Introduction :

A computer is an electronic device that can receive, store, process, and output
data. It is a machine that can perform a variety of tasks and operations, ranging
from simple calculations to complex simulations and artificial intelligence.
Computers consist of hardware components such as the central processing unit
(CPU), memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and peripherals, as well
as software components such as the operating system and applications.
The history of computers can be traced back to the 19th century when
mechanical devices such as the Analytical Engine and tabulating machines
were developed. However, modern computers as we know them today were
developed in the mid-20th century with the invention of the transistor and the
development of integrated circuits.
Today, computers are widely used in various industries such as education,
finance, healthcare, and entertainment, and they have revolutionized the way
we live, work, and communicate. They have also given rise to a new era of
technology such as the internet, cloud computing, and mobile devices, which
have further transformed our daily lives.
Computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It
processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the
user and gives the desired output quickly. A Computer can perform the
following set of functions:
 Accept data
 Store data
 Process data as desired
 Retrieve the stored data as and when required
 Print the result in desired format.
Data and Information: Data: It is the term used for raw facts and figures fed
into the computer and along with the set of instructions which enables the
computer to convert this raw data into the refined and useful information.
Information: Data represented in useful and meaningful form is information.
Data and information are related concepts, but they have different meanings.
Data refers to raw facts and figures that are unorganized and have no meaning
on their own. Information, on the other hand, is data that has been processed,
organized, and given context to make it meaningful and useful.
Data can take many forms, such as numbers, words, images, or sounds. For
example, a list of sales figures for a company is data. However, this data by
itself does not provide any useful information. It needs to be processed and
analyzed to be turned into information that can be used for decision-making.
Information is data that has been processed and organized in a meaningful way
to convey a message or answer a question. For example, using the sales figures
from the earlier example, an analyst could create a graph or chart that shows
the sales trends over time, providing meaningful information about the
company’s performance.
In summary, data is the raw, unorganized facts and figures, while information
is data that has been processed and given context to be meaningful and useful
for decision-making.

Classification of Computers: Computers can be classified based on the

technology being used and the way they are designed to perform the various
tasks. Computers can be categorized into Digital, Analog and Hybrid based on
their design and working:
1. Digital Computers : These are the modern computers which are capable of
processing information in discrete form. In digital technology data which
can be in the form of letters, symbols or numbers is represented in binary
form i.e. 0s and 1s. The digital computers are used in industrial, business
and scientific applications. They are quite suitable for large volume data
processing.
2. Analog Computers : These computers are used to process data generated
by ongoing physical processes. A thermometer is an example of an analog
computer since it measures the change in mercury level continuously.
Analog computers are well suited to simulating systems. A simulator helps
to conduct experiments repeatedly in real time environment. Some of the
common examples are simulations in aircrafts, nuclear power plants,
hydraulic and electronic networks.
3. Hybrid Computers : These use both analog and digital technology. It has
the speed of analog computer and the accuracy of a digital computer. It
may accept digital or analog signals but an extensive conversion of data
from digital to analog and analog to digital has to be done. Hybrid
Computers are used as a cost effective means for complex simulations.
4. Supercomputers: These are the most powerful and expensive computers
that are used for complex scientific calculations, simulations, and research.
They are used in fields such as weather forecasting, cryptography, and
nuclear research.
5. Mainframe Computers: These are large and powerful computers that are
used by large organizations such as banks, airlines, and government
agencies to process massive amounts of data and handle multiple users
simultaneously.
6. Mini Computers: These are smaller and less powerful than mainframe
computers, but they are still capable of handling multiple users and
processing large amounts of data. They are commonly used by small to
 medium-sized businesses for accounting, inventory management, and other
data-intensive tasks.
7. Personal Computers: These are small and affordable computers that are
designed for individual users. They are commonly used for personal
productivity, entertainment, and communication.
8. Workstations: These are high-performance computers that are used by
professionals such as architects, engineers, and designers to run complex
software applications for tasks such as 3D modeling, animation, and
scientific visualization.
9. Embedded Systems: These are specialized computers that are built into
other devices such as cars, appliances, and medical equipment to control
their operations and perform specific functions.
10.Mobile Devices: These are small and portable computers that are designed
for on-the-go use, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops

Classification of Digital Computers

1. Micro Computers :These are also known as Personal Computers. These
type of digital computer uses a microprocessor (a CPU on a single chip)
and include both desktops and laptops. These computers can work on small
volume of data, are very versatile and can handle variety of applications.
These computers are being used as work stations, CAD, multimedia and
advertising applications. Example: portable computers such as PDAs
(Personal Digital Assistants) and tablets
2. Mini Computers :These computers can support multiple users working
simultaneously on the same machine. These are mainly used in an
organization where computers installed in various departments are
interconnected. These computers are useful for small business
organizations.
3. Main Frames : These computers are large and very powerful computers
with very high memory capacity. These can process huge databases such as
census at extremely fast rate. They are suitable for big organizations, banks,
industries etc. and can support hundreds of users simultaneously on the
network.
4. Super Computers : These are fastest and very expensive computers. They
can execute billions of instructions per second. These are multiprocessor,
parallel systems suitable for specialized complex scientific applications
involving huge amounts of mathematical applications such as weather
forecasting.
5. Mainframe Computers: These are large and powerful computers that are
used by large organizations such as banks, airlines, and government
 agencies to process massive amounts of data and handle multiple users
simultaneously.
6. Minicomputers: These are smaller and less powerful than mainframe
computers, but they are still capable of handling multiple users and
processing large amounts of data. They are commonly used by small to
medium-sized businesses for accounting, inventory management, and other
data-intensive tasks.
7. Microcomputers: These are the most common type of digital computers,
also known as personal computers or PCs. They are designed for individual
users and are used for personal productivity, entertainment, and
communication.
8. Workstations: These are high-performance computers that are used by
professionals such as architects, engineers, and designers to run complex
software applications for tasks such as 3D modeling, animation, and
scientific visualization.
9. Supercomputers: These are the most powerful and expensive computers
that are used for complex scientific calculations, simulations, and research.
They are used in fields such as weather forecasting, cryptography, and
nuclear research.
10.Embedded Systems: These are specialized computers that are built into
other devices such as cars, appliances, and medical equipment to control
their operations and perform specific functions.
11.Mobile Devices: These are small and portable computers that are designed
for on-the-go use, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Types of Computers
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Pre-Requisite: Basics of Computer

A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It
processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user
and gives the desired output. Computers are of various types and they can be
categorized in two ways on the basis of size and on the basis of data handling
capabilities.

Comp uter

Types of Computer
There are two bases on which we can define the types of computers. We will
discuss the type of computers on the basis of size and data handling capabilities.
We will discuss each type of computer in detail. Let’s see first what are the
types of computers.
 Super Computer
 Mainframe computer
 Mini Computer
 Workstation Computer
 Personal Computer (PC)
 Server Computer
 Analog Computer
 Digital Computer
 Hybrid Computer
 Tablets and Smartphone
Now, we are going to discuss each of them in detail.
Supercomputer
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when
thinking of computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest
computers (in terms of speed of processing data). Supercomputers are designed
such that they can process a huge amount of data, like processing trillions of
instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the thousands of
interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific
and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations,
and nuclear energy research. It was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
 Super Computers

Characteristics of Supercomputers
 Supercomputers are the computers that are the fastest and they are also very
expensive.
 It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is
also the reason which makes it even faster.
 It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online
currency world such as Bitcoin etc.
 It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from
exploring the solar system, satellites, etc.
Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support
hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple
programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes
simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big
organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume
of data in general.
Characteristics of Mainframe Computers
 It is also an expensive or costly computer.
 It has high storage capacity and great performance.
 It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking
sector) very quickly.
 It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.
Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of
computer, there are two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at
one time. Minicomputer is similar to Microcontroller. Minicomputers are used
in places like institutes or departments for different work like billing,
accounting, inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a mainframe
computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.
Characteristics of Minicomputer
 Its weight is low.
 Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
 less expensive than a mainframe computer.
 It is fast.
Workstation Computer
A workstation computer is designed for technical or scientific applications. It
consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a high-speed
graphic adapter. It is a single-user computer. It is generally used to perform a
specific task with great accuracy.
Characteristics of Workstation Computer
 It is expensive or high in cost.
 They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
 It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more powerful CPU
when compared to a PC.
 It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video
creation, and editing.
Personal Computer (PC)
Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a general-
purpose computer designed for individual use. It consists of a microprocessor as
a central processing unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit. This kind
of computer is suitable for personal work such as making an assignment,
watching a movie, or at the office for office work, etc. For example, Laptops
and desktop computers.

Characteristics of Personal Computer (PC)

 In this limited number of software can be used.
 It is the smallest in size.
 It is designed for personal use.
 It is easy to use.

Server Computer

Server Computers are computers that are combined data and programs.
Electronic data and applications are stored and shared in the server computer.
The working of a server computer is that it does not solve a bigger problem like
a supercomputer but it solves many smaller similar ones. Examples of server
computer are like Wikipedia, as when users put a request for any page, it finds
what the user is looking for and sends it to the user.
Analog Computer
Analog Computers are particularly designed to process analog data. Continuous
data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values are called
analog data. So, an analog computer is used where we don’t need exact values
or need approximate values such as speed, temperature, pressure, etc. It can
directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it
into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous changes in physical
quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example
speedometer, mercury thermometer, etc.
Digital Computer
Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can easily perform
calculations and logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as input and
processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final output. It
only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted to
0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the computer to produce the
result or final output. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including
smartphones are digital computers.
Hybrid Computer
As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different
things. Similarly, the hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and
digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like analog computers and have
memory and accuracy like digital computers. So, it has the ability to process
both continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog signals
as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the input data.
So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analog and digital
data are required to be processed. A processor which is used in petrol pumps
that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is an
example of a hybrid computer.

Tablet and Smartphones

Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers that are pocket friendly and
easy to carry is these are handy. This is one of the best use of modern
technology. These devices have better hardware capabilities, extensive
operating systems, and better multimedia functionality. smartphones and tablets
contain a number of sensors and are also able to provide wireless
communication protocols.
 Phases of Computer Generations
This long period is often conveniently divided into the subsequent phases
called computer generations.
 First Generation Computers (1940-1956)
 Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)
 Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)
 Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)
 Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)

Generations of
Computer Time-Period Evolving Hardware

First Generation 1940s – 1950s Vacuum Tube Based

Second Generation 1950s – 1960s Transistor Based

Third Generation 1960s – 1970s Integrated Circuit Based

Fourth Generation 1970s – Present Microprocessor Based

Artificial Intelligence
Fifth Generation Present – Future
Based
Before the generation of computers, we used calculators, spreadsheets, and
computer algebra systems, mathematicians and inventors searched for
solutions to ease the burden of calculation.

Below are the 8 Mechanical Calculators before modern computers were

invented.
1. Abacus (ca. 2700 BC)
2. Pascal’s Calculator (1652)
3. Stepped Reckoner (1694)
4. Arithmometer (1820)
5. Comptometer (1887) and Comptograph (1889)
6. The Difference Engine (1822)
7. Analytical Engine (1834)
8. The Millionaire (1893)
First Generation Computers
The technology behind the primary generation computers was a fragile glass
device, which was called a vacuum tube. These computers were very heavy
and really large. These weren’t very reliable and programming on them was a
tedious task as they used low-level programming language and used no OS.
First-generation computers were used for calculation, storage, and control
purpose. They were too bulky and large that they needed a full room and
consume a lot of electricity. Punch cards were used for improving the
information for external storage. Magnetic card used . Machine and assembly
language is developed.
Examples of some main first-generation computers are mentioned below.
 ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, built by J. Presper
Eckert and John V. Mauchly was a general-purpose computer. It had been
cumbersome, and large, and contained 18,000 vacuum tubes.
 EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer was designed
by von Neumann. It could store data also as instruction and thus the speed
was enhanced.
 UNIVAC: Universal Automatic Computer was developed in 1952 by
Eckert and Mauchly.
 Vacuum Tube

Characteristics of First-Generation Computers

Characteristics Components

Main electronic component Vacuum tube.

Programming language Machine language.

Main memory Magnetic tapes and magnetic drums.

Input/output devices Paper tape and punched cards.

Very slow and very large (often

Speed and size
taking up an entire room).

IBM 650, IBM 701, ENIAC,

Examples of the first generation
UNIVAC1, etc.
Second Generation Computers
Second-generation computers used the technology of transistors rather than
bulky vacuum tubes. Another feature was the core storage. A transistor may be
a device composed of semiconductor material that amplifies a sign or opens or
closes a circuit.
Transistors were invented in Bell Labs. The use of transistors made it possible
to perform powerfully and with due speed. It reduced the dimensions and price
and thankfully the warmth too, which was generated by vacuum tubes. Central
Processing Unit (CPU), memory, programming language, and input, and
output units also came into the force within the second generation.
The programming language was shifted from high level to programming
language and made programming comparatively a simple task for
programmers. Languages used for programming during this era were
FORTRAN (1956), ALGOL (1958), and COBOL (1959).

Transistor

Characteristics of Second-Generation Computers

Characteristics Components

Main electronic component Transistor.

Machine language and assembly

Programming language
language.

Magnetic core and magnetic

Memory
tape/disk.

Input/output devices Magnetic tape and punched cards.

Smaller in size, had low power

consumption, and generated less heat
Power and size
(in comparison with the first-
generation computers).
 Characteristics Components

PDP-8, IBM1400 series, IBM 7090

Examples of the second generation and 7094, UNIVAC 1107, CDC
3600, etc.
Third Generation Computers
During the third generation, technology envisaged a shift from huge transistors
to integrated circuits, also referred to as IC. Here a variety of transistors were
placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors. The most feature of this era’s
computer was speed and reliability. IC was made from silicon and also called
silicon chips.
The computer programs was designed to make the machine work. Operating
system was a program designed to handle a machine completely. Because of
the operating system machine could execute multiple jobs simultaneously.
Integrated circuits were used to replace many transistors used in the second
generation.
A single IC has many transistors, registers, and capacitors built on one thin
slice of silicon. The value size was reduced and memory space and dealing
efficiency were increased during this generation. Programming was now
wiped out Higher level languages like BASIC (Beginners All-purpose
Symbolic Instruction Code). Minicomputers find their shape during this era.

Integrated Circuit

Characteristics of Third-Generation Computers

 Characteristics Components

Main electronic component Integrated circuits (ICs).

Programming language High-level language.

Large magnetic core, magnetic

Memory
tape/disk.

Magnetic tape, monitor, keyboard,

Input/output devices
printer, etc.

IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, NCR

Examples of the third generation
395, B6500, UNIVAC 1108, etc.
Fourth Generation Computers
In 1971 First microprocessors were used, the large-scale of integration LSI
circuits built on one chip called microprocessors. The advantage of this
technology is that one microprocessor can contain all the circuits required to
perform arithmetic, logic, and control functions on one chip. LSI placed
thousands of transistors onto a single chip.
The computers using microchips were called microcomputers. This generation
provided even smaller size of computers, with larger capacities. That’s not
enough, then Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits replaced LSI
circuits. The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of
the pc from the central processing unit and memory to input/ output controls
on one chip and allowed the dimensions to reduce drastically. VLSI placed
several hundred thousand transistors on a single silicon chip. This silicon chip
is known as the micro processor.
Technologies like multiprocessing, multiprogramming, time-sharing, operating
speed, and virtual memory made it a more user-friendly and customary device.
The concept of private computers and computer networks came into being
within the fourth generation.
 Microprocessor

Characteristics of Fourth-Generation Computers

Characteristics Components

Very-large-scale integration (VLSI)

and the microprocessor (VLSI has
Main electronic component
thousands of transistors on a single
microchip).

semiconductor memory (such

Memory
as RAM, ROM, etc.).

pointing devices, optical scanning,

Input/output devices
keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.

IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II,

Examples of the fourth generation
Apple Macintosh, Alter 8800, etc.
Fifth Generation Computers
The technology behind the fifth generation of computers is AI. It allows
computers to behave like humans. It is often seen in programs like voice
recognition, area of medicine, and entertainment. Within the field of game
playing also it’s shown remarkable performance where computers are capable
of beating human competitors.
The speed is the highest, size is the smallest and area of use has remarkably
increased within the fifth generation computers. Though not a hundred percent
AI has been achieved to date but keeping in sight the present developments, it
is often said that this dream also will become a reality very soon.
To summarize the features of varied generations of computers, it is often said
that a big improvement has been seen so far because of the speed and accuracy
of functioning care, but if we mention the dimensions, it’s been small over the
years. The value is additionally diminishing and reliability is increasing.

AI-Based Computers

Characteristics of Fifth-Generation Computers

 Characteristics Components

Based on artificial intelligence, uses

the Ultra Large-Scale Integration
(ULSI) technology and parallel
processing method (ULSI has
Main electronic component millions of transistors on a single
microchip and the Parallel processing
method use two or more
microprocessors to run tasks
simultaneously).

Understand natural language (human

Language
language).

Size Portable and small in size.

Trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen,

pen, speech input (recognize
Input/output device
voice/speech), light scanner, printer,
keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc.

Desktops, laptops, tablets,

Example of the fifth generation
smartphones, etc.

An input/output device, often known as an IO device, is any hardware that

allows a human operator or other systems to interface with a computer.
Input/output devices, as the name implies, are capable of delivering data
(output) to and receiving data from a computer (input). An input/output (I/O)
device is a piece of hardware that can take, output, or process data. It receives
data as input and provides it to a computer, as well as sends computer data to
storage media as a storage output.
Input Devices
Input devices are the devices that are used to send signals to the computer for
performing tasks. The receiver at the end is the CPU (Central Processing
Unit), which works to send signals to the output devices. Some of the
classifications of Input devices are:
 Keyboard Devices
 Pointing Devices
 Composite Devices
 Game Controller
 Visual Devices
 Audio Input Devices
Some of the input devices are described below.
Keyboard
The keyboard is the most frequent and widely used input device for entering
data into a computer. Although there are some additional keys for performing
other operations, the keyboard layout is similar to that of a typical typewriter.
Generally, keyboards come in two sizes: 84 keys or 101/102 keys but currently
keyboards with 104 keys or 108 keys are also available for Windows and the
Internet.

Keyboard

Types of Keys
 Numeric Keys: It is used to enter numeric data or move the cursor. It
usually consists of a set of 17 keys.
 Typing Keys: The letter keys (A-Z) and number keys (09) are among these
keys.
 Control Keys: These keys control the pointer and the screen. There are
four directional arrow keys on it. Home, End, Insert, Alternate(Alt), Delete,
Control(Ctrl), etc., and Escape are all control keys (Esc).
 Special Keys: Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, NumLk, Tab, etc., and Print Screen
are among the special function keys on the keyboard.
 Function Keys: The 12 keys from F1 to F12 are on the topmost row of the
keyboard.
Mouse
The most common pointing device is the mouse. The mouse is used to move a
little cursor across the screen while clicking and dragging. The cursor will stop
if you let go of the mouse. The computer is dependent on you to move the
mouse; it won’t move by itself. As a result, it’s an input device.
A mouse is an input device that lets you move the mouse on a flat surface to
control the coordinates and movement of the on-screen cursor/pointer.
The left mouse button can be used to select or move items, while the right
mouse button when clicked displays extra menus.

Mouse

Joystick
A joystick is a pointing device that is used to move the cursor on a computer
screen. A spherical ball is attached to both the bottom and top ends of the
stick. In a socket, the lower spherical ball slides. You can move the joystick in
all four directions.

Joystick
The joystick’s function is comparable to that of a mouse. It is primarily used in
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and playing video games on the computer.
Track Ball
Track Ball is an accessory for notebooks and laptops, which works on behalf
of a mouse. It has a similar structure to a mouse. Its structure is like a half-
inserted ball and we use fingers for cursor movement. Different shapes are
used for this like balls, buttons, or squares.
Light Pen
A light pen is a type of pointing device that looks like a pen. It can be used to
select a menu item or to draw on the monitor screen. A photocell and an
optical system are enclosed in a tiny tube. When the tip of a light pen is moved
across a monitor screen while the pen button is pushed, the photocell sensor
element identifies the screen location and provides a signal to the CPU.

Light Pen

Scanner
A scanner is an input device that functions similarly to a photocopier. It’s
employed when there’s information on paper that needs to be transferred to the
computer’s hard disc for subsequent manipulation. The scanner collects
images from the source and converts them to a digital format that may be
saved on a disc. Before they are printed, these images can be modified.
 Scanner

Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

An Optical Mark Reader is a device that is generally used in educational
institutions to check the answers to objective exams. It recognizes the marks
present by pencil and pen.
Optical Character Reader (OCR)
OCR stands for optical character recognition, and it is a device that reads
printed text. OCR optically scans the text, character by character turns it into a
machine-readable code, and saves it to the system memory.
Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)
It is a device that is generally used in banks to deal with the cheques given to
the bank by the customer. It helps in reading the magnetic ink present in the
code number and cheque number. This process is very fast compared to any
other process.
Bar Code Reader
A bar code reader is a device that reads data that is bar-coded (data that is
represented by light and dark lines).Bar-coded data is commonly used to mark
things, number books, and so on. It could be a handheld scanner or part of a
stationary scanner. A bar code reader scans a bar code image, converts it to an
alphanumeric value, and then sends it to the computer to which it is connected.
 Bar Code Reader

Web Camera
Because a web camera records a video image of the scene in front of it, a
webcam is an input device. It is either built inside the computer (for example,
a laptop) or attached through a USB connection. A webcam is a computer-
connected tiny digital video camera. It’s also known as a web camera because
it can take images and record video. These cameras come with software that
must be installed on the computer in order to broadcast video in real-time over
the Internet. It can shoot images and HD videos, however, the video quality
isn’t as good as other cameras (In Mobiles or other devices or normal
cameras).

Web Camera
Digitizer
Digitizer is a device that is used to convert analog signals to digital signals. it
converts signals into numeric values. An example of a Digitizer is Graphic
Tablet, which is used to convert graphics to binary data.
Microphone
The microphone works as an input device that receives input voice signals and
also has the responsibility of converting it also to digital form. It is a very
common device that is present in every device which is related to music.
Output Devices
Output Devices are the devices that show us the result after giving the input to
a computer system. Output can be of many different forms like image, graphic
audio, video, etc. Some of the output devices are described below.
Monitor
Monitors, also known as Visual Display Units (VDUs) , are a computer’s
primary output device. It creates images by arranging small dots, known as
pixels, in a rectangular pattern. The amount of pixels determines the image’s
sharpness.
The two kinds of viewing screens used for monitors are described below.
 Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor: Pixels are minuscule visual elements
that make up a CRT display. The higher the image quality or resolution, the
smaller the pixels.
 Flat-Panel Display Monitor: In comparison to the CRT, a flat-panel
display is a type of video display with less volume, weight, and power
consumption. They can be hung on the wall or worn on the wrist.
Flat-panel displays are currently used in calculators, video games, monitors,
laptop computers, and graphical displays.

Monitor

Television
Television is one of the common output devices which is present in each and
every house. It portrays video and audio files on the screen as the user handles
the television. Nowadays, we are using plasma displays as compared to CRT
screens which we used earlier.
Printer
Printers are output devices that allow you to print information on paper. There
are certain types of printers which are described below.
 Impact Printers
 Character Printers
 Line Printers
 Non-Impact Printers
 Laser Printers
 Inkjet Printers

Printer

Impact Printer
Characters are printed on the ribbon, which is subsequently crushed against the
paper, in impact printers. The following are the characteristics of impact
printers:
 Exceptionally low consumable cost.
 Quite noisy
 Because of its low cost, it is ideal for large-scale printing.
 To create an image, there is physical contact with the paper.
Character Printers
Character Printer has the capability to print only one character at a time. It is
of two types.
 Dot Matrix Printer
 Daisy Wheel
Line Printers
Line Printers are printers that have the capability to print one line at a time. It
is of two types.
 Drum Printer
 Chain Printer
Non-Impact Printers
Characters are printed without the need for a ribbon in non-impact printers.
Because these printers print a full page at a time, they’re also known as Page
Printers. The following are the characteristics of non-impact printers:
 Faster
 They don’t make a lot of noise.
 Excellent quality
 Supports a variety of typefaces and character sizes
Laser Printers
Laser Printers use laser lights for producing dots which will produce
characters on the page.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are printers that use spray technology for printing papers. High-
quality papers are produced in an Inkjet printer. They also do color printing.
Speakers
Speakers are devices that produce sound after getting a command from a
computer. Nowadays, speakers come with wireless technology also like
Bluetooth speakers.
Projector
Projectors are optical devices that have the work to show visuals on both types
of screens, stationary and moving both. It helps in displaying images on a big
screen. Projectors are generally used in theatres, auditoriums, etc.

Plotter
Plotter is a device that helps in making graphics or other images to give a real
view. A graphic card is mandatorily required to use these devices. These are
the pen-like devices that help in generating exact designs on the computer.
Braille Reader
Braille Reader is a very important device that is used by blind users. It helps
people with low vision or no vision to recognize the data by running their
fingers over the device to understand easily. It is a very important device for
blind persons as it gives them the comfort to understand the letters, alphabets,
etc which helps them in study.
Video Card
A video Card is a device that is fitted into the motherboard of the computer. It
helps in improvising digital content in output devices. It is an important tool
that helps people in using multiple devices.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Global Positioning System helps the user in terms of directions, as it uses
satellite technology to track the geometrical locations of the users. With
continuous latitudinal and longitudinal calculations, GPS gives accurate
results. Nowadays, all smart devices have inbuilt GPS.
Headphones
Headphones are just like a speaker, which is generally used by a single person
or it is a single-person usable device and is not commonly used in large areas.
These are also called headsets having a lower sound frequency.

The Input and Output Devices of a Computer

There are so many devices that contain the characteristics of both input and
output. They can perform both operations as they receive data and provide
results. Some of them are mentioned below.

USB Drive
USB Drive is one of the devices which perform both input and output
operations as a USB Drive helps in receiving data from a device and sending it
to other devices.
Modem
Modems are one of the important devices that helps in transmitting data using
telephonic lines.
CD and DVD
CD and DVD are the most common device that helps in saving data from one
computer in a particular format and send data to other devices which works as
an input device to the computer.
Headset
The headset consists of a speaker and microphone where a speaker is an output
device and a microphone works as an input device.
Facsimile
A facsimile is a fax machine that consists of a scanner and printer, where the
scanner works as an input device and the printer works as an output device.

FAQs on Input and Output Devices

1. List the Disadvantages of CRT Monitor.
Answer:
Some of the disadvantages of CRT Monitor are :
 High power consumption
 Big back and take up a lot of desk space.
 Because it is less bright than an LCD, it is not ideal for excessively bright
environments.
 They’re big, heavy, and clumsy.


2. Compare Input & Output Devices.

Answer:
Input Device Output Device

It shows the data after

Data is accepted by the user of the device
processing to the user

It accepts the user’s data and transmits it to It receives the data from the
the processor for saving in the secondary processor and returns it to the
memory or processing. user

More complex designing Less complex designing

These devices are used to

These devices are used to accept the data
display or show the data

Example: Monitor, Printer,

Example: Keyboard, mouse, etc
etc