Simple Tutorial on Compiling C programs with GCC

GCC is the GNU c compiler that can does a lot of heavy lifting in the programming worlds.

The basic format for compiling a Hello World program is:

gcc hello.c -o hello

In this statement 'hello.c' is the program, '-o' is an option and 'hello' will be the name of the executable program. The '-o' option just specifies that compiled version of your program will be saved to an another filed called 'hello'. If you exclude this option, the the compiler will save to a default 'a.out' file.

Breif Review of Harbor Freight 1/2 inch Air Impact Wrench

Having never bought anything from Harbor Freight (Fright), I decided to grab this ultra inexpensive air tool to make quick work of rotating tires. For less than $20 bucks, I thought I should give it a try. The bottom line was - it did work fine, but seemed to lack torque. I guess this shouldn't be a surprise, but I really wonder if it really has a max torque of 250 ft-lbs.

In the end, I did return the item without any problems, so no major complaints, but probably not the best tool for stubborn, rusted bolts. Considering higher end air impact wrenches are many times the price ( over $100 ) of this one, one can't be too critical.

Links:
Harbor Freight Tool Reviews | Tool Crib

Link Roundup

1. Saul Griffith and Heirloom Design | Pop!Tech Blog
2. Ikea Blue Shopping Bag into Messenger Bag | Ikea Hacker
3. yPod Mp3 Player | YourItronics
4. The Plywood and Pipe Desk | Lifehacker
5. The Art of Creating Strong Passwords | PC World

IC of the Day - LM386

The LM386 is a low-voltage operation amplifier in an 8 pin dual in-line package. It can output .5 watts using 9 volts. Notable features are: suitable for battery operation, wide supply voltage 4v - 12v or 5c - 18v, voltage gains from 20 to 200, low distortion. The gain is internally set at 20, but with the addition of an external resistor and capacitor it can be adjusted from 20 - 200.


Links:
Datasheet | National Semiconductor
Cracker Box iPod Amplifier | A Blue Star
Mousey the Junkbot | Makezine
Tiny Amplifier | Electronics Lab

Link Roundup #3

1. The difference between Netbooks and Notebooks | Romow Computer Blog
2. Is Your PC Bot-Infested? | PC World
3. Over-tightening Bolts | Online Auto Repair
4. Bicycle Tail Light | YourITronics
5. Setting Up Ubuntu | Ubuntu Community Documentation

Link Roundup #2

1. Lo-fi Arduino Guitar Pedal
2. Heal Your Hardware
3. Education at the Crossroads
4. Open Source Alternatives to Popular Windows Applications
5. Top Five Fall Home Renovation Projects

Link Roundup

1. Build your own universal remote
2. Homemade cast aluminum chop saw
3. DIY Home Power Monitoring System