Computer Hardware
Information about hardware for PCs, Macs and other computers.
Total questions 26900
Where can you get a driver for Pinnacle Miro DC10?
A driver can be downloaded at the link below. Note that it is for Windows 95/98, so it may not work on newer versions of Windows.
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What is a modem?
A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that you connect to your computer (if it doesn't have one built in) with a USB cable...
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How do you find the Bios password or remove it?
its easy! just restart your computer then press delete <del>continously to Enter CMOS SET UP at the set up CHOOSE BIOS...
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What types of modems are there?
The info on these web pages should be helpful: desu.edu olemiss.edu webopedia.com samhassan alcatel magnux.org...
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Can you redirect data sent to a serial and send it to a USB port?
Yes. Use a USB to serial converter. The converted port will act like a normal comport. Even the name. Example of a USB to serial...
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Is there a hi speed usb host controller card for laptops?
Yes there is. Buslink makes a 4 port PCMCIA USB 2.0 Host controller, fo about $28. You can find one at...
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Is the power supply to the computer the only place a power problem can occur?
The symptoms you are describing could also be caused by failing memory or CPU. Sometimes these are temporary conditions caused...
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How could you delete the sound program from your computer?
Yes, sound cards and onboard sound all have "drivers" that are needed for them to work. If you delete these drivers it won't...
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What hardware and procedure is required to convert the contents of an analog video tape into digital format on a CD?
You will need: 1. The Video Cassette you want to copy 2. A VCR to play the cassette 3. A Blank CD-R to record the captured...
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How do you redirect a serial port to output out of the parallel port?
You don't. If you are wanting to plug something into the serial port, and it is the same size as the parallel port (it isnt a...
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What is advice on building your own computer?
Brand-name computers are good quality but building your own can save you money and get you exactly what you want.
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How do you build a computer?
Case Power Supply (Sometimes comes with case) Motherboard Processor/CPU RAM/Memory Hard Drive CD/DVD Drive Peripherals, such...
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Is it harder to add hardware to a Hewlett Packard than other computers?
You should be able to upgrade or add on most parts to just about any desktop computer available today. The only thing I've found...
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Why would power run to your computer's fan but nothing else?
If another power supply doesn't work, it's likely your motherboard has failed. It could be that you need to buy a new...
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What is the latest hardware?
New products are constantly being released, planned, and developed, so it would be impossible to keep track of all of them.
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How do you go about getting someone's computer off your TV?
What you have is what is called TV Interference. This happens when someone hooks up a terminal such as a webtv or simular unit,...
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Can you install Mac OS X on a standard PC?
An unpatched copy of Mac OS X will not install on a standard PC. There do exist cracked versions of Mac OS X that will allow you...
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How is it possible for a seemingly unintelligent device in IT terms to connect to the internet?
To connect to the internet you have to have 3 things. Internet account A connection to the internet (phoneline, cable...
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How important are watts when it comes to powering a computer for example is 300W enough for a Asus A7N8X-E AMD XP2700 or a Hercules 9800XT?
Here's a quote from AMD's FAQ for their processors : "Q. What size power supply will I need with my AMD Athlon processor? A. For...
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What are non-specific drivers questions?
This is a holding question for questions that are spelled in an incomprehensible manner, do not use proper grammar, do not give...
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How or where do you learn what parts make a quality computer?
A couple of great resources are a magazine called Maximum PC, and a website called anandtech.com . MaxPC gives reviews to...
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Can you connect any mini disc recorder to your computer or does it have to be specifically a Net MD?
yes you can using the usb and for steaming recording u can can use the line out either on the sound card or onboard...
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What is the difference between Information Systems and Information Technology?
IT is more concerned with technology creation or what we can call IT Artefacts, while IS is concerned about the usage (by people)...
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What is an IR port?
An IR port is a port which sends and receives infrared signals from other devices. It is a wireless type port with a limited...
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What does the suspend mode actually do?
quite sure that it dumps all information from RAM to hard drive as the RAM is volitie. same thing as hibernation Suspend mode...
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How can you transfer files from an old Toshiba Satellite T2130CS to a PC if it will not recognize an ethernet card and does not have a disk drive?
I use a parallel port Zip Drive... If your computer doesn't have a network card you can still move your data or files...
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Should a computer be shut down when not in use?
Most computers have a sleep mode, the computer can be set to sleep after a certain amount of time with no use. However, energy is...
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How do you get to the bios on a Toshiba 460cdt?
Laptop's BIOS settings which can be accessed by pressing the [Esc] key during the memory test when booting the laptop.
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What happens when you use the reset button on a computer?
The switch causes the CPU to start back at the beginning of its instructions as if it had just been turned on. This can take it...
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What is the importance or significance of knowing the video input bandwidth?
Bandwidth is defined as the frequency range that the circuit, component, cable, or complete system can pass where the frequencies...
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How can you find out your front side bus speed?
Most computers will display your front side bus (fsb) speed during boot up ... utility that gathers information on some of the...
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What do you have to do to get rid of the message 'hi-speed usb host controller is not installed' for Windows XP?
In Device Manager just disable it. start/control pannel/system/hardware config. it should have an ! by it. right click/disable....
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What error message will you get if a serial port is not working properly?
You will usually get an error during POST if there is a problem with a serial port.
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What is quantum computing?
Quantum computing utilizes nuclear spins to store and process information whereas classical computers operate using solid state...
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How can you update to have a hi speed usb host controller on Windows XP?
Windows XP will recognise a USB 2.0 controller if you have Service Pack 1 installed. Many laptops have HI-SPEED USB2 compliant...
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What are the different kinds of computers?
Types of Computers Macs: i Mac : A Mac desktop with a beautiful display, fast speed, lots of memory, and in my opinion, the...
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How can you connect your pc to a television set and watch on it without using any tv cards?
There is an article at TechLore that can instruct you on how to connect your computer to your TV. The article link is here:...
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When replacing a bad computer power supply can you install a bigger one and not harm the computer?
Not to worry... more watts available is unecessary, but cannot harm your computer. Less watts than needed could harm your...
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Is it possible to have a video tape made into a CD or saved into your computer?
The June 2OO4 issue of "PC World" magazine has an excellent article on this subject. Product is: Plextor's ConvertX...
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What are haptic devices?
Haptic technology refers to technology which interfaces the user via the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations and/or...
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Where can you learn about computer hardware?
The follow'g web pgs have information that should be...
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Can you access audio and video files with an 80486 machine?
It is possible for a 80486 based computer to access and manage audio and video files, playback of those files is a different...
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Is there any computer hardware or software that can transpose hand written material into computer readable form?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR), automatic document recognition (ADR) and Electronic Document Management (EDM), announced...
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How do you install controller drivers for USB 2 and where do get them?
most usb 2 controllers are supplied with the hardware, however you can get drivers from driverguide.com you will need to know...
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What is socket and what are ports?
A port is was once physically a input slot on a computer used to connect to another. Today ports are implemented in software. A...
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Why can't you burn a VCD through the Sony Picture Package?
There are two factors at play here, firstly is the digital camera equipped with a burn button? If not the only solution is to let...
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What is the easiest or best way to transfer files from a PC to a Mac without a CD burner?
Install Linux with netatalk on the pc. Now you can network the two. Simple: get a crossover cable and make sure your PC has a...
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What is Xbox in computer hardware?
Xbox is a game console produced by Microsoft. It is unique in that it features an ethernet connection to play games over the...
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Is an PC upgrade the solution to a slow computer?
No - Dont upgrade your computer until you have tried cleaning your computer registry. Your computer registry is the powerhouse...
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What happens when the computer is turned on?
The computer gets power from the power suply inside the computer. from there the computer's bios kicks on and starts the CMOS...
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How can you get rid of a radio signal that is transmitting through your computer?
That's a tough one. A radio signal could be coming into your system through a number of ways, but to be transmitted out your...
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What do you have to do to stop your laptop freezing up and stopping when you try to run it in safe mode?
when running in safe mode you may find that the computer stops this is in fact a mistake. a normall bootup takes 3 to 4 mins...
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What are poorly-worded hardware questions?
This is a holding question for questions about computer hardware that are worded poorly and thus unclear or ambiguous.
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How does a gateway function do?
Those two contain full definition of a computer Gateway. Hope it helps you. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/G/gateway.html...
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Where can you download drivers for an HP Pavilion DV6000?
Linked below.
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What is the big difference between a 533mhz front side bus and an 800mhz front side bus?
a bus is something down which data travels. within a PC you have various busses each operates at a frequency. a frequency of 1hz...
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What is the function of a chip in a computer?
A chip carries out a complex elctronic process formerly only achievable with a relatively large circuit. A chip is small and...
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What is the difference between a boot partition and system partition?
A boot partition is the partition which the computer system boots from. A system partition is the partition where operating...
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What is meant by 'fixing errors'?
It means just what it says: something was wrong and needs to be corrected. Often it is a piece of code that doesn't do exactly...
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How do you get the 'add new hardware' screen to show up where you can click cancel when you install a usb device instead of having the hardware wizard automatically install it with Windows drivers?
after you double click on "add new hardware" there will eventually be a screen that asks you if you want windows to look for it...
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Which way to connect a cardbus in a Thinkpad 380ED PCMCIA slot?
Hello, the only way to connect a cardbus pcmcia-card to a 380ED is to attach the thinkpad to a "enhanced port replicator" which...
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If the color red has totally disappeared from your desktop why has this happened and what if anything needs to be replaced?
My guess is the video card is going bad. Try replacing that. If you have a spare monitor you may want to try viewing your...
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What is the difference between the functioning of processor chip and chipset?
The Processor otherwise known as the CPU, IS the actual computer. It performs the instructions written in the software and...
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Which is the most accurate portable digital voice recorder for transferring a voice to the computer?
I don't know the best but an iRiver is pretty darn good. My wife bought one for class. It records up to 4 hours with good...
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What is the difference between messages and commands in scsi?
this is a parent director of FAQ for scsi.. might have to search abit but your answer may be there. ...
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What is 'setup' where is it stored or processed?
When you start a computer, you get a prompt that says something like "Hit F2 to enter Setup". In this case, Setup is the...
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How do you install hardware raid 0 in a computer?
I AM NOT A COMPUTER WIZ BUT HARDWARE RAID 0 IS BASICALLY A CONTROLLER CARD THAT CONTROLS THE RAID FUNCTIONS SUCH AS A SCSI RAID...
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What are the precautions taken before installation?
Please be more specific. Installation of Hardware or Software? These are 2 totally opposite and very important questions that...
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What does the message 'a hi-speed usb host controller needs to be installed' mean you need to do?
It is different hardware, a different chipset. You'll have to buy a PCI card to get the USB 2.0. The software you need is in...
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How do you find your usb version?
There are only two versions of USB, signified by the throughput of the data. USB 1.1 is roughly equal to 12 megabits/second of...
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What is an Iris scanner?
A device that scans your iris when you look into the device. Used in movies a lot to portray a top secret area that they have to...
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If you have two different usb ports on your computer do you have to download 2.0 drivers for each set of ports?
No. When you update the USB Host, it updates all the 'ports'. Actually, the physical ports are just places to plug things in. ...
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Can you redirect data sent to a printer parallel port to a USB port?
Yes. It is possible with most USB printers to emulate a parallel port to enable the printer to be used with legacy applications.
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How do you link a laptop to a PC with a parallel cable?
Unfortunately, I use Win2k, so I do not know how it has changed, but there is a help section in Win2k for this. Try searching the...
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How can I reset my Lost password belkin wireless router?
you can't. next to the power supply connection there is a pinhole reset button. disconnect all cords from your router except the...
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What are the basic elements of a computer?
The Basic Elements of a Computer: Hardware - Compose of the physical components. The tangible parts of a computer. ex. power...
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What is a mainframe used for?
Mainframe is used in business where the data to be processed is too huge and has to be processed too many times and may require...
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How do you get the USB external Compact Flash device to automatically bring up a window to view files?
If using Windows XP, this should happen automatically (actually, the user will be given the option when the card is inserted).
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Is there a way to convert a 50 pin cable on an older HP Scanjet 5p scanner to fit a 25 pin port on a Dell laptop?
I believe there is an adapter you can buy that will allow the conversion, but I believe that scanner uses a SCSI port, not a lpt...
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Why would a DVD not play on your computer?
The answers to this are many and varied. But let's start with the basics... Firstly, is the drive, DVD compatible? A standard...
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Why does a laptop freeze when connecting an external USB or Firewire drive?
There are two reasons: 1. A slow laptop that struggles with reading external plug-and-play drives. 2. Trying to plug in external...
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If you attach a fan to the case of a computer does the room temperature truly cool the computer?
Provided that the air inside the computer case is hotter than the temperature in the room, then basically: yes, the hot air from...
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Can you explain server hardware details?
I'll start with the basics, others should expand as needed. It is easiest to explain a server by telling how it is different...
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How do you transfer music tracks to a PC then transfer them to an MP3 player?
I have a MP3 Player as well. MAke sure that you have the software that the MP3 player came with (usually a CD)...Install that to...
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What is FireWire?
A technology similiar to USB: It comes in two versions... Firewire 400 (IE1394a) 400 MB/second and Firewire 800...
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How do you break the bios password and where is bios password saved in the computer?
If it's a desktop PC, erasing the cmos memory will usually clear it. Turn the power off, remove the cover. There should be a...
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How do you connect a laptop to a computer through USB port?
When you plug in a USB A/A cable into the USB ports on the respective computer/laptop each one should find the other (in Windows...
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What is the difference in the functionality of a chipset and the functionality of a processor?
the processor processes the information it recieves. the chipset is responsible for routing all traffic to and from the processor.
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When you are building a computer do you need to buy parts with same sockets or different sockets?
The socket type of the motherboard and the CPU must match. So if you are going with a Socket 478 CPU, for example, you need to...
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If the display icon on your control panel gives only the option of 2 or 16 colors can you change this without purchasing a new video card?
yes, download/install the video card's newest drivers.
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Can you install a new fan in a Toshiba laptop that keeps overheating and shutting down and what kind of fan do you recommend?
If it's new Warranty it. Most of the fans are propriatary, Some retailers specialize in laptop...
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How can you turn off the write protection on a 256MB USB memory pen?
your best bet would be to consult the manufactures website for that info.
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How can you tell if your USB connections are working?
blug something into it
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What is the priority to upgrade the PC performance if you mostly work on video editing?
well you asked about the cpu or the ram from you description you have a good enough video card if it has 256mb on it. your 1.8...
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Why would Windows XP not start after an improper computer shutdown due to a power failure?
Probably due to a hardware failure or driver corruption due to the power failure. First try to boot in safe mode (press F8...
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Can you add a 300 watt power supply to a computer that currently runs a 185 watt power supply without damaging anything?
As long as it fits in the computer, you're fine. Don't laugh. One of my computers (I have a bunch) blew the power supply. The...
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How do you remove a multimedia memory card write protection?
Flip the "Write Protect Switch" on the side of the card, - Format the card (avoids file ownership problems).
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Is the PCI controller slot the same as PCI host controller slot?
yes
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Why would your computer freeze everytime you try to load new software or defrag or run anti-virus software?
i suspect that there may be a virus or trojan on the pc that is blocking the installation of software. they take up the processor...
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Can a Mac Mini that has a DVI output be connected to an HDTV with an HDMI input?
I just connected my new Mini to my Sony KV-30HS420 TV using a DVI HDMI cable with no success. I've selected "Video 7" as...
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