Single board computers (SBCs) are a lot more common than most people realize. They are also becoming more popular as more and more people understand the benefits and uses that come with the territory.
Despite being quite small, these little computers can serve a litany of purposes. To get a better idea of their capabilities, it helps to know what kind of things single board computers can be used on in an effective manner.
Industrial Settings
When talking about SBCs like the Okdo Rock, one of the most common uses comes in the form of business and industrial settings. Because these are complete computers set into a single circuit board, they provide greater flexibility than standard desktop computers would normally be able to offer.
For industrial settings, size and space concerns arise all the time. That is why single board computers are great for embedded systems. Within that system, the single board computer will perform a particular function that has an impact within the larger system. You might have a single board computer that acts as an industrial controller for construction equipment. They are even more ideal for industrial settings because of their ability to stand up to harsh conditions while still offering a huge array of features that allow for customization.
Domestic Use
Though we tend to think about single board computers in an industrial setting, there are actually plenty of other uses. For instance, single board computers are starting to find their way into the domestic realm through various applications and purposes.
For instance, more single board computers are being used for home server purposes. A home server stores all digital files – movies, photos, music, etc. – makes them sharable with other computers that are located within the home. It can even be used as a makeshift media server if you want to stream media to a litany of other devices in the home like a streaming media player or Smart TV.
Because home servers are typically on, they actually consume far less energy than other devices. Since single board computers have low power consumption, they are the perfect fit. They can even function as a network-attached storage device. They stay connected to a network and allow for several users to have access to the files within. For home offices or small businesses, a NAS is a great way to provide file sharing without having to invest in a much larger server.
Development Boards/Education
One area in which single board computers are becoming increasingly popular is as development boards. Development boards have been designed to be used for developing both hardware and software. Development boards are generally used by both hobbyists and engineers since they have a robust, versatile array of features that are great when testing new software or prototyping new ideas.
When teaching programming and coding, single board computers are another great option. They are small enough and cost effective that they can be used in classroom settings. They can also be replaced if lost or damaged without having to make a major financial investment.
Additionally, many single board computers will come pre-loaded with its own operating system as well as software support. Though they may not be as robust as some desktop computers, the difference is negligible. Single board computers are far more flexible for any number of reasons, making it a more ideal solution. As single board computers become more and more accessible, there are more uses being uncovered. No matter the situation or setting, we are quickly seeing the benefits that using single board computers can bring to the table.