Performance of microkernel vs monolithic kernel. As is always the answer (or at least the preface) to performance-related questions: know your problem domain, run comparative benchmarks, and remember what premature optimization is.
A summary of the difference between contactors, motor starters, relays and circuit breakers. Switches, circuit breakers, and contactors are used to control what parts of an electrical system are energized or de-energized. Fuses are used to protect the electrical system when something goes wrong, and can isolate the faulted parts from the normal parts.
Fuses and Breakers. Fuses and breakers limit the current which can flow in a circuit. The metal filament in the fuse melts and breaks the connection, whereas in a breaker, the heating effect on a bimetallic strip causes it to bend and trip a spring-loaded switch. The term ground refers to a connection to the earth, which acts as a reservoir of charge.