The Internet of Things is a wide-ranging subject matter, it composes of new devices that range from sensors to smart interfaces for cars, household items and computers. The methods and means that compose these items and enable them to join us on the internet are a new class of computers. These computers are having been referred to as postage stamp computers, micro-computers and other names.
Several makers produce these micro-computers and a quick search of the internet one can identify many of these devices and provide reviews as to the serviceability of their use. The flagship brand of these computers is the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which offer these single board computers with the names of Raspberry Pi; Model B, Model A, Pi 3, Compute Module, Zero, and Zero W.
Each of these versions come with their own features, and well shapes. The latest Pi 3 Model B for instance is a 64-bit, Quad core computer that runs at 1.2 Ghz. While the Raspberry Pi Zeros are using the 32-bit, one core, running at 1 Ghz.
Operating systems, the Pi’s do not come as a normal desktop computer preloaded with an operating system. Due to this one needs to use the available instructions from the Raspberry PI foundation or utilize other websites for instructions on installation of the operating systems. Note since the Pi Zero group is 32 bit only they only support 32 bit operating systems, while the Model 3 with a 64 bit can support the 64 bit OS as well.
Lee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for going in a little more depth with the web of things. I remember when the Pi 3 just came out and our IT department was all about getting some of these to play with. There was a lot of potential with such a small device, but people from the IT department were satisfied with getting it to play Doom. Working at a university, there were also a major concern with students using similar devices to hack the computer network. I am not a hardware/OS guy (mostly development), but it did raise some eyebrows with the IT security group.
- Wesley