Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Computer hardware

Motherboard

Motherboard - It is the "body" or mainframe of the computer, through which all other components interface.
Central processing unit (CPU) - Performs most of the calculations which enable a computer to function, sometimes referred to as the "backbone or brain" of the computer.
Computer fan - Used to lower the temperature of the computer; a fan is almost always attached to the CPU,
Firmware is loaded from the Read only memory eg. ROM run from the Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) or in newer systems Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) compliant
Internal Buses - Connections to various internal components.
PCI (being phased out for graphic cards but still used for other uses)
PCI-E
ISA (obsolete in PCs, but still used in industrial computers)
USB
HyperTransport
CSI (expected in 2008)
AGP (being phased out)
VLB (outdated)
External Bus Controllers - used to connect to external peripherals, such as printers and input devices. These ports may also be based upon expansion cards, attached to the internal buses.

Market size and liquidity

The foreign exchange market is unique because of
its trading volumes,
the extreme liquidity of the market,
the large number of, and variety of, traders in the market,
its geographical dispersion,
its long trading hours: 24 hours a day except on weekends (from 10pm UTC on Sunday until 9pm UTC Friday),
the variety of factors that affect exchange rates.
the low margins of profit compared with other markets of fixed income (but profits can be high due to very large trading volumes)
the use of leverage

Main foreign exchange market turnover, 1988 - 2007, measured in billions of USD.
As such, it has been referred to as the market closest to the ideal perfect competition, notwithstanding market manipulation by central banks. According to the Bank for International Settlements, average daily turnover in global foreign exchange markets is estimated at $3.98 trillion. Trading in the world's main financial markets accounted for $3.21 trillion of this. This approximately $3.21 trillion in main foreign exchange market turnover was broken down as follows:
$1.005 trillion in spot transactions
$362 billion in outright forwards
$1.714 trillion in forex swaps
$129 billion estimated gaps in reporting
Of the $3.98 trillion daily global turnover, trading in London accounted for around $1.36 trillion, or 34.1% of the total, making London by far the global center for foreign exchange. In second and third places respectively, trading in New York accounted for 16.6%, and Tokyo accounted for 6.0%. In addition to "traditional" turnover, $2.1 trillion was traded in derivatives. Exchange-traded forex futures contracts were introduced in 1972 at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and are actively traded relative to most other futures contracts. Forex futures volume has grown rapidly in recent years, and accounts for about 7% of the total foreign exchange market volume, according to The Wall Street Journal Europe.

Forex

The foreign exchange (currency or FX) market is where currency trading takes place. FX transactions typically involve one party purchasing a quantity of one currency in exchange for paying a quantity of another. The FX market is one of the largest and most liquid financial markets in the world, and includes trading between large banks, central banks, currency speculators, corporations, governments, and other institutions. The average daily volume in the global forex and related markets is continuously growing. Traditional turnover was reported to be over US$ 3.2 trillion in April 2007 by the Bank for International Settlements. Since then, the market has continued to grow. According to Euromoney's annual FX Poll, volumes grew a further 41% between 2007 and 2008.
The foreign exchange market is the market for purchase and sale of foreign currencies. The purpose for such a market is to facilitate trade and investment. The need for a foreign exchange market arises because of the presence of multifarious international currencies such as US Dollar, Pound Sterling, etc, and the need for trading in such currencies.

Features of RTR-Fi

1. Digital Speedometer.
2. Petal shaped disc brakes.
3. Serrated design stickers.
4. Naked chain cover.
5. LED tail lamps.
6. Clip on handlebar for various positions.
7. Service and battery indicator.
8. The digital display has a feature to test the top speed achieved.
9. You can also test your 0-60km/h timing on the digital display.
10. Tank cowl like in the Bajaj Pulsar 200.

TVS Apache RTR

The launch of TVS Apache RTR FI 160 has added an another stunner on the roads. Stylish alloys, unique grab rails, classy silencer, larger & sharp lined fuel tank, all these elements combine perfectly to give TVS Apache RTR 160 a sporty eye-catching looks.
The Apache RTR 160 has been upgraded with electronic fuel injection(EFI) and becomes Apache RTR 160 Fi. The EFI technology has enabled TVS to boost peak power of this bike. TVS has priced the new model at Rs. 65000.00 (Ex-showroom New Delhi).
The Apache RTR 160 "Fi" features a naked chain cover, rear disk brake, tank cowl like in the Bajaj Pulsar 200 and a serrated design stickers (instead of the striped ones found on the RTR 160) which runs across the length of the bike.
It comes with digital dash - LCD speedo, two trip meters, clock, odometer, fuel gauge and an analog tachometer. Also has useful features like service and battery indicator. Another useful feature is the clip on handlebar for various positions.
Apart from the Digital Speedometer and the Petal shaped disc brakes which are "new" additions on the RTR Apache 160, there isn't much change in the looks compared to the Apache 160 non-fi. The rear is also same with LED tail lamps, re-styled silencer and CBZ X-treme type split grab rail.

The company has provided a visually larger size presence without the weight of the bike being altered. It comes with all new air scoops that help in quicker engine cooling and features data logging as in race bikes. These include 0-60 lap time and top speed indicators.
The tachometer continues to be an analogue one and houses telltale lights indicating low battery charge, service due and low fuel while weary looking indicators for high beam, turn indication and gearbox neutral reside separately.
The silver finish for the console as shown at the bike’s preview has been dumped for a complete black affair. LED tail lamps, which have become a norm of sorts for this product category with the Pulsar and CBZ X-Treme already sporting the same, make their way on to the RTR as well.
However, unique to the new Apache are the clip-on handlebars complete with nice looking alloy finished levers and meaty but comfortable grips. Not only do the adjustable bars add to the bike’s sporty demeanour, these along with the impressive looking alloy rearset footpegs, and a supportive seat make for a sporty but comfortable riding position as well. The bike also sports the most attractive and user-friendly set of split grab rails we have seen on an Indian bike. “These features are seen in international race bikes and are tuned to provide the RTR rider with flaunt value and tool for comparison of riding,” Mr R. Dilip, Vice-President (Sales), TVS Motors, said in a statement.