Chapter 1

Basics of Information
Technology
Contents
• Data, Information & Data • Output and Output Devices
Processing • Display Screen
• Information Technology
• Printers
• Computer Hardware
• Plotter
• Software
• Audio Output Device
• Input and Input Devices
• Basic Units Of Data Storage
• Keyboard
• System Development Life Cycle
• Pointing Devices (SDLC)
• Source Data Entry Devices
• Audio & Video Input Device
Data, Information & Data
Processing
Q.1 Describe the following terms with examples.
(i) Data ii) Information iii) Data processing
 Data
• A collection of raw facts and figures is called data.
• Data may be in the form of text, numbers, images, sounds, and videos.
• The word ‘raw’ means unprocessed. Data does not give clear and proper
meanings. So it cannot be used directly for decision making. Data can be
processed to produce meaningful information.
• Example:
 Information
• The processed data is called information.
• The processed data (information) gives clear and proper meanings. So it can
be used for decision making.
• Data can be processed in different ways to produce the required information.
 Data Processing
• The process of converting data into information is called data processing. Data processing
is also known as computing. In data processing, data is used as input and information is the
output.

• The data can be processed manually or by using computer. A computer is a data processing
machine. It accepts data as input, processes it and returns the processed data (i.e.
information).
• Example:
Information Technology
Q.2 What is information technology? Describe it in detail.
Q.3 Describe the modern scenario or impact of information technology.
 Information Technology
• The technology used for processing, storing, and communicating information
• It is the combination of telecommunication technology and computer technology
(hardware and software). It combines computing with high-speed communication links for
carrying data from one place to another, all over the world. The website is a type of
information technology.
• Major components of information technology:
• Data or information
• Medium or communication network
• Computer hardware and software
• Sources of Communication: Fax machines, mobile phones, and computer networks.
 Modern Scenario of Information
Technology
Applications of Information Technology:
• Artificial Intelligence
• Web-Based Applications
• E-commerce
• M-commerce (Mobile commerce)
• Computer animation
• Multi-media & Hyper-media
• Distributed computing
Computer Hardware
Q.4 What is a computer? Discuss primary hardware components of computer
system. Also write the names of important hardware devices.
 Computer
• A computer is an electronic machine. It can be programmed to accept data,
process data into useful information, and store it for later use. A computer
system consists of hardware and software.
• Software
• A set of instructions given to the computer to solve a particular problem (or to perform
a specific task) is called software or computer program.
• A computer cannot do anything without software.
• Software is developed in a particular computer programming language.
• Hardware
• The physical parts of a computer are called hardware.
• We can touch, see, and feel hardware.
• Examples: input and output devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, monitor, etc.),
CPU, memory unit, etc.
Primary Hardware Components
Software
Q.5 What is software? Describe different categories / types of software.
 Software
• A set of instructions given to the computer to solve a particular problem (or to
perform a specific task), is called software or computer program.
• A computer cannot do anything without software.
• Software tells the computer what to do and how to do. A computer performs
different operations according to the instructions of the software.
• Software is developed in a computer programming language.
 Software
System Software
• The software which controls and manages different operations of a computer
system is called system software.
• It is a collection of programs.
• It controls the working of different parts of the computer (computer
hardware).
• It also helps to run application programs on the computer.
• Examples: Operating systems, utility programs, and device drivers.
 Software
Application Software
• A program or set of programs that are specially designed to perform a specific
task or to solve a specific problem is called application software or software
package.
• A large number of application software are available for different purposes.

(i) Custom-built Software

• The software that is developed for a particular customer or organization is
called custom-built software or customized software.
• Example: software developed to maintain the records of students of a
particular college.
 Software
Application Software
(ii) Packaged Software
• The software that is developed for sale to the general public is called
packaged software or off-the-shelf software.
• Packaged software is used to solve some common problem of many people or
users.
• Examples:
• Word processor such as MS-Word
• Spreadsheet such as MS-Excel
• Database software such as MS-Access and Oracle etc.
• Graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop and CorelDraw etc.
• Communication software such as Internet Explorer and Google Chrome etc.
Difference between System Software and Application Software
System Software Application Software
• It is used to control and manage • It is used to solve specific problems
different operations of the computer of the users.
system. • It is a specific-purpose software.
• It is a general-purpose software. • It depends upon system software to
• It can access directly different access different computer resources.
computer resources. • A computer can do work without
• A computer cannot do work without having application software.
having system software such as an
operating system. • Application software can easily be
designed as compared with system
• The system software is difficult to software.
design as compared with application
software.
 Difference Between Hardware and Software
Hardware Software
• Hardware are the physical components of the • Software is a set of instructions given to the
computer. computer.
• We can touch, and see the hardware. • We cannot touch, and see the software.
• Hardware is constructed using physical • Software is developed by writing instructions
materials or components. in programming language.
• Computer is hardware, which operates under • The operations of computer are controlled
the control of a software. through software.
• If hardware is damaged, it is replaced with • If software is damaged or corrupted, its
new one. backup copy can be reinstalled.
• Hardware is not affected by computer viruses. • Software is affected by computer viruses.
• Hardware cannot be transferred from one • Software can be transferred from one place
place to another electronically through to another electronically through network.
network.
• User can make many new duplicate copies of
• User cannot make new duplicate copies of the
the software.
Input and Input Devices
Q.7 What is input? Discuss the uses of input devices? List few of them.
 Input Devices
• Anything given to the computer is called input. The data and instructions are given to
the computer as input.
• The devices that are used to enter data and instructions into the computer are called
input devices.
• It is a hardware component.
• It takes input from user and converts it into a form that a computer can use.
• General types of input devices:
(i) Keyboards
(ii) Pointing devices
(iii) Source data-entry devices
• Most popular and commonly used input devices:
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Scanners
Keyboard
Q.8 What is Keyboard? Describe the enhanced keyboard and its segments.
 Keyboard
• It is mostly used to enter text and numeric type data into the computer.
• The buttons on the keyboard are called keys.
• Keys: alphabetic characters, numeric digits, and special characters, some
special keys known as function keys.
• A standard keyboard contains more than 100-keys.
• The standard keyboard is also called QWERTY keyboard.
• Parts of Keyboard:
• Function keys
• Main keyboard
• Numeric keys
• Additional keys
 Keyboard
• Parts of Keyboard:
Function keys Main keyboard Numeric keys Additional keys

F1, F2, ……., F12 • Alphabetic character keys • Arrow Keys

• Numeric keys • Insert, Delete, Home,
F1: help • Special command keys End, PgUp, PgDn
Esc Tab • Print screen
Caps Lock Shift • Scroll Lock
Ctrl Alt • Pause
Backspace Enter • Windows
Pointing Devices
Q.9 What are pointing devices? List the names of different pointing devices.
 Pointing Devices
• A pointer represents a small symbol/arrow on the screen. It usually appears on
the screen in Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment.
• Purposes of pointing device:
• To select the text, graphics, and other objects (like buttons/ icons, menus, commands,
etc.)
• Drawing graphs or maps etc.
Names of Some Pointing Devices
1- Mouse 2- Trackball
3- Pointing Stick 4- Joystick
5- Touch pad 6- Touch screen
7- Light pen 8- Digitizing/Graphic tablet
 Mouse
• Control the cursor or pointer on the screen and to give
commands to the computer.
• As a user moves a mouse, the pointer on the screen also moves.
• Connected with the computer by a cable or wireless connection, connected to
the USB port on the system unit.
• One wheel and 2 buttons, in general.
• Also allows the user to create graphics such as lines, curves, and freehand
shapes, on the screen.
 Touch Pad
• Pressure-sensitive pointing input device.
• Also known as track pad.
• It is a small, flat surface (or sensitive pad) over which a user slides fingertip to
move the pointer on screen.
• One or two buttons located near the pad. These buttons work like mouse
buttons.
• Normally used with laptops and are built-in on their keyboards.
 Touch Screen
• Touch-sensitive display device.
• Input is given to the computer directly by touching the screen with the user’s
fingertip or stylus.
• Uses: to make a selection from a menu of choices displayed on the screen.
• Examples: mobile computers and mobile devices such as smartphones and
tablets. Laptop screens, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) interface.
• Multi-touch Screens. For example, a user can use his/her two or more fingers
to enlarge or rotate an image on the screen
 Digitizer or Graphics Tablet
• A graphics tablet (digitizer) consists of a flat, rectangular, electronic board (or
pad).
• The stylus is connected to the graphics tablet by a wire or wireless.
• Applications: mainly used for making maps and engineering drawings. It makes
it easy to enter free-hand drawing into the computer.
• Each location on the rectangular board points to the corresponding position
on the computer screen.
• The input device puck or stylus or cursor looks like a mouse.
• Purpose of Cursor
• Draw figures
• Write equations
• Deliver Lectures
Source Data Entry Devices
Q.16 What are source data-entry devices? List out different categories of these
devices.
 Source Data Entry Devices
• The devices that are used for direct data entry to the computer system are called source
data-entry devices. These devices are also known as direct input devices. These devices
provide quick and efficient way to input data into the computer.

Scanning Devices Audio Devices

1- Barcode Reader 1- Audio input devices
2- Mark and character recognition devices: 2- Video input devices
• MICR (Magnetic-Ink Character Recognition) 3- Digital Camera
• OMR (Optical Mark Recognition)
• Magnetic- Strip Card
• Smart Card
3- Fax machine
4- Image scanner
 Barcode & Barcode Reader
• Unique identification code.
• Consists of vertical lines with spaces between them of different widths.
• Popular and commonly used bar code: UPC (Universal Product Code).
Barcode Reader
• Bar code scanner: Optical scanning device.
• Used for reading (or decoding) barcode printed on the products.
• It uses laser beams to read the barcode and translates it into digital signals.
 Mark and Character Recognition Devices
• Used to scan (or read) information printed on the paper. These devices read the
information and convert into digital signals.
(i) MICR
• Stands for Magnetic-Ink Character Recognition.
• Reads the characters printed with magnetic ink and converts them into digital signals.
These signals are then input to the computer for further processing.
• Uses: in banks for processing cheques.
(ii) OMR
• Stands for Optical Marks Recognition. Also called mark sensing device.
• Read handwritten marks such as circles or rectangles on the
specially printed sheet.
• It uses a light beam to scan the marks and converts them into
digital signals.
• Application: in education field to check (or mark) the objective type
answers of the questions e.g. SAT and GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
 Mark and Character Recognition Devices
(iv) Magnetic-Stripe Card
• Plastic card having magnetic stripe on its back.
• Information can be stored magnetically on the magnetic stripe e.g.
personal identity cards.
• A magnetic stripe card reader is used to read the information stored on the
magnetic stripe cards.
(v) Smart Card
• Looks like a credit card or ATM card. This card contains a thin
microprocessor and memory chip that is embedded in it. The card is
inserted into a card reader. It can also store and update some basic
information.
• Examples: Mobile SIM card, ATM card
 Fax Machine
• Facsimile transmission machine.
• Send and receive information printed on a paper through the telephone line.
• Sending side fax machine:
• Scans information printed on paper.
• Converts the information into digital/analog signals and sends these signals over the
telephone line to a fax machine at the receiving side.
• Receiving side fax machine:
• Receives information in the form of digital/analog signals.
• Converts these signals into the original form of the information and prints on the paper.

(i) Dedicated Fax Machine

(ii) Fax Modem
 Fax Machine
(i) Dedicated Fax Machine
• An independent normal fax machine.
• It can send and receive information to and from the other fax machines.

(ii) Fax Modem

• Fax modem is a circuit board inside the system unit of computer.
• It is used to send and receive information to and from the other computers.
• We can also send information directly to other fax machines.
• The fax modem is mostly used inside the computers to send and receive
information on the Internet.
 Image Scanner
• Also called graphic scanner.
• It reads text, drawing and photographs printed on the paper. It converts them into digital
form and stores inside the computer for further processing.
• Scans the image of information printed on paper with light.
• Breaks image into light and dark dots if image is black and white.
• In case of color image, it breaks the image into color dots.
• These dots are then converted into digital form.
• The technique of representing a graphic image as a matrix of dots is called raster graphics.
Audio & Video Input Device
Q.21 Describe the functions of audio and video input devices.
 Audio Input Device
• Audio input is the process of entering any sounds into the computer. It may
include speech, and music, or any other sound.
• The device that is used to enter/record sound (audio input) into computer is
called audio input device.
• Example: Microphone
• Sound Card
• Receives sound in analog form.
• Converts the analog signals of sound into digital form
• Stores it inside the computer for further processing.
 Video Input Device
• The process of entering video data into a computer is called video input or
video capture.
• Video input consists of full motion images that create actions and movements.
• Video input devices are used for recording movie films and video images.
• Examples of video input devices: video camera
• Video Capture Card
• Special circuit board.
• Video input device connected to video capture card.
• This card converts the video signals into digital signals that a computer can use.
• Types of video capture cards
• Frame-Grabber Video Card
• Full-Motion Video Card
 Video Input Device
Types of video capture cards

1- Frame-Grabber Video Card

• Convert video signals into digital signals only a single frame at a time.
• A frame represents an image or picture of film at a specific event.

2- Full-Motion Video Card

• Also known as adapter.
• Convert video signals into digital signals at the rate of up to 30 frames per seconds.
• It gives the effect of a continuously flowing motion picture.
 Digital Camera
• Takes (captures) pictures and stores them in digital form.
• The number of pictures that a digital camera can store depends upon its
memory size.
• Flash memory cards are used inside digital cameras to store pictures.
• An LCD for viewing the pictures.
• Also record moving videos with sound.
• Today, mobile phones (smartphones) and other mobile devices have built-in cameras.
• The pictures/videos stored in the camera’s memory card can be transferred to a computer
or other computing device using a wired or wireless connection.
• Advantages of Digital Camera
• Making photos is inexpensive and fast because it does not require any film processing.
• The pictures taken by a digital camera can directly be inserted into the documents.
Output and Output Devices
Q.23 What is an output and the function of an output device? List few of them.
 Output
• The data processed into a useful form is called output.
• Output received: on a screen or print on the paper through printer.
• Audio output received: through speaker or headphones.
Softcopy Output:
• The output received on the display screen.
• Audio or video or file stored on disk.
• Not tangible (cannot be touched).
• Softcopy output devices: display screen and speaker (for audio output).
Hardcopy Output:
• The output printed on the paper.
• In the form of text and graphics.
• Hardcopy output devices: printers and plotters.
 Output Devices
• A hardware component which is used to receive the output from the
computer is called an output device.
• It takes information from computer and converts it in a form that a user can
understand.
• Output devices
• Monitors
• Printers
• Plotters
• Speakers
Display Screen
Q.24 What is display screen? Describe the characteristics of display screen.
 Display Screen
• Also called monitor or simply a screen, Softcopy output device. The output may be in
the form of text, graphics and video.
Characteristics / Features of Display Screen
(i) Size
• Measured diagonally in inches.
• Available from 17 to 30 inches, laptop screens from 14 to 17 inches, and tablet screens from 7 to
10 inches.
(ii) Color
• Multiple colors: RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) monitors, 256 colors and thousands of variations.
• Single color: Monochrome screens, Rarely used.
(iii) Resolution
• The display screen is divided into small dots → pixels.
• The pixels are arranged horizontally and vertically.
• The number of pixels on a screen is called its resolution.
• The monitor’s screen that has large number of pixels has high resolution.
 Video Display Adapter
• Must be installed on the computer to display graphics.
• Also called video graphics card.
• It is a circuit board that determines the resolution, number of colors, and speed with
which images appear on the display screen.
VGA Video Graphics Array.
•
Supports 16 to 256 colors, depending upon screen resolution.
•
Supports 16 colors for a screen having resolution 320  200 pixels.
•
Similarly, it supports 256 colors for a screen having resolution 640  480 pixels. Called 4-
•
bit color.
SVGA • Super Video Graphics Array.
• Two graphic modes such as 800  600 pixels and 1024  768 pixels.
• Supports 256 (28 = 256) colors. It is called 8-bit color.
XGA • Extended Graphics Array.
• Supports up to 16.7 (i.e., 224) million colors at a resolution of 1024  768 pixels. It is
called 24-bit color.
• The 24-bit color is also called true color.
 Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD)
• Uses liquid crystal between the glass plates. The output image is formed by
liquid crystal.
• When an electric current passes through the liquid crystal, its molecules are
lined up in such a way that some light waves behind the screen is blocked
while others passed through.
• Commonly used with desktop computers and mobile devices such as PDA,
mobile phones, and digital cameras.
 Types of Display Screens
Gas-Plasma Display
• Gas plasma technology; uses a layer of gas between two glass plates.
• The gas emits ultraviolet light when an electric current is supplied. This light
causes the pixels on the screen to glow and form the image.
• Offer a large size screen.
• Display quality is better than LCD monitors.
• Expensive than LCD monitors. That is why not commonly used.
Printers
Q.28 What are printers? Also describe different categories / types of printers.
 Printers
• Used to print the output on the paper.
• The output printed on the paper is called hardcopy or printout.
• The output may be in the form of characters, symbols, and graphics.
• The printout resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi).
 Printers
(i) Impact Printers
• A printer that produces output on paper by striking a print hammer or set of
pins against an inked ribbon.
• Works like a typewriter. It can print characters and graphics on the paper.
• Slower in printing and produce low-quality output.
• Printing speed measured in characters or lines per minute.
• Produce more noise during printing. Not commonly used.
• Examples of impact printers
• Dot matrix printer
• Daisy wheel printer
• Line printer
 Printers
(ii) Non-Impact Printers
• The printers that produce output on paper without striking the paper are
known as non-impact printers.
• Use electrostatic, inkjet, and thermal technologies for printing.
• Faster and produce high quality output than impact printers.
• Print up to 24 pages per minute.
• Produce no noise, and costly.
• Examples of non-impact printers
• Laser printer
• Inkjet printer
• Thermal printer
 Impact Printers
(1) Dot Matrix Printers
• Impact character printer.
• Print one character at a time.
• Printing speed: from 300 to 1000 or more characters per minute
• Print-head: 9, 18 or 24 pins.
• Dot Matrix printer produces output on paper by striking pins (with different
combination of pins) against an ink ribbon.
• Uses 100 to 300 dots per inch (DPI)
• Less expensive.
• More noisy.
• Printout quality is not better.
 Impact Printers
(2) Daisy Wheel Printer
• Impact character printer, similar to typewriter.
• Print wheel (daisy wheel) with a series of petals contains a character at its end.
• Working:
• A motor rotates the wheel.
• When the desired character reaches at the print position on the paper
• A hammer strikes a petal against the ribbon.
• Slower than dot-matrix printer.
• Print quality is better than dot matrix printer.
 Impact Printers
(3) Line Printer
• Very fast printer.
• Prints a complete line of characters at a time.
• Printing speed is measured in lines per minute (lpm).
• Can print 3000 lines per minute.
• Normally used with mainframe and mini computers.
• Examples: chain printer and band printer.
 Non-Impact Printers
(1) Laser Printer
• Stands for Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation.
• Works like a photocopier.
• Uses a LASER beam and ink powder called toner
• Working:
• Image of output is created on the special drum
• Then transferred from drum to paper.
• Resolution of a black-and-white laser printer is up to 1200 dpi (dpi means dots per
inch and these dots refer to microscopic dots) or more.
• Resolution of a color printer is up to 2400 dpi or more.
• Prints one page at a time; page printer.
• Printing speed of a black-and-white laser printer is up to 200 pages per minute or
more.
 Non-Impact Printers
(2) Ink-Jet Printer
• Creates output on paper by spraying tiny drops of liquid ink.
• Can print text and graphics in both black-and-white and color.
• Printing speed is measured by the number of pages per minute (ppm); page
printer; can print 12 to 36 pages per minute. However, they print graphics and
colors at a slower rate.
• Working:
• Print-head that can spray very fine drops of ink.
• Cartridges: filled with liquid ink (black ink and color ink).
• Each cartridge has small nozzles in the form of a matrix.
• Like a dot-matrix printer, the combination of nozzles is activated to form the shape of
characters or images on the paper by spraying the liquid ink through holes of nozzles.
• Resolution: ranging from 1200 to 4800 dpi (dot per inch). A dot is a drop of ink.
• Low price, slower
 Non-Impact Printers
(3) Thermal Printer
• Can only print output on a special heat-sensitive waxy paper.
• Working:
• Prints information on heat-sensitive waxy paper by pushing electrically heated pins.
• For colored output, colored waxy sheets are used.
• Not very expensive but their print quality is low.
• Applications:
• To print receipts at ATMs and retail stores, electronic tickets at airports, tokens at banks,
and other public places.
• Modern thermal printers produce high-quality printouts.
• Faster than inkjet and laser printers.
 Printers Non-Impact Printers
Impact Printers
• They print output by directly striking • They print output without striking
the print hammer or wheel against the paper with a print hammer.
an inked ribbon.
• Faster in printing.
• Slower in printing.
• High print quality.
• Low print quality.
• More expensive.
• Less expensive.
• Commonly used.
• Rarely used.
• Produce low noise while printing.
• Produce more noise while printing.
• Use powdered ink or liquid ink for
• Use an ink ribbon for printing. printing.
• Printing speed is measured in • Printing speed is measured in pages
characters or lines per minute. per minute.
Plotter
Q.3 What is an data processing or operation? What activities are involved in
data processing? Discuss in detail.
 Plotter
• Used for printing architectural drawings, maps, graphs, and charts.
• Typically used to print large graphs or maps i.e. construction maps or
engineering drawings.
• Normally a slow output device.
• Works on the principle of holding a pen in hand and moving it on paper for
drawing lines.
• Types of Plotters
• Flatbed Plotter
• Drum Plotter
 Plotter
(1) Flatbed Plotter
• Table plotter. Plots on paper that is placed over a table-like surface.
• Plot size is equal to the area of a bed; bed size varies according to the need.
• Two robotic drawing arms, each of which holds a set of pens. (1-4 pens of
different colors).
• Pens move across the paper to draw charts or graphs on the paper.
• Movement of pens is controlled by the computer system.
• Very slow in drawing or printing graphs.
• Large and complicated drawing can take several hours to print.
 Plotter
(2) Drum Plotter
• Roller plotter.
• It consists of a drum or roller on which a paper (a large paper sheet) rotates
during printing.
• Also consists of a mechanical device known as a robotic drawing arm that
holds a set of pens or pencils.
• The drum rotates back and forth to draw (or print) the graph on the paper.
• The robotic drawing arm also moves side to side as the paper is rolled back
and forth through the roller.
• The plotters are used to produce continuous output such as to record
earthquake readings.
Audio Output Device
Q.39 Define audio output and audio output devices. Explain the commonly
used audio output devices.
 Audio Output Device
• Audio output: voice, music, or any other sound
• Audio output devices: receive audio output (i.e. listen to music, speech, or
other sounds) from a computer or mobile device.
• Commonly used audio output devices
• Speakers
• Headphones & Earphones
• Headsets.
 Audio Output Device
(1) Speaker
• Receive audio output from the computer or mobile device.
• Produces softcopy output in the form of voice.
• Built-in speakers into the monitor. And integrated or internal speakers.
• Internal speakers: low-quality audio output.
• External sound speaker (or stereo speaker) can be connected for high-quality
audio output.
• It is connected to the computer through the sound card on the motherboard.
• Available in different shapes and sizes.
• Wireless speakers are also available.
 Audio Output Device
(2) Headphones & Earphones
• Speaker problems:
• may create disturbance for others
• may create other privacy problems.
• Solution: headphones or earphones
• Only the individual wearing the headphones or earphones hears the sound
from the computer or mobile device.
• Headphones are placed outside the ears.
• Earphones are inserted into the ear canal.
 Audio Output Device
(3) Headset
• Functions as both headphones and a microphone
• Often used for making telephone calls or participating in video conferences or
web conferences.
• Many headsets communicate wirelessly with a computer or mobile device.
Basic Units Of Data Storage
Q.40 Explain the basic units of data storage.
 Basic Units Of Data Storage
Word
• Word is a unit of data that a
processor processes at one time.
• Represents the size of a register.
• Length of a word varies from
computer to computer.
• It may be 8-bits to 64-bits.
• Larger word size, more powerful
computer.