HP

A network switch is device that connects multiple computers or smart home accessories such as lights, heating, cameras or storage in the home; or for connecting PCs, workstations, servers, storage and IP-enabled security or surveillance devices within a business environment. Each scenario allows communication within the home or organisation and shares and access the Internet connection to the wider world.

These switches are ideal for the small business, where faster network speeds and some degree of traffic management is required, with some offering Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support to ease device placement and reduce cabling.

Long term backing-up of data using HDDs and SSDs or cloud storage isn’t practical as the cost quickly spirals out of control. In addition, even the best server HDDs and SSDs only have six year warranty. In contrast, despite its slow performance, tape remains the best format for backup as it offers much lower cost per terabyte and most tapes are typically rated for up to 30 years.

LTO or Linear Tape Open, often called by the brand name Ultrium, is the only remaining back-up tape format in operation today. Each generation of LTO usually doubles the capacity of the tape and compression offers the ability to fit more data onto a tape at a ratio of either 2:1 or 2.5:1.

These LTO tapes are only compatible with LTO drives, however older generation tapes can still be used with newer tape drives.

Monochrome laser and LED printers work in a similar way to inkjet printers in that the image is made up of lots of tiny dots, which, when viewed as a whole, appear to be a solid image. However, the method in which the tiny dots make their way onto the paper is vastly different. Where an inkjet uses liquid dots, a laser printer uses dots made up of toner – a fine powder of solid particles. When compared with an inkjet machine, lasers are much more complex. These machines rely on many more stages during the process than inkjet. In simple terms, the basic process uses a light source (laser / LED), drum (for mono) or multiple drums (for colour) and toner.

These printers can be connected to your PC PC via USB or shared on a network using Ethernet or WiFi.

In essence, photo paper is just another type of glossy paper – albeit, with a few subtle differences. Photo paper is usually glossy on one side only, and has a much higher weight than other glossy papers. It’s often brighter too, enabling sharper image definition.

These black and colour ink tanks are for use with specific inkjet printers. They are available in single packs or multipacks.

These black and colour toner cartridges are for use with specific laser printers. They are available in single packs or multipacks.