Computer:

The computer is an electronic device that takes input from the user and
processes these data under the control of a set of instructions (called
program) and gives the result (output) and saves future use.
The term computer is derived from the Latin term ‘computare’, this
means to calculate .Computer is made of hardware and software. It can
not do anything without a Program.
Characteristics of Computer System
The characteristics of the computer system are as follows −

Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans
while performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions
(1,000,000) of instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their
operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.
Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to
data inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same
consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its
memory also makes it superior to that of human beings.
Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of
works with same accuracy and efficiency.
Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if
we give same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without
manual intervention.
Memory
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which
are also used to store data.

Disadvantages of Using Computer:

1. Lack of common sense:
Computer is only an electronic device. It cannot think. If we provide an
incorrect data, it does not have the commonsense to question the
correctness of the data. For overcoming this problem, several Software
Specialists are engaged in the project of developing intelligence to the
computer. To it, they have given name as Artificial Intelligence. They are
willing to develop the feeling and inhumation in this device.

2. Memory without brain:

Computer can store data in its memory. However, if a wrong instruction
is provided, it does not have a brain to correct the wrong instructions.

3. Slavery:
A computer is a slave; it cannot execute the program by itself. It requires
instructions to execute the program and generate information. Thus, we
see that the computer cannot do anything by itself. It has a relationship
of master and slave. Until master is not instructing, slave will not
perform any function. In the same way computer does.
Basic Applications of Computer
Computers play a role in every field of life. They are used in homes, business,
educational institutions, research organizations, medical field, government
offices, entertainment, etc.
Home
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment,
watching movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing
games, internet access, etc. They provide communication through electronic
mail. They help to avail work from home facility for corporate employees.
Computers help the student community to avail online educational support.
Medical Field
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history,
diagnosis, X-rays, live monitoring of patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays use
robotic surgical devices to perform delicate operations, and conduct surgeries
remotely. Virtual reality technologies are also used for training purposes. It also
helps to monitor the fetus inside the mother’s womb.
Entertainment
Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a virtual
entertainer in playing games, listening to music, etc. MIDI instruments greatly
help people in the entertainment industry in recording music with artificial
instruments. Videos can be fed from computers to full screen televisions. Photo
editors are available with fabulous features.
Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing
inventory, designing purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior
designing, video conferencing, etc. Online marketing has seen a great revolution
in its ability to sell various products to inaccessible corners like interior or rural
areas. Stock markets have seen phenomenal participation from different levels
of people through the use of computers.
Education
Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online
examinations, referring e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help in increased use
of audio-visual aids in the education field.
Government
In government sectors, computers are used in data processing, maintaining a
database of citizens and supporting a paperless environment. The country’s
defense organizations have greatly benefitted from computers in their use for
missile development, satellites, rocket launches, etc.
Banking
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and
conduct transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs.
Banks have reduced manual errors and expenses to a great extent through
extensive use of computers.
Business
Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into business. The main objective of
business is transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers,
employees or customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and
accurate. People can analyze investments, sales, expenses, markets and other
aspects of business using computers.
Training
Many organizations use computer-based training to train their employees, to
save money and improve performance. Video conferencing through computers
allows saving of time and travelling costs by being able to connect people in
various locations.
Arts
Computers are extensively used in dance, photography, arts and culture. The
fluid movement of dance can be shown live via animation. Photos can be
digitized using computers.
Science and Engineering
Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic process in
Science and Engineering. Supercomputers have numerous applications in area
of Research and Development (R&D). Topographic images can be created
through computers. Scientists use computers to plot and analyze data to have a
better understanding of earthquakes.
Components of Computer System

Input Unit
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the
computer. This unit creates a link between the user and the computer. The input
devices translate the information into a form understandable by the computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data
processing operations. It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions
(program). It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.
CPU itself has the following three components −
 ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 Memory Unit
 Control Unit
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Data entered into computer is sent to RAM, from where it is then sent to ALU,
where rest of data processing takes place. All types of processing, such as
comparisons, decision-making and processing of non-numeric information takes
place here and once again data is moved to RAM.
Control Unit
As name indicates, this part of CPU extracts instructions, performs execution,
maintains and directs operations of entire system.
Functions of Control Unit
Control unit performs following functions −
It controls all activities of computer

 Supervises flow of data within CPU
 Directs flow of data within CPU
 Transfers data to Arithmetic and Logic Unit
 Transfers results to memory
 Fetches results from memory to output devices
Memory Unit
This is unit in which data and instructions given to computer as well as results
given by computer are stored. Unit of memory is "Byte".
1 Byte = 8 Bits

Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the
information from the computer. This unit is a link between the computer and the
users. Output devices translate the computer's output into a form understandable
by the users.

History of Computers

The first counting device was used by the primitive people.

They used sticks, stones and bones as counting tools. As
human mind and technology improved with time more
computing devices were developed. Some of the popular
computing devices starting with the first to recent ones are
described below;
Abacus

The history of computer begins with the birth of abacus which

is believed to be the first computer. It is said that Chinese
invented Abacus around 4,000 years ago.

It was a wooden rack which has metal rods with beads

mounted on them. The beads were moved by the abacus
operator according to some rules to perform arithmetic
calculations. Abacus is still used in some countries like China,
Russia and Japan.
Napier's Bones
It was a manually-operated calculating device which was
invented by John Napier (1550-1617) of Merchiston. In this
calculating tool, he used 9 different ivory strips or bones
marked with numbers to multiply and divide. So, the tool
became known as "Napier's Bones. It was also the first
machine to use the decimal point.
Pascaline
Pascaline is also known as Arithmetic Machine or Adding
Machine. It was invented between 1642 and 1644 by a French
mathematician-philosopher Biaise Pascal. It is believed that it
was the first mechanical and automatic calculator.
It could only perform addition and subtraction. It was a wooden
box with a series of gears and wheels. When a wheel is rotated
one revolution, it rotates the neighboring wheel.
Stepped Reckoner or Leibnitz wheel

It was developed by a German mathematician-philosopher

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz in 1673. He improved Pascal's
invention to develop this machine. It was a digital mechanical
calculator which was called the stepped reckoner as instead of
gears it was made of fluted drums.

Difference Engine
In the early 1820s, it was designed by Charles Babbage who is
known as "Father of Modern Computer". It was a mechanical
computer which could perform simple calculations. It was a
steam driven calculating machine designed to solve tables of
numbers like logarithm tables.
Analytical Engine
This calculating machine was also developed by Charles
Babbage in 1830. It was a mechanical computer that used
punch-cards as input. It was capable of solving any
mathematical problem and storing information as a permanent
memory.
Tabulating Machine
It was invented in 1890, by Herman Hollerith, an American
statistician. It was a mechanical tabulator based on punch
cards. It could tabulate statistics and record or sort data or
information. This machine was used in the 1890 U.S. Census.
Hollerith also started the Hollerith?s Tabulating Machine
Company which later became International Business Machine
(IBM) in 1924.
Differential Analyzer
It was the first electronic computer introduced in the United
States in 1930. It was an analog device invented by Vannevar
Bush. This machine has vacuum tubes to switch electrical
signals to perform calculations. It could do 25 calculations in
few minutes.

Mark I
The next major changes in the history of computer began in
1937 when Howard Aiken planned to develop a machine that
could perform calculations involving large numbers. In 1944,
Mark I computer was built as a partnership between IBM and
Harvard. It was the first programmable digital computer.

Generations of Computers

A generation of computers refers to the specific improvements

in computer technology with time.

There are five generations of computers which are described

below;
First Generation Computers

The first generation (1946-1959) computers were slow, huge

and expensive. In these computers, vacuum tubes were used
as the basic components of CPU and memory. These computers
were mainly depended on batch operating system and punch
cards. Magnetic tape and paper tape were used as output and
input devices in this generation;

Some of the popular first generation computers are;

o ENIAC ( Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

o EDVAC ( Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)
o UNIVACI( Universal Automatic Computer)
o IBM-701
o IBM-650

Second Generation Computers

The second generation (1959-1965) was the era of the

transistor computers. These computers used transistors which
were cheap, compact and consuming less power; it made
transistor computers faster than the first generation
computers.

In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary

memory and magnetic disc and tapes were used as the
secondary storage. Assembly language and programming
languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, and Batch processing and
multiprogramming operating systems were used in these
computers.

Some of the popular second generation computers are;

o IBM 1620
o IBM 7094
o CDC 1604
o CDC 3600
o UNIVAC 1108
Third Generation Computers

The third generation computers used integrated circuits (ICs)

instead of transistors. A single IC can pack huge number of
transistors which increased the power of a computer and
reduced the cost. The computers also became more reliable,
efficient and smaller in size. These generation computers used
remote processing, time-sharing, multi programming as
operating system. Also, the high-level programming languages
like FORTRON-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, ALGOL-68 were
used in this generation.

Some of the popular third generation computers are;

o IBM-360 series
o Honeywell-6000 series
o PDP(Personal Data Processor)
o IBM-370/168

Fourth Generation Computers

The fourth generation (1971-1980) computers used very large

scale integrated (VLSI) circuits; a chip containing millions of
transistors and other circuit elements. These chips made this
generation computers more compact, powerful, fast and
affordable. These generation computers used real time, time
sharing and distributed operating system. The programming
languages like C, C++, DBASE were also used in this
generation.

Some of the popular fourth generation computers are;

o DEC 10
o STAR 1000
o PDP 11
o CRAY-1(Super Computer)
o CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)
Fifth Generation Computers

In fifth generation (1980-till date) computers, the VLSI

technology was replaced with ULSI (Ultra Large Scale
Integration). It made possible the production of microprocessor
chips with ten million electronic components. This generation
computers used parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial
Intelligence) software. The programming languages used in
this generation were C, C++, Java, .Net, etc.

Some of the popular fifth generation computers are;

o Desktop
o Laptop
o NoteBook
o UltraBook
o ChromeBook

Memory
The device that is used to store data or programs on a temporary or
permanent basis for use in an electronic digital computer is called memory.
Memory is primarily of three types −
Cache Memory

 Primary Memory/Main Memory
 Secondary Memory
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed
up the CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the main memory. It is
used to hold those parts of data and program which are most frequently used
by the CPU. The parts of data and programs are transferred from the disk to
cache memory by the operating system, from where the CPU can access
them.
Advantages
The advantages of cache memory are as follows −
 Cache memory is faster than main memory.
  It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
 It stores the program that can be executed within a short period
of time.
 It stores data for temporary use.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows −
 Cache memory has limited capacity.
 It is very expensive.


Primary Memory
Primary memory is the main memory of computer system. The instructions
that have to be currently executed is copied to the primary memory because
CPU can directly access the data from primary memory. Accessing data from
primary memory is faster as it is an internal memory and processor accesses
data from primary memory using data bus.

The primary memory is usually volatile in nature which means data in

primary memory does not loss even if power is turned off.

Primary Memory is of two types: RAM and ROM.

RAM

It is a volatile memory. It means it does not store data or instructions

permanently. When you switch on the computer the data and instructions
from the hard disk are stored in RAM.

CPU utilizes this data to perform the required tasks. As soon as you shut
down the computer the RAM loses all the data.

ROM

It is a non-volatile memory. It means it does not lose its data or programs

that are written on it at the time of manufacture. So it is a permanent
memory that contains all important data and instructions needed to perform
important tasks like the boot process.
Secondary Memory

Secondary memory is an auxiliary memory of the computer. The data that

has to be permanently stored is kept in secondary memory. The CPU can not
directly access the data in secondary memory. The data has to be initially
copied to primary memory then only it can be processed by CPU. Hence,
accessing data from secondary memory is slower.

The secondary memory is non-volatile in nature, which means that the

content of the secondary memory exist even if the power is switched off.

Some of the secondary memory or storage devices are described below:

1) Hard Disk:

It is a rigid magnetic disc that is used to store data. It permanently stores

data and is located within a drive unit.

The hard disk is also known as a hard drive.

2) Solid-state Drive:

SSD (Solid State Drive) is also a non-volatile storage medium that is used to
hold and access data ,Unlike a hard drive. It has become an ideal
replacement for a standard hard drive in desktop and laptop computers. It is
also suitable for notebooks, and tablets that don't require lots of storage.

3) Pen drive:

Pen drive is a compact secondary storage device. It is also known as a USB

flash drive, thumb drive or a jump drive. It connects to a computer via a USB
port. It is commonly used to store and transfer data between computers.

4) SD Card:

SD Card stands for Secure Digital Card. It is most often used in portable and
mobile devices such as smartphones and digital cameras. You can remove it
from your device and see the things stored in it using a computer with a card
reader.
5) Compact Disk (CD):

Compact Disk is a portable secondary storage device in the shape of a round

medium disk. It is made of polycarbonate plastic. In the beginning, it was
used for storing and playing sound recordings, later it was used for various
purposes such as for storing documents, audio files, videos, and other data
like software programs in a CD.

6) DVD:

DVD is short for digital versatile disc or digital video disc. It is a type of optical
media used for storing optical data. Although it has the same size as a CD, its
storage capacity is much more than a CD. So, it is widely used for storing and
viewing movies and to distribute software programs as they are too large to
fit on a CD.

Types of RAM
Two main types of RAM are:

 Static RAM
 Dynamic RAM

1. Static RAM
Static RAM is the full form of SRAM. In this type of RAM, data is stored using
the state of a six transistor memory cell. Static RAM is mostly used as a cache
memory for the processor (CPU).

Characteristic of Static RAM

 Long life
 No need to refresh
 Faster
 Used as cache memory
 Large size
 Expensive
 High power consumption

2. Dynamic RAM
DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. It is a type of RAM which
allows you to stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within a specific
integrated circuit. Dynamic RAM is a standard computer memory of the
many modern desktop computers.

This type of RAM is a volatile memory that needs to be refreshed with

voltage regularly. Else it loses the information stored on it.

Characteristics of Dynamic RAM

 Short data lifetime
 Needs to be refreshed continuously
 Slower as compared to SRAM
 Used as RAM
 Smaller in size
 Less expensive
 Less power consumption

Type of ROM:

 PROM: Programmable ROM , or PROM, is essentially a blank

version of ROM that you can purchase and program once with the
help of a special tool called a programmer.

 EPROM: Erasable Programmable ROM chips allow you to write and

rewrite them many times. These chips feature a quartz window
through which a specialized EPROM programmer emits a specific
frequency of ultraviolet light. This light burns out all the tiny
charges in the EPROM to reopen its circuits.

 EEPROM: To modify an Electrically Erasable Programmable

ROM chip, apply localized electrical fields to erase and rewrite the
data. EEPROMs have several advantages over other types of ROM.
Unlike the earlier forms, you can rewrite EEPROM without
dedicated equipment, without removing it from the hardware, and
in specifically designated increments. You don’t have to erase and
rewrite everything to make a single edit.

 MROM(Mask ROM) – Mask ROM is a kind of read-only memory, that is

masked off at the time of production. Like other types of ROM, mask
ROM cannot enable the user to change the data stored in it. If it can,
the process would be difficult or slow.
Measurement units
Measurement units are made all the time in machines, and they determine
how the machine works. These metrics include how much space a storage
medium has to hold a file, the current temperature of the CPU, and how long
the user has been idle.
There are many types of measurement units, which we are going to describe
below:
1. Storage measurement units
All characters, numbers, symbols, images, sounds, animations, videos, and
everything is converted into suitable binary code to store on a computer or
processed by computer.

2. Speed Measurement Units

Speed is related to time. The computer can perform millions of tasks in one
second. So to compare the speed of computer operation (execution of
programs and instructions) we require some units that can represent a very
small fraction of time.
 3. Measurement Unit of the processing unit
The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is the part of the machine that
retrieves and executes instructions. An arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a
control unit, and multiple registers make up the system. The processor is a
common term for the central processing unit (CPU).

Types of Computer
1. On the basis of data handling capabilities, there are three
types of computer:
a) Analogue Computer
b) Digital Computer
c) Hybrid Computer

a. Analogue Computer
 Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data.
Analogue data is continuous data that changes continuously and
cannot have discrete values.

Advantages of using analogue computers:

o It allows real-time operations and computation at the same time
and continuous representation of all data within the rage of the
analogue machine.
o In some applications, it allows performing calculations without
taking the help of transducers for converting the inputs or outputs
to digital electronic form and vice versa.
o The programmer can scale the problem for the dynamic range of
the analogue computer. It provides insight into the problem and
helps understand the errors and their effects.

b. Digital Computer

Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical

operations at high speed. It accepts the raw data as input in the form of
digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) and processes it with programs stored
in its memory to produce the output. All modern computers like laptops,
desktops including smartphones that we use at home or office are digital
computers.

Advantages of digital computers:

o It allows you to store a large amount of information and to retrieve
it easily whenever you need it.
o You can easily add new features to digital systems more easily.
o Different applications can be used in digital systems just by
changing the program without making any changes in hardware
o The cost of hardware is less due to the advancement in the IC
technology.
o It offers high speed as the data is processed digitally.
o It is highly reliable as it uses error correction codes.
o Reproducibility of results is higher as the output is not affected by
noise, temperature, humidity, and other properties of its c
 c. Hybrid Computer

Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It

is fast like an analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like
digital computers. It can process both continuous and discrete data. It
accepts analogue signals and convert them into digital form before
processing. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both
analogue and digital data is processed.

Advantages of using hybrid computers:

o Its computing speed is very high due to the all-parallel
configuration of the analogue subsystem.
o It produces precise and quick results that are more accurate and
useful.
o It has the ability to solve and manage big equation in real-time.
o It helps in the on-line data processing.

2. On the basis of size

Supercomputer

Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are

designed to process huge amount of data. A supercomputer
can process trillions of instructions in a second.

Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and

engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific
simulations and nuclear energy research.
Characteristics or applications of supercomputers:
o It has the ability to decrypt your password to enhance protection
for security reasons.
o It produces excellent results in animations.
o It is used for virtual testing of nuclear weapons and critical medical
tests.
o It can study and understand climate patterns and forecast weather
conditions.
 o It helps in designing the flight simulators for pilots at the beginner
level for their training.
o It helps in extracting useful information from data storage centers
or cloud system. For example, in insurance companies.
o It has played a vital role in managing the online currency world
such as stock market and bitcoin.
o It helps in the diagnosis of various critical diseases and in
producing accurate results in brain injuries, strokes, etc.
o It helps in scientific research areas by accurately analyzing data
obtained from exploring the solar system, satellites, and movement
of Earth.
o It also used in a smog control system where it predicts the level of
fog and other pollutants in the atmosphere.

Mainframe computer

Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands

of users simultaneously. They can support multiple programs at the
same time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously.
These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big
organizations like banking and telecom sectors, which need to manage
and process high volume of data.

Characteristics of Mainframe Computers:

o It can process huge amount of data, e.g. millions of transactions in
a second in the banking sector.
o It has a very long life. It can run smoothly for up to 50 years after
proper installation.
o It gives excellent performance with large scale memory
management.
o It has the ability to share or distribute its workload among other
processors and input/output terminals.
o There are fewer chances of error or bugs during processing in
mainframe computers. If any error occurs it can fix it quickly
without affecting the performance.
 o It has the ability to protect the stored data and other ongoing
exchange of information and data.

Miniframe or Minicomputer

It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more

processors and can support 4 to 200 users at one time. Miniframe
computers are used in institutes and departments for tasks such as
billing, accounting and inventory management. A minicomputer lies
between the mainframe and microcomputer as it is smaller than
mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.

Characteristics of miniframe or minicomputer:

o It is light weight that makes it easy to carry and fit anywhere.
o It is less expensive than mainframe computers.
o It is very fast compared to its size.
o It remains charged for a long time.
o It does not require a controlled operational environment.

Microcomputer

Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-

purpose computer that is designed for individual use. It has a
microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input
unit and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of
microcomputers.

Characteristics of a microcomputer:
o It is the smallest in size among all types of computers.
o A limited number of software can be used.
o It is designed for personal work and applications. Only one user
can work at a time.
o It is less expansive and easy to use.
o It does not require the user to have special skills or training to use
it.
o Generally, comes with single semiconductor chip.
 o It is capable of multitasking such as printing, scanning, browsing,
watching videos, etc.

Input Devices

Input device enables the user to send data, information, or control signals to a
computer. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer receives the input
and processes it to produce the output.

1) Keyboard

The keyboard is a basic input device that is used to enter data into a computer
or any other electronic device by pressing keys. It has different sets of keys for
letters, numbers, characters, and functions. Keyboards are connected to a
computer through USB or a Bluetooth device for wireless communication.

2) Mouse

The mouse is a hand-held input device which is used to move cursor or pointer
across the screen. It is designed to be used on a flat surface and generally has
left and right button and a scroll wheel between them. Laptop computers
come with a touchpad that works as a mouse.

3) Scanner

The scanner uses the pictures and pages of text as input. It scans the picture or
a document. The scanned picture or document then converted into a digital
format or file and is displayed on the screen as an output. It uses optical
character recognition techniques to convert images into digital ones.

4) Joystick
A joystick is also a pointing input device like a mouse. It is made up of a stick
with a spherical base. The base is fitted in a socket that allows free movement
of the stick. The movement of stick controls the cursor or pointer on the
screen.
5) Light Pen
A light pen is a computer input device that looks like a pen. The tip of the light
pen contains a light-sensitive detector that enables the user to point to or
select objects on the display screen. Its light sensitive tip detects the object
location and sends the corresponding signals to the CPU
. 6) Digitizer
Digitizer is a computer input device that has a flat surface and usually comes
with a stylus. It enables the user to draw images and graphics using the stylus
as we draw on paper with a pencil. The images or graphics drawn on the
digitizer appear on the computer monitor or display screen. The software
converts the touch inputs into lines and can also convert handwritten text to
typewritten words.
7) Microphone
The microphone is a computer input device that is used to input the sound. It
receives the sound vibrations and converts them into audio signals or sends to
a recording medium. The audio signals are converted into digital data and
stored in the computer. The microphone also enables the user to
telecommunicate with others.
8) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
MICR computer input device is designed to read the text printed with magnetic
ink. MICR is a character recognition technology that makes use of special
magnetized ink which is sensitive to magnetic fields. It is widely used in banks
to process the cheques and other organizations where security is a major
concern. It can process three hundred cheques in a minute with hundred-
percent accuracy. The details on the bottom of the cheque (MICR No.) are
written with magnetic ink. A laser printer with MICR toner can be used to print
the magnetic ink.
9) Optical Character Reader (OCR)
OCR computer input device is designed to convert the scanned images of
handwritten, typed or printed text into digital text. It is widely used in offices
and libraries to convert documents and books into electronic files.
10) Digital camera:
OCR computer input device is designed to convert the scanned images of
handwritten, typed or printed text into digital text. It is widely used in offices
and libraries to convert documents and books into electronic files.
Output Devices:

The output device displays the result of the processing of raw data that is
entered in the computer through an input device. There are a number of
output devices that display output in different ways such as text, images, hard
copies, and audio or video.

Some of the popular output devices are:

1) Monitor

The monitor is the display unit or screen of the computer. It is the main output
device that displays the processed data or information as text, images, audio
or video.

The types of monitors are given below.

i) CRT Monitor
CRT monitors are based on the cathode ray tubes. They are like vacuum tubes
which produce images in the form of video signals. Cathode rays tube
produces a beam of electrons through electron guns that strike on the inner
phosphorescent surface of the screen to produce images on the screen. The
monitor contains millions of phosphorus dots of red, green and blue color.
These dots start to glow when struck by electron beams and this phenomenon
is called cathodoluminescence.

ii) LCD Monitor

The LCD monitor is a flat panel screen that is compact and light-weight
as compared to CRT monitors. It is based on liquid crystal display
technology which is used in the screens of laptops, tablets, smart
phones, etc. An LCD screen comprises two layers of polarized glass with
a liquid crystal solution between them. When the light passes through
the first layer, an electric current aligns the liquids crystals. The aligned
 liquid crystals allow a varying level of light to pass through the second
layer to create images on the screen.

iii) LED monitor

The LED monitor is an improved version of an LCD monitor. It also has a flat
panel display and uses liquid crystal display technology like the LCD monitors.
The difference between them lies in the source of light to backlight the display.
The LED monitor has many LED panels, and each panel has several LEDs to
backlight the display, whereas the LCD monitors use cold cathode fluorescent
light to backlight the display.

2) Printer

A printer produces hard copies of the processed data. It enables the user, to
print images, text or any other information onto the paper.

Based on the printing mechanism, the printers are of two types: Impact
Printers and Non-impact Printers.

Impact Printer

The impact printer uses a hammer or print head to print the character or
images onto the paper. The hammer or print head strikes or presses an ink
ribbon against the paper to print characters and images.
They are of two types:
A. Character Printers
i. Dot Matrix printers
ii. Daisy Wheel printers
B. Line printers
i. Drum printers
ii. Chain printers

Character Printers

Character printer prints a single character at a time or with a single stroke of

the print head or hammer. It does not print one line at a time. Dot Matrix
printer and Daisy Wheel printer are character printers. Today, these printers
are not in much use due to their low speed and because only the text can be
printed.

The character printers are of two types, which are as follows:

i) Dot Matrix Printer

Dot Matrix Printer is an impact printer. The characters and images

printed by it are the patterns of dots. These patterns are produced by
striking the ink soaked ribbon against the paper with a print head. The print
head contains pins that produce a pattern of dots on the paper to form the
individual characters. The print head of a 24 pin dot matrix contains more
pins than a 9 pin dot matrix printer, so it produces more dots which results
in better printing of characters. To produce color output, the black ribbon
can be changed with color stripes. The speed of Dot Matrix printers is
around 200-500 characters per second.

ii) Daisy Wheel Printer

It consists of a wheel or disk that has spokes or extensions and looks like
a daisy, so it is named Daisy Wheel printer. At the end of extensions,
molded metal characters are mounted. To print a character the printer
rotates the wheel, and when the desired character is on the print location
the hammer hits disk and the extension hits the ink ribbon against the
paper to create the impression. It cannot be used to print graphics and is
often noisy and slow, i.e., the speed is very low around 25-50 characters per
second. Due to these drawbacks,these printers have become obsolete.
B) Line Printers:

Line printer, which is also as a bar printer, prints one line at a time. It is a high-
speed impact printer as it can print 500 to 3000 lines per minute. Drum printer
and chain printer are examples of line printers.

i) Drum Printer:

Drum printer is a line printer that is made of a rotating drum to print

characters. The drum has circular bands of characters on its surface.
It has a separate hammer for each band of characters. When you
print, the drum rotates, and when the desired character comes under
the hammer, the hammer strikes the ink ribbon against the paper to
print characters.

These printers are known to be very noisy due to the use of

hammering techniques.

ii) Chain Printer:

Chain printer is a line printer that uses a rotating chain to print

characters. The characters are embossed on the surface of the chain.
The chain rotates horizontally around a set of hammers, for each
print location one hammer is provided, i.e., the total number of
hammers is equal to the total number of print positions. They can
type 500 to 3000 lines per minute. They are also noisy due to the
hammering action.

Non-Impact Printer:

Non-impact printers don't print characters or images by striking a print head or

hammer on the ink ribbon placed against the paper. They print characters and
images without direct physical contact between the paper and the printing
machinery. These printers can print a complete page at a time, so they are also
known as page printers. The common types of non-impact printers are Laser
printer and Inkjet printer:

i) Laser Printer:

A laser printer is a non-impact printer that uses a laser beam to print the
characters. The laser beam hits the drum, which is a photoreceptor and draws
the image on the drum by altering electrical charges on the drum. The drum
 then rolls in toner, and the charged image on the drum picks the toner. The
toner is then printed on the paper using heat and pressure.

ii) Inkjet Printer:

The inkjet printer is a non-impact printer that prints images and characters by
spraying fine,ionized drops of ink. The print head has tiny nozzles to spray the
ink. The printer head moves back and forth and sprays ionized drops of ink on
the paper, which is fed through the printer.

It is capable of printing high-quality images with different colors.

3) Projector

A projector is an output device that enables the user to project the output
onto a large surface such as a big screen or wall. It can be connected to a
computer and similar devices to project their output onto a screen. It uses light
and lenses to produce magnified texts, images, and videos.

Difference between Inkjet Printer and Laser Printer :

Inkjet Printer Laser Printer

1. It is cheaper. 1. It is expensive than Inkjet Printers.

2. They have nozzle from which ink is

sprayed onto paper and it gets
printed. 2. They do not have nozzle.

3. Ink is in the form of toner

3. Ink in the cartridges is in liquid (powder), it does not dries up
form, which dries if not used for a even if you don’t use it for a long
long time. time.

4. Ink should be refilled in a short 4. Ink in these printers lasts long. So,
span of time, which makes it quite there is no need to refill the bar
Inkjet Printer Laser Printer

expensive. again and again.

5. Buying these laser printers, is

5. At last, buying these printers in not expensive at first but using it over
expensive but using it over time time it costs less than Inkjet
costs more and more. Printers.

6. If you are student or if you print 6. If you want to print only text like
assignments, projects or print documents or PDFs or want to
colorful pictures, then one can print normal pages, then one can
prefer Inkjet printers. prefer Laser printers.

Bus System in Computer

A bus is a collection of wires, chips, and slots inside the computer through
which data are transmitted from one part of the computer to another to and
from (in and out) from peripheral devices.

The function of the bus are:

 It carries information from one component to another.

 It carries data, addresses, or control signals.
 One component of the component can interact with others by bus.
The bus consists of three main parts:

 Control bus
 Address bus
 Data bus
Address bus:
It is a group of conducting wires which carries address only.Address bus is
unidirectional because data flow in one direction, from microprocessor to
memory or from microprocessor to Input/output devices. The microprocessor
8085 can transfer maximum 16 bit address.
Data bus –
It is a group of conducting wires which carries Data only.Data bus is
bidirectional because data flow in both directions, from microprocessor to
memory or Input/Output devices and from memory or Input/Output devices
to microprocessor. Length of Data Bus of 8085 microprocessor is 8 Bit .
Control bus -
The control bus carries the control signal. The control signal is used for
controlling and coordinating the various activities across the computer. It is
generated from the control unit within the CPU.
Some control signals are:
 Memory read
 Memory write
 I/O read
 I/O Write
 Opcode fetch

Hardware Interfaces: Parallel Port, Serial Port, USB Ports, HDMI and Expansion
Slots
A port is a physical point using which an external device can be connected to
the computer.

Serial Port:

This type of ports provides an interface to connect to peripheral devices using

a serial protocol. In this port, the rate of transmission of data is one bit at a
time through a single communication line. For example, D-Subminiature or D-
sub connector is a commonly used serial port, which carries RS-232 signals.

Parallel Port:
A parallel port is an interface that allows communication or data transfer
between a computer and a device in a parallel manner through more than one
communication line. For example, a printer port is a parallel port.
HDMI port:

HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) is a digital interface developed to

connect high definition devices such as digital cameras, gaming consoles, etc.,
to computers and TVs with HDMI ports. Besides this, it can carry
uncompressed video and uncompressed or compressed audio signals. The
advanced version of HDMI, such as 2.0, can transfer video signals of up to a
resolution of 4096x2160.

USB:

USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is very versatile in use; It can be used for
various purposes, such as to transfer data, to connect peripheral devices, and
even as an interface for charging devices such as smartphones, digital cameras,
etc. Today, it has replaced PS/2 connectors, game ports, serial and parallel
ports, etc.

Mobile Computing

Mobile Computing refers a technology that allows transmission of data, voice

and video via a computer or any other wireless enabled device. It is free from
having a connection with a fixed physical link. It facilitates the users to move
from one physical location to another during communication.

Applications of Mobile Computing

Following is a list of some significant fields in which mobile computing is

generally applied:

o Web or Internet access.

o Global Position System (GPS).
o Emergency services.
o Entertainment services.
o Educational services.