Tag Archive: hardware

January 22, 2018   /   by Marco   /   , , , , , ,

FIX METABOX LOUD FAN

FIX METABOX LOUD FAN

I received my Metabox Laptop just a week ago and the laptop is awesome. It’s a gaming laptop but I use it for work purposes – in particular for video editing. Here are a few pictures of unboxing the Metabox Laptop. The specs of the Metabox Laptop are as follows: Metabox Prime-S P950HP RAM: 16GB […]

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November 2, 2016   /   by Marco   /   , , , , , , , , , , ,

CompTIA IT Security, Network & Hardware Certification Training for $39

CompTIA IT Security, Network & Hardware Certification Training for $39

Launch a Lucrative IT Career with 50 Hours of Exam Prep for the 2016 CompTIA A+, Network+ & Security+ (SY0-401) Certifications
Expires June 04, 2017 23:59 PST
Buy now and get 98% off

KEY FEATURES

If you’re an IT specialist or are thinking about entering this lucrative field, you’ll want to get CompTIA-certified so you can put a higher price tag on your services. This comprehensive training covers topics for the all new 2016 CompTIA A+ (220-901 and 220-902) exams, CompTIA Network+ (N10-006) exam, and the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-401) exam so you’ll be ready to ace them all when the time comes. This is one investment that’s guaranteed to pay off!

  • Access 30 lectures & 50 hours of content 24/7
  • Recognize security threats & learn how to avoid them
  • Understand prevention techniques like firewall installation & authentication setup
  • Master network level security & become the office hero
  • Use labs, games & activities to supplement your learning & put your knowledge into practice
  • Study offline any time w/ printable study guides

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this course: 1 year
  • Access options: web streaming, mobile streaming, downloadable for offline viewing
  • Certificate of completion included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: all levels
  • CompTIA exam costs not included

Compatibility

  • Internet required

THE EXPERT

LearnSmart has served the technology community with high-quality certification and skills training since 1997. LearnSmart has grown rapidly as a leading provider for individuals and corporations, serving clients from a broad range of Fortune 500 companies, as well as universities, government institutions and the armed forces. For more details on this course and instructor, click here.

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Pay What You Want: DIY Hardware & Internet of Things eBook Bundle for $1

From 3D Printers to Robots to Raspberry Pi & More, This 9-Book Bundle Is Packed With Constructive Fun
Expires November 21, 2016 23:59 PST
Buy now and get 99% off

Building a RepRap 3D Printer

KEY FEATURES

3D printers are already shaping the future in health care, architecture, and many other industries, and their applications are only growing. RepRap has made the first generation of low-cost 3D printers, lowering the barriers to entry for other aspiring engineers. In this course, you’ll learn how to build a 3D printer for yourself, and calibrate and adjust it perfectly.

  • Access over 2 hours of content 24/7
  • Understand the evolution of RepRap & the dynamics of open hardware innovation
  • Quickly assemble an i3 Berlin 3D printer
  • Safely connect all the cables & calibrate your 3D printer for perfect 3D prints
  • Become familiar w/ the most important 3D-print settings in Slic3r
  • Get to know the different print materials & how to make multimaterial objects
  • Explore KISSlicer & Cura path generator
  • Experiment with alternative solutions & software
  • Troubleshoot and prevent printing problems w/ ease

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this course: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

  • Internet required

THE EXPERT

Bram de Vries is a mechanical engineer and social scientist dedicated to open hardware. He has previously worked at Demotech (www.youtube.com/user/DemotechDesign), developing pro-poor technologies in Guatemala, Ethiopia, and India.

The overarching aim of his work is to open up innovations and make them accessible. For the last four years, his focus has moved from water pumps to open source 3D printing. He also tutors Blender courses.

Morris Winkler is a software developer from Germany and has worked for several years on mobile computing platforms. He also helped create the Arm processor port for the Debian/GNU operating system. From 2004 to 2010, he worked in Barcelona, Spain, with Xarxa Sense Fils to create a co-operative Internet service provider and helped cover the Catalan capital with a freely accessible wireless network. The project has since joined Guifi.net, the biggest Open Access wireless network on the European continent. In 2011, he began to use open source hardware for 3D Printing, and in 2012 started a company with Bram de Vries to support enthusiasts and newcomers to the scene. Since then, he has developed an enhanced version of the Prusa i3 3D Printer and follows a few other projects based around open source 3D printing.

For more details on this course and instructor, click here.

Learning ROS for Robotics Programming: Second Edition

KEY FEATURES

ROS is a collection of tools, libraries, and conventions that simplifies the robot building process. Moreover, ROS encourages collaborative robotics software development, allowing you to connect and collaborate with experts and other hobbyists. In this example-rich book, you’ll learn the ROS framework and get the help you need to build your own robot applications in a simulated environment.

  • Install a complete ROS Hydro system w/ 458 pages of content
  • Create ROS packages & metapackages, using & debugging them in real time
  • Build, handle, & debug ROS nodes
  • Design your 3D robot model & simulate it in a virtual environment within Gazebo
  • Give your robots the power of sight using cameras, & calibrate & perform computer vision tasks with them
  • Generate & adapt the navigation stack to work with your robot
  • Integrate different sensors like Range Laser, Arduino, & Kinect w/ your robot
  • Visualize & process Point Cloud information from different sensors
  • Control & plan motion of robotic arms w/ multiple joints using MoveIt

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this course: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

  • Internet required

THE EXPERT

Enrique Fernández has a PhD in computer engineering from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and is a senior robotics engineer currently working at Clearpath Robotics, Inc. He did his MSc master’s thesis in 2009 on SLAM. Enrique addresses the problem of path planning for autonomous underwater gliders (AUGs) in his PhD thesis, which was presented in 2013. During that period, he also worked on Computer Vision, AI, and other robotics topics, such as inertial navigation systems and Visual SLAM at the CIRS/ViCOROB Research Lab of the University of Girona for AUVs. He also participated in the Student Autonomous Underwater Challenge, Europe (SAUC-E) in 2012 and collaborated in the 2013 edition; in the 2012 edition, he was awarded a prize.

After his PhD, Enrique joined PAL Robotics in June 2013 as a senior robotics engineer in the Autonomous Navigation department. There, he developed software for REEM, REEM-C, and mobile-based robots and also for corresponding projects, such as Stockbot, using the ROS framework intensively. He worked on motion planning (path planning and control for mobile robots), robot localization, and SLAM. Recently, in 2015, he joined Clearpath Robotics, Inc. to work as a senior autonomy developer on SLAM, within the Autonomy department.

From an academic perspective, Enrique has published several conference papers and publications, two of them on the International Conference of Robotics and Automation (ICRA), in 2011. He is also an author of chapters of a few books and a previous book about ROS, Learning ROS for Robotics Programming by Packt Publishing. His MSc master’s thesis was about the FastSLAM algorithm for indoor robots using a SICK laser scanner and the wheel odometry of a Pioneer differential platform. His PhD thesis contributed path planning algorithms and tools for AUGs. He also has experience with electronics and embedded systems such as PC104 and Arduino. His background covers SLAM, Computer Vision, path planning, optimization, and robotics and artificial intelligence in general.

For more details on this course and instructor, click here.

Raspberry Pi Blueprints

KEY FEATURES

Raspberry Pi enables users to create their very own hardware and software projects with relatively little complication. It can do anything a regular desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet to word processing and playing games. This book is packed with 10 interesting hardware projects that will introduce you to all the basics of using the Raspberry Pi as you explore just how powerful this single-board computer really is.

  • Design electronics circuits using a range of standard components w/ 284 pages of content
  • Install & configure an operating system on your Raspberry Pi
  • Interact w/ electronic circuits & hardware using software libraries
  • Write efficient Python applications to control hardware & process data
  • Build professional-quality enclosures using a range of construction methods
  • Implement best practices to be able to power your projects while on the go
  • Configure Linux to run your applications at specific times
  • Make your applications interact w/ online data & communication services

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this e-book: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

  • Internet required

THE EXPERT

Dan Nixon is a software and electronics engineer living in the north of England. He has past experience of creating software for data analysis, process control, and business intelligence applications. In most of these projects, Python was one of the main languages used.

Dan previously authored another book on the uses of the Raspberry Pi, called Raspberry Pi Blueprints, and has worked on many personal projects that use both Python and the Raspberry Pi. For more details on this course and instructor, click here.

Arduino Wearable Projects

KEY FEATURES

If you’re interested in designing and building your own wearables, the Arduino platform is perfect for you. With this e-book, you’ll learn to create your own wearable projects by mastering different electronic components–such as LEDs and sensors–then applying your learnings through practical projects. You’ll consolidate your new skills in your final project, utilizing all the concepts you’ve learned to create a smartwatch complete with fitness tracking, Internet-based notifications, GPS, and time-telling.

  • Develop a basic understanding of wearable computing w/ 218 pages of content
  • Learn about Arduino & compatible prototyping platforms suitable for creating wearables
  • Understand the design process surrounding the creation of wearable objects
  • Gain insight into materials suitable for developing wearable projects
  • Design & create projects w/ various kinds of electronic components: interactive bike gloves, GPRS locator watch, etc.
  • Dive into programming for interactivity
  • Learn how to connect & interface wearables w/ Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
  • Get your hands dirty w/ your own personalized designs

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this e-book: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

  • Internet required
  • Basic knowledge of Arduino programming recommended

THE EXPERT

Tony Olsson is an Arduino enthusiast and author of this e-book. For more details on the course and instructor, click here.

Getting Started with Python & Raspberry Pi

KEY FEATURES

The Raspberry Pi is one the most popular single board computers for hobbyists and beginner programmers. Its natural counterpart is Python, a powerful general-purpose programming language that most experts agree is an ideal first language. Over this book, you’ll learn how to set up your Raspberry Pi with the proper equipment, before performing Python tasks like interfacing with hardware, GUI programming, and much more.

  • Access 5 hours of content 24/7
  • Learn the fundamentals of Python scripting & application programming
  • Design user-friendly command-line & graphical user interfaces
  • Gain a step-by-step guide to learning Python programming w/ the Raspberry Pi
  • Interact w/ electronics & physical devices
  • Debug applications efficiently

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this course: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

  • Internet required

THE EXPERT

Packt’s mission is to help the world put software to work in new ways, through the delivery of effective learning and information services to IT professionals. Working towards that vision, it has published over 3,000 books and videos so far, providing IT professionals with the actionable knowledge they need to get the job done–whether that’s specific learning on an emerging technology or optimizing key skills in more established tools.

Arduino by Example

KEY FEATURES

Arduino by Example is a project-oriented guide to help you fully utilize the power of one of the world’s most powerful open source platforms, Arduino. This book demonstrates three projects ranging from a home automation project involving your lighting system to a simple robotic project to a touch sensor project. You will first learn the basic concepts such as how to get started with the Arduino, then develop the practical skills needed to successfully build Arduino-powered projects with real-life impact.

  • Master use of the Arduino inside & out w/ 242 pages of content
  • Integrate sensors to gather & effectively display environmental data
  • Add Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & other modules to allow the Arduino to communicate & send data between devices
  • Build automated projects to learn complex algorithms that mimic biological locomotion
  • Create simple servers to facilitate communication
  • Maximize the Arduino’s capabilities w/ Python, Processing & other programming tools
  • Practice & learn basic programming etiquette

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this course: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: intermediate

Compatibility

  • Internet required (for download)
  • Working Arduino system required
  • Some programming background required (ideally in C/C++)
  • Basic knowledge of Arduino recommended

THE EXPERT

Adith Jagadish Boloor is a mechanical engineering student at Purdue University. He is passionate about robotics, computer-aided design, rapid prototyping, and the Internet of Things, and seeks to pass on his knowledge through his Arduino e-book. For more details on the e-book and instructor, click here.

This course is hosted by StackSkills, the premier eLearning destination for discovering top-shelf courses on everything from coding—to business—to fitness, and beyond!

Internet of Things with Arduino Blueprints

KEY FEATURES

Arduino is the ideal platform with which to experiment on Internet of Things projects, and this e-book the ideal medium through which to learn. You’ll work through eight projects that will teach you how to assemble devices that communicate with one another, access data over the Internet, store and retrieve data, and interact with users. These projects also serve as blueprints for any other IoT projects you hope to tackle in the future.

  • Build Internet-based Arduino devices to secure your home w/ 210 pages of content
  • Connect sensors and actuators to the Arduino & access Internet data
  • Make a powerful Internet-controlled relay w/ an embedded web server to monitor & control home appliances
  • Build a portable Wi-Fi signal strength sensor to give haptic feedback about signal strength to the user
  • Measure water flow speed & volume w/ liquid flow sensors and record real-time readings
  • Set up motion-activated Arduino security cameras & upload images to the cloud
  • Implement real-time data logging of a solar panel voltage w/ Arduino cloud connectors
  • Track locations w/ GPS & upload location data to the cloud
  • Control a garage door light w/ your Twitter feed
  • Control infrared enabled devices w/ IR remote & Arduino

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this e-book: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

  • Internet required
  • Basic knowledge of electronics recommended

THE EXPERT

Pradeeka Seneviratne is a software engineer with over 10 years of experience in computer programming and systems designing. He loves programming embedded systems such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, and is currently a full-time software engineer who works with highly scalable technologies. Previously, he worked as a software engineer for several IT infrastructure and technology servicing companies, and was also a teacher for information technology and Arduino development. For more details on the course and instructor, click here.

Arduino iOS Blueprints

KEY FEATURES

Arduino has become a widely adopted platform for its easy usability and flexibility, and iOS devices are nothing if not ubiquitous. Dive into this comprehensive project-based book, master the art of integrating the two, and learn how to build devices that are highly useful in everyday life. You’ll learn how to control Arduino using an iPhone or iPad, understand the different components that interact with the Arduino–digital and analog I/O, Wi-Fi shields, and more–and master iOS development essentials in the process.

  • Design circuits w/ Arduino using sensors & actuators w/ 240 pages of content
  • Write code to handle analog & digital sensors w/ commonly used protocols: OneWire, I2C, SPI & more
  • Store data on SD Card & in EEPROM
  • Build iOS applications using the MCV pattern & the UIKit components
  • Allow your applications to control Arduino and its hooked-up devices
  • Manage TCP/IP, UDP, and Bluetooth BLE communication between Arduino & iOS devices
  • Make your iOS application utilize the sensors available in iOS devices, including the accelerometer, gyroscope & compass
  • Develop iOS applications that use iBeacons

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this course: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

  • Internet required
  • Basic knowledge of Arduino & iOS development required

THE EXPERT

Fabrizio Boco started learning about electronics when he was a teen, and began programming in 1980. He holds a degree in electronic engineering and is currently a freelance IT manager and architect with over 20 years of experience consulting for private and public companies in Italy. He has been an iOS developer since 2009, and has designed and developed Arduino Manager–an iOS, Mac OS X, and Android application that can be used to control Arduino (and Arduino-compatible) boards. For more details on the course and instructor, click here.

Arduino Android Blueprints

KEY FEATURES

Learn to build interactive electronic devices controllable from any Android device by working through a series of projects. Each project is explained in a step-by-step fashion, starting with the required components and hardware assembly instructions, meaning following along is easy even for beginners. Whether you’re configuring an app to display tweets or controlling basic functions of the Arduino board, you’ll consolidate your knowledge of all things Arduino and get up to speed in no time.

  • Build Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-controlled Arduino systems w/ 250 pages of content
  • Make a weather measurement station that can be monitored from Android
  • Build a smart power switch that can be controlled via Wi-Fi from Android
  • Monitor your home remotely with a wireless security camera
  • Control a servo motor w/ Bluetooth Low Energy using your phone’s gyroscope
  • Open or close a door using voice controls or NFC
  • Control a mobile robot using Bluetooth Low Energy

PRODUCT SPECS

Details & Requirements

  • Length of time users can access this e-book: lifetime
  • Access options: download for offline access
  • Certification of completion not included
  • Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
  • Experience level required: intermediate

Compatibility

  • Internet required
  • Basic electronics & programming experience required

THE EXPERT

Marco Schwartz is an electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and blogger. His interests gravitate around electronics, home automation, the Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms, open source hardware projects, and 3D printing. Meanwhile, Stefan Buttigieg is a medical doctor, mobile developer, and entrepreneur. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in health informatics and is the founder of MD Geeks, an online community at the intersection of healthcare and information technology. For more details on the course and instructor, click here.

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Tools to test the status of your computer or laptop

Here’s my list of tools to use to diagnose a hardware problem: For checking memory: 1. Memtest 86+ (DOS mode test memory). This is a free tool and you can download it here: http://www.memtest.org/ 2. 3DMark06 – Used to test your graphics card. http://www.futuremark.com/benchmarks/3dmark06/introduction/ 3. PC Mark7 – Can download the trial version and test system performance. http://www.pcmark.com/benchmarks/pcmark7/ […]

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Passmark Rebooter

Have you ever had intermittent problems when you rebooted your PC. Like for example, when Windows started it freezed?  If you wanted to stress test rebooting your PC or laptop do you want to manually restart the machine 50 times? PASSMARK REBOOTER Ok, I have a solution for you. It’s called Passmark Rebooter. Here’s what […]

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