Tech Docs
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A satellite dish system is designed to receive radio signals transmitted from communication satellites orbiting the Earth, converting them into usable data for televisions, modems, or network systems. The system is composed of several key components that work together to capture, focus, and transmit these signals efficiently. The dish, also called the parabolic reflector, is…
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Fire safety in cable installations is a critical aspect of both data center and field operations, ensuring the protection of personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. The first step toward minimizing fire risk begins with selecting the correct cable type for the environment. Plenum-rated cables, labeled CMP, are designed for air-handling spaces such as ceiling voids or…
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MoCA, or Multimedia over Coax Alliance, is a technology that allows for networking over existing coaxial cable systems in homes. It enables the use of coaxial cables to create a high-speed Ethernet connection, providing a reliable and efficient way to distribute internet access throughout a home without the need for new wiring. MoCA networks can…
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Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a networking standard that delivers DC electrical power along with data signals through standard twisted-pair Ethernet cabling (typically Cat5e, Cat6, or higher). This innovation eliminates the need for separate power cords or outlets near devices, simplifying installation and reducing infrastructure costs. PoE works by injecting power into the Ethernet cable…
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Pickaxe is an open-source software agent developed for use with Foreman.mn, a Bitcoin mining management platform. It serves as the intermediary between ASIC mining hardware and the Foreman dashboard, enabling operators to collect, transmit, and visualize real-time performance data. Running locally on a computer or server within the mining environment, Pickaxe queries miners directly to…
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An Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) is a specialized instrument used in fiber optic networks to measure the total optical loss across a fiber link. It combines a calibrated light source and a power meter to determine how much signal is lost as light travels from one end of the fiber to the other. This…
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Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) is the original analog telephone system that laid the foundation for modern voice communication. Operating over twisted-pair copper wires, POTS transmits voice signals as continuous electrical waveforms. It uses a circuit-switched network, meaning each call establishes a dedicated line between two endpoints, ensuring consistent voice quality. One of its defining…
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Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful imaging technique that uses a beam of electrons transmitted through an ultrathin specimen to produce highly magnified images of its internal structure. TEM works by directing electrons through a sample that is typically less than 100 nanometers thick. As the electrons pass through, they interact with the atoms…
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A splitter in terms of coaxial cable is a passive device that divides a single incoming radio frequency signal into multiple outputs, allowing several devices such as televisions, modems, or receivers to share the same signal source. It maintains a standard impedance of 75 ohms to prevent signal reflection and distortion, ensuring stable performance across…
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A Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) is a diagnostic instrument used to detect faults, breaks, and impedance mismatches in coaxial cables by sending a signal pulse down the line and analyzing the reflections that return. When the pulse encounters a change in impedance—such as a splice, open, short, or damaged section—it reflects back to the TDR,…
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A coaxial cable is a specialized electrical cable designed to carry high-frequency signals with minimal interference. Its name comes from its concentric structure—each layer shares the same axis, which helps preserve signal integrity. Coaxial cables are widely used in applications like cable television, internet service, radio transmission, and closed-circuit video systems. At the center of…
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A patch cord is a short, pre-terminated cable with connectors on both ends, used to connect network devices for signal or data transmission. Patch cords are essential components in structured cabling systems, enabling flexible and efficient interconnections between equipment such as switches, routers, servers, and patch panels. They are typically used in environments like data…
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The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) was originally formed in 1924 as the Radio Manufacturers Association. It evolved into a major standards body for electronic components and systems in the United States. EIA was responsible for developing specifications that ensured interoperability and quality across manufacturers, particularly in consumer electronics and telecommunications. In 1988, EIA’s telecommunications division…
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A premise cable technician specializes in installing and maintaining cabling systems within buildings or campuses. Their work typically involves running Ethernet, coaxial, and fiber optic cables through walls, ceilings, and conduits to support voice, data, and video services. These technicians are responsible for terminating cables at patch panels and jacks, testing and certifying cable runs…
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At Tesla’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas, shareholders overwhelmingly approved CEO Elon Musk’s 2025 performance-based compensation plan, with more than 75% voting in favor. The plan, potentially worth up to $1 trillion, hinges on achieving ambitious milestones such as an $8.5 trillion market capitalization and deploying one million robotaxis by 2035. The approval effectively replaces…
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A Visual Fault Locator (VFL) is a handheld optical testing device used in fiber optic networks to identify faults, breaks, or discontinuities in optical fibers. It emits a highly visible red laser light (usually around 650 nm) into the fiber, which allows technicians to visually trace the fiber path. Any break, bend, or poor connection…
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The Bitcoin Mining Air Coolant Energy Operation Equation offers a simple way for bitcoin mining engineers to translate machine count into megawatts in a language that utility operators and engineers understand. The core idea is that modern air cooled ASIC miners usually draw around 3,000 to 3,500 watts per machine, so a fleet’s IT load…
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Direct burial in fiber optics refers to the installation of specially designed fiber optic cables directly into the ground without the need for protective conduits or ducts. These cables are engineered to withstand harsh underground conditions for long-term, maintenance-free operation. Direct burial fiber optic cables are constructed with multiple protective layers to endure soil pressure,…
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Transmission in electric power systems refers to the bulk transfer of electrical energy at very high voltages (typically 115 kV to 765 kV or higher) from generating stations to major substations, using interconnected networks of overhead or underground lines designed to move large amounts of power efficiently over long distances with minimal losses. Subtransmission, by…
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You can convert Google Docs to Word on iPhone for seamless cross-platform productivity and quick document access.
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A coupler functions by redistributing light from one or more input fibers into one or more output fibers. It does this without requiring external power, relying instead on physical principles like evanescent field coupling or fused biconical taper (FBT) technology. In FBT couplers, two or more fibers are precisely fused and tapered together, allowing light…
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CoreThe core is the central strand of a fiber optic cable, composed of ultra-pure glass or plastic. It serves as the transmission medium for light signals. The diameter of the core depends on the fiber type—typically 9 microns for single-mode fibers and 50 or 62.5 microns for multimode. Its refractive index is slightly higher than…
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Substations are essential components of the electrical power system. They serve as the connection points between the high-voltage transmission lines and the lower-voltage distribution networks that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. At a substation, electricity is transformed from high voltage to a lower voltage, making it safe for use. This process is crucial because…
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An electrical busbar is a metallic strip, bar, rod, or tube, typically made of highly conductive materials like copper or aluminum, that functions as a central junction point for distributing electrical power. Serving as a high-capacity conductor, it collects electrical current from incoming circuits (like transformers or generators) and efficiently distributes it to multiple outgoing…
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Electrical switches are categorized in various ways, often based on their construction, actuation method, and function within a circuit. A common classification uses the Pole and Throw configuration: the Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) is the simplest ON/OFF switch, controlling one circuit from one location, like a standard light switch. The Single Pole, Double Throw…
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System design in electrical engineering involves planning and structuring power systems to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe distribution of electrical power. Switching devices, such as switches and circuit breakers, are integral components that control the flow of electricity within these systems. Circuit breakers are specialized safety devices designed to automatically disconnect electrical circuits during overloads…
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Power distribution is the final stage of the power grid responsible for receiving bulk electric energy from the transmission system and delivering it safely, reliably, affordably, and at appropriate voltage and power quality to virtually every end-use customer—residential, commercial, and light industrial—across cities, suburbs, and rural areas. It begins at the distribution substation, where incoming…
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A battery is an electrochemical device that converts stored chemical energy directly into electrical energy (Direct Current or DC). It is composed of one or more electrochemical cells, each containing two electrodes—a positive cathode and a negative anode—which are separated by a conductive medium called an electrolyte. When an external circuit is connected, a chemical…
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OS1 and OS2 are classifications of singlemode fiber optic cable defined by their construction and performance characteristics. OS stands for “Optical Singlemode.” OS1 is typically used for indoor applications and features tight-buffered construction, supporting up to 10 km at 1310 nm and 40 km at 1550 nm. OS2 is optimized for outdoor and long-haul deployments,…
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Basic electrical properties describe how different materials respond to electric current and electric fields. The most fundamental of these is electrical conductivity, which measures how easily a material allows electric current to flow through it. Materials with high conductivity (like copper or silver) are called conductors; those with very low conductivity (like glass or rubber)…
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OM1 to OM5 refer to standardized categories of multimode optical fiber, each defined by core size, bandwidth capacity, and transmission distance. OM1 uses a 62.5 µm core and supports up to 1 Gbps over short distances, while OM2 through OM5 use a 50 µm core and are optimized for higher-speed VCSEL-based transmissions. OM3 and OM4…
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Duplex patch cords are fiber optic cables that contain two strands—one for transmitting and one for receiving optical signals, allowing bidirectional communication between devices. These cords are typically used in full-duplex systems such as Ethernet or Fibre Channel, where simultaneous send and receive operations are required. Duplex patch cords often feature connectors like LC, SC,…
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Port flapping is a network condition where a switch or router interface continuously transitions between an active (up) and inactive (down) state. This repetitive toggling disrupts link stability and can trigger frequent topology recalculations in protocols like STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), leading to packet loss, latency, and degraded performance across the network. Common causes include…
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Insertion Loss in fiber optics refers to the amount of signal power lost when a component—such as a connector, splice, or device—is inserted into the optical path. It’s measured in decibels (dB), and lower values indicate better performance. When light travels through a fiber, any interruption or interface can cause some of the signal to…
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DIN EN ISO 12100 is a European machinery-safety standard that establishes the foundational principles for the design, risk assessment, and hazard mitigation of machines and machine assemblies. It defines a machine as an integrated system of connected components, including at least one moving part, powered by a source other than human or animal effort and…
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Reflection occurs when an optical signal traveling through a fiber encounters a change in refractive index—typically at a connector, mechanical splice, or fiber break—and part of the light is reflected back toward the transmitter. This backward-propagating light can interfere with the source, especially in systems using lasers, and may degrade signal quality or cause instability.…
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Refraction in fiber optics refers to the change in direction of light as it passes between materials of different optical densities—specifically, from air into the fiber optic core, and between the core and cladding within the fiber. This bending of light is governed by Snell’s Law and is essential for initiating and maintaining the transmission…
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Outside Plant (OSP) refers to all fiber optic infrastructure deployed outdoors—such as cables, splice enclosures, cabinets, and conduits—that connect central offices to service locations like homes, businesses, or data centers. OSP fiber networks form the backbone of modern telecommunications. They begin at a central office or headend, where optical signals originate, and extend through distribution…
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Fiber optic characterization is the comprehensive process of testing and analyzing a fiber optic link or network to evaluate its performance, integrity, and ability to support high-speed data transmission. It involves a series of measurements and diagnostics designed to identify optical impairments, verify design specifications, and ensure that the fiber system meets required industry standards…
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An optical power meter is a precision instrument used in fiber optic networks to quantify the optical signal power transmitted through a fiber. It operates by converting incoming light—usually in the infrared range—into an electrical signal using a calibrated photodetector, then displaying the power level in decibel-milliwatts (dBm) or milliwatts (mW). This measurement is critical…
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Fiber optic splicing is a precision technique used to connect two optical fibers end-to-end, allowing light signals to pass through with minimal loss and reflection. This process is fundamental in building, repairing, and extending fiber optic networks, especially in long-haul telecommunications, data centers, and FTTH installations. The most common method is fusion splicing, which uses…
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Proper network termination matters. Every ethernet cable you build connects people, ideas, and organizations, enabling communication that strengthens relationships and drives opportunity. By following standards like T568B, we can create networks that are reliable and impactful. This 8-minute instructional video demonstrates those techniques, showing how network termination helps connect lives and build communities. T568B Ethernet…
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OTDR, or Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, operates by injecting a series of short laser pulses into one end of an optical fiber and measuring the light that is scattered or reflected back from points along the fiber. This backscattered light—primarily due to Rayleigh scattering and Fresnel reflections—is captured by a photodetector within the OTDR, and…
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Cleaving fiber is a controlled mechanical process used to prepare optical fibers for splicing or termination by creating a clean, flat break at the end of the fiber. The goal is to produce an end face that is perpendicular to the fiber’s axis with minimal surface defects, which is critical for achieving low insertion loss…
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An MPO test set is a specialized optical testing instrument designed to evaluate the integrity and performance of MPO fiber links by measuring insertion loss, return loss, polarity, and continuity across all fibers simultaneously. These test sets typically include an Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS) with MPO interface adapters, a Visual Fault Locator (VFL), and…
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The most commonly known fiber connectors among fiber optic technicians are SC, LC, ST, FC, and MPO. Each has distinct physical characteristics and use cases, with SC and LC dominating modern deployments. SC (Subscriber Connector)The SC connector is a square-shaped, push-pull style fiber optic connector with a 2.5 mm ferrule. It’s widely used in telecom…
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A splice-on connector is a type of fiber optic connector that allows technicians to fusion splice a pre-polished fiber stub housed within the connector body directly to a field fiber, combining the precision and low-loss performance of factory-terminated connectors with the flexibility of on-site installation. Splice-on connectors are ideal for high-performance environments where mechanical splicing…
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Fusion splicing is the process of permanently joining two optical fibers end-to-end by fusing them together using an electric arc. The goal is to align the fiber cores precisely and create a continuous optical path that minimizes signal loss and reflection. When properly done, the joint is almost as strong as the original fiber and…
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An OTDR, or Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, is a diagnostic instrument used to analyze the integrity and performance of fiber optic cables. It works by launching a series of high-speed optical pulses into the fiber and measuring the light that is scattered or reflected back due to imperfections, splices, connectors, or breaks. By calculating the…
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Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a fundamental component of IPv4 networking that enables devices within a local area network (LAN) to discover the physical hardware address (MAC address) associated with a given IP address. Operating at the intersection of the OSI model’s Data Link (Layer 2) and Network (Layer 3) layers, ARP facilitates the translation…
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Secure Shell, commonly known as SSH, is a cryptographic network protocol used to establish secure and encrypted communication between two systems over an unsecured network. It allows users to remotely access and control another computer, typically through a command-line interface. SSH ensures that all data, including login credentials and command outputs, are encrypted to prevent…
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When installing a CPU, it’s not just about matching sockets—proper thermal contact between the CPU and its cooler is critical for stability and longevity. This is where TIM (Thermal Interface Material), commonly referred to as thermal paste, plays a vital role. It fills microscopic gaps between the metal surfaces of the CPU heat spreader and…
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Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a dedicated chip embedded on a computer’s motherboard, designed to secure hardware through integrated cryptographic keys. It stores sensitive information such as encryption keys, digital certificates, and passwords in a tamper-resistant environment. TPM is commonly used for: The current standard is TPM 2.0, which is required by modern operating systems…
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The /bin directory is where Linux keeps many of its most essential commands that are available to all users, whether they are administrators or regular users. Inside /bin, you will find programs like ls for listing directory contents, cp for copying files, and mv for moving or renaming files. These commands are so vital that…
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The Linux root directory (/) is the highest-level directory in the entire file system, acting as the central point from which everything else originates. To further clarify, the root directory (/) is the top-level of the entire Linux file system hierarchy, whereas /root is specifically the private home directory for the root (administrator) user. All…
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What Is an SSD? A Solid-State Drive (SSD) uses flash memory chips to store data. There are no moving parts, making it faster, quieter, and more durable than traditional hard drives. SSDs have extremely fast read/write speeds, especially in NVMe (PCIe) form, which are ideal for boot drives, gaming systems, and business apps. SSDs come…
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A thermal printer uses heat to transfer images onto paper. It comes in two types: Consumables and Maintenance Direct thermal printers require only thermal paper, while thermal transfer printers need both ribbon and label stock.Maintenance includes: Technicians must also check for signs of printhead wear, incorrect temperatures, or paper with poor heat response when troubleshooting…
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Two of the most recognized and widely used printer languages in the industry are PCL (Printer Command Language) and PostScript. Each one comes with unique advantages and is suited for different types of environments and workloads. PCL, developed by Hewlett-Packard, is a standard language found in many office printers. It’s built for speed and efficiency—great…
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Every desktop computer relies on a Power Supply Unit (PSU) to convert wall electricity into usable voltage levels that safely power internal components. The PSU takes in AC (Alternating Current) and outputs DC (Direct Current) in multiple voltages—typically +12V, +5V, and +3.3V—distributed to the motherboard, CPU, storage devices, and GPU. Without proper power regulation, even…
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The snmpwalk command is used to perform a series of network management requests to a specific device using an IP address(example: 10.31.10.101),starting from the OID 1.3.6.1.2.1.2.2.1, using SNMPv3. Reference record for OID: Website to interpret OID Adresses snmpwalk -v3 -l authPriv -u l1monitor -a MD5 -A GEe9bb8h -x DES -X 4ixay7su 10.36.10.108 1.3.6.1.2.1.2.2.1snmpwalk: This is…
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Esptool.py is a Python-based utility created by Espressif for flashing firmware onto ESP8266 and ESP32 chips. It operates cross-platform—working on Windows, Linux, and macOS—and is executed from the command line using Python. Although its name ends in .py, users interact with it using simple terminal commands, not actual Python code. The command-line arguments passed to…
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ERCOT (The Electric Reliability Council of Texas) is the independent system operator that manages the flow of power for about 90 percent of Texas, serving more than 27 million customers and coordinating more than 54,100 miles of transmission and roughly 1,250 generation units; it oversees real time dispatch and market settlement for the state’s competitive…
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Secure Shell, commonly known as SSH, is a cryptographic network protocol used to establish secure and encrypted communication between two systems over an unsecured network. It allows users to remotely access and control another computer, typically through a command-line interface. SSH ensures that all data, including login credentials and command outputs, are encrypted to prevent…
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When installing a CPU, it’s not just about matching sockets—proper thermal contact between the CPU and its cooler is critical for stability and longevity. This is where TIM (Thermal Interface Material), commonly referred to as thermal paste, plays a vital role. It fills microscopic gaps between the metal surfaces of the CPU heat spreader and…
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Landauer’s Principle is a fundamental law of physics that establishes the minimum possible amount of energy required to irreversibly change or erase one bit of information in a computational process. This principle is rooted in the second law of thermodynamics, which states that any logically irreversible operation, such as resetting a bit from one state to…
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The taskkill command is a powerful Windows OS CLI tool that allows users to forcefully terminate running processes directly from the terminal. Unlike the Task Manager’s graphical interface, taskkill gives users precise control over which processes to end, either by using the process name (also called the image name) or its unique process ID (PID).…
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For the past month or so there were several bitaxe devices at my micro data center that indicated they were in a state of overheating. You will see a tab on your dashboard that says “Bitaxe has overheated – See settings.” It is likely that your machine needs a firmware update. While I did create…
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Memory modules come in different physical sizes depending on the device they’re intended for. DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) is the standard memory format used in desktop computers, while SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM) is the compact version used in laptops, mini-PCs, and some all-in-one systems. Both types serve the same function—providing volatile memory that supports…
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If your SupraHex unit is not appearing on your mining pool dashboard, it’s likely due to outdated or incompatible firmware. To resolve this issue: Check for the latest firmware release by clicking the Check in the settings section of your miners graphical user interface (GUI). After the Download of the “esp-miner.bin” and “www.bin” files upload…
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The /var directory in Linux is where variable, constantly changing files are stored. It contains logs, mail spools, databases, temporary caches, and other files that grow or update as the system runs. Subdirectories like /var/log hold system logs, /var/spool manages queued jobs like print tasks or mail, and /var/tmp temporarily holds files that should survive…
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Economist Peter Schiff has publicly criticized Michael Saylor’s characterization of Bitcoin as “digital energy.” Schiff questioned the practicality of using Bitcoin to generate power, contrasting it with crude oil’s essential role in preventing mass starvation. Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman of MicroStrategy, has previously described Bitcoin as “digital energy,” suggesting that it conserves energy in cyberspace…
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The mkfifo command in Linux is used to create named pipes, also known as FIFOs (First In, First Out). Unlike regular files, a FIFO behaves like a pipe that allows data to flow between processes. You can think of it as a communication tunnel where one process writes data and another reads it. For example,…
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The locate command in Linux is used to quickly search for files by name across the entire filesystem. Unlike the find command, which actively searches through directories in real-time, locate uses a prebuilt index from a database (usually updated with the updatedb command). This makes it incredibly fast and efficient. For example, typing locate passwd…
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In Linux, path shortcuts help users move through the file system quickly and efficiently. These symbols are used in the terminal to reference common directory locations without typing the full path. These shortcuts are essential for navigation, scripting, and system administration. Mastering them helps Linux+ candidates work faster and with more precision across different directories.…
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The /opt directory is used in Linux for installing optional or third-party software that is not part of the default package management system. Many commercial applications or special-purpose tools are installed into /opt to keep them separate from system-managed software. If you install proprietary software like VMware or a custom application, it may place its…
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The /mnt directory in Linux serves as a traditional location for temporarily mounting filesystems. Unlike /media, which is mostly used for automatic mounting of USBs and other external devices, /mnt is primarily used by system administrators for manual mounts during maintenance, recovery, or troubleshooting. When you need to access another drive or partition for testing…
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The /lib directory in Linux holds critical system libraries and kernel modules required for the core functionality of the operating system. Think of these libraries as building blocks that essential programs and commands rely on to work properly. For example, when you run commands from /bin or /sbin, those commands often need shared libraries stored…
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The /home directory is where Linux stores all the personal files and settings for regular users. Each user gets their own subdirectory under /home, such as /home/alex or /home/jordan, where they keep documents, downloads, pictures, and personal configuration files. This structure helps separate user data from system data, making the system more organized and secure.…
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OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode. Unlike traditional LCDs, OLEDs emit light directly from each pixel without requiring a separate backlight. This allows for ultra-thin screens, true blacks, and higher contrast ratios. Each pixel in an OLED screen is made from organic compounds that emit light when current passes through them. This direct emission is…
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ATA, or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, is a computer bus interface used to connect hard drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives to the motherboard. It replaced older parallel ATA (PATA) standards by using a 7-pin data cable and a 15-pin power connector, simplifying cabling and improving airflow. SATA supports hot-swapping (with the correct…
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Impact printers, such as dot matrix printers, use a physical print head that strikes an ink-soaked ribbon against the paper—similar to a typewriter. These devices are primarily used in environments where multi-part forms, carbon copies, or durability in dusty conditions are required, such as warehouses, industrial settings, and point-of-sale systems. A key feature of impact…
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An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to devices on a network to enable communication. There are two main versions: IPv4, a 32-bit address format (e.g., 192.168.1.1), and IPv6, a 128-bit format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334), created to handle the growing number of connected devices. IPv4 supports around 4.3 billion addresses and uses dot-decimal notation. It’s…
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BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is firmware stored on a chip on the motherboard that initializes hardware components and loads the operating system. BIOS interfaces are text-based, and users access them by pressing keys like DEL, F2, or ESC during system startup. BIOS uses Legacy Boot, has limited drive support (up to 2.2…
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Modern wireless networks operate using evolving Wi-Fi standards, each offering different speed, range, and frequency capabilities. These standards, managed by the IEEE under the 802.11 umbrella, are critical to understand for any technician tasked with configuring or troubleshooting wireless networks. 802.11n, released in 2009, was the first to support dual-band operation—using both 2.4 GHz and…
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The duplexing assembly is a specialized component in many modern printers that enables automatic double-sided printing—also known as duplex printing. Rather than requiring the user to manually flip pages to print on the other side, the duplexer takes over that function, flipping the sheet internally and refeeding it through the print path for the second…
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The /etc directory is where Linux stores all of its system-wide configuration files. Everything from network settings, user account information, system services, startup scripts, and software configurations is organized here. Unlike directories such as /bin or /boot which hold programs or boot files, /etc is focused purely on settings that control how Linux and its…
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Older laptop models that use CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlighting rely on a display inverter to power the screen’s illumination. The inverter’s job is to convert the laptop’s DC power into AC voltage needed by the CCFL tube inside the display panel. Without a functioning inverter, the screen may be technically on but will…
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Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a dedicated chip embedded on a computer’s motherboard, designed to secure hardware through integrated cryptographic keys. It stores sensitive information such as encryption keys, digital certificates, and passwords in a tamper-resistant environment. TPM is commonly used for: The current standard is TPM 2.0, which is required by modern operating systems…
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Using FTP, File Transfers are fun; I can use tcp/20 or /21! With port 22, I’m feeling well; Secure communication in my little Shell. Telnet’s the same, but more easy to see; nobody likes you when you’re port 23. SMTP is where Simple Mail thrives; it’s Transferred to servers with port 25. With DNS, I…
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The /bin directory is where Linux keeps many of its most essential commands that are available to all users, whether they are administrators or regular users. Inside /bin, you will find programs like ls for listing directory contents, cp for copying files, and mv for moving or renaming files. These commands are so vital that…
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What Is an SSD? A Solid-State Drive (SSD) uses flash memory chips to store data. There are no moving parts, making it faster, quieter, and more durable than traditional hard drives. SSDs have extremely fast read/write speeds, especially in NVMe (PCIe) form, which are ideal for boot drives, gaming systems, and business apps. SSDs come…
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The Linux root directory (/) is the highest-level directory in the entire file system, acting as the central point from which everything else originates. To further clarify, the root directory (/) is the top-level of the entire Linux file system hierarchy, whereas /root is specifically the private home directory for the root (administrator) user. All…
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A thermal printer uses heat to transfer images onto paper. It comes in two types: Consumables and Maintenance Direct thermal printers require only thermal paper, while thermal transfer printers need both ribbon and label stock.Maintenance includes: Technicians must also check for signs of printhead wear, incorrect temperatures, or paper with poor heat response when troubleshooting…
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Two of the most recognized and widely used printer languages in the industry are PCL (Printer Command Language) and PostScript. Each one comes with unique advantages and is suited for different types of environments and workloads. PCL, developed by Hewlett-Packard, is a standard language found in many office printers. It’s built for speed and efficiency—great…
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Every desktop computer relies on a Power Supply Unit (PSU) to convert wall electricity into usable voltage levels that safely power internal components. The PSU takes in AC (Alternating Current) and outputs DC (Direct Current) in multiple voltages—typically +12V, +5V, and +3.3V—distributed to the motherboard, CPU, storage devices, and GPU. Without proper power regulation, even…
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This study proposes a new theoretical framework: the Bitcoin Mining Singularity, defined as the point at which one joule of energy yields one terahash per second (1 J/TH) of cryptographic computation. This convergence of energy efficiency and computational output in Bitcoin mining represents a potential milestone in the global evolution of post-industrial labor, energy monetization,…
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Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors use liquid crystals and a backlight to create images on screen. Each pixel is composed of subpixels (red, green, and blue) controlled by liquid crystal alignment, which either blocks or passes light from the backlight. There are two key types of LCD panel technologies: All LCDs require a backlight, either…
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UEFI, or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, is the modern replacement for traditional BIOS in today’s computers. It is the firmware layer that initializes hardware components and passes control to the operating system during the boot process. UEFI offers several advantages over BIOS, including support for larger drives (over 2 TB), faster boot times, a graphical…
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Inkjet printers are among the most common types of consumer and small office printers, known for their ability to produce detailed color images and sharp text on a variety of media. They function by spraying tiny droplets of ink directly onto paper through nozzles in the printhead. These droplets are controlled with extreme precision, often…
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Setting up an Ubuntu Virtual Machine (VM) using Oracle VirtualBox begins with downloading the latest ISO file from Ubuntu’s official site. For Ubuntu 24.04, users typically select the desktop version compatible with their hardware architecture, commonly “amd64.” After downloading, users open Oracle VirtualBox, create a new VM, name it, select the Linux operating system type,…
Bitcoin Versus 