Chapter-1

Computer-Its components

Introduction to Computer
A computer is an electronic machine that works to
Technology Trailblazers the instructions given by you. It can accept data
DouglasEngelbart (Input), manipulate the data according to specified
Inventor: Mouse
Year: 1964 rules (process), produce results (output), and save
The mouse that we all are using mostly
on desktop computer was developed by (storage) the results for future use.
Douglas Engelbart. Douglas Engelbart
conceived the idea of the mouse in 1950 to
Today, computer has become an integral part of
help humans work more efficiently. our lives. Most of our daily activities either involve
Fourteen years later in 1964, he developed
the first prototype with the goal of making the use of computer or depend upon the
it easier for people to move a cursor around
a computer screen. information derived from computer.
The first computer mouse, constructed in
1964, was made out of wood. In 1974,
engineers at Xerox refined Engelbart’s
Terms Related to Computer
prototype and showed the redesigned
product to Apple’s Steve Jobs, who applied
These are some common terms relates to
the concept to his graphical Macintosh computer system.
computer.
Data: Data is the collection of unorganized facts,
which can include words, numbers, images, or
sounds. Computers manipulate and process data
and process data to create information.
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Instructions: Instructions specify what must be done to data. A collection of

such logically related instructions is called a computer program.
Processing: Transformation of data into information is called processing.
Information: Information is a processed data that is organized, meaningful,
and useful. This is helpful to the user in making decisions.
Storage: A computer often stores data, information, and instructions for
future use.
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User: The person who uses the computer is called a user.

Hardware: All the physical and mechanical pieces of equipment attached
together to make a computer system are called hardware. You can see or
touch the hardware.
Software: It is a set of instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells
the computer hardware what to do and how to perform a particular job.
Network: It is a collection of computers and devices connected together via
communication devices and transmission media. Networks allow components
to share resources such as hardware, software, data, and information.
Internet: It is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of
business firms, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.

Benefits of Using Computer

A computer is a powerful and useful device which works very fast. IT also
helps you learn techniques and skills are an important part of today’s digital
world.
Now let’s discuss the benefits of using computer.
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1. Speed: A computer allows you to perform many tasks very fast. It can
process a large amount of data very quickly.
2. Quality: A computer enables you to create high- quality documents and
drawings.
3. Reliability: A computer reliable and accurate. A computer never makes
mistakes by itself.
4. Storage Capability: A computer can store enormous amount of data
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and make this data available for processing, at any point of time, when
it is needed.
5. Versatility: A computer can perform repetitive jobs.

How Does a Computer Work?

A computer works very fast and accurately. A computer does four main jobs.
It Inputs data, process it, displays the output information, and finally stores it.
Input: Any data or instructions entered into a computer are known as Input.
An Input device helps you enter data and give commands to computer.
Keyboard, mouse, and scanner are examples of input devices.
Process: The processor, also called CPU (Central Processing Unit), is the main
chip in the computer which is used to process data. Processing means creating
the data according to the instructions and changing it in the form of
information.
For example, if you want to add two numbers 4 and 7, then enter these
numbers and give instructions to the computer through the input device. The
computer will process this and give the result 11 as information.
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Output: A computer is fed with a lot of data to be processed and organized.

The data that has been processed into a useful form is called Output. It is the
result we get through output devices. These devices display information on
screen, create printed copies, or generate sound. The examples of output
devices are monitor, printer, and speakers.
Store: The computer stores the data and information on the storage device
for the future use. The computer uses information stored on the storage
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device to perform tasks. Popular examples of storage devices are hard disk,
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, and pen drive.
Now, Let’s discuss the various Input, Process, Output and Storage Devices.

Input Devices
Any hardware component that allows you to enter data, instructions, and
commands into a computer is called an Input device. The different input
devices are:

Keyboard
A keyboard is an Input device that contains keys. You press its keys to type
information and enter instructions for the computer to follow. Desktop
computer keyboards typically have 101 to 105keys. These keyboards are
often attached via a cable to a USB port on the system unit.
Types of Keyboards
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Wireless Keyboard: A wireless keyboard is a battery- powered device that

transmits data to the system unit using wireless technology. These keyboards
do not have any wires connecting the keyboard to the system unit.
Compact Keyboard: The laptop computers, some handheld computers, and
mobile device often use a compact keyboard, which is smaller than a standard
keyboard, and usually does not include the numeric keypad. These keyboards
are built on the top of the system unit and/or are permanently attached with
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hinges.
Virtual Keyboard: A virtual keyboard is a software component that allows a
user to enter text. Some devices like smart phones and tablets have on-screen
or virtual keyboards instead of a physical keyboard.
Braille Keyboard: A Braille keyboard is a type of keyboard which is meant for
the blind or visually impaired people to input information in a computer. It is
a characterized by a series of dots on each key in a braille cell.

Mouse
A mouse is a pointing device that fits comfortably under the palm of your
hand. You can use the mouse to select or move items on the screen, as well as
to provide instructions for the computer to follow. The top of the mouse has
two buttons and a scroll wheel. The bottom of a mouse is flat and contains a
mechanism that detects the movement of the mouse.
Types of Mouse
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Mechanical mouse: A mechanical mouse has a rubber ball on its underside. At

the user moves the mouse around on the desktop, the ball rolls with these
movements. This detects the mouse movement in any direction.
Optical mouse: An optical mouse uses laser technology to compare and track
the position of the mouse, rather than a ball and rollers used on a mechanical
mouse.
Wireless mouse: A wireless mouse is a battery-powered device that transmits
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data through wireless technology, such as radio waves or infrared light waves.
Air mouse: An air mouse is a newer type of motion-sensing mouse that, in
addition to the typical buttons, allows you to control objects by moving the
mouse in predetermined direction through the air.
Touch mouse: A touch mouse is a touch-sensitive mouse that recognizes
touch gestures. For example, you press a location on a touch mouse to
simulate a click, sweep your thumb on the mouse to scroll pages, or slide
multiple fingers across the mouse to zoom.

Touchpad
A touchpad is first pressure-sensitive surface that is used on notebook
computers. You can move the pointer on the screen by moving your finger
along the surface of the pad. On some touch pads, you can also tap the pad
surface to use mouse operation, such as clicking. Some touchpads also
recognize touch gestures, such as swipe, pinch, and stretch motions.

Joystick
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A joystick is a pointing device which is used to control the actions in a

computer game. It has a vertical lever mounted on a base. You move the lever
in different direction to control the actions in a game.

Graphic Tablet
Graphic tablet, also called Digitizer, is an input device which has a special pen
(stylus) to write on it. It is used to draw images on the computer as well as
give instructions to the computer.
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Touch Screen
A touch screen is a screen that you can touch with your finger to input
information. Your finger acts as the pointing device. Tablet PC, Smartphone,
and ATM us touch screen to input instructions.

Motion Input
Motion Input lets the user guide on-screen elements using air-gestures. Air
gestures involve moving your body or a handheld Input device through the
air. With motion input, a device containing a camera detects your gestures
and then converts it to a digital signal that is sent to a computer or game
device. For example, gamers can swing their arm or a controller to simulate
rolling or bowling a ball down a lane toward the pins.

Digital Camera
A digital camera, also called digicam, is an electronic Input device used to
capture and store photographs electronically in the computer. A smart digital
camera can also communicate wirelessly with other devices and can include
apps similar to those on a smart phone.
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Microphone
Microphone is a voice input device used to send our voice into the computer.
You can use the microphone for instant messaging that supports voice
conversations, chat rooms that support voice chats, and voice recognition.

Scanner
A scanner is an input device used to send images and text directly into a
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computer. You can scan images such as photographs, drawings, and logos into
a computer. Commonly used scanners are:
 Flatbed Scanner: This scanner works similar to a photocopy machine
except that it creates a file in computer memory instead of a paper
copy.
 Handheld Scanner: It is a portable device that can be held in one hand.
It is dragged over the object to be scanned. It is mostly used in
shopping stores.

Barcode Reader
Most products in the shops have barcodes on them. A barcode is set of lines
of different thickness that gives information about the product like its price,
manufacturing date, etc. Barcode reader, also called a barcode scanner, is
used to input data from barcodes.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Reader (MICR Reader)

MICR reader is an input device used to read and identify magnetized
characters printed on a document such as cheque.
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Output Devices
An output device is any hardware component that can convey information to
a user. The different output devices are:

Monitor
Monitor is an output device that looks like your TV screen. It displays the
work done by you or the information you get after processing. Information on
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monitor exists electronically and is displayed for a temporary period of time.

For this reason, information on the monitor is also referred to as soft copy.
Monitor is also known as screen, display, video display unit (VDU), etc.

Printer
Printer is an output device that gives you the output on a physical medium
such as paper called printouts. The information we get as a printout on paper
is called hardcopy. Printers can be classified into two categories: Impact and
Non-Impact printers. Printers that have direct contact between printer head
and paper are known as Impact Printers, and Printers that do not have direct
contact between printer head and paper are known as Non-Impact Printers.
Types of Printers
Laser Printer: This printer is a non-impact printer that uses laser technology
to print text or images on paper. It gives the best quality output and is
expensive. The speed of this printer is given in ppm (pages per minute).
Inkjet Printer: This printer is a non-impact printer that outputs text and
images by spraying ink on the paper. Inkjet printers produce the text and
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graphics in both black-and-white, and color. The speed of this printer is in lpm
(lines per minute).
Dot Matrix Printer: This printer is an impact printer that contains movable
print head with pins that strike the ribbon, placing a dot on the paper. These
printers are less expensive. Slow in working, but are very noisy. The speed of
this printer is given in cps (characters per second).

Speakers
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The speakers are output devices that produce music, speech, or other sounds
that your computer generates or processes.

Data Projector
A data projector is an output device that projects the data, being displayed on
a computer screen, on a larger screen so that the audience can see the image
clearly.

Smart board
A smart board is an output device that displays the image on a connected
computer screen, usually via a data projector. Notes written on it can be
saved directly on the computer. The smart board can be hung on a wall or
mounted on a stand.

Storage Devices
The storage devices enable you to store data and information. They can hold
data, instructions, and information for future use. The different storage
devices are:
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Hard Disk Drive

The hard drive, is also called the hard disk drive (HDD) or the hard disk, is the
main permanent storage area of your computer. The hard drive sits inside the
computer case, and stores of many inflexible, circular platters that use
magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information. Most current
hard drives have storage capacities from 500 GB to 8 TB, and even more.

Optical Disc
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An optical disc is a type of storage media that consists so a flat, round,

portable disc made of metal, plastic and lacquer that is written and read by a
laser. Some optical disc formats are read only; it means users cannot write
(save) on the media. Others are read/write, which allow users to save data on
the disc just as they save on a hard disk. Nearly every personal computer
today has some type of optical disc drive installed in its system unit.
Compact Disc
A Compact Disc (CD) is a flat, round portable, metal storage medium that is
usually 4.75 inches in diameter, and less than one-twentieth of an inch thick.
Two basic types of compact discs designed for use with computers are CD-
ROM and DVD-ROM.
A CD-ROM, which is an abbreviation for Compact Disc Read Only Memory, is
a compact disc that may contain text, graphics and video as well as sound. A
CD-ROM can hold up to 700 MB of data, instructions, and information. CD-
ROM drive is used to read data from CD-ROM disc.
A DVD-ROM, also known as Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory or
Digital Video Disc-Read Only Memory, is very similar to CD-ROM but can
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store much more data. A DVD can hold from 4 GB to 7.5 GB of data. DVD-
ROM drive is used to read data from DVD-ROM disc.
Recordable CD (CD-R and DVD (DVD-R)
A CD-R and DVD-R are multi-session compact discs on which you can record
your own items such as text, graphics, and audio. With a CD-R and DVD-R, you
can write on each part only for one time. And you cannot erase the disc
contents.
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Rewriteable CD (CD-RW) and DVD (DVD-RW)

A CD-RW and DVD-RW are erasable discs that allow you to write multiple
times. These disc act like a hard disk, allowing you to write and rewrite and
data and information on it multiple times. To write these on these discs, you
must have CD/DVD-RW software and a CD/DVD-RW drive.
Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray is a new DVD format, which has a higher capacity and better quality
than standard DVDs. A Blu-ray Disc-ROM (BD-ROM) has storage capacity of
100 GB. Blu-ray Disc (BD) drives and players are used to play or run Blu-ray
discs.

Flash Drive
Flash drives, also known as Pen drives, are one of the newest forms of
computer storage devices that plug in USB (Universal Serial Bus) forms of port
on a computer. Pen drive is portable and lightweight. IT has a storage capacity
ranging from 512 MB to 100 GB and can transfer data at a very high speed.
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Memory Card
A memory card is a removable storage device, usually no bigger than 1.5
inches in height or width, that you insert in or remove from a lot in a
computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer.

Processing Device
A processing device or processor is the main chip in the computer which is
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used to process data. Processing means treating the data according to the
instructions and changing it in the form of information. Let us study about
processor.

Processor
The processor or Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the processing device of a
computer. It is also known as the brain of the computer. It performs all the
calculations and processes data into information. It receives the input from
Input devices and processes them before providing the processed result to
the output devices. CPU consists of three units:
ALU: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a component of the processor which
performs arithmetic, comparison, and logical operations.
 Arithmetic operations include basic calculations such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
 Comparison operations involve comparing one data item with another.
For example-greater than, equal to, or less than.
 Logical operations use conditions along with logical operators such as
AND, OR, and NOT.
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Control Unit: The control Unit (CU) controls all the functions of a computer.
It checks the results given by ALU. It also checks what to do and when to do.
Memory Unit: Memory Unit holds the data that needs to be processes as
well as the data that has already been processed by CPU.

CPU Manufactures
The biggest manufacturer of CPU is Intel, which makes the Pentium and
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Celeron processors. The other CPU maker is AMD, which manufactures the
Sempron and Athlon chips. Macintosh computers used to come with
PowerPC chips made by Motorola.

Multi-Core Processor
Most processor chip manufactures now offer multi-core processors. A
processor core contains the circuitry necessary to execute instructions. The
operating system views each processor core as a separate processor. A dual-
core processor is a chip that contains two separate processor cores. A quad-
core processor is a chip with four separate processor cores.

Human ware
Human ware refers to the persons who program, design or operate a
computer. A human being who is using the computer is a user. Sometimes,
the user can face health related problems if he/she works continuously on a
computer for a long period of time. These problems can be in the form of
headache, vision problem, or wrist pain.

Ergonomics
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Ergonomics is the study of people, their physical characteristics, and the ways
in which they function in relation to their working environment, the
furnishings, and the machines they use. The main goal of ergonomics is to
incorporate comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of keyboards,
computer desks, chairs and other things, at the workplace.
Back and neck strain can be avoided if it is ensured that the chair on which
you sit provides proper support, and the monitor is placed properly so that you
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can view the screen comfortably.

Monitor Placement
The top edge of the monitor should be at eye level or slightly lower than that.
You can use a monitor stand to raise the monitor to the appropriate level on
your desk.
Avoiding Wrist Strain
To prevent wrist strain while typing, keep your elbows leveled with the
keyboard, and your wrists straight and higher than your fingers. While using a
mouse, move the mouse with your entire arm instead of just your wrist.
Posture (Position)
When you are seated, your feet should be flat on the floor, and you should
not lean forward or slouch in your chair. You should shift positions often, and
stand up to stretch your arms and legs at least once an hour.
Chair
Fully adjustable chairs that provide support for the lower back should be
preferred. Contoured chair seats help circulate blood more freely by relieving
pressure on the legs.
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Reduce Fatigue
By applying the principles of ergonomics to design a work area, you can
maximize your comfort and safety. It will also reduce many health related
problems like headache, vision problems, and wrist pain.
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a Rapidity Stress Injury (RSI) whose
symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers. This
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condition affects people who type without proper wrist support or who
type for long periods of time without breaks.
To prevent these types of injuries, you should follow the steps given below:
 Take frequent breaks to exercise your hands and arms.
 Do not rest your wrists on the edge of a desk. Instead, place a wrist
rest between the keyboard and the edge of your desk.
 Keep your forearms and wrists leveled so that your wrists do not
bend.
 Keep your shoulders, arms, and wrists relaxed while you work.
 Maintain good posture, and stop working if you experience pain or
fatigue.
2. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a technology-related health
condition that affects eyesight. You have CVS if you have sore, tired,
burning, itching, or dry eyes; difficulty shifting focus between a display
device and documents; difficulty focusing on the screen image; and
increased sensitivity to light. To prevent these symptoms, you should
follow these steps given below:
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 Every 15 to 30 minutes, take an eye break. Look into the distance and
focus on an object for 20 to 30 seconds. Roll your eyes in a complete
circle. Close your eyes and rest them for at least one minute. Blink your
eyes every five seconds.
 Place your display about an arm’s length away from your eyes with the
top of the screen at or below eye level.
 Use large fonts and adjust the brightness of the display.
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Stimulate Interest in Computing

If your work area is comfortable and you are productive, you will enjoy
working on computer for a long time without any stress, for this you should
ensure that your desk and chair are adjusted properly. You should also ensure
that the computer is located in a clean surrounding.
There are many accessories that you can use wrist rests on your keyboard and
mouse. An adjustable keyboard tray helps to ensure that your keyboard is at
the proper height. A chair that has a contoured seat and good lower-back
support should be chosen. You can use a monitor stand to ensure that the
monitor height is appropriate. To keep your feet flat, you can use a footrest.

Promote Healthy Habits

While working on computer for long hours. You should follow these healthy
habits:
 You should go for a short walk at least once every hour.
 You should go back to work only after splashing cold water on your
face.
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 You should take breaks often, and look at colors and visuals that do not
strain the eyes.
 You should stand up, walk up to your window and then look at the
trees at a distance and objects at different distances that the focusing
of the eyes gets some exercise.

Technology Addiction
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Technology addiction occurs when some technology users become obsessed

with computers, mobile devices, and the Internet, and consume their entire
social life. Symptoms of a user with technology addiction include the
following:
 Always desires for computer time is overjoyed when using a computer
 Unable to stop using technology and feels irritable when not using
technology
 Neglects family and friends, and problems at work or school
Technology addiction is growing health problem, but can be prevented by
proper support of family and friends.
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Exercises
A. Multiple choice questions:
1. A collection of unorganized facts is …………… .
a. Information b. Output c. Data
2. A scanner is an ……………………. .
a. Input Device b. Output Device c. Processing Device
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3. Treating data according to the instructions and changing it into

information is called ………………… .
a. Output b. Input c. Processing
4. CD-ROM and DVD-ROM are the examples of ………………… .
a. Storage Device b. Input Device c. Output Device
5. The hardware components that convey information to the user are
called ……………… .
a. Processing Devices b. Output Devices c. Input Devices
6. ALU, CU, and MU are the parts of …………… .
a. Monitor b. Pen Drive c. CPU
7. …………… is a technology-related health condition that affects
eyesight.
a. CTS b. CVS c. RTI
B. Write ‘T’ for True and ‘F’ for False statements.
1. A keyboard has two buttons on the top of it.
2. Joystick is mainly used to play games on a computer.
3. The output or result we get on a paper is called soft copy.
4. We should move two fingers apart to zoom in the touch screen.
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5. Back and neck strain should be avoided while working on computer.

6. To prevent wrist strain while typing, keep your elbow leveled with the
keyboard.
7. When you are seated, your feet should not be flat on the floor.
C. Fill in the blanks.
1. ……………… is any data or instruction entered into the computer.
2. Data that has been processed into a useful form is called
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……………… .
3. ………………. printers have direct contact between printer head and
paper.
4. The height and width of a memory card is usually no bigger than
…………………… .
5. Hard drives have storage capacities from ………….. to ……………. .
6. ………………. is a Rapidity Stress Injury whose symptoms include
numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers.
7. …………………….. refers to the persons who program, design, or
operate a computer.
D. Write the full form of the following.
1. VDU ………………………………………………….
2. ALU ……………………………………………………
3. PPM …………………………………………………..
4. CPS ……………………………………………………
5. BD …………………………………………………….
6. CPU ……………………………………………………
7. CU ………………………………………………………