COMPUTER INTRODUCTION

The literal meaning of computer is a device

that can calculate. However, modern
computers can do a lot more than calculate.
Computer is an electronic device that
receives input, stores or processes the input as
per user instructions and provides output in
desired format.

Input-Process-Output Model

Computer input is called data and the output

obtained after processing it, based on user’s
instructions is called information. Raw facts
and figures which can be processed using
arithmetic and logical operations to obtain
information are called data.

The processes that can be applied to data are

of two types −
Arithmetic operations − Examples include
calculations like addition, subtraction,
differentials, square root, etc.
Logical operations − Examples include
comparison operations like greater than, less
than, equal to, opposite, etc.
The corresponding figure for an actual
computer looks something like this −
The basic parts of a computer are as follows −
Input Unit − Devices like keyboard and
mouse that are used to input data and
instructions to the computer are called input
unit.
Output Unit − Devices like printer and visual
display unit that are used to provide
information to the user in desired format are
called output unit.
Control Unit − As the name suggests, this
unit controls all the functions of the computer.
All devices or parts of computer interact
through the control unit.
Arithmetic Logic Unit − This is the brain of
the computer where all arithmetic operations
and logical operations take place.
Memory − All input data, instructions and
data interim to the processes are stored in the
memory. Memory is of two types – primary
memory and secondary memory. Primary
memory resides within the CPU whereas
secondary memory is external to it.
Control unit, arithmetic logic unit and memory
are together called the central processing
unit or CPU. Computer devices like
keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. that we can see
and touch are the hardware components of a
computer. The set of instructions or programs
that make the computer function using these
hardware parts are called software. We cannot
see or touch software. Both hardware and
software are necessary for working of a
computer.
Characteristics of Computer
To understand why computers are such an
important part of our lives, let us look at some
of its characteristics −
Speed − Typically, a computer can carry out
3-4 million instructions per second.
Accuracy − Computers exhibit a very high
degree of accuracy. Errors that may occur are
usually due to inaccurate data, wrong
instructions or bug in chips – all human errors.
Reliability − Computers can carry out same
type of work repeatedly without throwing up
errors due to tiredness or boredom, which are
very common among humans.
Versatility − Computers can carry out a wide
range of work from data entry and ticket
booking to complex mathematical calculations
and continuous astronomical observations. If
you can input the necessary data with correct
instructions, computer will do the processing.
Storage Capacity − Computers can store a
very large amount of data at a fraction of cost
of traditional storage of files. Also, data is safe
from normal wear and tear associated with
paper.
Advantages of Using Computer
Now that we know the characteristics of
computers, we can see the advantages that
computers offer−
Computers can do the same task repetitively
with same accuracy.
Computers do not get tired or bored.
Computers can take up routine tasks while
releasing human resource for more intelligent
functions.
Disadvantages of Using Computer
Despite so many advantages, computers have
some disadvantages of their own −
Computers have no intelligence; they follow
the instructions blindly without considering
the outcome.
Regular electric supply is necessary to make
computers work, which could prove difficult
everywhere especially in developing nations.
Booting
Starting a computer or a computer-embedded
device is called booting. Booting takes place
in two steps −
Switching on power supply
Loading operating system into computer’s
main memory
Keeping all applications in a state of readiness
in case needed by the user
The first program or set of instructions that
run when the computer is switched on is called
BIOS or Basic Input Output System. BIOS
is a firmware, i.e. a piece of software
permanently programmed into the hardware.
If a system is already running but needs to be
restarted, it is called rebooting. Rebooting
may be required if a software or hardware has
been installed or system is unusually slow.
There are two types of boot
ing −
Cold Booting − When the system is started by
switching on the power supply it is called cold
booting. The next step in cold booting is
loading of BIOS.
Warm Booting − When the system is already
running and needs to be restarted or rebooted,
it is called warm booting. Warm booting is
faster than cold booting because BIOS is not
reloaded
Classification of computers
Historically computers were classified
according to processor types because
development in processor and processing
speeds were the developmental benchmarks.
Earliest computers used vacuum tubes for
processing, were huge and broke down
frequently. However, as vacuum tubes were
replaced by transistors and then chips, their
size decreased and processing speeds
increased manifold.
All modern computers and computing devices
use microprocessors whose speeds and storage
capacities are skyrocketing day by day. The
developmental benchmark for computers is
now their size. Computers are now classified
on the basis of their use or size −
Desktop
Laptop
Tablet
Server
Mainframe
Supercomputer
Let us look at all these types of computers in
detail.
Desktop
Desktop computers are personal computers
(PCs) designed for use by an individual at a
fixed location. IBM was the first computer to
introduce and popularize use of desktops. A
desktop unit typically has a CPU (Central
Processing Unit), monitor, keyboard and
mouse. Introduction of desktops popularized
use of computers among common people as it
was compact and affordable.
Riding on the wave of desktop’s popularity
many software and hardware devices were
developed specially for the home or office
user. The foremost design consideration here
was user friendliness.
Laptop
Despite its huge popularity, desktops gave
way to a more compact and portable personal
computer called laptop in 2000s. Laptops are
also called notebook computers or simply
notebooks. Laptops run using batteries and
connect to networks using Wi-Fi (Wireless
Fidelity) chips. They also have chips for
energy efficiency so that they can conserve
power whenever possible and have a longer
life.

Modern laptops have enough processing

power and storage capacity to be used for all
office work, website designing, software
development and even audio/video editing.
Tablet
After laptops computers were further
miniaturized to develop machines that have
processing power of a desktop but are small
enough to be held in one’s palm. Tablets have
touch sensitive screen of typically 5 to 10
inches where one finger is used to touch icons
and invoke applications.

Keyboard is also displayed virtually whenever

required and used with touch strokes.
Applications that run on tablets are called
apps. They use operating systems by
Microsoft (Windows 8 and later versions) or
Google (Android). Apple computers have
developed their own tablet called iPad which
uses a proprietary OS called iOS.
Server
Servers are computers with high processing
speeds that provide one or more services to
other systems on the network. They may or
may not have screens attached to them. A
group of computers or digital devices
connected together to share resources is called
a network.
Servers have high processing powers and can
handle multiple requests simultaneously. Most
commonly found servers on networks include
−
File or storage server
Game server
Application server
Database server
Mail server
Print server
Mainframe
Mainframes are computers used by
organizations like banks, airlines and railways
to handle millions and trillions of online
transactions per second. Important features of
mainframes are −
Big in size
Hundreds times Faster than servers, typically
hundred megabytes per second
Very expensive
Use proprietary OS provided by the
manufacturers
In-built hardware, software and firmware
security features
Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the fastest computers on
Earth. They are used for carrying out complex,
fast and time intensive calculations for
scientific and engineering applications.
Supercomputer speed or performance is
measured in teraflops, i.e. 1012 floating point
operations per second.
Chinese supercomputer Sunway TaihuLight
is the world’s fastest supercomputer with a
rating of 93 petaflops per second, i.e. 93
quadrillion floating point operations per
second.
Most common uses of supercomputers include
−
Molecular mapping and research
Weather forecasting
Environmental research
Oil and gas exploration

Generations of Computers – Computer

Fundamentals
The modern computer took its shape with the
arrival of your time. It had been around 16th
century when the evolution of the computer
started. The initial computer faced many
changes, obviously for the betterment. It
continuously improved itself in terms of
speed, accuracy, size, and price to urge the
form of the fashionable day computer. This
long period is often conveniently divided into
the subsequent phases called computer
generations:
First Generation Computers (1940-1956)

Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)

Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)

Fourth Generation Computers (1971-

Present)

Fifth Generation Computers (Present and

Beyond)

Before there are graphing calculators,

spreadsheets, and computer algebra systems,
mathematicians and inventors searched for
solutions to ease the burden of calculation.
First Generation Computers: Vacuum
Tubes (1940-1956)
The technology behind the primary generation
computers was a fragile glass device, which
was called vacuum tubes. These computers
were very heavy and really large in size.
These weren’t very reliable and programming
on them was a really tedious task as they used
high-level programming language and used
no OS. First-generation computers were used
for calculation, storage, and control purpose.
They were too bulky and large that they
needed a full room and consume lot of
electricity.
Main first generation computers are:
ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Computer, built by J. Presper Eckert and John
V. Mauchly was a general-purpose computer.
It had been very heavy, large, and contained
18,000 vacuum tubes.
EDVAC: Electronic Discrete Variable
Automatic Computer was designed by von
Neumann. It could store data also as
instruction and thus the speed was enhanced.
UNIVAC: Universal Automatic Computer
was developed in 1952 by Eckert and
Mauchly.
Main characteristics of first generation
computers are:

Main electronic
component Vacuum tube.

Programming
language Machine language.

Magnetic tapes and

Main memory magnetic drums.

Input/output Paper tape and punched

devices cards.

Very slow and very large

in size (often taking up
Speed and size entire room).

Examples of the IBM 650, IBM 701,

first generation ENIAC, UNIVAC1, etc.
Second Generation Computers: Transistors
(1956-1963)
Second-generation computers used the
technology of transistors rather than bulky
vacuum tubes. Another feature was the core
storage. A transistor may be a device
composed of semiconductor material that
amplifies a sign or opens or closes a circuit.
Transistors were invented in Bell Labs. The
use of transistors made it possible to perform
powerfully and with due speed. It reduced the
dimensions and price and thankfully the
warmth too, which was generated by vacuum
tubes. Central Processing Unit (CPU),
memory, programming language and input,
and output units also came into the force
within the second generation.
Programming language was shifted from high
level to programming language and made
programming comparatively a simple task for
programmers. Languages used for
programming during this era were FORTRAN
(1956), ALGOL (1958), and COBOL (1959).
Main characteristics of second generation
computers are:-

Main electronic
component Transistor.

Programming Machine language and

language assembly language.

Magnetic core and magnetic

Memory tape/disk.

Input/output Magnetic tape and punched

devices cards.

Smaller in size, low power

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

Examples of PDP-8, IBM1400 series,

 IBM 7090 and 7094,
second UNIVAC 1107, CDC 3600
generation etc.

Third Generation Computers: Integrated

Circuits. (1964-1971)
During the third generation, technology
envisaged a shift from huge transistors to
integrated circuits, also referred to as IC. Here
a variety of transistors were placed on silicon
chips, called semiconductors. The most
feature of this era’s computer was the speed
and reliability. IC was made from silicon and
also called silicon chips.
A single IC, has many transistors, registers,
and capacitors built on one thin slice of
silicon. The value size was reduced and
memory space and dealing efficiency were
increased during this generation.
Programming was now wiped out Higher
level languages like BASIC (Beginners All-
purpose Symbolic Instruction Code).
Minicomputers find their shape during this
era.
Main characteristics of third generation
computers are:

Main electronic
component Integrated circuits (ICs)

Programming
language High-level language

Large magnetic core,

Memory magnetic tape/disk

Input / output Magnetic tape, monitor,

devices keyboard, printer, etc.

IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-

Examples of third 11, NCR 395, B6500,
generation UNIVAC 1108, etc.
Fourth Generation Computers: Micro-
processors (1971-Present)
In 1971 First microprocessors were used, the
large scale of integration LSI circuits built on
one chip called microprocessors. The most
advantage of this technology is that one
microprocessor can contain all the circuits
required to perform arithmetic, logic, and
control functions on one chip.
The computers using microchips were called
microcomputers. This generation provided the
even smaller size of computers, with larger
capacities. That’s not enough, then Very
Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits
replaced LSI circuits. The Intel 4004chip,
developed in 1971, located all the components
of the pc from the central processing unit and
memory to input/ output controls on one chip
and allowed the dimensions to reduce
drastically.
Technologies like multiprocessing,
multiprogramming, time-sharing, operating
speed, and virtual memory made it a more
user-friendly and customary device. The
concept of private computers and computer
networks came into being within the fourth
generation.
Main characteristics of fourth generation
computers are:

Very large-scale integration

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

semiconductor memory (such

Memory as RAM, ROM, etc.)

pointing devices, optical

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

Examples of IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE

fourth II, Apple Macintosh, Alter
generation 8800, etc.

Fifth Generation Computers

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

Based on artificial intelligence,

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

Understand natural language

Language (human language).

Size Portable and small in size.

Input / Trackpad (or touchpad),

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

Example of
fifth Desktops, laptops, tablets,
generation smartphones, etc.

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.
Capabilities and Limitations of Computer
Systems
The first computer was ENIAC (Electronic
Numerical Integrator and Computer). It
occupied about 1,800 square feet. Though it
was very helpful during those times, it wasn’t
very efficient. It weighed almost 50 tons.
Computers have evolved a lot since then but
just as every coin has two sides i.e, Capabilities
and Limitations of Computer Systems. Let us
understand them more clearly.

Capabilities of Computer System

Capabilities of a computer system are the
qualities of the computer that put it in a
positive light and make the user experience
more efficient.
Speed
Speed means the duration computer system
requires in fulfilling a task or completing an
activity. It is well-known that computers need
very little time than humans in completing a
task. Generally, humans take into account a
second or minute as a unit of time.
Nevertheless, computer systems have such fast
operation capacity that the unit of time is in
fractions of a second. Today, computers are
capable of doing 100 million calculations per
second and that is why the industry has
developed Million Instructions per Second
(MIPS) as the criterion to classify different
computers according to speed.
Accuracy
Accuracy means the level of precision with
which calculations are made and tasks are
performed. One may invest years of his life in
detecting errors in computer calculations or
updating a wrong record. A large part of
mistakes in Computer Based Information
System(CBIS) occurs due to bad programming,
erroneous data, and deviation from rules.
Humans cause these mistakes.
Errors attributable to hardware are generally
distinguished and corrected by the computer
system itself. The computers rarely commit
errors and do all types of tasks precisely.
Reliability
Reliability is the quality due to which the user
can stay dependable on the computer.
Computers systems are well-adjusted to do
repetitive tasks. They never get tired, bored or
fatigued. Hence, they are a lot reliable than
humans. Still, there can be failures of a
computer system due to internal and external
reasons.
Any failure of the computer in a highly
automated industry is disastrous. Hence, the
industry in such situations has a backup facility
to take over tasks without losing much of
the time.
Adaptability
Adaptability of computer system means the
quality of it to complete a different type of
tasks: simple as well as complex. Computers
are normally versatile unless designed for a
specific operation. Overall, a daily purpose
computer is used in any area of
application: business, industry, scientific,
statistical, technological and so on
A general purpose computer, when introduced
in a company, can replace the jobs of multiple
specialists due to its flexibility. A computer
system can replace the functions of all these
specialists because of being very versatile.
Storage
Storage is the ability of the computer to store
data in itself for accessing it again in future.
Nowadays, apart from having instantaneous
access to data, computers have a huge ability to
store data in a little physical space.
A general computer system has a capacity of
storing and providing online millions of
characters and thousands of pictures. It is
obvious from the above discussion that
computer capabilities outperform the human
capabilities. Therefore, a computer, when used
rightfully, will tenfold the effectiveness of an
organization.
Limitations of Computer Systems
Limitations are the drawbacks of the computer
system in which humans outperform them.
Lack of common-sense
This is one of the major limitations of
computer systems. No matter how efficient,
fast and reliable computer systems might be
but yet do not have any common sense because
no full-proof algorithm has been designed to
programme logic into them. As computers
function based on the stored programme(s),
they simply lack common sense.
Zero IQ
Another of the limitations of computer systems
is that they have zero Intelligence Quotient
(IQ). They are unable to see and think the
actions to perform in a particular situation
unless that situation is already programmed
into them. Computers are programmable to
complete each and every task, however small it
may be.
Lack of Decision-making
Decision-making is a complicated process
involving information, knowledge,
intelligence, wisdom, and ability to judge. The
computer system does not have the ability to
make decisions on their own because they do
not possess all the essentials of decision-
making.
They can be programmed to take such
decisions, which are purely procedure-oriented.
If a computer has not been programmed for a
particular decision situation, it will not take a
decision due to lack of wisdom and evaluation
faculties. Human beings, on the other hand,
possess this great power of decision-making.
TtthCoth

Themput

theer Input and Output Devices

The functioning of a computer system is based
on the combined usage of both in
put and output devices which can be
connected to a computer, along with their
functions.
Input Device Definition: A piece of
equipment/hardware which helps us enter data
into a computer is called an input device. For
example keyboard, mouse, etc.

Output Device Definition: A piece of

equipment/hardware which gives out the result
of the entered input, once it is processed (i.e.
converts data from machine language to a
human-understandable language), is called an
output device. For example printer, monitor,
etc.

List of Input Devices

Given below is the list of the most common
input devices along with brief information
about each of them.
Keyboard
A simple device comprising keys and each key
denotes either an alphabet, number or number
commands which can be given to a computer
for various actions to be performed
It has a modified version of typewriter keys
The keyboard is an essential input device and
computer and laptops both use keyboards to
give commands to the computer
Mouse
It is also known as a pointing device
Using mouse we can directly click on the
various icons present on the system and open
up various files and programs
A mouse comprises 3 buttons on the top and
one trackball at the bottom which helps in
selecting and moving the mouse around,
respectively
In case of laptops, the touchpad is given as a
replacement of the mouse which helps in the
movement of the mouse pointer
Joy Stick
It is a device which comprises a stick which is
attached at an angle to the base so that it can
be moved and controlled
Mostly used to control the movement in video
games
Apart from a computer system, a joystick is
also used in the cockpit of an aeroplane,
wheelchairs, cranes, trucks, etc. to operate
them well
Light Pen
It is a wand-like looking device which can
directly be moved over the device’s screen
It is light-sensitive
Used in conjunction with computer’s cathode
ray tube
Microphone
Using a microphone, sound can be stored in a
device in its digital form
It converts sound into an electrical signal
To record or reproduce a sound created using
a microphone, it needs to be connected with an
amplifier
Scanner
This device can scan images or text and
convert it into a digital signal
When we place any piece of a document on a
scanner, it converts it into a digital signal and
displays it on the computer screen
Barcode Reader
It is a kind of an optical scanner
It can read bar codes
A source of light is passed through a bar code,
and its aspects and details are displayed on the
screen
All the devices mentioned above are the most
commonly used input devices. Several other
such types of equipment are used in different
fields which can be counted as an input
device.
For the reference of candidates and to help
them with the common computer-related
terms, given below are links to difference
between articles which will make these terms
easily understandable:
List of Output Device
The commonly used output devices have been
listed below with a brief summary of what
their function is and how they can be used.
Monitor
The device which displays all the icons, text,
images, etc. over a screen is called the
Monitor
When we ask the computer to perform an
action, the result of that action is displayed on
the monitor
Various types of monitors have also been
developed over the years
Printer
A device which makes a copy of the pictorial
or textual content, usually over a paper is
called a printer
For example, an author types the entire book
on his/her computer and later gets a print out
of it, which is in the form of paper and is later
published
Multiple types of printers are also available in
the market, which can serve different purposes
Speakers
A device through which we can listen to a
sound as an outcome of what we command a
computer to do is called a speaker
Speakers are attached with a computer system
and also are a hardware device which can be
attached separately
With the advancement in technology, speakers
are now available which are wireless and can
be connected using BlueTooth or other
applications
Projector
An optical device which presents an image or
moving images onto a projection screen is
called a projector
Most commonly these projectors are used in
auditoriums and movie theatres for the display
of the videos or lighting
If a projector is connected to a computer, then
the image/video displayed on the screen is the
same as the one displayed on the computer
screen
Headphones
They perform the same function as a speaker,
the only difference is the frequency of sound
Using speakers, the sound can be heard over a
larger area and using headphones, the sound is
only audible to the person using them
Also known as earphones or headset

keyboard
How the keys are organized
T
he keys on your keyboard can be divided into
several groups based on function:

Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys

include the same letter, number, punctuation,
and symbol keys found on a traditional
typewriter.
Control keys. These keys are used alone or in
combination with other keys to perform
certain actions. The most frequently used
control keys are Ctrl, Alt, the Windows logo
key , and Esc.
Function keys. The function keys are used to
perform specific tasks. They are labeled as F1,
F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality
of these keys differs from program to
program.
Navigation keys. These keys are used for
moving around in documents or webpages and
editing text. They include the arrow keys,
Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and
Insert.
Numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is
handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys
are grouped together in a block like a
conventional calculator or adding machine.
The following illustration shows how these
keys are arranged on a typical keyboard. Your
keyboard layout might be different.

Types of keyboards
Most computer users use the standard
keyboard, which connects to the computer.
Although there are many types of a computer
keyboard, such are as follows:
1. Flexible keyboard: It is a type of keyboard
that is made of soft silicone with highly
portable. It is water and dust-resistant and
does not require constant cleaning. It acts the
same as a standard keyboard and connects to
the computer via a USB connection serial port.
These types of keyboards can also be more
durable in terms of some ways, as compared to
a traditional keyboard.
The flexible keyboard is made of soft silicone
that saves it from a number of different
substances. For instance, if you use the
keyboard near the liquid spaces, the silicone
skin provides excellent protection against
spills. Furthermore, it does not make a sound
when being used; that's why it is also called a
silent keyboard. These keyboards are useful
for traveling time because they can be rolled
up into a bag and flexible in outdoorsy
situations.
2. Ergonomic Keyboard: This type of
keyboard is beneficial for your body posture.
Instead of adjusting yourself to fit the
keyboard, it is designed to fit you easily, ease
of use, and reduce strain. It is designed in that
way; instead of bending their hands, it allows
users to straight their hands. Generally, the
space-bar is bigger as compared to a regular
keyboard, which allows for fast typing.
3. Wireless Keyboard: It is a computer
keyboard that is connected to computers,
laptops, or tablets without any cables. It uses
radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR),
or Bluetooth technology to connect with
devices. Users can move the wireless
keyboard around without having to put it on a
desk as it provides portability and flexibility to
the users. It is designed by stainless steel
material that increases its life for a long time.
It can set up very easily by plugging the USB
receiver into the computer.
It utilizes light waves to transmit signals to
other infrared-enabled devices as it is based on
infrared technology. Some wireless keyboards
use radio frequency technology, which
communicates via signals with a range from
27 MHz to up to 2.4 GHz.
4. Mechanical Keyboard: It is made with
high quality that commonly used in both home
and office. It is designed for long life with
high durability and responsiveness. It provides
crisp click sound, medium resistance, and
better feedback for gaming performance and
ultimate typing. It offers framing, switches,
type print methods, functionality, PCB board,
key construction, LED lighting, or more other
better features as compared to traditional
rubber dome keyboards.

5. Virtual Keyboard: It is a software-based

keyboard that enables users to type without the
need for physical keys. It is an alternative for a
physical keyboard or a digital representation
of a QWERTY keyboard. These types of
keyboards commonly have many pages of
characters, including numbers, letters,
punctuation, and symbols. Some virtual
keyboards also include options to insert
emojis, stickers, or animated GIFs on the basis
of the device's operating system. The devices
that contained virtual keyboard are tablets,
smartphones, and other portable devices,
because these devices do not require the
constant use of a physical keyboard.
Examples of virtual keyboards
Gboard: Google created a virtual keyboard
for Android and iOS that includes features like
GIFs, customizable themes, and translation
capabilities.
OSK: It stands for an on-screen keyboard. It is
commonly found in Microsoft Windows.
6. Projection Keyboard: It is a form of
computer input device that can be connected
via Bluetooth to the mini PC, tablet computer,
or even smartphone. In projection keyboard,
the image of a virtual keyboard is projected
onto a surface. The device records the
corresponding keystroke when a user touches
any key from the shown keyboard on the
surface. Some devices are connected via
Bluetooth devices such as tablets,
smartphones, mini-PC
with Android, Windows operating system or
iOS, etc.
7. Gaming Keyboard: A keyboard that
contains a few specific keys used for gamers is
known as a gaming keyboard. The W, S, D, A,
and arrow keys are widely used for games on
the standard QWERTY keyboard. Gaming
keyboards (mostly mechanical keyboard), the
key switches needless depression that provides
faster action for games.
Pointing Devices
Pointing devices are used for controlling a
pointer cursor on the screen. The items to be
entered are selected by either pointing to or
clicking on them. Apart from the mouse, other
pointing devices include; trackball, joystick,
light pen and touch sensitive screens.
The mouse
Is a device with two buttons (right and left
buttons), a scroll bar that slides it on a

flat smooth surface as desired. It is used to

select the functions and items desired by
clicking the appropriate mouse button. The
mouse is used especially with software that
provides a Graphical User Interface(GUI).
Mouse can also be used for drawing graphics
on the computer.
Types of mouse
Standard mouse; The standard mouse or
traditional mouse has a ball underneath, two
buttons and an optional scroll button located
between the left and right buttons.
Optical mouse; Does not have any moving
parts. It works by using a tiny digital camera.
Cordless mouse; cordless or wireless mouse,
is a battery powered mouse that uses radio or
infrared waves instead of being physically
connected to the system.
Joysticks
Is an input device that looks like a gearshift
lever that controls a pointer on the screen. It is
purposely used for playing computer games
and making Computer Aided Designs(CAD).
Touch sensitive screens.
This are screens that have been sensitized to
receive input from the touch of a finger. The
screen is covered with a plastic layer behind
which are invisible beams of infrared
rays/light that make the screen touch sensitive.
They are used in ATM, electronic directories
that convey tourist information in airports and
big hotels, and in fast food restaurants to
display menus. A drawback of the use of touch
sensitive screens is that
they cannot display large amounts of
information to the user.
Light pens and stylus
A light pen is a light sensitive pen-like device
connected by a cable to the computer system.
The user brings the light pen to the desired
point on the screen and presses the pen button,
which identifies the screen location on the
computer. Commonly used as design aids.
Also used as selecting items on mobile
phones, tablets, PDAs.
Trackball
A trackball works just like a mouse, only that
its ball is located at the top. Instead of moving
the device on a flat surface, the user rotates the
ball using a finger.
Image Gallery
Monitor

A monitor is an electronic output device that is

also known as a video display
terminal (VDT) or a video display
unit (VDU). It is used to display images, text,
video, and graphics information generated by
a connected computer via a computer's video
card. Although it is almost like a TV, its
resolution is much higher than a TV.
Older monitors were built by using a
fluorescent screen and Cathode Ray Tube
(CRT), which made them heavy and large in
size and thus causing them to cover more
space on the desk. Nowadays, all monitors are
made up by using flat-panel display
technology, commonly backlit with LEDs.
These modern monitors take less space on the
desk as compared to older CRT displays.
Types of Monitors
There are several types of monitors; some are
as follows:
1. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors

It is a technology used in early monitors. It

uses a beam of electrons to create an image on
the screen. It comprises the guns that fire a
beam of electrons inside the screen. The
electron beams repeatedly hit the surface of
the screen. These guns are responsible for
generating RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colors,
and more other colors can be generated with
the help of combining these three colors.
Today's Flat Panel Monitors replace the CRT
monitors.
 2. Flat Panel Monitors

These types of monitors are lightweight and

take less space. They consume less power as
compared to CRT monitors. These monitors
are more effective as they do not provide
harmful radiation. These monitors are more
expensive than CRTs. The flat-panel monitors
are used in PDA, notebook computers, and
cellular phones. These monitors are available
in various sizes like 15", 17", 18" & 19" and
more. The display of a flat-panel monitor is
made with the help of two plates of glass.
These plates contain a substance, which is
activated in many ways.
Flat-panel monitor screens use two types of
technologies, which are given below:
o Liquid Crystal Display: LCD (Liquid
crystal display) screen contains a
substance known as liquid crystal. The
particles of this substance are aligned in a
way that the light located backside on the
screens, which allow to generate an image
or block. Liquid crystal display offers a
clear picture as compared to CRT display
and emits less radiation. Furthermore, it
consumes less power and takes less space
than a CRT display.
o Gas Plasma Display: This display uses
gas plasma technology, which uses a layer
of gas between 2 plates of glass. When
 voltage is applied, the gas releases
ultraviolet light. By this ultraviolet light,
the pixels on the screen glow and form an
image. These displays are available in
different sizes of up to 150 inches.
Although it offers effective colors as
compared to the LCD monitor, it is more
expensive. That's why it is less used.
3. Touch Screen Monitors
These monitors are also known as an input
device. It enables users to interact with the
computer by using a finger or stylus instead of
using a mouse or keyboard. When users touch
the screen by their finger, it occurs an event
and forward it to the controller for processing.
These types of screens include pictures or
words that help users to interact with the
computer. It takes input from the users by
touching menus or icons presented on the
screen.
There are different types of touch screen
monitors; three common types are given
below:
o Resistive Touch Screen: Generally, this
screen includes a thin electrically
conductive and resistive layer of metal.
When the touch is pressed, a change in the
electrical current occurs that is sent to the
controller. Nowadays, these screens are
widely in use. These monitors are more
reliable as they cannot be affected by
liquids or dust.
o Surface Wave Touch Screens: These
monitors process the input through
ultrasonic waves. When a user touches the
screen, the wave is processed and absorbed
 by the computer. It is less reliable as they
can be damaged by water or dust.
o Capacitive Touch Screen: This screen
includes a cover with an electrically-
charged material. This material
continuously flows the current over the
screen. It is mainly used by the finger
rather than a stylus. These monitors
contain better clarity and do not damage
by dust. Nowadays, capacitive touch
screen is mostly used in smartphones.
4. LED Monitors
It is a flat screen computer monitor, which
stands for light-emitting diode display. It is
lightweight in terms of weight and has a short
depth. As the source of light, it uses a panel of
LEDs. Nowadays, a wide number of electronic
devices, both large and small devices such as
laptop screens, mobile phones, TVs, computer
monitors, tablets, and more, use LED displays.
Advantages of LED Monitor:
o It includes a broader dimming range.
o It is a more reliable monitor.
o It is often less expensive.
o It consumes less power (20 watts), and run
on a lower temperature.
o It has a more dynamic contrast ratio.
Comparison between LCD and LED
monitors:

Resolution LCD Led Monitors

1920 x Monitors
1080

Brightness 250 cd / m2 250 cd / m2

Energy Star No Yes
Certified

Weight 2.4 kg 2.4 kg

Contrast 12,000,000: 100,000,000:

Ratio 1 1

5. TFT Monitors
It is a type of LCD flat panel display, which
stands for a thin-film transistor.
In TFT monitors, all pixels are controlled with
the help of one to four transistors. The high-
quality flat-panel LCDs use these transistors.
Although the TFT-based monitors provide
better resolution of all the flat-panel
techniques, these are highly expensive. The
LCDs, which use thin-film transistor (TFT)
technology, are known as active-matrix
displays. The active-matrix displays offer
higher quality as compared to older passive-
matrix displays.
Types of Scanners
A scanner is an electronic device that can scan
handwritten or printed documents and pictures
and transforms them into a digital file format.
In computer terminology, it is an input
device capable of scanning the images and
texts on paper.
This is then converted by the scanner into a
digital file
(soft copy) and stored in electronic form on a
computer or mobile device.
The scanned document can be viewed, shared,
edited, and also take printouts on the
computer.
The functioning of the scanner is very simple
and works on the principle of reflection and
transmission.
A bright light shines the document to be
converted into a digital copy and is reflected
onto a sensor (photosensitive element) after
passing through a series of mirrors and lenses.
In most of the scanners, these sensors or the
medium is an electronic integrated circuit
called a Charged coupled device (CCD).
The photosites displayed on the CCD convert
the light intensity into electronic signals to
further process into a digital photo.
Many computer software programs work in
combination with the scanner to import the
data directly from the scanner.
The majority of the scanners are having a plug
and play options with basic software for the
operation of the scanner.
What are the different types of Scanners?
The scanners have been a boon to businesses
as they can easily manage all the documents
into digital format and save it as records.
Scanners were mostly seen in offices and large
institutions owing to the record-keeping of
many documents, but nowadays, it is being
used by almost every individual for scanning
works.
Below are some of the common types of
scanners available today, and you can choose
one of them that best suits your requirements.
Flatbed scanner
This is the most common and simplest scanner
available in the market for home and business
applications.
It is placed on a flat desk surface and has a lid
that can be flipped open to view the glass that
scans the document.
The lid is adjustable to take care of scanning
from thick books, files or magazines, etc.
The document is placed on the top of the glass
and below the glass is the moving light-
capturing sensor, generally CCD or CIS
display.
During the scanning process, the light source
illuminates the glass and the moving sensor
captures the image and converts it into the
digital format.
With a flatbed scanner, you can scan almost
all types of documents depending on the size.
Some flatbed scanners come with added
features of Bluetooth or wireless connectivity
and automatic feeders.
Photo scanner
If you are specifically looking for scanning
images, pictures, old photographs then you
must go for the photo scanners as they will
give premium results.
Although other scanners can also scan images,
the results achieved through photo scanners
will be far superior in terms of color depth and
also when there is a large number of
photographs to scan.
Some scanners come with their image editing
software that offers the highest resolution and
clearing the old photographs but this scanner
is a bit expensive than the other scanners.
Document scanner
As the name suggests, these scanners are used
especially for scanning multiple documents in
large sizes.
This is also called a sheetfed scanner since
the documents are placed in the feeder and not
on the flatbed glass.
It is an ideal option when you have limited
space for working and need to scan thousands
of pages daily.
Some of the sheetfed scanners have advanced
features to make the scanning process more
efficient and fast.
This is why they are a bit pricey as compared
to flatbed scanners.
Portable scanner
Portable scanners are handy and often come in
a size that can fit in your pocket.
It can be carried anywhere and doesn’t require
much power and works when connected to
your handheld devices vide a USB port.
These can scan line by line of a page or scan
completely while rolling it upside down.
The portable scanners are good at scanning
documents but are not good enough with
photos as compared to flatbed or photo
scanners.
OMR and OCR
Optical Mark Reader (OMR) is the
technology of electronically extracting data
from marked fields such as checkboxes or
bubbles from pre-printed forms. OMR
technology scans a printed form and reads
from predefined positions. It records the data
where marks are made on the form. This is
widely used for processing the large number
of hand-filled forms which have to be
processed quickly and with great accuracy.
Optical Character Reader (OCR) is used to
convert different types of documents such as
scanned paper documents, PDF files or images
captured by a digital camera into machine-
encoded text. It is widely used as a form of
data entry from printed paper data records into
electronic editable text which can be easily
searched, stored etc.
Below is a table of differentiation between
Optical Mark Reader (OMR) and Optical
Character Reader (OCR):
S.
No. OMR OCR

It stands for
It stands for Optical Optical Character
Mark Reader or Reader or Optical
Optical Mark Character
1. Recognition. Recognition.

It is used in
scanning and
It is used to process converting
data from printed different types of
2. forms. documents.

3. It is easy to It is hard to
 implement as
compared to
implement. OMR.

It provides more
accuracy as Its accuracy level
4. compared to OCR. is good.

Storing documents It allows storing

5. is not possible. documents.

It was first used in

It was first used in 1914 to help blind
6. 1857 in telegraphs. people in reading.

Its application is in Its application is in

surveys, answer google books,
sheets, bank statements,
questionnaires and business
7. ballots. documents etc.
 It required timing It does not require
8. tracks. timing tracks.

It is useful in The visually

grading, calculating impaired people
marks, etc. It is the find it useful. The
rapid method of text to speech can
9. data entry. be used by them.

It does not require An advanced

an advanced level recognition engine
recognition engine is needed for OCR
when compared to compared to
10. OCR. OMR.

Printer and Types of Printers

 What is a Printer? Types of Impact and
Non Impact Printers

Printers

Printers are the most commonly used and

popular output devices. They provide
information in a permanent readable from.
They produce printed output of results,
programs and data. Prints text or image on
paper called hard copy. The printing speed of
a printer is measured in pages per minute
(ppm).Printer resolution is often measured in
dots per inch (dpi).
Types of Printers

Printers are classified into two categories

according to printing technology ( working):
1.Impact printer
2.Non -Impact Printer
 1. I
MPACT PRINTER

Impact printers these Printers use an Electro-

mechanical mechanism. An impact printer
refers to all those printers whose printing
heads touch the paper. His mechanism uses
hammers or pins to strike against a ribbon and
paper to print the text or image.
Types of Impact Printers

Impact printers are of two Types:

A) Character Printer
B) Line Printer
A) CHARACTER PRINTER
A Character printer prints a single character at
a time. They are low speed printers. Their
printing speed lies in the range of 10-600
character / second.
Types of Character printers
Character printers are generally of two types:-
1.Daisy wheel Printer
2.Dot Matrix Printer
1.DAISY-WHEEL PRINTERS
Also known as Letter Quality Printer. These
printers use a print wheel font, which is
termed as daisy wheel. Each petal or hammer
of Daisy-Wheel has a character raised on it. A
motor spins the wheel at a rapid rate. When
the desired character spins to the correct
position, a print hammer strikes it to produce
the output.
The speed of these Daisy-Wheel Printers
normally ranged between 10-75 characters per
second. The noise levels of these printers are
high. These printers are most commonly used
in electronic typewriter.
Advantages of a Daisy-Wheel Printer
 Can print letter quality characters.
 Gives fine quality output.
Disadvantages of a Daisy-Wheel Printer
 Printing speed is very slow
 Noisy
  Cannot print Graphics
 They are very costly.
2.DOT MATRIX PRINTER
These printers print each character as a pattern
of dots. The print head is made up of a matrix
of tiny needles, typically 9 rows with 7
columns (9 *7 matrix needles). These shapes
of each character are formed in the form of
tiny dots.

The printing quality of a dot matrix printer is

inferior to a daisy wheel printer. But the
printing speed of a Dot Matrix Printer is range
from 40 to 600 characters per second. Dot
Matrix Printers are less expensive than daisy –
wheel printer.
The main advantage of dot matrix printer over
latter – quality printer is that dot – matrix
printer can print characters in different shape,
size and fonts. It has ability to print charts and
graphics.
Advantages of a dot matrix printer
  Dot matrix printer uses continuous paper
rather than requiring individual sheet.
 Dot matrix printer is fast and cheep.
 Dot matrix printer can print charts and
graphics.
Disadvantages of a dot matrix printer
 Dot matrix printers are noisy.
 Dot matrix printers do not produce high
quality.
B) LINE PRINTERS
Line printers are impact printers used with
mini and mainframe computers. For producing
large volume outputs. These printers print one
line of the text at a time that is why known as
line printer. Its printing speed lies in the range
of 300-3000 lines per minute (LPM). Actually
line printer prints only one character at a time
but because of its printing speed, observer
observes that it prints a whole line a time.
Types of Line Printers
Line Printers are of two types
1.Drum Printer
 2.Chain Printer
1.DRUM PRINTER
The drum printer consists of a cylindrical
drum. Asset of characters are embossed on its
surface t print. A set of print hammers is
associated with each character. As the drum
rotates, the hammer wait for desired character
and is activated when character appear in front
of hammer. The hammer is placed behind the
paper. There hammers strike the paper along
with ribbon (ribbon is placed between hammer
and drum) against the embossed character on
the surface one revolution of drum is needed
to print a line. As the line is printed the paper
moves upward to print next line.
2.CHAIN PRINTER
A chain containing characters is used for
printing. The chain knows as print chain
rotates very rapidly. With each link of the
chain is character font. Magnetically driven
hammers are there in each print position and
all the characters which are to be printed are
received by the printer through processor.
When the desired character comes in the print
position the hammers strike the ribbon and
paper against the character thus it prints one
line at a time. It is very noisy and its speed
ranges from 400-24000 line per minute
(LPM).

2. NON -IMPACT PRINTER

These printer uses ink and special electrical

machines for producing outputs. Non – impact
printers are all those printers whose printing
heads do not touch paper. A non impact
printer forms characters and image on a piece
of paper without actually striking the paper.
Types of Non -Impact Printers

1.Laser printer
 2.Inkjet printer
3.Thermal printer
1) LASER PRINTERS
They print one page at a time thus laser printer
is also referred as Page Printer. A laser printer
uses electronics, lasers, xerography and other
techniques, which is called electro
photographic technique.
A laser beam is directed across the surface of a
light or photosensitive drum. An image is
produced, with the use of raster scan principal,
in the form of tiny dots. The laser exposed
areas attract toner (or ink power). There after
the drum transfers the toner to the paper. The
paper then moves to a fusing station where the
toner is permanently fused on the paper with
heat or pressure. After this the drum is
discharged and cleaned and ready for
processing the next page.
Advantages of Laser Printers
 Very high speed .
 Low noise level
 Low maintenance requirement.
 Very high quality output on ordinary
paper.
 Good graphics quality (300 dpi to 1200
dpi) and excellent graphics capabilities.
 Supports many fonts and different
character size.
 Color printing possible
Disadvantages of Laser Printers
 Very Expensive.
 Require periodic maintenance.
 2) INKJET PRINTERS
Inkjet printer is non impact character printer.
It uses the dot matrix approach to print to print
text and graphics. However the dots are
formed by tiny droplets of ink. They print
characters by spraying small drops of ink onto
paper. For spraying drops nozzles are used.
Special type of ink having high iron content is
used for forming drops. Droplets of ink are
electrically charged after leaving a nozzle
when it passes through a valve. The droplets
are then guided to the proper position on the
paper by electrically charged horizontally and
vertically deflection plates.
These printers can print 40-300 CPS
(character/sec.) and can produce multi-color
printouts.
Advantages of Ink jet Printers
 High quality text and graphics.
 Produces no noise
Disadvantages of Thermal Printers
  Its speed is slow than other impact printer
and no- impact printers.
 Its image quality is also lower than other
printer [low dpi (dot per inch) , bout 180
dpi].
 Ink cartridge is costly.

3) THERMAL PRINTER
The printer that produces images by pushing
electrically heated pins against special heat –
sensitive paper, is known as thermal printer.
This type of printer uses a special heat
sensitive paper. These papers have a special
heat sensitive coating. When a spot on the
special paper is heated, it becomes dark. A
character is printed with a matrix of dots. The
heating element is heated by electric current.
We can also say the heat sensitive paper ass
chemically treated paper. In this type of
printer neither the ink nor the ribbon in
involved.
To print a character the printing head is moved
first to the correct character position. Then the
heating elements of desired character are
turned on. After a short time they are turned
off. There after the print head is moved to the
next character. Such printers have a speed of
about 200 characters per second.

Advantages of Thermal Printers

 Low noise
 Can produce high quality color output.
Disadvantages of Thermal Printers
 Expensive
 Slow Speed
 Required special paper
Plotters
Plotters are a special type of output device. It
is suitable for applications:
1. Architectural plan of the building.
2. CAD applications like the design of
mechanical components of aircraft.
3. Many engineering applications.

Advantage:
1. It can produce high-quality output on
large sheets.
2. It is used to provide the high precision
drawing.
 3. It can produce graphics of various
sizes.
4. The speed of producing output is high.
Drum Plotter:
It consists of a drum. Paper on which design is
made is kept on the drum. The drum can rotate
in both directions. Plotters comprised of one
or more pen and penholders. The holders are
mounted perpendicular to drum surface. The
pens are kept in the holder, which can move
left to the right as well as right to the left. The
graph plotting program controls the movement
of pen and drum.
Flatbed Plotter:
It is used to draw complex design and graphs,
charts. The Flatbed plotter can be kept over
the table. The plotter consists of pen and
holder. The pen can draw characters of various
sizes. There can be one or more pens and pen
holding mechanism. Each pen has ink of
different color. Different colors help to
produce multicolor design of document. The
area of plotting is also variable. It can vary A4
to 21'*52'.
It is used to draw
1. Cars
2. Ships
3. Airplanes
4. Shoe and dress designing
5. Road and highway design
Graphics Software:
There are two types of Graphics Software.
1. General Purpose Packages: Basic
Functions in a general package include those
for generating picture components (straight
lines, polygons, circles and other figures),
setting color and intensity values, selecting
views, and applying transformations.
Example of general purpose package is the GL
(Graphics Library), GKS, PHIGS, PHIGS+
etc.
2. Special Purpose Packages: These
packages are designed for non programmers,
so that these users can use the graphics
packages, without knowing the inner details.
Example of special purpose package is
1. Painting programs
2. Package used for business purpose
3. Package used for medical systems.
4. CAD packages