Single board computers offer a very compact solution to computing needs. They were among the first examples of computers being made into very convenient sizes and they are used in many different applications today.

Single-boards computers are sometimes purchased as easy ways to get an inexpensive desktop PC system and are sometimes used to make very compact electronic devices. Many mobile computing devices, in fact, have single-board computers at the heart of their designs. They allow a great deal of processing power to be compacted down to a size that makes them mobile enough to be carried wherever one roams.

Single-board computers are also used extensively in the industry. They make it easy to swap out an entire computer when needed and because everything needed is included in one package, all that needs to be done is the computer put into place, loaded with the necessary software and the system is ready to go.

These computers differ from desktop systems in that they usually come as an entire unit on one board with some expansion capabilities. Desktop computers oftentimes include a motherboard, video card, network card and so forth, though they are increasingly being built on a single board, as well.

What are single board computers?

A single board computer is defined by having only one circuit board that makes it up. This means that every component needed for a complete computer, including outputs and inputs, memory, processor and other components are located on this board. This makes for a very compact design.

Single board computers are not commonly used as desktop consumer computers. Those computers are designed so that additional circuit boards can be added via expansion slots. This allows the user to install separate video cards, sound cards and so forth. A single board computer has all of this installed on it as required.

These types of computers are popular in industrial settings and with hobbyists. They were first built in the mid-1970s and have been features of computer technology since.

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