a crucial component. Consider factors such as performance and compatibility when examining controller options. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2022
ambient temperature
Ambient temperature is the air temperature of any object or environment where equipment is stored. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2022
hot spot/cold spot
A hot spot/cold spot is an undesirable, tightly focused local temperature variation, which often occurs when data center equipment is improperly cooled. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Nov 2022
USART (universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver/transmitter)
A USART (universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver/transmitter) is hardware that enables a device to communicate using serial protocols. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2022
HPE's low-end supercomputers take aim at the AI market
HPE rolls out lower-cost supercomputers designed to handle complex AI-based workloads. Dell looks to meet its longtime rival in the middle with its highest-end HPC offering. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2022
Include VXLANs in data centers for quicker network speeds
VXLANs add network isolation and enable organizations to scale data center networks more efficiently. Consider VXLANs to expand a data center network and improve performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Nov 2022
display
In computing, a display is a device with a screen that shows a rendered electronic image made up of pixels that are illuminated in a way that distinguishes text and graphic elements. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Oct 2022
peak-to-peak (pk-pk)
Peak-to-peak (pk-pk) is the difference between the highest and the lowest values in a waveform. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2022
Best practices for data center network optimization
Data center network optimization can improve business impact and promote long-term equipment health. Look to pilot new equipment, consolidate servers and improve energy efficiency. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2022
mount point
A mount point is a directory on a file system that is logically linked to another file system. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Oct 2022
non-interlaced display
A non-interlaced display is a screen display in which the lines are scanned progressively from the top to the bottom of the screen. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Oct 2022
adiabatic cooling
Adiabatic cooling is the process of reducing heat through a change in air pressure caused by volume expansion. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Sep 2022
How to use file server reporting in FSRM
File server reporting within File Server Resource Manager can help admins identify problems and then troubleshoot Windows servers. This tutorial outlines how to generate reports. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2022
Intel expands Developer Cloud, updates GPUs, CPUs
Administrators who manage many users can go one step further toward streamlining license assignments by taking advantage of a new feature from Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2022
Bourne shell
The Bourne shell is the original Unix shell -- command execution program, often called a command interpreter -- that was developed in 1979 at what at the time was Bell Labs. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2022
cluster
Clusters are typically defined as collections or groups of items with similar or different characteristics. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
Arm Neoverse roadmap targets enterprise infrastructure, cloud
Arm's roadmap for Neoverse V2 core is designed to handle 5G, HPC and edge workloads. Nvidia will incorporate the offering in its Grace data center chip in 2023. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Sep 2022
von Neumann bottleneck
The von Neumann bottleneck is a limitation on throughput caused by the standard personal computer architecture. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
IBM targets energy-saving mainframes at Linux users
IBMs new generation of Linux-based mainframes can significantly reduce energy use for companies willing to replace x86 servers with proprietary systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Sep 2022
data integrity
Data integrity is the assurance that digital information is uncorrupted and can only be accessed or modified by those authorized to do so. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Sep 2022
plotter
A plotter is a printer that interprets commands from a computer to make line drawings on paper with one or more automated pens. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Sep 2022
permittivity of free space
The permittivity of free space is a physical constant that reflects the ability of electrical fields to pass through a classical vacuum. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Aug 2022
interlaced display
An interlaced display, or interlaced scan video, is when a video only changes every other row of pixels in the image at each screen refresh. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2022
raised floor
A raised floor is a data center construction model in which a slightly higher floor is constructed above the building's original concrete slab floor, leaving the open space created between the two for wiring or cooling infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2022
inkjet printer
An inkjet printer is a computer peripheral that produces hard copies of a text document or photo by spraying droplets of ink onto paper. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Aug 2022
fan-out
In digital circuitry, fan-out is a measure of the maximum number of digital inputs that the output of a single logic gate can feed without disrupting the circuitry's operations. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
22 Aug 2022
How to implement file classification in file servers
File classification with File Server Resource Manager enables admins to classify and organize data. This tutorial shows how to implement and manage file classifications. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2022
Planck's constant
Planck's constant, symbolized as h, is a fundamental universal constant that defines the quantum nature of energy and relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2022
sensor
A sensor is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2022
Semiconductor companies face a long road back to growth
Even with government money soon headed their way, top-tier semiconductor companies will still have to deal with a range of challenges, from falling PC sales to material shortages. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
operation (computing)
An operation, in computing, is an action that is carried out to accomplish a given task. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
Spine-leaf (spine-leaf architecture)
Spine-leaf, or leaf-spine, is a two-layer network topology composed of spine and leaf switches. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2022
CHIPS and Science Act boosts U.S. technology investment
Agencies including the National Science Foundation will receive a significant increase in funding from the CHIPS and Science Act to research and develop new technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Aug 2022
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
A complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) is the semiconductor technology used in most of today's integrated circuits, also known as chips or microchips. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Aug 2022
POST (Power-On Self-Test)
A Power-On Self-Test (POST) is an operation initiated by a computer after it has been turned on but before it boots up the OS. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2022
House sends CHIPS Act to Biden's desk
Congress approved the CHIPS Act and billions more for scientific research to help the U.S. better compete against China in technology markets. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2022
CHIPS Act takes step forward on long road to production
If Congress approves the CHIPS Act, it will funnel billions into domestic chip production and provide companies like Intel and TSMC with tax breaks to build U.S. facilities. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
Nvidia QODA platform integrates quantum, classical computing
Nvidia's QODA platform bridges the chasm between quantum and classical environments. It could set the stage for quantum applications leveraging existing GPU and AI technologies. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
IBM debuts low-end Power10 servers, pay-as-you-go plan
IBM's new line of lower-end Power servers packs more processing power for smaller IT shops to deliver AI services faster, with a pay-as-you-go plan. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jul 2022
Hamming code
Hamming code is an error correction system that can detect and correct errors when data is stored or transmitted. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jul 2022
intermediate distribution frame (IDF)
An intermediate distribution frame (IDF) is a free-standing or wall-mounted rack for managing and interconnecting a telecommunications cable between end-user devices and the main distribution frame (MDF). Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2022
HPE GreenLake achieves everything as a service
The latest version of HPE GreenLake has realized the vision of everything as a service, although customers are still figuring out the new way to consume infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2022
hardware security
Hardware security is vulnerability protection that comes in the form of a physical device rather than software that's installed on the hardware of a computer system. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2022
accumulator
An accumulator is a type of register for short-term, intermediate storage of arithmetic and logic data in a computer's central processing unit (CPU). Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2022
HPE GreenLake updates aim for public cloud-like simplicity
HPE GreenLake has been simplified to feel more like a public cloud while making management of VMs across hybrid clouds more consistent. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2022
New HPE ProLiant servers with Arm target energy savings
The new HPE ProLiant system incorporates the Ampere Altra and Ampere Altra Max cloud-native processors with the goal of energy and cost savings. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2022
Words to go: Learn basic Linux terminology
What is a distro? What does swappiness mean? How are Xen and KVM different from one another? Familiarize yourself with basic Linux terminology for beginner users. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2022
Understand the rise in leaf-spine architecture
Leaf-spine networks can help cut costs, reduce carbon footprints and optimize network traffic for data centers. Learn why this network architecture is on the rise. Continue Reading