Sink or Swim

The characteristics of embedded systems and applications

Gadgets and devices nowadays are getting smaller and compact. Thanks to embedded applications because they are the technology that made this happen.

Embedded applications are the most important component of compact devices that exist in the market today. These embedded applications are an integration of customized software and hardware that are embedded on a larger system to perform specific tasks.

Here are some characteristics of embedded applications that make it different from a general-purpose device like a personal computer:

• Dedicated to perform a particular task. Embedded systems contain microprocessor that has been programmed to perform a specific task. An example of an embedded computer is an iPod. It is particularly designed to play mp3 music only and can’t be use to do other functions like send an email, edit documents, and the like.

• Simple structure. The structure of an embedded system is simple as it does not contain any disk drive, operating system, monitor, RAM, etc. The embedded processor chip, controlled by firmware, manages the overall functionality of the device to which it is embedded. The firmware runs using limited hardware resources like limited memory capacity.

• Embedded systems are expected to run for many years without errors. Since they are embedded in a device, they can’t be replaced right way in case of failure so it is expected that the hardware and firmware of these embedded applications have been tested rigorously to make sure that it will last for many years or as long as the life of the device to which it is embedded. Embedded systems uses solid-state parts like flash memory as this are more reliable as compared to components with moving parts like buttons and switches.

• Embedded systems have the capability to recover by themselves if an error occurs.  Some devices with embedded systems like aircraft navigation must be running all the time for safety reasons, and so embedded applications used in these devices must be able to restart by themselves without shutting down the device, if problem occurs.

• Embedded systems have varied user interface. Some embedded applications can work without a user interface such as a keyboard while others have a much complicated user interface with the use of touch screen graphical user interface. Some embedded systems even use serial or network connection as the remote user interface of the embedded system.

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Looks like our meeting this morning will take longer than the usual 2 hours. The board is deciding on a Retail System and although I’m not included in the decision process, I was asked to attend as well. Personally, I think it’s a waste of my time when I could be designing and finishing the mountain load of task on my desktop. But you have to do what you have to. It pays the bills and just like what my boss says, everything that I’m asked to do, even if just talking to him about ideas and other work stuff, is part of my job. So yes. I am sitting in and taking notes because I suspect that was why I was called and then just find a way to finish all my designs later when the meeting is over.

Websites selling flowers are starting to do their online marketing campaigns. If you want to check one of their site, just follow the link here. A friend of mine has started comparing packages so she can allot a budget for mom, sisters and sisters-in-law. Then she’ll have to train her husband which one he’ll have to buy by January. She’s very prepared, I must say. As for me, I’ve never been a fan of flowers but I do like giving them to friends, teachers and all the women that I’m friends with. So having said that, I might follow my friend’s suggestion and start window shopping online for good deals this coming Valentine’s Day.

Thanks to technology, anyone can meet a friend, a lifelong partner or a husband/wife without having to go out there and brave the single scene. With free online dating websites, you can get to know the person first via chat and email until you’re comfortable enough to meet them. Of course, there are plenty of horror stories but why let that stop you from meeting people when you’re just too busy to waste time having blind dates and failed first dates because you have nothing in common.

Having said that, I’d like to share some funny strips that I found online about dating in general. Enjoy!

We are having a costume party for Christmas and the theme is Hollywood films. I’m trying to decide based on which will be the cheapest for me to do. After seeing how much it will cost me to get a pair of equestrian boots for Nicole Kidman’s role in Australia, I’d probably go for something which will cost less. Maybe the white swan from Black Swan (because my 1.5 year old daughter was scared of the black version), White Queen from Alice in Wonderland or the befallen Sayuri from Memoirs of a Geisha. All of them require white complicated make up so that’s something I need to practice.

Wish me luck! I still have no idea on who my kids will be but the husband already have something in mind for himself.

Check out these shocking advertisements that I found here.

The shock factor is very effective, although a bit disturbing. And as mentioned from the blog post, viewer discretion is advised!

Our housekeeper found a flyer about Message Therapist Jobs and wondered if I can help her get more information. She said her niece might be able to benefit from the job listings and hopefully be able to help their family from the province. I instantly agreed which is why I am looking for similar jobs online when I’m supposed to be working. I just feel the need to help them knowing they are trying to feed 6 mouths under the age of seven. If there’s one thing I wish for Christmas, I really want to have more money so I can help the kids have a good education or at least find work opportunities for the ones who can already work.