Course Title: Application of Information and Communication

Technologies
Course Code: COMP1116
Semester: 1st
Departments: BFA
Instructor: Ms. Hafsa Mehboob
Lecture No:02
Topics: Computer Hardware, Input Processing Methods, Input Devices,
Keyboard & its types, Output Devices, Monitors & its Types, Printer &
its Types, Local & Cloud data storage

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION BANK ROAD CAMPUS

LAHORE, PAKISTAN
Input Processing Methods

 Input

 Processing

 Output

 Input Device

 Processing Device

 Output

Input Devices/ Input Unit

This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the computer. This unit
creates a link between the user and the computer. The input devices translate the information into
a form understandable by the computer. Following is some of the important input devices which
are used in a computer

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Joy Stick
• Light pen
• Track Ball
• Scanner
• Graphic Tablet
• Microphone
• Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)
• Optical Character Reader (OCR)
• Bar Code Reader
 • Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

Output Devices/ Output Unit

The output unit/output devices consist of devices with the help of which we get the information
from the computer. This unit is a link between the computer and the users. Output devices
translate the computer's output into a form understandable by the users. Following are some of
the important output devices used in a computer.
• Monitors
• Graphic Plotter
• Printer Monitors

Keyboard

Keyboard is the most commonly used input-device. Data is mostly entered using a keyboard. The
buttons on the keyboard are called keys. A keyboard contains over 100 keys. The keys on
computer keyboards are often classified as follows:

Numeric Keypad

Function Keys

Alphanumeric Keys

Backspace Key

Enter Key

Caps Lock Key

Tab Key

Modifier Keys

 Qwerty Keyboard
A standard keyboard is normally called QWERTY keyboard. This is because the first six keys on
top row of letters on these keyboards are Q, W, E, R, T, Y.

 Enhanced Keyboard
An enhanced keyboard contains twelve function keys. It contains two control keys, two ALT
keys, arrow keys and additional keys between the typing area and numeric keypad.
 Cordless Keyboard
A keyboard that requires no wire is called cordless keyboard. It transmits data using wireless
technology like radio waves or infrared light waves
 Portable Keyboard
A keyboard that can be easily attached or removed from a handheld computer is called portable
keyboard.
 Ergonomic Keyboard
A keyboard that is specially designed to reduce the chance of wrist injuries during typing is
called ergonomic keyboard.

Monitors and its Types

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.

 CRT: CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) are older, significantly heavier, and take up more space
than LCD and LED monitors.
 LCD: LCD stands for Liquid crystal display and is the most widely used monitor in the
world.
 LED: An LED (Light Emitting Diode) display is among the newest techs out there and
can be flat or curved.

Printer and its Types

A printer is a hardware output device that is used to generate hard copy and print any document. A
document can be of any type such as a text file, image, or the combination of both. It accepts input
command by users on a computer or on other devices to print the documents. For example, if you
have to submit a project report at your college, you need to create a soft copy of your report and print
it with the help of the printer.

 Inkjet Printers
 Laser Printers
 3D Printers
 LED Printers
 Solid Ink Printers
 Dot Matrix Printers
 Multifunction or All-in-One Printers
 Thermal printer
 Plotter

Pointing Devices and Types

A computer-pointing device is an input device that is used to move the cursor or pointer on the
screen. They are mostly used to click, select, drag, point, and other user movements on the
computer screen.
  Mouse
 Trackpad
 Trackball
 Touchscreen
 Light pen
 Stylus pen
 Pointing stick

Cloud Data Storage

 Cloud storage is a cloud computing model that enables storing data and files on the internet
through a cloud computing provider that you access either through the public internet or a
dedicated private network connection. The provider securely stores, manages, and maintains the
storage servers, infrastructure, and network to ensure you have access to the data when you need
it at virtually unlimited scale, and with elastic capacity. Cloud storage removes the need to buy
and manage your own data storage infrastructure, giving you agility, scalability, and durability,
with anytime
 , anywhere data access. Cloud storage stores files on remote servers connected through
the internet and owned by someone else
Examples
 iCloud
 Dropbox
 Google Drive
 Mega
 Amazon Drive

Cloud Storage Types

1. Public cloud storage

Public cloud storage is a popular route for businesses needing a quick and simple way to
store their important data. Users of a public cloud storage solution can connect over the
internet and store data within the cloud provider, who maintains the system.

2. Private cloud storage

Private cloud storage, on the other hand, resides within your network by leveraging
physical infrastructure to create virtual servers that store your company’s data. This can
be achieved by ownership of an on-premises private cloud, or through a cloud storage
provider who can build a dedicated private cloud, accessible only to you through a
private connection. Also known as enterprise or internal cloud storage, data is stored in
the company’s intranet and protected by their own firewall.

3. Hybrid cloud storage

Hybrid cloud storage combines elements of both private and public cloud storage
solutions. This means businesses have more choice over which data they store in which
cloud. For example, they may want to deploy a private cloud for sensitive data, while
operating a public cloud for data that needs to be more accessible and is less high-risk,
such as branding imagery. Businesses can use hybrid cloud strategically to get ‘the best
of both worlds’ and reduce costs while maximizing customization where they can.

4. Community cloud storage

With community cloud storage, private cloud providers offer their cloud architecture and
software to meet the requirements of specific businesses or communities, such as a
network of healthcare companies.

Advantages

 Usability and accessibility

 Security
 Cost-efficient
 Convenient sharing of files
 Automation
 Multiple users
 Synchronization
  Convenience
 Scalable

Disadvantages

Requires Internet

Security and privacy have been an issue

Fixed contracts can be a problem

Difficult to migrate

Lack of total control

Local Storage
 Local storage is the process of storing digital data on physical storage devices, such
as hard disc drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), or external storage devices,
such as thumb drives or discs.
 Local storage stores files on physical server equipment on your premises, either in
flash memory or hard disk drives.
Examples
external hard drives, flash drives, and CDs.
Types of Local Storage
1. Hard Disk
A computer hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile data storage device. Non-volatile refers to
storage devices that maintain stored data when turned off. All computers need a storage device,
and HDDs are just one example of a type of storage device. An HDD includes two main
elements; a spinning platter and an actuator arm.

2. Solid State Drives

SSDs store data permanently inside an integrated circuit, typically using flash memory.
The flash memory inside an SSD means data is written, transferred, and erased
electronically and silently

Advantages
 Speed
 Complete control over the data
  Accessibility
 Survivor

Disadvantages
 The data dies with the server!
 Cost
 Data Security & Safety