CHAPTER #1 – Basic Concepts of Information Technology

Part-B (for first monthly test Sep 2022)

Input Devices
Computers can understand only the machine language of binary 0s and Is. Input devices
convert what people understand to what computers understand. Input devices consist of
devices for entering data into a computer system in a form that can be processed by the
computer. Basically all input devices consist of Analog to Digital Converter as A2D.
Here are the list of some input devices like:
1. Keyboard, 2. Mouse, 3. Trackball, 4. Scanner, 5. Digitizing/Graphics tablets,
6-Light Pen, 7-Sensors, 8-Micrphones, 9- Touch Screen/Touch pad, 10- Webcam
Output Devices
Output devices convert what computers understand to what people understand form. Three are two
main types of output form Softcopy or Hardcopy. OR Output devices convert machine readable
information into user readable form as Softcopy or Hardcopy. Basically all output devices consist of
Digital to Analog Converter as D2A.

Here are the list of some input devices like:

1. Monitors , 2. Printer, 3. Plotter, 4. Microfilm/Microfiche, 5. Multimedia Projectors,
6. Headphone, 7. Speakers, 8. Holograms, 9. Speech-Generating Device 10. GPS
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Voice Recognition System

Voice-input devices, or voice-recognition systems Convert spoken words into computer-

usable code. The devices compare the electrical patterns produced by the speaker's voice
with a set of pre-recorded patterns. If a matching pattern is found, the computer' accepts
this pattern as a part of its standard "vocabulary". Most of the devices have to be specially
"trained" to respond to a particular user's voice.
1. Spoken words
2. Wave form(Analog Signals)

4. Microphone 3. Voice Recognition Software 7. Word Display on Screen

We need the support of the following equipment (hardware)/software
a. Microphone
b. Speech-recognition card
c. Speech-recognition Software
d. Waveform converted into binary code
e. Binary code matching with vocabulary words
f. Waveform of word display on screen

Units of Memory
Smallest unit of memory for machine is Bit (Binary digit-O or 1).
Smallest unit of memory for user is Byte (combination of 8 bits)
Nibble = 4 bits
Kilobyte: KB - Kilo represents 210 = 1024 Bytes
One thousand Bytes = 1 Kilobyte, KB or, simply, K.
1KB = 210 = 1024 Bytes or Approx. 103 = 1000 Bytes
Megabyte MB A megabyte is 220 = 1024 KB
Rounded to 1 Million Bytes.

1MB = 1024 KB = 220 Bytes or Approx. 106 = 1000,000 Bytes

Gigabyte GB: A gigabyte is 230 = 1024 MB
Rounded to 1 Billion bytes

1GB = 1024 MB = 230 Bytes or Approx. 109 = 1000,000,000 Bytes

Terabyte TB: A terabyte is 240 = 1024 GB or
Rounded to 1 Trillion Bytes

1TB = 1024 GB = 240 Bytes or Approx. 1012 = 1000,000,000,000 Bytes

Petabyte PB: A petabyte is 250 = 1024 TB or
Rounded to 1 Quadrillion Bytes

1PB = 1024 TB = 250 Bytes or Approx. 1015 = 1000,000,000,000,000 Bytes

Further units are:

(EB) 01 Exabyte = 1024 PB

(ZB) 01 Zettabyte = 1024 EB

(YB) 01 Yottabyte = 1024 ZB

 Differentiate between ASCII and EBCDIC Codes
1 ASCII stands for American Standard Code EBCDIC Codes stands for Extended Binary
for Information Interchange code. Coded Decimal Interchange code.
2 Introduced back in 1981 for Electronic Introduced back in 1963-64 for IBM Mainframe
typewriter with 7 bit code which can support up Computers and Minicomputers with 8 bit code
to 128 characters which can support up to 256 characters
3 Introduced Extended ASCII Codes by IBM in EBCDIC was developed in 1963-64 by IBM for
1981 for personal computers 8 bits long mainframe computer called IBM SYSTEM/360
supporting 256 characters
4 First 32 are control characters which are not All characters were printed
printed remaining 224 characters were printed
5 Includes letters in upper and lower characters Supported only upper case letters and very few
symbols
6 Can be used in personal computers and now Cannot be used in personal computers
with Mainframe computers. considering as obsolete technology
7 ASCII Codes were following linear ordering No concept of linear ordering for EBCDIC codes.
means numbers first in sorting order then upper
characters and lower characters in last.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM or random access memory considering as main memory or primary

storage, is used to store programs and data to CPU. It is called "random access
memory" because “Data can be retrieved from randomly location anywhere in
a RAM chip in equal amounts of time”. RAM is volatile memory which means
data stored in RAM will be lost when the computer is switched off, making it
temporary storage. RAM capacity was expressed in kilobytes Now a days in MB
Megabytes OR GB Gigabytes. In 1979, a microcomputer with 64 KB of RAM were
used.
RAM consists of circuit-inscribed silicon chips attached to the motherboard such as a
SIMM or DIMM. SIMM (single inline memory module) has RAM chips on only one
side. A DIMM (dual in line memory module) has RAM chips on both sides.
DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory chip, High capacity, slow, more power
consumption. Must be refreshed by CPU otherwise contents will be lost.
SRAM – Static Random Access Memory chips, faster, less power, low capacity. It
retain its contents without being refreshed.
SDRAM – Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory chip will be synchronized
with system clock much faster than DRAM speed in Megahertz-MHz its further types
are DDR2, DDR3, DDR4 and DDR5. DDR – double data rate.
Other Forms of Memory

1. Cache Memory: Moving data between RAM and the CPU's registers is one of
the most time-consuming operations a CPU must perform, simply because
RAM is much slower than the CPU. A partial solution to this problem is to
include a cache memory on the microprocessor chip or elsewhere on the
motherboard. Cache (pronounced "cash"), is similar to RAM, except that it is
extremely fast compared to normal memory, and is used in a different way.

The most frequently used instructions are kept in cache memory so the CPU can
look ther~? first. This allows the _CPU to run faster because it do~sn't have to take
time to swap instructions in and out of main mem'ory. Large, complex progTams
benefit the most from ha.ving a cache memory available. Cache chips are faster but
much more expensive than main RAM chips.

Virtual Memory: Virtual memory, or virtual storage, is a condition in which part of

a program is stored on disk and is brought into memory only as needed. This
feature, which requires special software, uses the disk as an exten.sion of RAM.
The virtualmemory program puts as many pieces of the program into ~\1: as
possible. It runs them while putting the remaining pieces on disk, which are
retrieved as appropriate.

For example, a microcomputer that has only 2 ME of RAM can run a 4 ME program
(or even up to 1 GB) by using virtual memory.

Video Memory: Video memory or video RAM (VRAM) chips are used to store
display images for the monitor. The amount of video memory determines how fast
images appear and how many 'colors are available. Video memory chips are
particularly desirable if you are running programs that display a lot of graphics.

Flash Memory: Used primarily in notebook and subnotebook computers, flash

memory, or flash RAM, cards consist of circuitry on credit-card-size cards that can
be inserted into slots connected to the motherboard. Unlike standard RAM chips,
flash memory is non-volatile. That is, it retains data even when the power is
turned off. Flash memory can be used not only to simulate main memory but also
to supplement or replace hard disk drives for permanent storage.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Read-only Memory (ROM) is memory from which data may be retrieved, but the
contents cannot be changed by the user. They store instructions in permanent, or
non-volatile, form. Non-volatile storage does not lose it&~ontents when- the power is
turned off. .

ROM chips typically contain special instructions for detailed computer operations.
For example, ROM-BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) chip fitted in your PC contains
a set of programs that perform the most basic· control and supervision operation for
your PC. Other ROM instructions help the CPU transfer information from the -
keyboard to the screen or printer. ROMs are also called firmware because the
instructions are "firm" and cannot be altered.

A variation of ROM chip is Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM): ROM chips
are supplied by the computer system manufacturer and it is not possible for a user to
modify to programs stored inside the ROM chip. However, it is possible for a user to
"customise" a system by writing his own programs and storing them in a PROM chip.
However, once the chip has been programmed, the recorded information cannot be
changed, i.e., the PROM becomes a ROM and it is only possible to read the stored
information. PROM is also non-volatile storage, i.e., the stored information remains
intact even if power is switched off.

Once information is stored in a ROM chip or a PROM chip it cannot be changed or

altered. However, there is another type of memory chip called Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) that overcomes this problem. As the
name implies, it is possible to erase information stored in an EPROM chip and the
chip can be reprogrammed to store new information. When an EPROM is in use,
information can only be ~read' and the information remains on the chip until it is
erased. EPROMs are mainly used by Research and Development (R & D)
personnel because they frequently change the program written in EPROM to
test the efficiency of the computer system in different atmospheres.
Expansion Cards and Slots

Computers are known for having different kinds of "architectures". Machines that
have closed architectures are those manufactured in such a way that users cannot
get inside to add any new devices. Most computers have open architectures. They
allow' users to expand their systems. This permits users to insert optional devices
known as expansion cards (also known as expansion boards or plug-in boards)
which give the computer additional options. Most motherboards in IBM-type
computers have expansion' slots. Expansion slots are sockets on the motherboard
into which expansion cards may be plugged. The slot connects the expansion card
with the power supply and the buses for moving data and instructions. Among the
kinds of expansion cards available are the following:'

1.Memory: Memory expansion cards (or SIMMs) containing additional RAM chips will give
the user additional main memory.
2.Modem: A modem changes the electronic signals of the computer into a form that can be
sent over telephone lines. An internal modem is installed as an expansion card.
~9

3.Video Display: Video-display cards enable users to have better resolution or more
colors on their monitor.

3.Sound: Circuit boards are available to give computers sound output, if speakers
and supporting software are available.
In order to make these expansion cards wa"rk, it is usually necessary to follow
special
software instructions that come with them. '
Ports

Ports are connecting sockets on the

outside of the system unit. This allows you
to plug in other devices, such as monitor, keyboard,
modem' or printer. Cables connected to the ports transmit streams of bits, such as
those in an 8-bit ASCII character, to the outside devices.'

Ports are of several types:

1.Serial Ports: Serial ports are for connecting cables that transmit bits one after the
other. Serial lines are used for connecting faraway devices, such as linking a modem
to a telephone line.

1.Parallel Ports: Parallel ports are for connecting cables that transmit several bits
simultaneously. Parallel lines are used to connect devices located close by, such as a
printer. Sending eight or so bits simultaneously transmits the information faster than is
possible in a serial line (Fig. 1.29).
1.USB Ports: The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is rapidly gaining popularity for
PCs, because the USB port allows 127 peripheral devices to be connected to the one
general-purpose port (Fig. 1.29). USB ports are useful for peripherals such as digital
cameras, digital speakers, scanners, high-speed modems, and joysticks. The USB
port allows peripheral devices to be connected or disconnected even while the PC is
running. ln addition, USB permits plug and play, which allows peripheral devices and
expansion cards to be automatically configured while they are being installed. Many
experts believe that USB will emerge as the single standard port of the future. Today,
mcstnew computers feature at least two or three USB ports.

Can you really connect up to 127 devices to a single port? An Intel engineer did
set a world record at an industry trade show before .a live audience by connec ting
111 peripheral devices to a single USB port on aPC.
3.
Output Devices

Output devices convert machine-readable information into people-readable user

understandable format/form. Output takes two forms
1. Softcopy
2. Hardcopy

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN SOFTCOPY & HARDCOPY

SOFTCOPY HARDCOPY

1 Softcopy output format cannot be 1 Hardcopy output format can be touched

touched physically. physically

2 The output it Temporarily(not 2 The output is tangible permanent cannot be

tangible) , can be changed/ Editable changed/ Non-Editable and slow
and quick

3 Mostly the output is one the screen 3 Mostly the output is one the paper (Printout
(CRT/LCD or on Projector) or it can /Plotter/ Microfilm).
be file saved on disk

4 Example software/programs used at 4 Example printout or plotted map of building

Airline departure/arrival display at or microfilm data
Airport.

5 Screen output is also called Softcopy 5 Paper output is also called Hardcopy

6 Softcopy is best where the output 6 Hardcopy is better or any data information
viewed only occasionally when user that can be viewed later stored on paper
want for few moments example out
put of Source program

7 Example of Softcopy is the computer 7 Example of hardcopy are Newspaper

program or application file ,Books and magazines.
Softcopy Output Hardware

Softcopy output devices are of three principal types:

1.Monitors
2.Voice output devices
3.Sound output devices
22-Dec-2020

Monitors
 Most common form of output device is a monitor, television-like device to display text
and graphics from a computer.
 Also known as: Screen, Video Display Terminal (VDT), Console
There are two main types of monitors:
1.Cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor.
2.Flat panel monitor.
The following chart shows these types and some common varieties of monitors included
in these categories.

Cathode-ray tube (CRT) Monitors

 Cathode-ray tube (CRT) is an output display device resembles a television screen
 Mostly used with microcomputers.
 CRTs contain an electron "gun" that fires a beam of electrons.
 Front of the CRT screen is coated with phosphor. When a beam of electrons from the
electron gun hits the phosphor, it lights up tiny points of phosphor for 'a short period of
time. Each tiny point of light is called a pixel.
 Gun constantly scans the screen, relighting the pixels so rapidly that you see the screen
characters as continuously glowing.
Some aspects to consider in buying a CRT monitor are:
1.Resolution – Related to image clarity.
2.Colors-monochrome or multiple colors.

Resolution:
 Resolution refers to image clarity. Resolution is determined by the number of
pixels in the screen.
 Pixel is the smallest unit on the screen that can be turned on or off.
 Each pixel can also be assigned a color and level of sharpness. The smaller
the pixels and the closer together an image can be illuminated on the CRT
screen, and the better the resolution.
 High resolution starts from 800x 600 , 1024 x 768, 1280 x 1024, 1600 x 1200

Monochrome Screens: CRT screens are either monochrome or color.

 Monochrome monitor displays only a single-color image, one color for foreground
and one for background color. Examples are:
1.Paper-white: This monitor displays black on white or white on black.
2.Amber: This monitor displays black on a yellow (amber) background.
3.Green-screen: This monitor displays black on light screen background.

Pixels are selectively tuned on to form characters Red, green, and blue are the three primary
colors that are "electronically" mixed to produce other colors of the spectrum. Different
combinations of the RGB electron guns create different colors by "firing" on triads of phosphor
dots.

The common color and resolution standards for monitors are SVGA, XGA, SXGA, and
UXGA.

SVGA: A SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array) supports a resolution of 800x600 pixels,
producing 16 million possible simultaneous colors. SVGA is the most common standard
used today with 15-inch monitors.

XGA: An XGA (Extended Graphics Array) has a resolution of up to 1024x768 pixels,

with 65,536 possible colors. It is used mainly with 17- and 19-inch monitors.

SXGA: An SXGA (Super Extended-Graphics Array) has a resolution of 1280XI024

pixels. It is often used with 19- and 21-inch monitors.

UXGA: An UXGA (Ultra Extended Graphics Array) ·has a resolution of 1600x1200

pixels; It is expected to become more popular with graphic artists, engineering
designers, and others using 21-inch monitors.
Flat Panel Monitors

CRT monitors are the standard for use with desktop computers because they provide
the brightest and clearest picture for the money. There are, however, certain major
disadvantages associated with CRT monitors. They include large size, high power
consumption, fragility, and occasional flickering images. These drawbacks have led to

4.Paper-white: This monitor displays black on white or white on black.

5.Amber~' This monitor displays black on a yellow (amber)
background.
6.Green-screen: This monitor displays black on light screen background.

Monochrome screens are satisfactory for tasks not requiring color,

such as word processing.
4.
5.
33

the development of flat panel technologies. Flat panel technology is particularly

useful for laptop computers (Fig. 1.33), which are small enough to . fit in a briefcase
and powered by a small battery built into the computer.

_ There are three types of flat panel monitors-LCD (liquid crystal display, EL
(electroluminescent display), and gasplasma display.

Liquid Cryst~l Display (LCD): The LCD . Fig. 1.33. A portable laptop computer,
uses a clear liquid chemical trapped in tiny compact enough to go into a
briefcase.

pockets between two pieces of glass. Each pocket of liquid is covered both front arid
back by very. thin wires. When a small amount of current is.applied to both wires, a
chemical reaction turns the chemical a dark color-thereby blocking light. The point of
blocked light is the pixel.
The principal advantages of LCDs are:
1.Low power consumption.
2.Low cost.
3.Small size .
. The biggest disadvantages are:
1.LCDs do not emit light; as a result, the image has very little contrast.
2.The screen is' very susceptible to glare, so the optimum viewing angle is v:zry
narrow.
3.The resolution is not as good as that of a C~T.

Electrolumines~ent . (EL) Display: Th~ EL dif':-,lay uses' a thin film of solid,

specially treated material that glows in response to electric current. To form a pixel
on the screen, current is sent to the intersection of the appropriate row and column;
the combined voltages from the row and the column cause the screen to glow at that
point.
EL displays provide very high image 're~oiufion and excellent graphics capabjJities.
full-color EL displays are expected soon. A disadvantage of the technology is its cost.
"
Gas-Plasma' Display: The gas-
plasma display (see Fig. 1.34) uses a . gas that emits light when it is electrically
charged. This technology resembles that of a neon light bulb. Depending on the
mixture of gases, the color displayed ranges from orange
to red.' Fig. 1.34. A Flat-Panel Plasma display
The principal a~vantages of gas-plasma display are:
1.The images are much brighter than on a standard CRT.
2.The resolution is excellent.
3.Glare is not a significant problem.
4.The screen does not flicker like some CRTs. The
main disadvantages are:
. 1. Only a single color is available (reddish Orange).
2.The technology is expensive.
3.It uses a lot of power.
4.It does not show sharp contrast.

Sound is one of the more recent areas in which there have been developments for
softcopy output. The two categories are voice output and sound output.

Voice-Output Devices

Voice-output devices, or voice synthesisers, convert data in the computer into

vocalised sounds understandable to human.

"Please close the door". "Please fasten your seatbelt". "Asalamo-alaikum, the
number you have dialled is temporarily disconnected". "You are now 8xceeding 60
kilometres per hour". Machine voices are not real human voices. ·They are the
product of voice synthesisers. The voice synthesis~rs are relatively new and can be
used in some
. situations where traditional diEplay screen Eoftcnpy output is inappropriate: It is
certainly more helpful to hear a warning that you are speeding th2.n to take your
eyes off the road to check a display. .

Fig. 1.35. A blind person "reads" using reading machine. The reading machine
uses an optical scanner. to convert typeset and typewritten material into speech. It
can also be used to write and store information.
6.
There are two basic approaches to getting a co!;nputer to talk. The first is synthesis
by analysis, in which the device analyses the input of an actual human voice
speaking words, stores and processes the spoken sounds, and reproduces them as
needed. In essence, synthesis by analysis uses the computer as a digital tape
recorder.

The second approach to synthesising speech is synthesis by rule, in which the

device applies a complex set of linguistic rules to create artificial speech. Synthesis
based on the human voice (i.e. synthesis by analysis) has the advantage of
sounding more natural, but it is limited to the number of words stored in the
computer. Synthesis by rule has no vocabulary restriction, but the spoken product
is often mechanical and sounds like no voice from this planet.

The largest application to date for the speech synthesisers is the reading
machines. for the blinn, which convert printed textbooks into "spoken" words.
Scanning a page, it recognises letters and words, applies phonetic rules, and
produces spoken sentences (Fig. 1.35).

Sound-Output Devices Sound~output devices produce music, special-effects,

noises, or other sounds. Sound capabilities can be added to some microcomputers
by inserting a sound circuit board or by other means. Appropriate software and
speakers are also required (see Fig. 1.36).

There has been increasing interest in computer-generated sound with the rise in
popularity of multimedia systems, which combine uses of text, graphics, video,
animations, and sound.

Hardcopy Output Hardware Hardcopy output devices are of

three principal types:
1.Printers
2.Plotters
3.Computer output microfilm/microfiche (COM)
PRINTERS

Printers are the most commonly used output device beside monitor. Printer is a device
that produced printed output paper also known as Hardcopy as it is tangible and
permanent. They provide hardcopy of information. Printers are available in low, high speed,
colored and black and white. Number of colors can be increased by installing application
software. Printers have built-in microprocessor to help control the printer-head movement
across, up and down on the paper. Printer has its own control language called PCL – Printer
Control Language.

CLASSIFICATION CHART OF PRINTERS

PRINTERS

IMPACT PRINTERS NON-IMPACT PRINTERS

CHARACTER LINE INK JET LASER LCD THERMAL

PRINTER PRINTER

DOT MATRIX DAISY WHEEL DRUM CHAIN

PRINTER PRINTER PRINTER PRINTER

TYPES OF PRINTERS

Printers are classified into two main categories:

1) Impact Printers 2) Non-Impact Printers

IMPACT PRINTERS

Impact Printers makes some sort of physical contact with paper like hammer like substance sticking
paper against the ribbon to make an expression on paper, just like a typewriter. Biggest advantage
is that it can produce carbon copies 3 at a time. They are called noisy printers as they produce noise
while printing. Impact printers are further divided into Character Printers and Line Printers.

1) CHARACTER PRINTERS: Character printers are just like typewriters. They print one character at
a time also called serial printers. They have only one printing head. Normally they can print upto 120
characters per sec.
EXAMPLES

a) DOT MATRIX PRINTER: The single head is used to print the entire line, use a matrix of pins.
Printer head consist of pins which strike the ribbon against paper to print characters. It prints one
character at a time and moves on to the next character position. Characters are formed with the
series of dots. Typical matrix of 5 x 7 is used to make the pattern 5 dots width and 7 dots high,
sometimes called 9, 18 pins or 24 pins printers. In 9 pins two extra pins are used for the lowercase
letters like g, j, p and y. They produce Draft quality and NLQ – Near letter quality printing
characters. Inexpensive fast and can produce graphics on paper. Noisy printers can prints with
variable speed as :

1. 80-200 cps draft quality 2. 80 cps for NLQ-near letter quality

B) DAISY-WHEEL PRINTER: Similar to a ball-head typewriter, a wheel with each petal contain
embossed character. Motor spins with 320 rpm speed of can produced 30-100 cps this type of
printer has a plastic or metal wheel on which the shape of each character stands out in relief. A
hammer presses the wheel against a ribbon which in turn makes an ink stain in the shape of the
character on the paper. Daisy- wheel printer produces letter quality print but cannot print graphics.

2) LINE PRINTERS: They can print entire line at a time. It normally covers 80 or 132 characters.
That means printer has 80 or 132 heads to print each character. It can print 2500 lines per minute.
EXAMPLES: 1) Drum Printers 2) Chain Printers

A) DRUM PRINTERS: It consists of solid cylindrical steel drum having embossed characters in
bands on its surface. Surface of drum is divided into no of tracks which is equal to the size of paper.
Each band contains all the possible characters. At each printing position hammers are located which
strike the paper along the inked ribbon on the drum as the characters passes. Available in 48, 64
and 96 character sets. Character fonts cannot be change It prints 300 to 2000 lines per minute. The
drum rotates at high speed (it takes about 60 milliseconds to make one complete revolution)

NON-IMPACT PRINTERS

They use magnetic, electrostatic, chemical, thermal, optical, inkjet or laser principles to print
characters on the paper. They get the image of the data and then transfer it to the paper, without
striking the paper directly. It cannot produce carbon copies. It has to print the same data repeatedly
to produce large number of copies. They are costly but quite printers.
EXAMPLES

1) THERMAL PRINTERS: Thermal action is used for printing. Ink is transferred to the paper as the
wax melts when ribbon is heated. It is an inexpensive printer that works by pushing heated pins
against heat sensitive paper. Thermal printers are widely used in calculators and fax machines.
Speed is form 1-4 page per min (ppm). Uses are ATM machine receipts, Health care insurance
cards, departmental store POS receipts. Coffee mugs printing, airline booking tickets Price vary from
Rs 4,500– Rs 10,500. Thermal transfer printers use a thermal print head to transfer a solid ink
from a ribbon usually made from vinyl, polyester, nylon, or other thicker materials to produce a
permanent print. Was invented by Jack Kilby in 1965 released in market in 1969.

Disadvantage: More expensive than regular printers, you need to purchase thermal paper, they
have color limitations, thermal labels fade overtime, and print heads can get damaged by heat and
they are expensive to replace.

2) LASER PRINTERS (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Rays): They use the
technology of both normal printers and photocopier machine. Laser beam electrically charged the
paper exposed to it. Exposed area attracts ink powder called toner, which prints on the paper
permanently with heat or pressure. They are quite and produce high quality printouts. Normal speed
up to 20 page per minute. Draft normal 600 dpi best 1200 dpi and excellent 2400 DPI for top-
quality professional printing.

INK-JET PRINTERS: Sprays ink on sheet of paper form images by spraying tiny droplets of ink from
jet nozzles onto paper. Characters are formed by many tiny ink dots formed from ink droplets. These
ink droplets are electrically charged guided by the electrically charged deflection plates to proper
position on paper. Ink-jet printers produce high quality text and graphics. One variation of the ink-
jet printer is the bubble-jet printer. This printer uses a rising and falling bubble to force a
droplet of ink onto the paper. Resolution support upto 360 dots per inch (dpi).Expensive per
page cost
PostScript is a printer language, or page description language, that has become· a
standard for printing graphics with laser printers. A page description language (software)
describes the shape and position of letters and graphics to the printer. PostScript printers
are essential if you are printing a lot of graphics or want to generate fonts in various sizes.
Another page description language used with laser printers is Printer Control Language
(PCL), which has resolutions and speeds similar to those of PostScript

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diodes): Similar to Laser printer but uses
liquid crystals or light emitting diodes rather than a laser beam to produce an image on the drum.

Page # 43

Plotters

Plotters are special purpose output devices like a printer to produce images on paper. They
are designed to produced large drawing or image like construction plan of newly design
building but they are recommended to be used very precision/accurate measurement is
mandatory and few inch difference on scale lead to disaster output. Printer do simulation but
plotters used scaling and correct calculation for drawing and maps. They are recommended
for :

a. Drawing maps of any country/state/district

b. Drawing construction plan of newly designed building

c. Drawing 3D Sketch of newly launch electronic product/ card designed approved

d. Drawing of sketch for ECG Machine, Earth quake rector scale(Seismograph as

plotter)

Plotter used robotic arm to draw with colored pens on a sheet of paper as instruction are
received from computer for marking beginning and end point of a line/curve.

 Plotter draw curves lines by creating a sequence of very short straight lines

Types of plotters are :

1. Pen Plotter

They used different colored pens to draw on paper of fixed thickness/breadth.

 a. Drum Plotter are used to draw construction plan and sketches accurately with
fixed width/breadth in this case paper move forward direction vertically where the
pens are moved horizontally because the paper is rolled over the drum.

b. Flatbed Plotter are used with fixed length and breadth of paper is held steady
position without movement and pens moves in both directions/axis horizontally ,
vertically and diagonally.

2. Electrostatic Plotter. Creates images by creating electrostatic charge on special paper

and then running a paper through a special purpose developer to create image as
negatively charge paper attract the positively charge ink while passing through the
developer. Output produced is fast as compare to Pen plotters to produce high quality
image but it is not good quality standard images.
3. Thermal Plotter. Thermal plotters similar to thermal printer used a heat sensitive paper
against the electrically heated colored pens as the ink in the form of vax-ink dropped on
the paper but in only two colors (black and red)

Page # 44

Computer Output Microfilm/ Microfiche (COM) System

Paper was taking lot of room space and need to produce hard copies as backup to
overcome the problem of using paper as output Microfilm and Microfiche (COM) were used
as solution to output.

A very small images on roll or sheets of film, usually it is on roll on 35mm microfilm or sheet
of size 4 x6 inches as microfiche.

Advantages are :

1. Speed with COM system can produce output at the rate of 30,000 lines pre min on
the projector screen which is 50% faster then output produce by laser printer.

2.