Unit-1

Introduction to Computers
Ques1: What is Computer? Explain its characteristics with block diagram.
Definition of Computer : Computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with Information. The term ‘computer is derived from
the Latin term‘computare’, this means to calculate.

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user
and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program)
and gives the result (output) Charles Babbage is called the " Father" of the computer. The
First mechanical computer designed by charles Babbage was called Analytical Engine.
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER

SECONDARY MEMORY

INPUT UNIT
PRIMARY MEMORY OUTPUT UNIT

ALU C.U ALU

C.P.U
C.U

1. Input Unit: This is the process of entering data and programs in to the computer system.The input unit takes data from us to the
computer in an organized manner for processing.
2. Storage Unit: The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known as storage.. Primary memory provides space for
storing data and instructions.
The storage unit performs the following major functions:
• All data and instructions are stored here before and after processing.
• Intermediate results of processing are also stored here.
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The ALU and the CU of a computer system are jointly known as the central processing unit. You may
call CPU as the brain of any computer system. It is just like brain that takes all major decisions, makes all sorts of calculations and directs
different parts of the computer functions by activating and controlling the operations.
Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit
(CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of
data provided. It is then sent back to the storage unit.
(a).Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) : After you enter data through the input device it is stored in the primary storage unit. The actual
processing of the data and instruction are performed by Arithmetic Logical Unit. The major operations performed by the ALU are addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, logic and comparison. Data is transferred to ALU from storage unit when required. After processing
the output is returned back to storage unit for further processing or getting stored.
(b)Control Unit (CU): The next component of computer is the Control Unit, which acts like the supervisor seeing that things are done in
proper fashion. Control Unit is responsible for co ordinating various operations using time signal. The control unit determines the
sequence in which computer programs and instructions are executed.
4. Output Unit: This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful information. Similarly the output produced by the
computer after processing must also be kept somewhere inside the computer before being given to you in human readable form. Again
the output is also stored inside the computer for further processing.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER ARE:-
1. Speed: - Computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for calculations that we take hours to complete. Therefore, we
determine the speed of computer in terms of microsecond (10-6 part of a second) or nanosecond (10 to the power -9 part of a second).
2. Accuracy: - The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is performed with the same accuracy. The errors in
computer are due to human and inaccurate data.
3. Diligence: - A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can work for hours without creating any error. If
millions of calculations are to be performed, a computer will perform every calculation with the same accuracy. Due to this capability it
overpowers human being in routine type of work.
4. Versatility: - It means the capacity to perform completely different type of work. You may use your computer to prepare payroll slips.
Next moment you may use it for inventory management or to prepare electric bills.
5. Power of Remembering: - Computer has the power of storing any amount of information or data. Any information can be stored and
recalled as long as you require it, for any numbers of years. It depends entirely upon you how much data you want to store in a computer
and when to lose or retrieve these data.
6. No IQ: - Computer is a dumb machine and it cannot do any work without instruction from the user. It performs the instructions at
tremendous speed and with accuracy. It is you to decide what you want to do and in what sequence. So a computer cannot take its own
decision as you can.
7. No Feeling: - It does not have feelings or emotion, taste, knowledge and experience. Thus it does not get tired even after long hours of
work. It does not distinguish between users.
8. Storage: - The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of data. You can also store data in secondary
storage devices such as floppies, which can be kept outside your computer and can be carried to other computers.

Ques2: Explain Generations of Computers.

Ans:-GENERATION OF COMPUTERS:- Each generation of computer is characterized by a major technological development that
fundamentally changed the way computers operate, resulting in increasingly smaller, cheaper, and more powerful and more efficient and
reliable devices.
The various generations of computers an listed below:
(i) First Generation (1946-1954) :
The digital computes using electronic valves (Vacuum tubes) are known as first generation computers. the first 'computer' to use
electronic valves (ie. vacuum tubes). The high cost of vacuum tubes prevented their use for main memory. The vacuum tube consumes a
lot of power. These computers were large in size and writing programs on them was difficult. Some of the computers of this generation
were:
Mark I , ENIAC,EDVAC,EDSAC:
Features
Followings are the major drawbacks of First generation computers.
1. They used valves or vacuum tubes as their main electronic component.
2. They were large in size, slow in processing and had less storage capacity.
3. They consumed lots of electricity and produced lots of heat.
4. Their computing capabilities were limited.
5. They were not so accurate and reliable.
6. They used machine level language for programming.
7. They were very expensive.
(ii) Second Generation (1955-1964) :
The second-generation computer used transistors for CPU components & magnetic cores for main memory & magnetic disks for
secondary memory. They used high-level languages such as FORTRAN (1956), ALGOL (1960) & COBOL (1960 - 1961).
I/O processor was included to control I/O operations. Around 1955 a device called Transistor replaced the bulky Vacuum tubes in the first
generation computer. Transistors are smaller than Vacuum tubes and have higher operating speed. They have no filament and require no
heating. Manufacturing cost was also very low. Thus the size of the computer got reduced considerably.
It is in the second generation that the concept of Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, programming language and input and output
units were developed. The programming languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN were developed during this period. Some of the
computers of the Second Generation were
1. IBM 1620: 2. IBM 1401: 3. CDC 3600:
Features:
1. Transistors were used instead of Vacuum Tube.
2. Processing speed is faster than First Generation Computers (Micro Second)
3. Smaller in Size (51 square feet)
4. The input and output devices were faster.
(iii) Third Generation (1964-1977) :
By the development of a small chip consisting of the capacity of the 300 transistors. These ICs are popularly known as Chips. A single
IC has many transistors, registers and capacitors built on a single thin slice of silicon. Some of the computers developed during this
period were IBM-360, ICL-1900, IBM-370, and VAX-750. Higher level language such as BASIC was developed during this period.
Computers of this generation were small in size, low cost, large memory and processing speed is very high. Very soon ICs Were replaced
by LSI (Large Scale Integration), which consisted about 100 components. An IC containing about 100 components is called LSI.
Features:
1. They used Integrated Circuit (IC) chips in place of the transistors.
2. Semi conductor memory devices were used.
3. The size was greatly reduced, the speed of processing was high, they were more accurate and reliable.
4. Large Scale Integration (LSI) and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) were also developed.
5. The mini computers were introduced in this generation.
6. They used high level language for programming.
Example: IBM 360, IBM 370 etc.
(iv) Fourth Generation : An IC containing about 100 components is called LSI (Large Scale Integration) and the one, which has more
than 1000 such components, is called as VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration). It uses large scale Integrated Circuits (LSIC) built on a
single silicon chip called microprocessors. Due to the development of microprocessor it is possible to place computer’s central processing
unit (CPU) on single chip. These computers are called microcomputers. Later very large scale Integrated Circuits (VLSIC) replaced
LSICs. Thus the computer which was occupying a very large room in earlier days can now be placed on a table. The personal computer
(PC) that you see in your school is a Fourth Generation Computer Main memory used fast semiconductors chips up to 4 M bits size. Hard
disks were used as secondary memory. Keyboards, dot matrix printers etc. were developed. OS-such as MS-DOS, UNIX, Apple’s
Macintosh were available. Object oriented language, C++ etc were developed.
Features:
1. They used Microprocessor (VLSI) as their main switching element.
2. They are also called as micro computers or personal computers.
3. Their size varies from desktop to laptop or palmtop.
4. They have very high speed of processing; they are 100% accurate, reliable, diligent and versatile.
5. They have very large storage capacity.
Example: IBM PC, Apple-Macintosh etc.
(v) Fifth Generation (1991- continued) : 5th generation computers use ULSI (Ultra-Large Scale Integration) chips. Millions of
transistors are placed in a single IC in ULSI chips. 64 bit microprocessors have been developed during this period. Data flow & EPIC
architecture of these processors have been developed. RISC & CISC, both types of designs are used in modern processors. Memory
chips and flash memory up to 1 GB, hard disks up to 600 GB & optical disks up to 50 GB have been developed. fifth generation digital
computer will be Artificial intelligence.

Ques3. What is Input devices? Explain different types of input devices.

Ans. Any number of computer peripherals can be classified as input devices. An input device is simply something that is used to interact
with, or provide data to the computer. Types of Input Devices:-
Mouse and other Pointing devices: Other than the keyboard, mice are the most common type of input device. Nearly every computer
has one, and they make navigating the screen much easier than trying to use just a keyboard. Mice usually use a ball, light, or a laser to
track movement. Touch screens are becoming an increasingly popular pointing device, and someday may replace mice altogether.
Keyboards: The keyboard is the most common input device. It is almost unheard for a computer to be without some form of keyboard, be
it a full QWERTY keyboard or a smaller number pad, such as those found on a cell phone. It is possible to interact with most computers
solely through the keyboard, without even a mouse, because they are usually the default input device.
Audio/Video Input: Webcams and digital cameras can also be considered input devices. They provide visual data to the computer in the
form of images and video. Some webcams can even be used as pointing devices by tracking the location of a person's hands or face.
Bar code reader: Lines of different widths and sizes representing data, that when read will determine what the scanned object is. Bar
codes are often used to help organize and index information or prices about an object. Barcodes used by the U.S. postal service that
helps speed the delivery of mail.
Digital camera: A camera that stores the pictures or vedio It takes in electronic format instead of to film. There are several features that
make digital cameras a popular choice when compared to film cameras.
Joystick: An input device that looks similar to a control device you would find on an arcade game at your local arcades. A joystick allows
an individual to easily move an object in a game such as navigating a plane in a fight simulator.
Scanner: : Image scanner converts any printed image into electronic form by shining light onto the image and sensing the intensity of
light reflection at every point. Thus they digitize printed images for storage and manipulation in a computer.
Ques4 . What is CPU? Explain all its parts?
Ans. Central processing unit is called the brain of the computer. It works like an administrator of the computer c.p.u executes program
and instructions that we enter into computer system. In a human body all major decisions taken by the brain and all the other parts of the
body function directed by brain. Similarly in a computer system all the major parts are directed by CPU.it interpret, supervises the
instructions and coordinate the function.
CPU has two parts inside it:
1) Algorithm Logic Unit(ALU)
2) Control Unit (CU)
ALU- ALU is responsible for all the calculations,logical comparison and execution of the instruction, during the processing operation. The
data and instruction stored in main memory before processing are passed as and when need to the ALU,where actual processing takes
place.
CU- CONTROL UNIT managed all the computer system. It is a very important part of CPU control unit understands the instruction and
execute them.
Ques5.What is Output devices? Explain al different types of Output devices.
Ans. Any peripheral that receives or displays output from a computer. These devices display the results produced by the computer. Eg.
Monitor, printer etc.There are various types of output devices:
Monitor: It is also called a video display terminal (VDT) and video display unit (VDU), a monitor is a video display screen and the hard
shell that holds it. Like most TVs, the computer monitor has a CRT(Cathode Ray Tube) that is found inside the computer monitor as
illustrated in the picture to the right.
Printer : An external hardware device responsible for taking computer data and generating a hard copy of that data. Printers are one of
the most used peripherals on computers and are commonly used to print text, images, or photos.
Projector: An output device that can take the display of a computer screen and project a large version of it onto a flat surface. Projectors
are often used in meetings and presentations so that everyone in the room can view the presentation.
Sound card: It is also known as a sound board or an audio card, a sound card is an expension card and integrated circuit that provides a
computer with the ability to produce sound that can be heard by the user either over speakers or headphones.
Speaker: A term used to describe the user who is giving vocal commands to a software program. A hardware device connected to a
computer's sound card that output sounds generated by the card.
Ques6: Describe the Classification of Computers.
Ans: CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS:- Computers differ based on their data processing abilities. They are classified according to
purpose, data handling and functionality. According to functionality, computers are classified as :
Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as
electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved
Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system
Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system
setup offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulations.
Types of digital computers
1. Super Computer: The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for
specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a
 supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and
petroleum exploration. The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its
power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently.
2. Mainframe Computer: A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to
supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than
a mainframe.
3. MiniComputer:A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes. In the past
decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between
small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to
about 200 users simultaneously.
4. Micro Computer or Personal Computer: Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a
desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.
Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both
as an input and output device.
5. Workstations: A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term for a user's machine
(client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."
6. Embedded Computers: Computers which are designed for a specific purpose are known as embedded omputers for ex atm
machine , digital clock
Ques7: What do mean by Memory? Explain different types of memory.
Ans: Introduction: All computer systems need to store data.There are two types of Memory :- Primary Memory and Secondary
Memory Primary storage is a storage location that holds memory for short periods of times while the computer is on. This is done
temporarily while a program is running. This is stored in main memory. Long-term to preserve programs and data while not in use. This is
called backing storage. Main memory holds all of the essential memory that tells your computer how to be a computer. Backing storage
holds the information that you store on backup storage devices.
1. Main memory holds programs and data that the user is currently working with. For example:
 A word-processed document that is being edited will be loaded into Main memory.
 An email program that is currently transmitting a message will be loaded into main memory.
 When you switch on the computer system, a program found in main memory will boot (start up) the computer system.
These are the two main types of main memory
1). Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a volatile memory. In the computer, RAM is the working memory. Data can be read
(retrieved) from or written (stored) into RAM. RAM chips will remember what you tell them and can even change to remember new
information. But, when the computer is turned off, RAM forgets everything you told it. This is why it is so important to save your work on a
computer - if the computer gets turned off, RAM will lose all of your work. The data in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off so it is
known as volatile memory. To keep data the user must save it to backing storebefore the computer is turned off.
 The process of transferring data/programs from backing store into RAM so they can be used is known as loading.
 The process of transferring data/programs from RAM to backing store so that they will be retained when a computer is turned off
is known as saving.
2). Read Only Memory (ROM): ROM holds information that is built into it. ROM chips are loaded with data and programs during
manufacture and can only be read by computer. However, the contents of the chips are not lost when the power is switched off (non-
volatile). ROM is used to form a computer's permanent store of vital information or of programs that must be readily available but
protected from accidental or deliberate change by the user. Frequently used programs essential to the normal running of the computer
are stored in ROM. These usually include the bootstrap loader and BIOS, which runs when the computer is switched on to get it started.
Only the computer manufacturer or experienced technicians can provide these programs in ROM and once done, they cannot be
changed. Consequently, you cannot put any of your own data or programs in ROM.
Ques8: Explain the Componets of a Computer.
Ans: COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER

HARDWARE SOFTWARE

INPUT DEVICES OUTPUT DEVICES STORAGE SYSTEM APPLICATION

DEVICES SOFTWARE SOFTWARE
1.Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system, which we can touch and feel.
Hardware can be divided into the following sub categories.
 A. Input Devices: an input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control
signals to the computer. Input devices convert the data & instructions from the human readable form to computer readable from i.e
machine language. Types of input devices:-
1. Keyborad :
2. Mouse: Types of mouse
1. Mechanical Mouse : Mouse having roller ball to generate motion.
2. Optical Mouse: Mouse using laser light to generate movement.
3. Image Scanners:
4. Optical character recognition(OCR):
5. Microphones and Speech Recognition:
B. Output Devices : An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the results of data
processing carried out by computer system which converts the electronically generated information into human-readable form
Output Devices
Output is data that has been processed into a used form, called information. An output device is any hardware component that can
display information to a user. The main and most common output devices in a computer system are the Printer and the V.D.U.
1.Computer Monitors:
2. Printer:
3. Speaker:

C. Storage Devices:- Secondary storage are used to store data permanently for future use.
1. Magnetic Media- Magnetic tape:
2. Magnetic Discs – (a) Hard Disks, (b) Floppy Disks:
3. Optical Media- An optical disk is a storage medium in which laser technology is used to record and read large volumes of digital
data.
(a) Compact Disks:-
(i) CD-ROM (Compact Disk - Read Only Memory)
(ii) CD-R (Compact Disk - Recordable)
(iii) CD-RW (Compact Disk - Rewriteable)
(b) Digital Versatile Disk(DVD):-
(i) DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk - Read Only Memory)
(ii) DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk - Random Access Memory)
c)Memory Storage Devce- These new storage devices use electricity to read and write data.
i) Memory Card ii)Pen Drive iii) digital cameras, digital camcorders and mobile phones.

2. Software: A set of programs used to instruct the hardware and help the computer and user for the efficient functioning of task are
known as software. Software can be divided into the following sub categories.
a). System Software
b). Application Software
Q9. What is Software? Explain System Software and Application Software?
Ans. Computer instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically is software. The storage device and display devices and
hardware. The distinction between software and hardware is sometimes confusing because they are so integrally linked.
Classification of Softwares:
 System Software
 Application Software
Syatem Software: System software is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to provide and maintain a
platform for running application Software.System software helps use the operating system and computer system. It includes diagnostic
tools, compilers, servers, windowing systems, utilities, language translator, data communication programs, database systems and more.
The purpose of system software is to insulate the applications programmer as much as possible from the details of the particular
computer complex being used, especially memory and other hardware features, and such accessory devices as communications,
printers, readers, displays, keyboards, etc.
Application Software: Application software is contrasted with system software and middleware which manage and integrate a
computer's capabilities, but typically do not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user. This should be
contrasted with system software which is involved in integrating a computer's various capabilities, but typically does not directly apply
them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user.The separate applications in a suite usually have a user interface that has some
commonality making it easier for the user to learn and use each application.And often they may have some capability to interact with each
other in ways beneficial to the user.
Ques9. Define Storage devices..
Ans. Storage Device is a device for recording (storing) information (data). Recording can be done using virtually any form of
energy.storage device is a hardware device capable of storing information.
Secondary Storage: - Secondary storage is a storage medium that holds information until it is deleted or overwritten regardless if the
computer has power. As can be seen by the below picture there are three different types of storage on a computer
It is also known as external memory and auxiliary storage. Off-line storage in Fig could be considered secondary storage, we’ve
separated these into their own category because these types of media can be easily removed from the computer and stored elsewhere.
1)Sequential Access Device:-A storage technology that is read and written in a serial (one after the other) fashion. Magnetic
tape is the common sequential access storage device.
Magnetic Tape: Magnetic Tape can be used to perform both functions -input and output. Magnetic Tape is a secondary storage
media.Magnetic tapes are used for large computers like mainframe computers where large volume of data is stored for a longer time.
In PC also you can use tapes in the form of cassettes. The cost of storing data in tapes is inexpensive. Tapes consist of magnetic
materials that store data permanently. It can be 12.5 mm to 25 mm wide plastic film-type and 500 meter to 1200 meter long which is
coated with magnetic material. The deck is connected to the central processor and information is fed into or read from the tape through
the processor. It similar to cassette tape recorder.

2)Direct Access Device:- A direct access storage device (DASD) has the electrical or electromechanical means to be immediately
positioned for reading and writing at any addressable location on the device.
A) Magnetic Disk: Magnetic disks used in computer are made on the same principle. It rotates with very high speed inside the computer
drive. Data is stored on both the surface of the disk. Magnetic disks are most popular for direct access storage device. Each disk consists
of a number of invisible concentric circles called tracks. Information is recorded on tracks of a disk surface in the form of tiny magnetic
spots. The presence of a magnetic spot represents one bit and its absence represents zero bit. The information stored in a disk can be
read many times without affecting the stored data. So the reading operation is non-destructive.
a)Floppy Disk : It’s a circular disk coated with magnetic oxide and enclosed within square plastic cover (Jacket). It’s available in different
size, but the most commonly used floppy is 3½. Data up to 1.44 MB can be stored in it. Data is written as tiny magnetic spots on the dish
surface creating new data or a disk surface eraser data previously stored at that location. Floppies are available in 2 sizes, 3.5 inch & 5.25
inch. The 3.5 inch size floppy is mostly used. The 5.25 inch floppy is kept in a flexible cover & it’s not safe. It can store about 1.2 MB data.
b) Hard Disk : Hard disks are made of aluminum or other metal alloys which are coated on both sides with magnetic material. Unlike
floppy disks, hark disks are not removable from the computer. To remain the storing capacity several disks are packed together &
mounted on a common drive to form a disk pack. A disk is also called a platter.
B)Optical Disk : Information is written to or read from an optical disk or tape using laser beam. Optical disks are not suitable memory
storage units because their access time is more than that of hard disks. Their advantage is that they have very high storage capacity.
a) Compact Disks- CDs use pit and flat surfaces to store information much the same way floppies and hard disks use magnetic and
nonmagnetic storage. Inside the CD-Rom is a laser that reflects light off of the surface of the disk to an electric eye. Compact disks are
exchangeable and easy to transport. CDs typically hold 650 or 700 megabytes of data, and are used in distributing large amounts of text
and graphics, such as encyclopedias, catalogues, and technical manuals.
1) CD-ROM (Compact Disk - Read Only Memory) - The data is written onto the CDROM disk before it is sold and can not be changed
by the user. CD-ROMs are used for applications such as distributing software, digital videos or multimedia products.
2) CD-R (Compact Disk - Recordable) - A CD-R disk is blank when it is supplied. The user can write data to it just once. After data has
been written to the disk it can not be changed. CD-Rs are often used for making permanent backups of data and distributing software
when only a small number of copies are required.
3) CD-RW (Compact Disk - Rewriteable) - CD-RW disks can be read from and written to.
b)Digital Versatile Disk(DVD)-
1)DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk - Read Only Memory) - DVD disks are able to store much more data than CD disks. The DVD
standard includes disk capacities up to 30Gb. DVD-ROM disks can be read from but can not be written to.
2)DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk - Random Access Memory) - DVD-RAM disks have all of the benefits of DVD-ROM disks and can
be written to as well. These very high capacity disks are ideal for producing backups. Because of their high capacity, DVD disks are used
to store high quality video such as complete movies.
C)Memory Storage Devce- These new storage devices use electricity to read and write data.
a)Memory Card:- 1. XD-Picture card , 2. Smart media (SM) card , 3. Secure digital (SD) card , 4. MultiMedia card (MMC) Card
b)Flash memory:-Flash memory is a type of nonvolatile memory that erases data in units called blocks. A block stored on a
flash memory chip must be erased before data can be written, or programmed, to the microchip. Flash memory retains data for an
extended period of time whether a flash-equipped device is powered on or off.
1)Pen Drive:- A pen drive is a portable Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash memory device for storing and transferring audio, video, and
data files from a computer. As long as the desktop or laptop has a USB port, and the pen drive is compatible with the operating system, it
should be easy to move the data from the hard drive to the device — and to another computer — in a matter of minutes. The drive gets its
name from the fact that many have a retractable port connector like a ballpoint pen, and they are small enough to fit into a pocket. Other
names include flash drive, jump drive, and thumb drive.
2) digital cameras, digital camcorders and mobile phones.