BCA Ist SEMESTER

UNIT 1

Definition of Embedded system, GIS, GPS, Cloud Computing Uses of computers in

egovernance and various public domains and services. Block diagrams of computer
and its functional units. Concept of hardware, software and firmware. Types of
software. Input devices: keyboard, scanner, mouse, light pen, bar code reader, OMR,
OCR, MICR, track hall, joystick, touch screen camera, mice etc. Output devices:
monitors classification of monitors based on technology -CRT & flat panel, LCD, LED
monitors, speakers, printers dot matrix printer, ink jet printer, laser printer, 3D
Printers, Wi-Fi enabled printers, plots and their types, LCD/LED projectors. Computer
memory and its types, Storage devices Magnetic tapes. Floppy Disks, Hard Disks,
Compact Disc CD-ROM, CD-RW, VCD, DVD, DVD-RW, USB drives, Blue Ray Disc,
SD/MMC Memory cards.

Definition of Embedded system –

An embedded system is a small computer that's built into a larger device or

machine to control it and allow the user to interact with it. Embedded
systems are often microprocessor-based and can be simple or complex
depending on their intended purpose.

Here are some characteristics of embedded systems:

Purpose

Embedded systems are designed to perform a specific function, such as

controlling a device or allowing a user to interact with it.

Components
Embedded systems include hardware, software, and an integrated circuit
that performs computational tasks. They can use a single microcontroller or
multiple processors with linked peripherals and networks.

Memory

Embedded systems use read-only memory or flash memory chips to store

programming instructions. Static random access memory (SRAM) and
dynamic random access memory (DRAM) are common types of memory used
in embedded systems.

Operating systems

Embedded systems often use real-time operating systems.

Complexity

Embedded systems can be complex, but most of the complexity is contained

within the microcontroller.

Examples

Examples of embedded systems include the controller in a microwave oven,

the engine control system in a car, and the computers in smartphones,
medical devices, and wearable fitness devices.

GIS

Geographic Information System is a computer-based tool that allows users

to create, manage, analyze, and map data. GIS integrates location data with
descriptive information to create maps.
GPS

Global Positioning System is a satellite-based radio navigation system that

uses satellites to provide location information.

Cloud computing

A technology that allows users to access computing services without

installing complex infrastructure. Cloud computing offers a software-as-a-
service (SaaS) model.

GIS Cloud Computing is the use of cloud computing in the field of

geographic information systems. It allows users to store and process large
amounts of spatial data, and access it from anywhere over the internet. GIS
Cloud Computing offers several benefits, including: Reduced costs and
resources for physical data storage, Faster processing speed, Increased
flexibility with scalable resources, and Real-time collaboration.

GIS Cloud is a collaborative mapping solution that uses cloud computing to

provide desktop GIS features. It offers a variety of applications, including
map editor, mobile data collection, map viewer, and map portal.

Use of Computers in E-Governance

E-governance uses computers for:

- Online services
- Digital identification

- Electronic voting

- Online complaint resolution

Use of Computers in Public Domains and Services

Computers are used in:

- Healthcare

- Education

- Transportation

- Banking

Here's a detailed explanation:

Use of Computers in E-Governance

E-governance, also known as electronic governance, refers to the use of

technology to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of
government services. Computers play a vital role in e-governance, enabling
governments to provide various online services to citizens. Some examples
include:

1. Online Services: Governments provide online platforms for citizens to

access various services, such as:
 - Applying for passports, visas, and licenses

- Filing taxes and paying bills

- Registering for social welfare programs

- Accessing land records and property information

2. Digital Identification: Computers enable the creation and management of

digital identities, such as:

- Aadhaar cards (India)

- Social Security numbers (USA)

- National Identity Cards (various countries)

3. Electronic Voting: Computers facilitate electronic voting systems,

ensuring secure, efficient, and transparent elections.

4. Online Complaint Resolution: Governments establish online portals for

citizens to report grievances, track progress, and receive resolutions.

Benefits of E-Governance

1. Increased efficiency

2. Improved transparency

3. Enhanced citizen engagement

4. Reduced corruption

5. Cost savings

Use of Computers in Public Domains and Services

Computers have transformed various public domains and services,
improving their efficiency, accessibility, and quality.

1. Healthcare:

- Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

- Telemedicine

- Online appointment scheduling

- Medical research and analytics

2. Education:

- Online courses and degree programs

- Digital libraries and resources

- Virtual classrooms

- Student information systems

3. Transportation:

- Traffic management systems

- Route optimization

- Online ticketing and booking

- Vehicle tracking systems

4. Banking:

- Online banking and mobile banking

- Electronic fund transfers

- Automated teller machines (ATMs)

- Credit scoring and risk analysis

Benefits of Computers in Public Domains and Services

1. Improved accessibility

2. Enhanced efficiency

3. Increased accuracy

4. Better decision-making

5. Cost savings

Real-World Examples

1. India's Aadhaar program (digital identification)

2. Estonia's e-governance platform (online services)

3. United States' Electronic Health Record (EHR) system

4. Singapore's Smart Nation initiative (transportation, healthcare, and

education)

5. Kenya's M-Pesa mobile banking system.

What is a Block Diagram of a

Computer?
Input

All the data received by the computer goes through the input unit. The input
unit comprises different devices like a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. In
other words, each of these devices acts as a mediator between the users and
the computer.

The data that is to be processed is put through the input unit. The computer
accepts the raw data in binary form. It then processes the data and
produces the desired output.

Major Functions of the Input Unit

The 3 major functions of the input unit are-

Take the data to be processed by the user.

Convert the given data into machine-readable form.

And then, transmit the converted data into the main memory of the
computer. The sole purpose is to connect the user and the computer. In
addition, this creates easy communication between them.

CPU – Central Processing Unit

Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It works
the same way a human brain works. As the brain controls all human
activities, similarly the CPU controls all the tasks.

Moreover, the CPU conducts all the arithmetical and logical operations in
the computer.

Now the CPU comprises of two units, namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
and CU (Control Unit). Both of these units work in sync. The CPU processes
the data as a whole.

Let us see what particular tasks are assigned to both units.

ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit

The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of two terms, arithmetic and logic. There
are two primary functions that this unit performs.

Data is inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs
the basic arithmetical operations on it, like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. It performs all sorts of calculations required on
the data. Then, it sends back data to the storage.

The unit is also responsible for performing logical operations like AND, OR,
Equal to, Less than, etc. In addition to this, it conducts merging, sorting,
and selection of the given data.
CU – Control Unit

The control unit as the name suggests is the controller of all the
activities/tasks and operations. All this is performed inside the computer.

The memory unit sends a set of instructions to the control unit. Then the
control unit in turn converts those instructions. After that these instructions
are converted to control signals.

These control signals help in prioritizing and scheduling activities. Thus, the
control unit coordinates the tasks inside the computer in sync with the input
and output units.

Memory Unit

All the data that has to be processed or has been processed is stored in the
memory unit. The memory unit acts as a hub of all the data. It transmits it
to the required part of the computer whenever necessary.

The memory unit works in sync with the CPU. This helps in faster accessing
and processing of the data. Thus, making tasks easier and quicker.

Types of Computer Memory

There are two types of computer memory-

Primary Memory
This type of memory cannot store a vast amount of data. Therefore, it is
only used to store recent data. The data stored in this is temporary. It can
get erased once the power is switched off. Therefore, is also called
temporary memory or main memory.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is an example of primary

memory. This memory is directly accessible by the CPU. It is used for
reading and writing purposes. For data to be processed, it has to be first
transferred to the RAM and then to the CPU.

Secondary Memory

As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary data. Thus it

cannot be accessed in the future. For permanent storage purposes,
secondary memory is used. It is also called permanent memory or auxiliary
memory. The hard disk is an example of secondary memory. Even in a power
failure data does not get erased easily.

Output

There is nothing to be amazed by what the output unit is used for. All the
information sent to the computer once processed is received by the user
through the output unit. Devices like printers, monitors, projectors, etc. all
come under the output unit.

The output unit displays the data either in the form of a soft copy or a hard
copy. The printer is for the hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The
output unit accepts the data in binary form from the computer. It then
converts it into a readable form for the user.
Concept of hardware, software and firmware.
Hardware

The physical components of a device, such as the CPU, RAM, and storage.
Hardware is the basis of a device and is necessary to access the internet,
email, or any other system.

Software

A set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. Software allows
users to interact with the device and perform tasks, such as browsing the
internet, word processing, and listening to music.

Firmware - A type of software that acts as an intermediary between the

hardware and software. Firmware provides instructions to help hardware
start up, communicate with other devices, and perform basic input/output
tasks.

Firmware is often referred to as “software for hardware”. It's dependent on

both hardware and software, and each core firmware component relies on
the other ones to work.

Firmware manufacturers regularly release updates to keep devices secure

and compatible with new media. Firmware updates can add new features,
fix bugs, and improve overall solution performance.

Types of software.
Software is a collection of instructions, data, or computer programs that are
used to run machines and carry out particular activities. It is the antithesis
of hardware, which refers to a computer’s external components. A device’s
running programs, scripts, and applications are collectively referred to as
“software” in this context.

What is a Software?

In a computer system, the software is basically a set of instructions or

commands that tell a computer what to do. In other words, the software is a
computer program that provides a set of instructions to execute a user’s
commands and tell the computer what to do. For example like MS-Word,
MS-Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Types of Software

It is a collection of data that is given to the computer to complete a

particular task. The chart below describes the types of software:
Above is the diagram of types of software. Now we will briefly describe each
type and its subtypes:

System Software

Operating System

Language Processor

Device Driver

Application Software

General Purpose Software

Customize Software
Utility Software

System Software

System software is software that directly operates the computer hardware

and provides the basic functionality to the users as well as to the other
software to operate smoothly. Or in other words, system software basically
controls a computer’s internal functioning and also controls hardware
devices such as monitors, printers, and storage devices, etc. It is like an
interface between hardware and user applications, it helps them to
communicate with each other because hardware understands machine
language(i.e. 1 or 0) whereas user applications are work in human-readable
languages like English, Hindi, German, etc. so system software converts the
human-readable language into machine language and vice versa.

Types of System Software

It has two subtypes which are:

Operating System: It is the main program of a computer system. When the

computer system ON it is the first software that loads into the computer’s
memory. Basically, it manages all the resources such as computer memory,
CPU, printer, hard disk, etc., and provides an interface to the user, which
helps the user to interact with the computer system. It also provides various
services to other computer software. Examples of operating systems are
Linux, Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, etc.

Language Processor: As we know that system software converts the human-

readable language into a machine language and vice versa. So, the
conversion is done by the language processor. It converts programs written
in high-level programming languages like Java, C, C++, Python, etc(known
as source code), into sets of instructions that are easily readable by
machines(known as object code or machine code).

Device Driver: A device driver is a program or software that controls a

device and helps that device to perform its functions. Every device like a
printer, mouse, modem, etc. needs a driver to connect with the computer
system eternally. So, when you connect a new device with your computer
system, first you need to install the driver of that device so that your
operating system knows how to control or manage that device.

Features of System Software

Let us discuss some of the features of System Software:

System Software is closer to the computer system.

System Software is written in a low-level language in general.

System software is difficult to design and understand.

System software is fast in speed(working speed).

System software is less interactive for the users in comparison to

application software.

Application Software

Software that performs special functions or provides functions that are

much more than the basic operation of the computer is known as
application software. Or in other words, application software is designed to
perform a specific task for end-users. It is a product or a program that is
designed only to fulfill end-users’ requirements. It includes word processors,
spreadsheets, database management, inventory, payroll programs, etc.

Types of Application Software

There are different types of application software and those are:

General Purpose Software: This type of application software is used for a

variety of tasks and it is not limited to performing a specific task only. For
example, MS-Word, MS-Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Customized Software: This type of application software is used or designed
to perform specific tasks or functions or designed for specific organizations.
For example, railway reservation system, airline reservation system, invoice
management system, etc.

Utility Software: This type of application software is used to support the

computer infrastructure. It is designed to analyze, configure, optimize and
maintains the system, and take care of its requirements as well. For
example, antivirus, disk fragmenter, memory tester, disk repair, disk
cleaners, registry cleaners, disk space analyzer, etc.

Features of Application Software

Let us discuss some of the features of Application Software:

An important feature of application software is it performs more specialized

tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, email, etc.

Mostly, the size of the software is big, so it requires more storage space.

Application software is more interactive for the users, so it is easy to use

and design.

The application software is easy to design and understand.

Application software is written in a high-level language in general.

System Software Application Software

It is designed to manage the resources of It is designed to fulfill the

the computer system, like memory and requirements of the user for
process management, etc. performing specific tasks.

Written in a low-level language. Written in a high-level language.

System Software Application Software

Less interactive for the users. More interactive for the users.

Application software is not so

System software plays vital role for the
important for the functioning of the
effective functioning of a system.
system, as it is task specific.

It is independent of the application

It needs system software to run.
software to run.

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.

Some of the popular input devices are:

Keyboard

Mouse

Scanner

Joystick
Light Pen

Digitizer

Microphone

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

Optical Character Reader (OCR)

Digital Camera

Paddle

Steering Wheel

Gesture recognition devices

Light Gun

Touch Pad

Remote

Touch screen

VR

Webcam

Biometric Devices

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.
Types of keyboards: There can be different types of keyboards based on the
region and language used. Some of the common types of keyboards are as
follows:

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i) QWERTY Keyboard:

It is the most commonly used keyboard with computers in modern times. It is

named after the first six letters of the top row of buttons and is even popular
in countries that do not use Latin-based alphabet. It is so popular that some
people think that it is the only type of keyboard to use with computers as an
input device.

ii) AZERTY Keyboard:

It is considered the standard French keyboard. It is developed in France as an

alternative layout to the QWERTY layout and is mainly used in France and
other European countries. Some countries have manufactured their own
versions of AZERTY.

Its name is derived from the first six letters that appear on the top left row of
the keyboard. The Q and W keys in AZERTY keyboard are interchanged with A
and Z keys in QWERTY keyboard. Furthermore, in AZERTY keyboard M key is
located to the left of the L key.
AZERTY keyboard differs from QWERTY keyboard not only in the placement of
letters but also in many other ways, e.g., it gives emphasis on accents, which is
required for writing European languages like French.

iii) DVORAK Keyboard:

This type of keyboard layout was developed to increase the typing speed by
reducing the finger movement while typing. The most frequently used letters
are kept in a home row to improve typing.

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. It lets you control the movement of
cursor or pointer by moving your finger over the touchpad. Some mouse comes
with integrated features such as extra buttons to perform different buttons.

The mouse was invented by Douglas C. Engelbart in 1963. Early mouse had a
roller ball integrated as a movement sensor underneath the device. Modern
mouse devices come with optical technology that controls cursor movements by
a visible or invisible light beam. A mouse is connected to a computer through
different ports depending on the type of computer and type of a mouse.

Common types of the mouse:

i) Trackball Mouse:
It is a stationary input device that has ball mechanism to move the pointer or
cursor on the screen. The ball is half inserted in the device and can be easily
rolled with finger, thumb or the palm to move the pointer on the screen. The
device has sensor to detect the rotation of ball. It remains stationary; you don't
need to move it on the operating surface. So, it is an ideal device if you have
limited desk space as you don't need to move it like a mouse.

ii) Mechanical Mouse:

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It has a system of a ball and several rollers to track its movement. It is a

corded type of mouse. A mechanical mouse can be used for high performance.
The drawback is that they tend to get dust into the mechanics and thus require
regular cleaning.
iii) Optical Mouse:

An optical mouse uses optical electronics to track its movement. It is more

reliable than a mechanical mouse and also requires less maintenance.
However, its performance is affected by the surface on which it is operated.
Plain non-glossy mouse mat should be used for best results. The rough surface
may cause problems for the optical recognition system, and the glossy surface
may reflect the light wrongly and thus may cause tracking issues.

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iv) Cordless or Wireless Mouse:

As the name suggests, this type of mouse lacks cable and uses wireless
technology such as IrDA (infrared) or radio (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) to control the
movement of the cursor. It is used to improve the experience of using a mouse.
It uses batteries for its power supply.
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. Some of
the common types of scanners are as follows:

Types of Scanner:

i) Flatbed Scanner:

It has a glass pane and a moving optical CIS or CCD array. The light
illuminates the pane, and then the image is placed on the glass pane. The light
moves across the glass pane and scans the document and thus produces its
digital copy. You will need a transparency adapter while scanning transparent
slides.

ii) Handheld Scanner:

It is a small manual scanning device which is held by hand and is rolled over a
flat image that is to be scanned. The drawback in using this device is that the
hand should be steady while scanning; otherwise, it may distort the image.
One of the commonly used handheld scanners is the barcode scanner which
you would have seen in shopping stores.

iii) Sheetfed Scanner:

In this scanner, the document is inserted into the slot provided in the scanner.
The main components of this scanner include the sheet-feeder, scanning
module, and calibration sheet. The light does not move in this scanner.
Instead, the document moves through the scanner. It is suitable for scanning
single page documents, not for thick objects like books, magazines, etc.

iv) Drum Scanner:

Drum scanner has a photomultiplier tube (PMT) to scan images. It does not
have a charge-coupled device like a flatbed scanner. The photomultiplier tube
is extremely sensitive to light. The image is placed on a glass tube, and the
light moves across the image, which produces a reflection of the image which
is captured by the PMT and processed. These scanners have high resolution and
are suitable for detailed scans.

v) Photo Scanner:

It is designed to scan photographs. It has high resolution and color depth,

which are required for scanning photographs. Some photo scanners come with
in-built software for cleaning and restoring old photographs.

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.

The frist joystick was invented by C. B. Mirick at the U.S. Naval Research
Laboratory. A joystick can be of different types such as displacement joysticks,
finger-operated joysticks, hand operated, isometric joystick, and more. In
joystick, the cursor keeps moving in the direction of the joystick unless it is
upright, whereas, in mouse, the cursor moves only when the mouse moves.

Joysticks are still used today, but their usage is limited to specific fields.
Joysticks are currently used in the following areas:

1. Gaming: Joysticks are still used in gaming, particularly for flight simulators,
racing games, and arcade games.

2. Industrial control: Joysticks are used in industrial control systems, such as

crane control, robot control, and machinery control.

3. Medical devices: Joysticks are used in medical devices, such as surgical

robots, medical imaging devices, and patient handling systems.

4. Disability assistance: Joysticks are used in disability assistance devices, such

as wheelchair control, prosthetic limbs, and communication devices.
5. Simulation: Joysticks are used in simulation systems, such as flight
simulators, driving simulators, and military simulators.

In modern times, touchpads, touchscreens, and motion sensors are increasingly

replacing joysticks, but they are still used in specific fields.

Advantages of Joysticks:

1. Precise control

2. Easy navigation

3. Customizable

4. Durable

Disadvantages of Joysticks:

1. Limited functionality

2. Space-consuming

3. Maintenance requirements

Today, joysticks are mainly used in niche applications, but they remain an
important device for specific uses.

Some examples of modern joystick uses include:

- Flight simulation

- Gaming consoles

- Industrial automation

- Medical robotics

- Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) systems

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. It is not compatible
with LCD screens, so it is not in use today. It also helps you draw on the screen
if needed. The first light pen was invented around 1955 as a part of the
Whirlwind project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
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.

It can be used to capture handwritten signatures and data or images from

taped papers. Furthermore, it is also used to receive information in the form of
drawings and send output to a CAD (Computer-aided design) application and
software like AutoCAD. Thus, it allows you to convert hand-drawn images into
a format suitable for computer processing.

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. It is also used to add sound to presentations and
with webcams for video conferencing. A microphone can capture audio waves
in different ways; accordingly the three most common types are described
below:

i) Dynamic:

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It is the most commonly used microphone with a simple design. It has a
magnet which is wrapped by a metal coil and a thin sheet on the front end of
the magnet. The sheet transfers vibrations from sound waves to the coil and
from coil to electric wires which transmit the sound like an electrical signal.

ii) Condenser:

It is designed for audio recording and has a very sensitive and flat frequency
response. It has a front plate called diaphragm and a back plate parallel to the
front plate. When sound hits the diaphragm, it vibrates the diaphragm and
alters the distance between the two plates. The changes in distance are
transmitted as electric signals.

iii) Ribbon:
It is known for its reliability. It has a thin ribbon made of aluminum,
duraluminum, or nanofilm suspended in a magnetic field. The sound waves
cause vibrations in the ribbon, which generate a voltage proportional to the
velocity of the vibration. The voltage is transmitted as an electrical signal.
Early ribbon microphones had a transformer to increase the output voltage,
but modern ribbon microphones come with advanced magnets to produce a
strong signal.

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.

The device reads the details and sends to a computer for processing. A
document printed in magnetic ink is required to pass through a machine which
magnetizes the ink, and the magnetic information is then translated into
characters.

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.

It processes and copies the physical form of a document using a scanner. After
copying the documents, the OCR software converts the documents into a two-
color (black and white), version called bitmap. Then it is analyzed for light and
dark areas, where the dark areas are selected as characters, and the light area
is identified as background. It is widely used to convert hard copy legal or
historic documents into PDFs. The converted documents can be edited if
required like we edit documents created in ms word.
10) Digital camera:

It is a digital device as it captures images and records videos digitally and

then stores them on a memory card. It is provided with an image sensor chip to
capture images, as opposed to film used by traditional cameras. Besides this, a
camera that is connected to your computer can also be called a digital camera.

It has photosensors to record light that enters the camera through the lens.
When the light strikes the photosensors, each of the sensors returns the
electrical current, which is used to create the images.

11) Paddle:

It is a simple input device that is widely used in games. It is a wheel that is

held by hand and looks like a volume knob on a stereo that is used to increase
or decrease the volume. Paddle moves or controls cursor or any other objects in
the game in a back-and-forth motion. It is widely used as an alternative to the
joystick. Besides this, the term paddle also refers to many handheld devices
designed to control a function in an electronic device, computer, etc.

12) Steering wheel:

It is used as an input device in racing video games such as car racing games or
in driving programs as virtual simulators to steer a vehicle. It works like the
real steering wheel by allowing you to take a right or left turn. A steering
wheel may be provided with acceleration and brake pedal devices and a
mechanism for shifting gears. Thus, it makes racing games more adventurous
and entertaining.

13) Gesture recognition devices:

These devices take human gestures as input. There are many such devices that
respond to gestures. For example, Kinect is one such device that observes the
movement of a player's body and interprets these movements as inputs to
video games. This feature is also available in certain tablets and smartphones
where you can perform certain tasks such as taking pictures using finger
gestures such as swiping, pinching, etc.

14) Light Gun:

As the name suggests, it is a pointing input device that is designed to point at

and shoot the targets on the screen in a video game, or arcade, etc. The light
gun was used for the first time on the MIT Whirwind computer. When the gun
is pointed at the target on the screen and the trigger is pulled, the screen goes
blank for a fraction of a second. During this moment, the photodiode, which is
present in the barrel, determines where the gun is pointed. For example,
shooting ducks in a duck hunt game.
15) Touchpad:

It is usually found in laptops as a substitute for the mouse. It allows you to

move or control the cursor on the screen using your finger. Just like a mouse, it
also has two buttons for right and left click. Using the touchpad, you can
perform all the tasks that you do with a mouse, such as selecting an object on
the screen, copy, paste, delete, open a file or folder, and more.

16) Remote:

It is a hardware device designed to control the functioning of a device, e.g., a

TV remote that can be used to change channels, increase or decrease the
volume, from a distance without leaving the seat. The first cordless TV remote
was invented by Dr. Robert Adler of Zenith in 1956. The remote sends the
electromagnetic waves to communicate with the device. These waves can be
infrared rays, radio waves, etc.

17) Touch screen:

It is the display screen of a device such as a smartphone, tablet, etc., that
allows users to interact or provide inputs to the device by using their finger.
Today, most of the electronic devices come with touchscreen as an alternative
to a mouse for navigating a graphical user interface. For example, by touching,
you can unlock your phone, open emails, open files, play videos, etc. Besides
this, it is used in lots of devices such as Camera, Car GPS, Fitness machine, etc.

The concept of the touch screen was first introduced and published by E.A.
Johnson in 1965. The first touch screen was developed at the beginning of the
1970s by CERN engineers Frank Beck and Bent Stumpe.

18) VR:

VR stands for virtual reality. It is an artificial or virtual environment which is

generated by computers. A person can interact with virtual objects of this
artificial environment using some input devices such as headsets, gloves,
headphones, etc. For example, he or she can find himself or herself walking on
a beach, watching a football match, walking in the sky, etc., without actually
doing all this.

19) Webcam:

Any camera which is connected to a computer is called a webcam. The in-built

camera provided on a computer can also be considered a webcam. It is an
input device as it can take pictures, and can be used to record videos if
required. The pictures and videos are stored in the computer memory and can
be displayed on the screen if required. Although it works almost the same as
the digital camera, it is different from a digital camera, as it is designed to
take compact digital photos that can be uploaded easily on the webpages and
shared with others through the internet.

20) Biometric Devices:

Biometrics refers to a process in which a person is identified through his or her
biological features such as fingerprints, eye cornea, face structure, etc. It is
done by using biometric devices, which can be of different types based on their
scanning features and abilities, such as:

i) Face Scanner:
It is designed to identify a person by scanning his or her face. It takes the face
measurements of a person. For example, the distance between eyes, nose, and
mouth, etc., accordingly, it confirms the identity of a person. Besides this, it is
smart enough to differentiate between a person's picture and the real person.

ii) Hand Scanner:

The hand of a person can also be used to verify his or her identity as every
person has a unique pattern of veins in the palm, just like fingerprints. This
device takes advantage of this feature; it identifies a person by scanning the
palm of his hand. It uses infrared light to scan veins' patterns and blood
flowing in them. Palm is even more unique than fingerprints.
iii) Fingerprint Scanner:

It scans the fingerprints to identify people or for biometric authentication. This

device is developed, keeping in mind the fact that no two persons in the world
can have the same fingerprints. It is widely used in companies as a fingerprint
attendance system to mark the attendance of employees. This type of scanners
captures the pattern of valleys and ridges found on a finger and store it in the
memory or database. When you press your finger on the given space, it verifies
the identity by using its pattern-matching software.

iv) Retina or Iris Scanner:

It scans the retina or iris of a person's eye to confirm the identity. This device
is more secure than others as it is next to impossible to copy the retina or iris.
It works by mapping the retina's blood vessel patterns of the eye. The blood
vessels of retina absorb light more easily as well as can be identified with
appropriate lighting.
In this scan, a beam of low-energy infrared light falls on the retina through
the scanner's eyepiece. Then, the software captures the network of blood
vessels in the retina and uses it to verify a person's identity.

v) Voice Scanner:

It records the voice of a person and digitizes it to create a distinctive voice

print or template. The voiceprints are stored in the database, and are used to
verify the voice of a person to confirm his or her identity. The person is
required to speak in the normal or same voice that was used to create a voice
template. It is not much reliable as it can be misused using a tape recording.

(21) OMR –

OMR stands for Optical Mark Recognition, a technique for reading and
evaluating human-marked data on documents. OMR is used in a variety of
forms, including surveys, tests, elections, questionnaires, and course
evaluations.
Here's how OMR works:

Form design

The form is specially printed with stylized "bubbles" for people to mark their
answers.

Scanning

The form is scanned using an OMR device with a scanner. The scanner focuses
a light beam on the form paper and identifies areas of minimal ligh
light
transmission, which are the marked areas.

Data extraction
Once the data has been recognized and extracted, it can be sent to databases,
ERP systems, or other downstream business systems.

OMR is commonly used where a large number of candidates apply and where
data needs to be evaluated consistently and immediately.

OUTPUT DEVICES –

Monitors
Classification based on technology:

1. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Monitors: Older technology using cathode ray
tubes to display images.

- Advantages: Low cost, wide viewing angle.

- Disadvantages: Bulky, heavy, low resolution.

2. Flat Panel Monitors: Thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient.

- Types: LCD, LED, OLED.

- Advantages: Space-saving, low power consumption.

3. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Monitors: Use liquid crystals to block or

allow light.

- Advantages: Low power consumption, thin design.

- Disadvantages: Limited viewing angle, lower contrast.

4. LED Monitors: Use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting.

- Advantages: Energy-efficient, high contrast ratio.

- Disadvantages: Higher cost.

Types of Monitors

1. LED Monitors: Energy-efficient, thin, and lightweight.

2. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) Monitors: Better contrast, color, and

viewing angles.

3. Touchscreen Monitors: Allow user input via touch.

4. Curved Monitors: Provide immersive viewing experience.

5. 4K Monitors: High-resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) displays.

Speakers

1. Desktop Speakers: Compact, designed for computers.

2. Home Theater Systems: Multi-channel audio systems.

3. Wireless Speakers: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.

4. Gaming Speakers: Enhanced audio for gaming.

Printers

1. Dot Matrix Printers: Impact printers using ink ribbons.

- Advantages: Low cost, high-speed printing.

- Disadvantages: Low print quality.

2. Inkjet Printers: Use ink droplets to print text and images.

- Advantages: High print quality, color printing.

- Disadvantages: Slow printing speed.

3. Laser Printers: Use laser beams to produce high-quality text.

- Advantages: High-speed printing, high print quality.

 - Disadvantages: Expensive.

4. 3D Printers: Create physical objects layer by layer.

- Advantages: Create complex shapes, rapid prototyping.

- Disadvantages: High cost, limited materials.

5. Wi-Fi Enabled Printers: Wireless printing capability.

Types of Printers

1. Multifunction Printers: Combine printing, scanning, and copying.

2. Photo Printers: Specialized for printing high-quality photos.

3. Large Format Printers: Print large banners, posters, and signs.

4. Thermal Printers: Use heat to print on special paper.

Plotters

1. Inkjet Plotters: Large format printers for technical drawings.

2. Laser Plotters: High-precision plotters for technical drawings.

3. Pen Plotters: Use pens to draw on paper.

LCD/LED Projectors

1. Home Theater Projectors: For cinematic experiences.

2. Business Projectors: For presentations and meetings.

3. Portable Projectors: Compact, lightweight, and battery-powered.

4. Interactive Projectors: Allow touch input and collaboration.

Computer Storage Devices

A storage device for a computer enables its user to store and safely access
the data and applications on a computer device. Knowing and learning
about these computer storage devices is necessary as it works as one of the
core components of the system.

Computer Storage Device Definition: A hardware device which can be used

to store digital data and applications which may be in the form of images,
video, audio, etc. is called a storage device. It is a key component of a
computer and the hard drive is one of its examples.

Types of Computer Storage

The computer storage unit is divided into three parts. Given below are
details about the three types of computer storage:

Primary Storage: This is the direct memory which is accessible to the

Central Processing Unit (CPU).

This is also known as the main memory and is volatile.

This is temporary. As soon as the device turns off or is rebooted, the

memory is erased
It is smaller in size

Primary storage comprises only of Internal memory

Examples of primary storage include RAM, cache memory, etc.

Secondary Storage: This type of storage does not have direct accessibility to
the Central Processing Unit.

The input and output channels are used to connect such storage devices to
the computer, as they are mainly external

It is non-volatile and larger storage capacity in comparison to primary

storage

This type of storage is permanent until removed by an external factor

It comprises of both internal and external memory

Examples of secondary storage are USB drives, floppy disks, etc.

Tertiary Memory: This type of storage is generally not considered to be

important and is generally not a part of personal computers.

It involves mounting and unmounting of mass storage data which is

removable from a computer device

This type of storage holds robotic functions

It does not always require human intervention and can function

automatically

Also, for further information, refer to the links below where other important
Computer Awareness topics have been discussed in detail. Also, sample
questions based on each of them have also be given:

List of Computer Storage Devices

There are four types of devices in which computer data can be stored.
Discussed below are the same in detail.
Magnetic Storage Devices

The most commonly used storage devices in today’s time are magnetic
storage devices. These are affordable and easily accessible. A large amount
of data can be stored in these through magnetised mediums.

A magnetic field is created when the device is attached to the computer and
with the help of the two magnetic polarities, the device is able to read the
binary language and store the information. Given below are the examples of
magnetic storage devices.

 Floppy Disk – Also known as a floppy diskette, it is a removable

storage device which is in the shape of a square and comprises
magnetic elements. When placed in the disk reader of the computer
device, it spins around and can store information. Lately, these floppy
disks have been replaced with CDs, DVDs and USB drives

 Hard Drive – This primary storage device is directly attached to the

motherboard’s disk controller. It is integral storage space as it is
required to install any new program or application to the device.
Software programs, images, videos, etc. can all be saved in a hard
drive and hard drives with storage space in terabytes are also easily
available now

 Zip Disk – Introduced by Iomega, is a removable storage device which

was initially released with a storage space of 100 MB which was later
increased to 250 and then finally 750 MB

 Magnetic Strip – A magnetic strip is attached in the device comprising

digital data. The most suitable example for this is a debit card which
has a strip placed on one of its sides which stores the digital data.

Optical Storage Devices

Such devices used lasers and lights to detect and store data. They are
cheaper in comparison to USB drives and can store more data. Discussed
below are a few commonly used optical storage devices.

 CD-ROM – This stands for Compact Disc – Read-Only Memory and is

an external device which can store and read data in the form of audio
or software data

 Blu-Ray Disc – Introduced in 2006, Blu-ray disk was backup up by

major IT and computer companies. It can store up to 25 GB data in a
single-layer disc and 50 GB data in a dual-layer disc

 DVD – Digital Versatile Disc is another type of optical storage device.

It can be readable, recordable, and rewritable. Recordings can be done
in such devices and then can be attached to the system

 CD-R – It is a readable Compact Disc which uses photosensitive

organic dye to record data and store it. They are a low-cost
replacement for storing software and applications.

Flash Memory Devices

These storage devices have now replaced both magnetic and optical storage
devices. They are easy to use, portable and easily available and accessible.
They have become a cheaper and more convenient option to store data.

Discussed below are the major flash memory devices which are being
commonly used by the people nowadays.

 USB Drive – Also, known as a pen drive, this storage device is small in
size and is portable and ranges between storage space of 2 GB to 1 TB.
 It comprises an integrated circuit which allows it to store data and
also replace it

 Memory Card – Usually attached with smaller electronic and

computerised devices like mobile phones or digital camera, a memory
card can be used to store images, videos and audios and is compatible
and small in size

 Memory Stick – Originally launched by Sony, a memory stick can store

more data and is easy and quick to transfer data using this storage
device. Later on, various other versions of memory stock were also
released

 SD Card – Known as Secure Digital Card, it is used in various

electronic devices to store data and is available in mini and micro
sizes. Generally, computers have a separate slot to insert an SD card.
In case they do not have one, separate USBs are available in which
these cards can be inserted and then connected to the computer

There are various other flash memory drives which are also easily available
in the market and are easily accessible and easy to use.

Online Cloud Storage

The term Cloud computing is used to describe the data centres available for
users over the Internet where they can save their databases and files. This
data can easily be accessed over the internet anytime and anywhere.

This has become a common mode to store data. The largest or the smallest
computerised devices can use the online cloud storage to save their data
files. This option is also available in mobile phones where a backup of our
files and data is being managed.
Characteristics of Computer Storage Devices

Over the years, the usage of computer and electronic devices have massively
increased and so has the dependency on them. Personally or professionally
a lot of data is entered into the computer and storing it becomes a must for
future use. Thus, these internal and external storage devices have come in
as a saviour for the users.

In case of less memory space in the device, the various computer storage
devices can be used to save the data securely without losing it.

Given below are a few characteristics of these storage devices:

 Because of volatile memory, the data stored can be saved and also
replaced whenever needed.

 These devices are readable, writable and rewritable which ensures

that the data saved if not necessary can be removed or replaced
accordingly.

 Accessibility to these has become very easy and convenient. The

devices are easily available online and offline and need no expertise
for usage.

 The capacity and size of these drives and devices has become an
added advantage.

 Even in terms of performance, using these storage devices the data

can be saved easily but can also be transferred easily from one device
to another.
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THE END