All Articles By Richard N Williams

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Richard N Williams is a writer and journalist based in Birmingham, UK. He has many years of experience writing about all aspects of the internet and digital technology. He is the author of several technology related books and his articles have appeared in various publications, trade magazines and online journals.

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Credit Crunch Advice – Computer Cabinets to Lengthen the Life of IT

This entry was published on October 10, 2008 by Richard N Williams

Most companies sail right through a recession or credit crunch and don’t know the difficulties that they face until something happens. The roof may start leaking and it is then you realise the overdraft is empty or the company fleet needs replacing and suddenly the difficulties of the banks effects you. One of the most […]

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Computers and Hygiene

This entry was published on October 9, 2008 by Richard N Williams

It may surprise many people to learn that computer workstations harbour far more bacteria and germs than the average toilet seat. It has been said that many of the minor illnesses that keep people off work are actually caused by workstations and the office environments. Many offices can be described as sick, in that they […]

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EN 60529 – Ingress protection

This entry was published on October 8, 2008 by Richard N Williams

EN 60529 is a European directive designed to specify degrees of protection provided by electronic enclosures. EN 60529 is governed by CENELEC – The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization. It is a standardized measure to ensure that computer enclosures can cope with certain criteria. The directive gives a two digit IP rating (ingress protection) for […]

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Industrial Computers – Drawbacks to Solid State Machines

This entry was published on October 6, 2008 by Richard N Williams

Computers are now widely used in industrial processes. Many plants, factories and production lines are now fully automated and computers are essential in maintaining efficient productivity. The environments of industry are not however, ideally suited for the sensitive nature of processors and electronics. Many industrial areas contain high levels of dust, dirt, water and fluids, […]

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Industrial Computer Enclosure – ATEX Protection in Explosive Atmospheres

This entry was published on October 3, 2008 by Richard N Williams

ATEX is the name commonly given to the European directives for controlling explosive atmospheres and the standards of equipment and protective systems used in them.  ATEX is now  law in all European Union countries with companies that have potentially explosive atmospheres legally obliges to ensure all equipment in ATEX zones complies with the directive. Explosive […]

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Medical Keyboards Fight Against MRSA

This entry was published on October 2, 2008 by Richard N Williams

A recent study by the University of Arizona has discovered that computer keyboards can house more germs than toilet seats with 25% carrying the deadly superbug MRSA- one of a number of hospital-acquired infections which kill 5,000 people each year in the UK alone. Microbiologists found an average of 3,300 microbes per square inch on […]

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Industrial Computer Enclosures – Common Questions

This entry was published on October 1, 2008 by Richard N Williams

What is an Industrial computer Enclosure? An industrial computer enclosure is put simply a box that protects a housed computer. It does not necessarily take the place of a normal PC enclosure but acts as a containing unit where an entire PC can be installed inside to gain protection from the elements of an industrial […]

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Alternatives to an Industrial Computer

This entry was published on September 26, 2008 by Richard N Williams

Computers are as essential a tool for manufacturing and industry as they are for the office environment. However, the requirements for an industrial computer far out-strip those of a conventional desktop PC. An industrial computer needs to be able to withstand such hazards as dust, dirt, grime and water, whilst still being rugged enough to […]

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Converting IP Ratings and NEMA codes

This entry was published on September 25, 2008 by Richard N Williams

NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) has established a range of standards for electrical equipment enclosures.  NEMA codes tend to be used by countries outside of Europe, including the USA. NEMA codes use a number to describe the level of protection afforded by electrical equipment enclosures European countries use the European Union IP Rating system from […]

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The Industrial Computer Cabinet

This entry was published on September 23, 2008 by Richard N Williams

Computers are used in all sorts of applications these days. While we are familiar with their presence in offices and our homes, computers are behind all sorts of processes particularly many heavy industrial applications. Unfortunately the industrial environment is not best suited to the needs of an average PC. Dust, dirt, water, grease, oil and […]

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