RVIST.

1 Information and Communication Technology

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INTRODUCTION TO ICT
Concept of ICT
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technologies is a broader term for Information
Technology (IT), which refers to all communication technologies, including the internet,
wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middleware, video-conferencing, social
networking, and other media applications and services enabling users to access, retrieve, store,
transmit, and manipulate information in a digital form.

ICTs are also used to refer to the convergence of media technology such as audio-visual
and telephone networks with computer networks, by means of a unified system
of cabling (including signal distribution and management) or link system. However, there is no
universally accepted definition of ICTs considering that the concepts, methods and tools
involved in ICTs are steadily evolving on an almost daily basis.

To define professional skill levels for its ICT professional education products, the IEEE
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Computer Society has adopted, for example,
the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). The value of ICT strategies as a means of
bridging the digital divide (is a term that refers to the gap between demographics and regions
that have access to modern ICT) and as a powerful tool for economic and social development
around the world.

Functions and Advantages of ICT

 Enhanced the modes of communication
 Cost-efficient
 Paperless: Eliminate the usage of paper. Eco-friendly
 Better teaching and learning methods
 Enhanced data and information security
 Minimize cost and save time
 Easy student management
 Automatic solutions to manual paper-based process and procedures
 Interactive and collaborative teaching and learning methods
 Direct classroom teaching
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 Spread awareness of the social impact of technological change in education

 Web-based LMS tools connect students, educators, scholars and researchers, and
education personal together
 Enhance E-learning and learning management system (LMS)
 Independent learning platforms for students
 Teachers can teach better with images, videos and graphics while delivering lessons
 Educators can create engaging, interesting and well-designed classroom activities
 Improve the administration and enhance the quality and efficiency of education
 Promote and improve the digital culture in schools, colleges, and universities

Its precise that we can’t just introduce ourselves to

History of Computer without first looking at the general
definition of Computer and its general workability

Computer Definition
Computer is an electronic device that accepts the user to
input data and information under influencing a special
instruction called Program to produce the users’ Output

History of Computers
The word ‘computer’ has a very interesting origin. The history of computer begins with the birth of
abacus which is believed to be the first computer. It is said that Chinese invented Abacus around
4,000 years ago.

It was a wooden rack which has metal rods with beads mounted on them. The beads were moved
by the abacus operator according to some rules to perform arithmetic calculations. Abacus is still
used in some countries like China, Russia and Japan. An image of this tool is shown, later further
improvements was done and gave rise to Computer Classification and Generation.

Computer Classification
Computer classification is broad or verse topic per se but we can classify the computers into the
following 3 categories:

Classifications of Computers System: -

1. On the Basis of Size and Capacity, [Supercomputer, Mainframe, Mini, and Micro
Computer].
2. On the Basis of Purposes, [General and Special Purpose].
3. On the Basis of Hardware Design and Type [Analog, Digital, and Hybrid Computer].

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1. Classification according to the Basis of Size and Capacity

SuperComputer
A Supercomputer is the very fastest and powerful, and expensive type of computer for
processing data. Supercomputers’ size and storage capacity are also huge (can occupy huge
premises) designed to process vast amounts of data in a short time with high productivity.
These are specially made to perform multi-specific tasks. Therefore, many CPUs work in
parallel order on these supercomputers. This function of a Supercomputer is called
Multiprocessing or Parallel Processing.A supercomputer’s design is complicated, like it can be
heterogeneous, combining computers of different architectures, is significantly surpassed most
existing personal computers. This made this machine an ultra-high-
performance supercomputer.

Each part of a supercomputer is responsible for its own specific task, such as structuring and
solving the most complex problems requiring an incredible amount of calculations.

Applications: The uses of supercomputers are dedicated to –

 In research and study of energy and nuclear weapons and designing the aircraft,
airplanes, and flight simulators.
 Climate research and Weather Forecasting and Prediction of Natural Disasters.
 Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
 Used in scientific research laboratories.
 Used in Chemical and Biological research and for highly calculation complex tasks.
Examples: IBM Roadburner, IBM Blue Gene, Intel ASI Red. PARAM-1000, and CRAY-XMP-
14.Good to Know ~ World’s first supercomputer is the Control Data Corporation (CDC)
6600 invented by Seymour Cray.

Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are multi-programming, high-performance computers, and multi-user,
which means they can handle the workload of more than 100 users at a time on the computer.
The storage capacity of the mainframe is enormous, with a high-speed data process as well. As
well as handling hundreds of input and output devices at a time.

The mainframe is a highly efficient computer capable of simultaneously solving complex

calculations and continuously for a long time. These computers have several microprocessors
that have the ability to function the data at too high performance and speed. The mainframe is
ahead of our conventional modern Personal computers in almost every metric. The possibility of
their “hot” replacement in the mainframe computer ensures continuity of operation. And the
standard amount of processor utilization effortlessly exceeds 85% of the total power.

Somehow mainframes can be more powerful than supercomputers because the mainframe
supports many processes simultaneously. On the other hand, supercomputers can run a single
program but faster than a mainframe. In the past, Mainframes requires entire rooms or even
floors of whole buildings for set up. In today, IBM company is leading the production of
mainframe computers. Mainframe reliability is increased with development in the past 60
years. These computers can fix most of the hardware and software bugs.

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Applications: Uses of Mainframe Computer –

Mainframe computers are mainly used by departmental and commercial organizations like
Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers, and governmental departments like railways.
These computers can work for 24 hours. Hundreds of users can work on these computations
simultaneously.

Using the mainframe completes the tasks, Such as keeping details of payments, research centres,
advertising, sending bills and notices, paying employees, ticket booking, maintaining details of
purchases by users, keeping detailed tax details, etc.

Examples: IBM Es000 series, ICL39 Series, and CDC 6600.

Mini Computer
Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer system with the connection of more than
one CPU. Thus, many people can work on these computers simultaneously instead of a single
person. Also, it can process with other accessories like a printer, plotter, etc.

Minicomputers are the medium type of computers that have more functionality power and are
expensive than microcomputers. On the other hand, the size, storage, and speed of
minicomputers are large but less than the mainframe and supercomputers.

Minicomputers are made for performing multiple computing tasks at a single point of time,
instead of assigning many microcomputers for a single task, which will be time-consuming and
expensive.

In general, a minicomputer is a multi-threaded system (several processes at a time) capable of

supporting from one to up to 200 users simultaneously: these computers are currently used
to store large databases, multi-user applications, and the automation industry.

Applications: The uses of Minicomputers –

The minicomputers are used as real-time applications in Industries, bookings, and Research
Centres. Banks also use minicomputers for preparing payroll for employees’ salaries, records,
tracking of financial accounts, etc. As well as in the field of Higher Education and Engineering.
Examples: PDP 11 and IBM (8000 Series).
Good to Know ~ PDP-1 was the world’s first minicomputer, small and interactive, introduced
in 1960 by the Digital Equipment Corporation.

Micro Computer
Today we are using many computers at home is also the most common microcomputer. With
this invention of the microprocessors in the year 1970, it became possible to use computers for
people personally at a low cost and reasonable price known as Digital Personal Computer.

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The design of microcomputers is minimal in size and storage capacity. These computers consist
of many parts like Input and Output devices, Software, operating systems, networks, and
Servers all these need to connect to form a complete Personal Digital Computer.

There is not only a PC or laptop are examples of microcomputers. Other examples of the
microcomputer are smartphone, Tablet, PDA, server, palmtop, and workstation.
This can be installed in any work area or even at home for personal use.

The primary purpose of microcomputers is to keep and process the everyday tasks and needs of
the people. Only one person can work on a single PC at a time, but its operating system
is multitasking. The PC can be connected to the Internet to take benefits and enhance the user
experience.
The development of multimedia, small equipment, optimized energy consumption, and
the LAN made the microcomputers increase in demand for every field.
The increase in the demand and need for microcomputers between the people leads to
the tremendous development of each part related to the microcomputers.

Applications: The uses of MicroComputer –

PC is being widely used in many fields like home, office, data collection, business, education,
entertainment, publishing, etc.
It keeps the details and prepares letters for correspondence in small businesses, creating bills,
accounting, word processing, and operation of the filing systems in a large company.

Some of the major PC manufacturers are IBM, Lenovo, Apple, HCL, HP, etc.

Examples: Desktops, tablets, smartphones, and Laptops.

The fast development of microcomputers with technology. As a result, today, microcomputers
coming in the form of a book, a phone, and even a clock in the name of a digital clock.

The above is the classification of computers according to Size and Capacity!

 Related: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Computer.

2. Computers on the Basis Purpose

General Purpose
General computers can do various everyday tasks such as writing a word processing letter,
Document preparation, recording, financial analysis, Printing documents, creating databases, and
calculations with accuracy and consistency.

The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers are mainly less. The ability of these
computers is limited in performing specialized tasks. Still, it has versatility and useful for
serving people’s basic needs at home or in the workplace in the environment.

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Examples:Desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are used on daily basis for general
purposes.

Special Purpose
These computers are designed to perform a particular or specialized task. The size, storage
capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature and size of the work. The
function of these computers is consistent with any particular task.

The special computer needs specific and input and devices as well as a compatible
motherboard with the processor to conduct work efficiently.
These computers are used for special purposes in weather forecasting, space research,
agriculture, engineering, meteorology, satellite operation, traffic control, and research in
chemical sciences.

Examples:
 Automatic teller machines (ATM),
 Washing machines,
 Surveillance equipment,
 Weather-forecasting simulators,
 Traffic-control computers,
 Defense-oriented applications,
 Oil-exploration systems,
 Military planes controlling computers.
The above is the classification of computers according to Purpose!

Computers on the Basis of Hardware Design and Data Handling.

Analog Computer
An analog computer performs tasks using continuous data (the physical amount that changes
continuously). Analog computers are used primarily to measure physical units like the voltage,
pressure, electric current, temperature, and convert them into digits.

It is also used to measure and perform arithmetic calculations of numbers, the length of an
object, or the amount of voltage that passes through a point in an electrical circuit. Analog
computers obtain all their data from some measurement way.

Analog computers are mainly used in the fields of science and engineering. Analog computers
are slow and equipped to measure things rather than countable or check.

The efficiency of this computer increases when we get the result of the data in graphs, etc.
Analog Computers cannot store statistics.

They are used in the fields of technology, science, research, engineering, etc. Because
quantities like voltage, pressure, electric current, temperature are used more in these areas,
these types of computers give only approximate estimates.
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Examples:
An analog computer installed on a petrol pump measures the amount of petrol coming out of the
pump and appears in liters. And calculates its value. These quantities vary continuously while
measuring the amount, such as the temperature of a human body changes consistently.

A simple clock, the vehicle’s speedometer, Voltmeter, etc. are examples of analog computing.

Digital Computer
As its name suggests, a digital computer represents the digital computer’s letters, numerical
values, or any other special symbols. This computer is the computer that calculates the number
for processing the data.
They run on electronic signs, and the binary numeral method Binary System 0 or 1 is used for
calculation. Their speed is fast.

It can perform arithmetic operations such as addition, occurrence, subtraction, multiplication,

or division and all types of logical(mathematical) operations. Today, most of the computers
available in the market are digital computers.
Digital computers are built to bring the solution of equations to an almost unlimited precision,
but in a bit slow manner compared to analog computers. To some extent, they all have similar
components for receiving, processing, sorting, and transmitting data and use a relatively small
number of essential functions to perform their tasks.
Digital computers use discrete electrical signals for operation rather than continuous electrical
signals as analog computers have, making them the most common form of computers today
because of their versatility, speed, and power.
The desktop or Laptop at our home is one the common and best example of a digital computer.

Other Examples of Digital Computers

 Personal Desktop Computers,
 Calculators,
 Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets,
 Digital watch,
 Accounting machines,
 Workstations,
 Digital clock, etc.
 Recommended: Analog vs Digital Computer (Difference Between Explained.)

3. Hybrid Computer
A hybrid computer is a combined complex computer unit built using both analog and
digital properties and united by a single control system. The purpose of designing hybrid
computers is to provide functions and features that can be found on both analog and digital
devices.

The aim behind creating a hybrid computer is to create a kind of work unit that offers the best of
both types of computers. Hybrid computers are extremely fast when driving equations, even
when those calculations are incredibly complex.

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As both the properties of a computer consist in the form of a single hybrid computer made
possible to solve too complex calculations or problems, at the same time, these devices are not
only too expensive but also able to solve complex issues a bit fastly.

Incorporating the properties of both(analog and digital) computers into hybrid computers makes
it possible to resolve more difficult equations immediately.
The analog computer systems solve the equation process immediately. But it is not necessary
that those solutions would be completely accurate.

Here, the digital computer system gives 100 % correct solutions, but it takes a bit of time in the
calculation. Therefore, Hybrid computers are made to overcome the flaws of both these analog
and digital systems.

Applications of hybrid Computer:

Hybrid computers are most commonly used in vast industries, research centres, organizations,
and manufacturing firms (where many equations need to be solved).
Also, the solutions and uses of hybrid computers have proved to be much more detailed,
accurate, and useful. Hybrid computers are used in scientific calculations, for nations’ defence
and radar systems as well.

Examples:
Auto Gasoline pump is the example of a hybrid computer, this device is installed on a petrol
pump do not only to measure the amount of petrol but also to calculates its value, in this way It
is capable of both functions i.e hybrid function.

Generations of Computers
A generation of computers refers to the specific improvements in computer technology with time.
In 1946, electronic pathways called circuits were developed to perform the counting. It replaced
the gears and other mechanical parts used for counting in previous computing machines.
In each new generation, the circuits became smaller and more advanced than the previous
generation circuits. The miniaturization helped increase the speed, memory and power of
computers. There are five generations of computers which are described below;

First Generation Computers

The first generation (1946-1959) computers were slow, huge and expensive. In these computers,
vacuum tubes were used as the basic components of CPU and memory. These computers were
mainly depended on batch operating system and punch cards. Magnetic tape and paper tape were
used as output and input devices in this generation;
Some of the popular first generation computers are;
o ENIAC ( Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
o EDVAC ( Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)
o UNIVACI( Universal Automatic Computer)
o IBM-701
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o IBM-650

Second Generation Computers

The second generation (1959-1965) was the era of the transistor computers. These computers used
transistors which were cheap, compact and consuming less power; it made transistor computers
faster than the first generation computers.
In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and magnetic disc and tapes
were used as the secondary storage. Assembly language and programming languages like COBOL
and FORTRAN, and Batch processing and multiprogramming operating systems were used in
these computers.
Some of the popular second generation computers are;
o IBM 1620
o IBM 7094
o CDC 1604
o CDC 3600
o UNIVAC 1108

Third Generation Computers

The third generation computers used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors. A single IC
can pack huge number of transistors which increased the power of a computer and reduced the
cost. The computers also became more reliable, efficient and smaller in size. These generation
computers used remote processing, time-sharing, multi programming as operating system. Also,
the high-level programming languages like FORTRON-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1,
ALGOL-68 were used in this generation.
Some of the popular third generation computers are;
o IBM-360 series
o Honeywell-6000 series
o PDP(Personal Data Processor)
o IBM-370/168
o TDC-316

Fourth Generation Computers

The fourth generation (1971-1980) computers used very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits; a
chip containing millions of transistors and other circuit elements. These chips made this generation
computers more compact, powerful, fast and affordable. These generation computers used real
time, time sharing and distributed operating system. The programming languages like C, C++,
DBASE were also used in this generation.
Some of the popular fourth generation computers are;
o DEC 10
o STAR 1000
o PDP 11
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o CRAY-1(Super Computer)
o CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)

Fifth Generation Computers

In fifth generation (1980-till date) computers, the VLSI technology was replaced with ULSI (Ultra
Large Scale Integration). It made possible the production of microprocessor chips with ten million
electronic components. This generation computers used parallel processing hardware and AI
(Artificial Intelligence) software. The programming languages used in this generation were C,
C++, Java, .Net, etc.
Some of the popular fifth generation computers are;
o Desktop
o Laptop
o NoteBook
o UltraBook
o ChromeBook
BOOT
Booting is a startup sequence that starts the operating system of a computer when it is turned on. A
boot sequence is the initial set of operations that the computer performs when it is switched on.
Every computer has a boot sequence. The average computer doesn’t understand the boot sequence
but is important to know for customizing and troubleshooting your computer.
Boot Loader
Computers powered by the central processing unit can only execute code found in the systems
memory. Modern operating systems and application program code and data are stored on
nonvolatile memories or mass storage devices. When a computer is first powered on, it must
initially rely only on the code and data stored in nonvolatile portions of the systems memory. At
boot time, the operating system is not really loaded and the computer’s hardware cannot peform
many complex systems actions.
The program that starts the “chain reaction” which ends with the entire operating system being
loaded is known as the boot loader (or bootstrap loader). The term creatively came from early
designers imagining that before a computer “runs” it must have its “boots strapped”. The boot
loader’s only job is to load other software for the operating system to start. Often, multiple-stage
boot loaders are used, in which several small programs of increasing complexity sequentially
summon one after the other, until the last of them loads the operating system.
Boot Devices
The boot device is the device from which the operating system is loaded. A modern PC BIOS
(Basic Input/output System) supports booting from various devices. These include the local hard
disk drive, optical drive, floppy drive, a network interface card, and a USB device. Typically, the
BIOS will allow the user to configure a boot order. If the boot order is set to:
1. Bootable Flash Disk
2. Bootable CD Drive
3. Bootable Hard Disk Drive
4. On a Network from a bootable device
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Then the BIOS will try to boot from the CD drive first, and if that fails then it will try to boot from
the hard disk drive, and if that fails then it will try to boot from the network, and if that fails then it
won’t boot at all.
Boot Sequence
When we press the power button of the system unit the computer goes through an initial series of
processes.

Power Up
The first step of any boot process is applying power to the machine. When the user turns a
computer on, a series of events begins that ends when the operating system gets control from the
boot process and the user is free to work. When the computer is turned on, the central processor
executes some startup code in ROM that is located on the motherboard.

Power-On Self-Test
The next step in the boot process is called the POST, or power on self-test. This test checks all
connected hardware, including RAM and secondary storage devices to be sure it is all
functioning properly. After POST has completed its job, the boot process searches the boot
device list for a device with a BIOS on it.
Find a Boot Device
The I/O system is essential to the operation of the computer because it defines the rules for
communications between the CPU and the other devices attached to the computer via the
motherboard. The I/O system, sometimes found in the "io.sys" file on the boot device, provides
extensions to the BIOS located in ROM on the motherboard.

Load the Operat ing System

Once the hardware functionality is confirmed and the input/output system is loaded, the boot
process begins loading the operating system from the boot device. The OS is loaded into RAM,
and any instructions specific to the particular operating system are executed. The actual
operating system is somewhat irrelevant, as the computer will follow the same boot pattern in
any case.

Transfer Control
Once the previous steps are complete and the operating system is safely loaded into RAM, the
boot process relinquishes control to the OS. The OS then proceeds to execute any pre-configured
startup routines to define user configuration or application execution. At the end of the handoff,
the computer is ready for use.

NB:- there are two types of BOOTING, namely Cold and Warm Booting

What is Cold Booting

Cold booting is the process of starting up a computer that is switched off. Usually, it is performed
by pressing the power button on the computer. Cold booting performs the “Power on Self-Test”
(POST). It is a series of system checks at the beginning of the boot sequence. In other words, it
checks whether all the requirements are met, and the hardware is working correctly before starting
the operating system.

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When troubleshooting the computer, the user is asked to turn off the computer completely. Then
cold booting is performed. It clears all temporary data from the system and eliminates the issues
that can affect the functionality of the computer.

What is Warm Booting

Warm booting is the process of restarting a computer. It can be initialized using the operating
system. In Windows, the user can perform warm booting by selecting the restart option from the
start menu. In Mac, the user can perform warm booting by selecting restart from the Apple menu.
Usually, warm booting is performed frequently than cold booting because the users leave the
computer in the sleep mode when they do not work. Warm booting does not include power on
self-test, but it performs the rest of the boot sequence. It also loads any system files that were
installed before the computer was restarted.

Other definition
User- or Computer User- is a person either expert or non-expert who utilizes computer
Systems and software products.

Computer Hardware- is the collection of all the parts you can physically touch. Refers to the
physical elements of a computer. This is also sometime called the
machinery or the equipment of the computer. Examples of hardware in a
computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse and the central
processing unit.
Computer Software- commonly known as programs or apps, consists of all the instructions
that tell the hardware how to perform a task. These instructions come
from a software developer in the form that will be accepted by
the platform (operating system + CPU) that they are based on.
For example, a program that is designed for the Windows operating
system will only work for that specific operating system. Compatibility
(Software compatibility is a characteristic of software components or
systems which can operate satisfactorily together on the same computer,
or on different computers linked by a computer network. It is possible that
some software components or systems may be compatible in one
environment and incompatible in another.) of software will vary as the
design of the software and the operating system differ. Software that is
designed for Windows XP may experience a compatibility issue when
running under Windows 2000 or NT.
Software is capable of performing many tasks, as opposed to hardware which can only perform
mechanical tasks that they are designed for. Software provides the means for accomplishing
many different tasks with the same basic hardware. Practical computer systems divide software
systems into two major classes:

System software: It’s also known as Primary Software which help in run the computer hardware
and computer system itself. System software includes operating systems, device drivers,
diagnostic tools and more. System software is almost always pre-installed on your computer.
Application software: It’s also known as Secondary Software which Allows users to
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accomplish one or more tasks. It includes word processing, web browsing and almost any other
task for which you might install software. (Some application software is pre-installed on most
computer systems.)
Software is generally created (written) in a high-level programming language, one that is (more
or less) readable by people. These high-level instructions are converted into "machine language"
instructions, represented in binary code, before the hardware can "run the code". When you
install software, it is generally already in this machine language, binary, form.

Components of a Computer System

Computer Components
As per Computer definition, all types of computers follow the same basic logical structure
and perform the following five basic operations for converting raw input data into
information useful to their users.

S.No. Operation Description

The process of entering data and instructions into the

1 Take Input
computer system.

Saving data and instructions so that they are available for

2 Store Data
processing as and when required.

Processing Performing arithmetic, and logical operations on data in

3
Data order to convert them into useful information.

Output The process of producing useful information or results for

4
Information the user, such as a printed report or visual display.

Control the Directs the manner and sequence in which all of the
5
workflow above operations are performed.

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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. A computer will only respond
when a command is given to the device. These commands can be given using the input unit or
the input devices.
For example: Using a keyboard we can type things on a Notepad and the computer processes the
entered data and then displays the output of the same of the screen.
The data entered can be in the form of numbers, alphabet, images, etc. We enter the information
using an input device, the processing units convert it into computer understandable languages
and then the final output is received by a human-understandable language.
Following are 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)

Keyboard
Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device which helps to input data to the
computer. The layout of the keyboard is like that of traditional typewriter, although there are
some additional keys provided for performing additional functions.

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Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or 101/102 keys, but now keyboards with 104 keys or 108
keys are also available for Windows and Internet.
The keys on the keyboard are as follows −
S.No Keys & Description

Typing Keys
1 These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and digit keys (09) which generally give the same layout as
that of typewriters.

Numeric Keypad
2 It is used to enter the numeric data or cursor movement. Generally, it consists of a set of 17 keys that
are laid out in the same configuration used by most adding machines and calculators.

Function Keys
3 The twelve function keys are present on the keyboard which are arranged in a row at the top of the
keyboard. Each function key has a unique meaning and is used for some specific purpose.

Control keys
4 These keys provide cursor and screen control. It includes four directional arrow keys. Control keys
also include Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down, Control(Ctrl), Alternate(Alt),
Escape(Esc).

Special Purpose Keys

5 Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys such as Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, Num Lock, Space
bar, Tab, and Print Screen.

Mouse
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Mouse is the most popular pointing device. It is a very famous cursor-control device having a
small palm size box with a round ball at its base, which senses the movement of the mouse and
sends corresponding signals to the CPU when the mouse buttons are pressed.
Generally, it has two buttons called the left and the right button and a wheel is present between
the buttons. A mouse can be used to control the position of the cursor on the screen, but it cannot
be used to enter text into the computer.

Advantages

 Easy to use
 Not very expensive
 Moves the cursor faster than the arrow keys of the keyboard.

Joystick
Joystick is also a pointing device, which is used to move the cursor position on a monitor screen.
It is a stick having a spherical ball at its both lower and upper ends. The lower spherical ball
moves in a socket. The joystick can be moved in all four directions.

The function of the joystick is similar to that of a mouse. It is mainly used in Computer Aided
Designing (CAD) and playing computer games.

Light Pen

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Light pen is a pointing device similar to a pen. It is used to select a displayed menu item or draw
pictures on the monitor screen. It consists of a photocell and an optical system placed in a small
tube.

When the tip of a light pen is moved over the monitor screen and the pen button is pressed, its
photocell sensing element detects the screen location and sends the corresponding signal to the
CPU.

Track Ball
Track ball is an input device that is mostly used in notebook or laptop computer, instead of a
mouse. This is a ball which is half inserted and by moving fingers on the ball, the pointer can be
moved.

Since the whole device is not moved, a track ball requires less space than a mouse. A track ball
comes in various shapes like a ball, a button, or a square.

Scanner
Scanner is an input device, which works more like a photocopy machine. It is used when some
information is available on paper and it is to be transferred to the hard disk of the computer for
further manipulation.

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Scanner captures images from the source which are then converted into a digital form that can be
stored on the disk. These images can be edited before they are printed.

Digitizer
Digitizer is an input device which converts analog information into digital form. Digitizer can
convert a signal from the television or camera into a series of numbers that could be stored in a
computer. They can be used by the computer to create a picture of whatever the camera had been
pointed at.

Digitizer is also known as Tablet or Graphics Tablet as it converts graphics and pictorial data
into binary inputs. A graphic tablet as digitizer is used for fine works of drawing and image
manipulation applications.

Microphone
Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then stored in a digital form.

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The microphone is used for various applications such as adding sound to a multimedia
presentation or for mixing music.

Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)

MICR input device is generally used in banks as there are large number of cheques to be
processed every day. The bank's code number and cheque number are printed on the cheques
with a special type of ink that contains particles of magnetic material that are machine readable.

This reading process is called Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR). The main advantages
of MICR is that it is fast and less error prone.

Optical Character Reader (OCR)

OCR is an input device used to read a printed text.

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OCR scans the text optically, character by character, converts them into a machine readable code,
and stores the text on the system memory.

Bar Code Readers

Bar Code Reader is a device used for reading bar coded data (data in the form of light and dark
lines). Bar coded data is generally used in labelling goods, numbering the books, etc. It may be
a handheld scanner or may be embedded in a stationary scanner.

Bar Code Reader scans a bar code image, converts it into an alphanumeric value, which is then
fed to the computer that the bar code reader is connected to.

Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

OMR is a special type of optical scanner used to recognize the type of mark made by pen or
pencil. It is used where one out of a few alternatives is to be selected and marked.

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It is specially used for checking the answer sheets of examinations having multiple choice
questions.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data processing
operations. It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program). It controls the
operation of all parts of the computer. When we enter the data into the computer using an input
device, the entered information immediately gets saved in the memory unit of the Central
Processing Unit (CPU). Because of the presence of some existing programming, the Memory
Unit transmits the data further to the other parts of the CPU. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The Central Processing Unit is the core of any computer devices. It comprises three major
components of the computer which have been discussed above:
 Memory Unit
 Control Unit
 Arithmetic and Logical Unit

All these three units are elements of CPU and together help in the efficient working and
processing of data. It is also known as the “Brain of Computer” and no action can be conducted
by a device without the execution and permission of the Central Processing Unit.
The device is a close-knit circuit comparison microprocessor which helps in fetching the data
and proving suitable results to the user. Thus, CPU is the main processing unit of the computer.
Also, while discussing the various components of computers, it must be known that a device
which is so complex and intricately made using circuits and wires comprises various other
elements, which affects its overall programming and performance.

Similarly, when the output of our command is processed by the computer, it is saved in the
memory unit before giving the output to the user.
 Control Unit

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This is the core unit which manages the entire functioning of the computer device. It is one of
the most essential components of the computer system.
The Control Unit collects the data entered using the input unit, leads it on for processing and
once that is done, receives the output and presents it to the user. It can be said to the centre of all
processing actions taking place inside a computer device.
Basically, the instructions taken, interpretation of entered data, issuing signals to execute the data
and then finally retrieving the data is all done in the Control Unit.
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not carry out any actual
data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are −
 It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other units of
a computer.
 It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
 It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and directs the operation of
the computer.
 It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer of data or results from storage.
 It does not process or store data.

 Arithmetic & Logical Unit

As the name suggests, all the mathematical calculations or arithmetic operations are performed
in the Arithmetic and Logical Unit of the CPU.
It can also perform actions like a comparison of data and decision-making actions. The ALU
comprises circuits using which addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and other numerical
based calculations can be performed. This unit consists of two subsections namely,

 Arithmetic Section
 Logic Section

Arithmetic Section
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. All complex operations are done by making repetitive use of the
above operations.

Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selecting, matching,
and merging of data.

Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information from the
computer. This unit is a link between the computer and the users. Output devices translate the
computer's output into a form understandable by the users. When we command a computer to
perform a task, it reverts for the action performed and gives us a result. This result is called
output. There are various output devices connected to the computer. The most basic of which is

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a monitor. Whatever we write using a keyboard or click using a mouse, is all displayed on the
monitor.
Thus, the output unit gives us the final result once the entire processing is done within the
mechanism of a device.
For example: when we visit an ATM, we enter our details like language, pin, amount to be
withdrawn, etc. and then the final money which the cash dispenser releases is our outcome. In
this case, the cash dispenser acts as an output unit.
To get a list of computer input and output devices and the function of the various I/O devices,
visit the linked article.
For better understanding and more interactive analysis of the components of the computer,
candidates can check the video given below and get detailed information reading the five major
components responsible for the functioning of a computer device.
Following are some of the important output devices used in a computer.

 Monitors
 Graphic Plotter
 Printer

Monitors
Monitors, commonly called as Visual Display Unit (VDU), are the main output device of a
computer. It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged in a rectangular form.
The sharpness of the image depends upon the number of pixels.
There are two kinds of viewing screen used for monitors.

 Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)

 Flat-Panel Display

Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

The CRT display is made up of small picture elements called pixels. The smaller the pixels, the
better the image clarity or resolution. It takes more than one illuminated pixel to form a whole
character, such as the letter ‘e’ in the word help.

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A finite number of characters can be displayed on a screen at once. The screen can be divided
into a series of character boxes - fixed location on the screen where a standard character can be
placed. Most screens are capable of displaying 80 characters of data horizontally and 25 lines
vertically.
There are some disadvantages of CRT −

 Large in Size
 High power consumption

Flat-Panel Display Monitor

The flat-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced volume, weight and
power requirement in comparison to the CRT. You can hang them on walls or wear them on your
wrists. Current uses of flat-panel displays include calculators, video games, monitors, laptop
computer, and graphics display.

The flat-panel display is divided into two categories −

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 Emissive Displays − Emissive displays are devices that convert electrical energy into
light. For example, plasma panel and LED (Light-Emitting Diodes).
 Non-Emissive Displays − Non-emissive displays use optical effects to convert sunlight
or light from some other source into graphics patterns. For example, LCD (Liquid-Crystal
Device).

Printers
Printer is an output device, which is used to print information on paper.
There are two types of printers −

 Impact Printers
 Non-Impact Printers

Impact Printers
Impact printers print the characters by striking them on the ribbon, which is then pressed on the
paper.
Characteristics of Impact Printers are the following −

 Very low consumable costs

 Very noisy
 Useful for bulk printing due to low cost
 There is physical contact with the paper to produce an image
These printers are of two types −

 Character printers
 Line printers
Character Printers
Character printers are the printers which print one character at a time.
These are further divided into two types:

 Dot Matrix Printer(DMP)

 Daisy Wheel
Dot Matrix Printer
In the market, one of the most popular printers is Dot Matrix Printer. These printers are popular
because of their ease of printing and economical price. Each character printed is in the form of
pattern of dots and head consists of a Matrix of Pins of size (5*7, 7*9, 9*7 or 9*9) which come
out to form a character which is why it is called Dot Matrix Printer.

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Advantages

 Inexpensive
 Widely Used
 Other language characters can be printed
Disadvantages

 Slow Speed
 Poor Quality
Daisy Wheel
Head is lying on a wheel and pins corresponding to characters are like petals of Daisy (flower)
which is why it is called Daisy Wheel Printer. These printers are generally used for word-
processing in offices that require a few letters to be sent here and there with very nice quality.

Advantages

 More reliable than DMP

 Better quality
 Fonts of character can be easily changed
Disadvantages
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 Slower than DMP

 Noisy
 More expensive than DMP
Line Printers
Line printers are the printers which print one line at a time.

These are of two types −

 Drum Printer
 Chain Printer
Drum Printer
This printer is like a drum in shape hence it is called drum printer. The surface of the drum is
divided into a number of tracks. Total tracks are equal to the size of the paper, i.e. for a paper
width of 132 characters, drum will have 132 tracks. A character set is embossed on the track.
Different character sets available in the market are 48 character set, 64 and 96 characters set. One
rotation of drum prints one line. Drum printers are fast in speed and can print 300 to 2000 lines
per minute.
Advantages

 Very high speed

Disadvantages

 Very expensive
 Characters fonts cannot be changed
Chain Printer
In this printer, a chain of character sets is used, hence it is called Chain Printer. A standard
character set may have 48, 64, or 96 characters.
Advantages

 Character fonts can easily be changed.

 Different languages can be used with the same printer.
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Disadvantages

 Noisy

Non-impact Printers
Non-impact printers print the characters without using the ribbon. These printers print a complete
page at a time, thus they are also called as Page Printers.
These printers are of two types −

 Laser Printers
 Inkjet Printers
Characteristics of Non-impact Printers

 Faster than impact printers

 They are not noisy
 High quality
 Supports many fonts and different character size
Laser Printers
These are non-impact page printers. They use laser lights to produce the dots needed to form the
characters to be printed on a page.

Advantages

 Very high speed

 Very high quality output
 Good graphics quality
 Supports many fonts and different character size
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Disadvantages

 Expensive
 Cannot be used to produce multiple copies of a document in a single printing
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are non-impact character printers based on a relatively new technology. They print
characters by spraying small drops of ink onto paper. Inkjet printers produce high quality output
with presentable features.

They make less noise because no hammering is done and these have many styles of printing
modes available. Color printing is also possible. Some models of Inkjet printers can produce
multiple copies of printing also.
Advantages

 High quality printing

 More reliable
Disadvantages

 Expensive as the cost per page is high

 Slow as compared to laser printer

Computer Peripheral Devices

A peripheral is a “device that is used to put information into or get information out of the
computer.There are three different types of peripherals:

 Input, used to interact with, or send data to the computer (mouse, keyboards, etc.)
 Output, which provides output to the user from the computer (monitors, printers, etc.)
 Storage, which stores data processed by the computer (hard drives, flash drives, etc.)

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Overview

A peripheral device is generally defined as any auxiliary device such as a computer mouse or
keyboard, that connects to and works with the computer in some way. Other examples of
peripherals are expansion cards, graphics cards, image scanners, tape drives, microphones,
loudspeakers, webcams, and digital cameras. RAM—random access memory—straddles the line
between peripheral and primary component; it is technically a storage peripheral, but is required
for every major function of a modern computer and removing the RAM will effectively disable
any modern machine. Many new devices such as digital watches, smartphones and tablet
computers have interfaces which allow them to be used as a peripheral by a full computer,
though they are not host-dependent as other peripheral devices are. According to the most
technical definition, the only pieces of a computer notconsidered to be peripherals are the central
processing unit, power supply, motherboard, and computer case.

Usually, the word peripheral is used to refer to a device external to the computer case, like a
scanner, but the devices located inside the computer case are also technically
peripherals. Devices that exist outside the computer case are called external peripherals, or
auxiliary components, Examples are: “Many of the external peripherals I own, such as my
scanner and printer, connect to the peripheral ports on the back of my computer.”[2] Devices that
are inside the case such as internal hard drives or CD-ROM drives are also peripherals in
technical terms and are called internal peripherals, but may not be recognized as peripherals by
laypeople.

In a system on a chip, peripherals are incorporated into the same integrated circuit as the central
processing unit. They are still referred to as “peripherals” despite being permanently attached to
(and in some sense part of) their host processor.

Common Peripherals

 Input
o Keyboard
o Computer mouse
o Graphic tablet
o Touchscreen
o Barcode reader
o Image scanner
o Microphone
o Webcam
o Game controller
o Light pen
o Scanner
o Digital camera
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 Output
o Computer display
o Printer
o Projector
o Speaker
 Storage devices
o Floppy disk drive
o Flash drive
o Disk drive
o Smartphone or Tablet computer storage interface
o CD/DVD drive
 Input/Output
o Modem
o Network interface controller (NIC)

Computer Storage media

A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer memory
is alternatively referred to as digital storage, storage, storage media, or storage medium,
a storage device is any hardware capable of holding information either temporarily or
permanently. The storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and instructions
required for processing are stored. The memory is divided into large number of small parts
called cells. Each location or cell has a unique address, which varies from zero to memory size
minus one. For example, if the computer has 64k words, then this memory unit has 64 * 1024 =
65536 memory locations. The address of these locations varies from 0 to 65535.
Memory is primarily of three types −
 Cache Memory
 Primary Memory/Main Memory
 Secondary Memory

Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up the CPU. It acts
as a buffer between the CPU and the main memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and
program which are most frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data and programs are
transferred from the disk to cache memory by the operating system, from where the CPU can
access them.

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Advantages
The advantages of cache memory are as follows −
 Cache memory is faster than main memory.
 It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
 It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.
 It stores data for temporary use.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows −
 Cache memory has limited capacity.
 It is very expensive.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the computer is currently
working. It has a limited capacity and data is lost when power is switched off. It is generally
made up of semiconductor device. These memories are not as fast as registers. The data and
instruction required to be processed resides in the main memory. It is divided into two
subcategories RAM and ROM.

Characteristics of Main Memory

 These are semiconductor memories.
 It is known as the main memory.
 Usually volatile memory.
 Data is lost in case power is switched off.
 It is the working memory of the computer.
 Faster than secondary memories.
 A computer cannot run without the primary memory.
Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It is slower than the main
memory. These are used for storing data/information permanently. CPU directly does not access
these memories, instead they are accessed via input-output routines. The contents of secondary

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memories are first transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it. For example,
disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

Characteristics of Secondary Memory

 These are magnetic and optical memories.
 It is known as the backup memory.
 It is a non-volatile memory.
 Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
 It is used for storage of data in a computer.
 Computer may run without the secondary memory.
 Slower than primary memories.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program,
and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the machine is working. As
soon as the machine is switched off, data is erased.

Access time in RAM is independent of the address, that is, each storage location inside the
memory is as easy to reach as other locations and takes the same amount of time. Data in the
RAM can be accessed randomly but it is very expensive.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if there is a
power failure. Hence, a backup Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is often used with
computers. RAM is small, both in terms of its physical size and in the amount of data it can hold.
RAM is of two types −
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 Static RAM (SRAM)

 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Static RAM (SRAM)

The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power is being supplied.
However, data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile nature. SRAM chips use a matrix
of 6-transistors and no capacitors. Transistors do not require power to prevent leakage, so SRAM
need not be refreshed on a regular basis.
There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses more chips than DRAM for the same
amount of storage space, making the manufacturing costs higher. SRAM is thus used as cache
memory and has very fast access.

Characteristic of Static RAM

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

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order to maintain the data. This is done
by placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data several hundred times per
second. DRAM is used for most system memory as it is cheap and small. All DRAMs are made
up of memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor and one transistor.

Characteristics of Dynamic RAM

 Short data lifetime

 Needs to be refreshed continuously
 Slower as compared to SRAM
 Used as RAM
 Smaller in size
 Less expensive
 Less power consumption
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read but cannot
write on it. This type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored permanently in such
memories during manufacture. A ROM stores such instructions that are required to start a
computer. This operation is referred to as bootstrap. ROM chips are not only used in the
computer but also in other electronic items like washing machine and microwave oven.

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Let us now discuss the various types of ROMs and their characteristics.

MROM (Masked ROM)

The very first ROMs were hard-wired devices that contained a pre-programmed set of data or
instructions. These kind of ROMs are known as masked ROMs, which are inexpensive.

PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)

PROM is read-only memory that can be modified only once by a user. The user buys a blank
PROM and enters the desired contents using a PROM program. Inside the PROM chip, there are
small fuses which are burnt open during programming. It can be programmed only once and is
not erasable.

EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)

EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of up to 40 minutes.
Usually, an EPROM eraser achieves this function. During programming, an electrical charge is
trapped in an insulated gate region. The charge is retained for more than 10 years because the
charge has no leakage path. For erasing this charge, ultra-violet light is passed through a quartz
crystal window (lid). This exposure to ultra-violet light dissipates the charge. During normal use,
the quartz lid is sealed with a sticker.

EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)

EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and reprogrammed about ten
thousand times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to 10 ms (millisecond). In EEPROM,
any location can be selectively erased and programmed. EEPROMs can be erased one byte at a
time, rather than erasing the entire chip. Hence, the process of reprogramming is flexible but
slow.

Advantages of ROM
The advantages of ROM are as follows −
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 Non-volatile in nature
 Cannot be accidentally changed
 Cheaper than RAMs
 Easy to test
 More reliable than RAMs
 Static and do not require refreshing
 Contents are always known and can be verified

Alternatively storage media referred to as digital storage, storage, storage media, or storage
medium, a storage device is any hardware capable of holding information either temporarily or
permanently. The picture shows an example of a Drobo, an external secondary mass storage
device.
There are two types of storage devices used with computers: a primary storage device, such
as RAM, and a secondary storage device, such as a hard drive. Secondary storage can
be removable, internal, or external.

Examples of computer storage

Today, there are three types of media used to store computer data: magnetic storage, optical
storage, and solid-state storage. Below is a full list of all computer storage used over the
evolution of the computer.

Magnetic storage devices

Today, magnetic storage is one of the most common types of storage used with computers. This
technology is found mostly on extremely large HDDs or hybrid hard drives.
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 Floppy diskette
 Hard drive
 Magnetic strip
 SuperDisk
 Tape cassette
 Zip diskette

Optical storage devices

Another common type of storage is optical storage, which uses lasers and lights as its method of
reading and writing data.
 Blu-ray disc
 CD-ROM disc
 CD-R and CD-RW disc.
 DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW disc.
Solid-state storage devices

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Solid-state storage (flash memory) has replaced most magnetic and optical media as it becomes
cheaper because it's the more efficient and reliable solution.
 USB flash drive, jump drive, or thumb drive.
 CF (CompactFlash)
 M.2
 Memory card
 MMC
 NVMe
 SDHC Card
 SmartMedia Card
 Sony Memory Stick
 SD card
 SSD
 xD-Picture Card
Online and cloud
Storing data online and in cloud storage is becoming popular as people need to access their data
from more than one device.
 Cloud storage
 Network media
Paper storage

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Early computers had no method of using any of the technologies above for storing information
and had to rely on paper. Today, these forms of storage are rarely used or found. In the picture is
an example of a woman entering data to a punch card using a punch card machine.
 OMR
 Punch card

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