Introduction to Computer:

Created By: Rafique Khaki

Computer

A Computer is an automatic electronic, calculating device which can process a

given input in a prescribed manner to produce a desired output, at a very high
speed with remarkable accuracy. It can also perform all arithmetic and logical
functions according to instructions given in a systematic order to solve any
problem and produce processed information.

Advantages of Computers

Speed

Since Computer is an electronic machine and electrical pulses travel at the rate
of passage of electric current. This speed enables the computer to perform
millions of calculations per second.

Storage

A computer has too much storage capacity. Once recorded, a piece of

information can never be forgotten.

High Accuracy

A computer can be considered as 100% accurate. Checking circuits are built

directly into the computer, that computer errors that undetected are extremely
rare.

Versatility

Computer can perform any task, provided it can be reduced to a series of logical
steps.

Diligence
Computer never gets tired. It performs most boring, repetitive and monotnous
task.

Automatic Operation

Once a program is fed into computer the individual instructions are processed
on after the other. Thus computer works automatically without manual
intervention.

Obedience

The ability to take in and store a sequence of instructions for the computer to
obey. Such a sequence of instruction is called a PROGRAM and it must be
written in the Computer Language.

Decision Making Capability

Computer can take simple decisions, such as less than, greater than or equal to.
It also determines whether a statement is true or false.

Hardware

the physical components and other attached input and output devices of
computers are called Hardware. All Hardware components may be connected
mechanically, electrically or electronically with each other. Hardware includes
input/output devices, CPU, backing storage devices and electronic circuit.

Software

Computer required a number of instructions to do any job. The set of these

instructions forms programs. Numbers of programs are combined for some
purposes are called software.

They are designed by manufactures and programmers.

Types of Software
1. System Software

2. Application Software

Ages of Computer

At the early age people used pebbles, stones, sticks, scratches, symbols and
finger tips to count, which were later replaced by numbers.

The history of computing is divided into three ages during which man invented
and improved different types of calculating machines. These ages are,

• Dark age - 300 BC to 1890

• Middle age - 1890 AD to 1944

• Modern age - since 1944 AD

Dark Age (3000 BC to 1890 AD

ABACUS

About 3000 years BC, Chinese developed the first calculating machine named
Abacus or Soroban.

Abacus consists of a rectangular wooden frame having rods which carry round
beads. Counting is done by shifting the beads from one side to another.

OUGHTRED’S SLIDE RULES

In 1632 AD William Oughtred, an English mathematician developed a slide

rule. This device consists of two movable rules placed side by side on which
number were marked.

PASCAL’S CALCULATOR
Blasé Pascal (1623-1662), a French developed the first mechanical calculating
machine in 1642. This machine consists of gears, wheels and dials. It was
capable of adding and subtracting operations.

GOTTEFRIED WILHOLM LEIBNITZ

In 1671, a German, Gottfried Von Leibnitz (1646-1716) improved Pascal’s

calculator to make it capable of performing all maths operations.

JACQUARD’S LOOM

In 1801, a French, Joseph Marie Jacquard developed the first punch card
machine.

BABBAGE DIFFERENCE ENGINE

Charles Babbage (1792-1871) an English mathematician also called Father of

modern computer. As he gave the true concept of computer at Cambridge
University, he developed Babbage Difference Engine in 1823 and Babbage
Analytical Engine in 1833.

Lady Ada Augusta an assistant of Babbage is called the first programmer.

Middle Age (1890 AD TO 1944 AD)

DOCTOR HERMAN HOLLERITH

In 1880s Herman Hollerith an American developed a machine which used

punch card system. The machine could sense and punch holes, recognize the
number and make required calculations. This machine was first used in 1890s
by American Census Bureau.

HOWARD AIKEN- MARK-1 COMPUTER

In 1937, Professor Howard Aiken build the first electro-mechanical computer

Mark-1, by trying to combine Babbage’s theory and Hollerith’s punching
technologies. He completed his project in 1944 with the help of IBM Engineers.
Mark 1 could multiply two, twenty digit numbers in 5 seconds and made a lot
of noise. It had a shape like a monster about 50 feet long, 8 feet high, having
wiring of length equal to distance from Lahore to Gilgit or Karachi to
Bahawalpur (800km) and had thousand ends of electro-magnetic relays.

ABC (ATANASOFF BERRY COMPUTER)

ABC a special purpose computer was developed in 1938 by Dr. John Vincent
Atanasoff and Clifford Berry at Iowa State College, USA.

Modern Ages (Since 1944 AD)

JOHN VON NEUMAN

In 1945, Dr. John Von Neuman suggested the concept of Automatic Data
Processing (ADP) according to the stored program and data. ENIAC

(FIRST ELECTRONIC COMPUTER)

Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator (ENIAC) was the first

electronic computer made in 1946 by John Presper Eckert and John Williams
Mauchly, at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. This was based on decimal
number system and it has no memory.

It could perform 5000 additions or 350 multiplications in one second. It

contained 18000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors and 60,000
switches and occupied a two room car garage. It consumed 150 kW of power. It
weighed 27 tons.

EDSAC (FIRST STORED PROGRAM COMPUTER)

Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer (EDSAC) was first computer

based on stored program concept. It was completed by Mourice Wilkes at
Cambridge University in 1949.

EDVAC
Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer (EDVAC) was built by John
Williams Mauchly, John Presper Eckert at Moore School, Pennsylvania in
1951.

UNIVAC (FIRST COMMERCIAL COMPUTER)

UNIVersal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC) was the first commercially used

computer made by John Presper Eckert and John Williams Mauchly in June 14,
1951.

Classification of Computers According to Purpose

1. General Purpose Computers

General purpose computers are designed to solve a large variety of problems.

The different programs can be used to solve many problems. Most digital
computers are general purpose computers and used in business and commercial
data processing.

2. Special Purpose Computers

A computer designed for machine control or process control would be different

than a general purpose computer. The special purpose computers are designed
to solve specific problems. The computer program for solving a specific
problem is built right into the computer. Most analog computers are special
purpose computers. These special purpose computers are widely used in
industrial robotics.

Types of Computers

1. Analog Computers

Analog computers are used to process continuous data. Analog computers

represent variables by physical quantities. Thus any computer which solve
problem by translating physical conditions such as flow, temperature, pressure,
angular position or voltage into related mechanical or electrical related circuits
as an analog for the physical phenomenon being investigated in general it is a
computer which uses an analog quantity and produces analog values as output.
Thus an analog computer measures continuously. Analog computers are very
much speedy. They produce their results very fast. But their results are
approximately correct. All the analog computers are special purpose computers.

2. Digital Computers

Digital computer represents physical quantities with the help of digits or

numbers. These numbers are used to perform Arithmetic calculations and also
make logical decision to reach a conclusion, depending on, the data they receive
from the user.

3. Hybrid Computers

Various specifically designed computers are with both digital and analog
characteristics combining the advantages of analog and digital computers when
working as a system. Hybrid computers are being used extensively in process
control system where it is necessary to have a close representation with the
physical world.

The hybrid system provides the good precision that can be attained with analog
computers and the greater control that is possible with digital computers, plus
the ability to accept the input data in either form.

Classification of Computers According to Size

1. Super Computers

Large scientific and research laboratories as well as the government

organizations have extra ordinary demand for processing data which required
tremendous processing speed, memory and other services which may not be
provided with any other category to meet their needs. Therefore very large
computers used are called Super Computers. These computers are extremely
expensive and the speed is measured in billions of instructions per seconds.

2. Main Frame Computers

The most expensive, largest and the most quickest or speedy computer are
called mainframe computers. These computers are used in large companies,
factories, organizations etc. the mainframe computers are the most expensive
computers, they cost more than 20 million rupees. In this computers 150 users
are able to work on one C.P.U. The mainframes are able to process 1 to 8 bits at
a time. They have several hundreds of megabytes of primary storage and
operate at a speed measured in nano second.

3. Mini Computers

Mini computers are smaller than mainframes, both in size and other facilities
such as speed, storage capacity and other services. They are versatile that they
can be fitted where ever they are needed. Their speeds are rated between one
and fifty million instructions per second (MIPS). They have primary storage in
hundred to three hundred megabytes range with direct access storage device.

4. Micro Computers

These are the smallest range of computers. They were introduced in the early
70’s having less storing space and processing speed. Micro computers of todays
are equivalent to the mini computers of yesterday in terms of performing and
processing. They are also called “computer of a chip” because its entire
circuitry is contained in one tiny chip. The micro computers have a wide range
of applications including uses as portable computer that can be plugged into any
wall.

5. Laptop Computers

The smallest computer in size has been developed. This type of small
computers look like an office brief case and called "LAPTOP" computer. The
laptops are also termed as "PORTABLE COMPUTERS." Due to the small size
and light weight, they become popular among the computer users. The
businessmen found laptop very useful, during traveling and when they are far
away frm their desktop computers. A typical laptop computer has all the
facilities available in microcomputer. The smallest laptops are called
"PALMTOP".

Generations of Computer

First Generation of Computer (1946-1959)

Main Features

• Major Innovation - Vacuum Tubes

• Main Memory - Punched Cards

• Input Output Devices - Punched cards and papers

 • Languages - Low level machine language

• Operating System - No operating system, human operators to set

switches

• Size - Main frame for example ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC

The duration lasted from 1946-1959 was based on vacuum tubes. These
vacuum tubes were about the size of 100 watt light bulb and used as the internal
computer component. However because thousands of such bulbs were used, the
computers were very large and generate a large amount of heat, causing many
problems in temperature regulation and climate control.

In this generation input and out put device (punched card) that was used fro
data storing purpose were very slow. The computers were operating manually
and the language used was a low level machine language (symbolic language)
with binary code that required a high programming skill. ENIAC, EDVAC,
UNIVAC and Mark-1 were some of the major inventions of this generation.

Advantages of First Generation

1. Vacuum tubes were used as electronic component.

2. Electronic digital computers were developed for the first time.

3. These computers were the fastest calculating devices of their time.

4. Computations were performed in millisecond.

Disadvantages of First Generation

1. Too large in size.

2. They were unreliable.

3. Induce a large amount of heat due to the vacuum tubes.

5. Not portable.

6. Limited commercial use.

Second Generation of Computers (1959-1964)

Main Features

• Major Innovation - Transistors as main component.

• Main Memory - RAM and ROM.

• External Storage - Magnetic tapes and Magnetic Disk.

• Input Output Devices - Magnetic tapes and Magnetic Disk.

• Languages - Assembly language, some high level languages for Example

BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN.

• Operating System - Human handles punched card.

• Size - Main frame for example IBM-1401, NCR-300, IBM-600 etc.

The period of this generation is from 1959 to 1964. During this period transistor
were used for internal logic circuits of computers. These computers could
execute 200000 instructions per second. The input/output devices became much
faster by the use of magnetic table. During this period the low level programing
language were used however the high level programming languages such as
FORTRAN and COBOL were also used. The problem of heat maintenance was
solved and size of computer reduced, while speed and reliability were
increased. Many companies manufactured second generation computers and
many of those for business applications. The most popular second generation
computer was IBM-1401, introduced in 1960, while the following computers
were used by many business organizations. IBM-1400 series, IBM-1600 series,
UNIVAC-III, NCR-300 etc.

Advantages of Second Generation

1. Smaller in size as compares to 1st generation.

2. Much more reliable.

3. Less heat generated.

4. Computation was performing in micro second.

5. Less hardware and maintenance problem.

6. Could be used for commercial use.

Disadvantages of Second Generation

1. Very costly for commercial use.

2. It still required frequent maintenance.

3. Frequent cooling also required.

Third Generation of Computers (1965-1970)

Main Features

• Major Innovation - Integrated circuit (ICs) as basic electronic component.

• Main Memory - PROM and DRAM.

• External Storage - Improve disk (Floppy Disk)

• Input and Output Devices - Keyboard for input, monitor for output.

• Languages - More high level languages.

• Operating System - Complete operating systems were introduced.

• Size - Mini, for example: IBM SYSTEM / 360, ICH-360, HONEY

WELL-316 etc.

In this generation the integrated circuits (IC) were used. Integrated circuits
contain many electronic components on a single chip. The disk oriented
systems wee made at the end of this generation. The size of computer became
very small with better performance and reliability. High level programming
languages were extensively used. In 1969 the first microprocessor chip INTEL
4004 was developed but it was used only in calculators. The faster input/output
devices made possible multi-processing and multi programming. Where by a
number of input terminals could be run virtually at the same time on a single
centrally located computer. The famous computer were IBM-360, IBM-370,
UNIVAC 9000 series etc.
Advantages of Third Generation

1. Smaller in size as compared to second generation.

2. More reliable.

3. Portable

4. Less electricity consumption.

5. Heat generation was rare.

6. General purpose computer.

Disadvantages of Third Generation

1. Air conditioning was required in many cases due to ICs.

2. Very advance technology was required to make the ICs.

Fourth Generation of Computers (1971-1981)

Main Features

• Major Innovation - LSIC and VLSIC (Micro Processor)

• Main Memory - EPROM and SRAM.

• External Storage - Floppy Disk and Hard Disk.

• Input and Output Devices - Monitor for output.

• Languages - Languages and application softwares.

• Operating System - MS-DOS and PC-DOS

• Size - Micro computer e.g. IBM-PC, Apple Macintosh etc.

The Integrated circuits were more developed and called Small scale integration
(SSI), after some time the SSI were more developed and termed as Large scale
integration (LSI). There was a great versatility of input/output devices. In 1971,
a powerful microprocessor chip INTEL 8008 was introduced. The first
microprocessor which is used in personal computers (PC) was INTEL 8080.
The 8 inch floppy disk was also introduced in 1971, while hard disk was
introduced in 1973. The 5.25 floppy disk was first time used in 1978. The
optical disk was developed in 1980. First portable computer "Osborne I" was
marketed in 1981. IBM-3033, IBM-370, IBM system 34, IBM system 36, Cray-I,
CP/M etc were introduced in this generation.

Advantages of Fourth Generation

1. Smaller in size and much reliable.

2. No cooling system required in many cases.

3. Much faster computation.

4. Portable and cheap.

5. The heat generated was negligible.

6. Totally general purpose computer.

Disadvantages of Fourth Generation

1. Very advanced technology was required to fabricate to the ICs.

Fifth Generation (1981-Onward)

Main Features

• Major Innovations - ULSIC (Ultra large scale integrated circuit)

• Main Memory - EEPROM, SIMM and DIMM.

• External Storage - Modified magnetic and Optical disks.

• Input/output Devices - Keyboard, Pointing Device, Scanner as input and

Monitor as main output.
 • Languages - AI (Artificial Intelligence) Expert systems.

• Operating System - GUI based e.g. Windows 95, Windows NT.

• Size - Very small in size example: Laptop, Note book, Digital Diary,
Palm top and Pocket PC.

This generation is started from 1981 and still continued, new technologies are
adopted to fabricate IC chips, such as electron beam, X-rays or laser rays. The
Very Large Scale Integration

(VLSI) was developed, so the computer became much smaller than ever before.
New memory storage device like bubble memory, optical or memory are being
designed. the new computer will be controlled by using human voice and will
work by giving command in our own language. Future computer will in some
way to be intelligent and capable of making decision.

Advantages of Fifth Generation

1. Very large storage capacity.

2. Long bit processor builds.

3. Artificial Intelligence Language developed.

Short Notes

1. Super Computer

These are the largest and fastest machines today where numerical computations
are carried out speeds of up to 50 millions operation per second. Super
computers are very sophisticated machines designed to perform complex
calculations at fastest speeds. Super computers are used to model very large
dynamic systems, such as weather patterns national or global weather
forecasting, satellite tracking, cold-testing of atomic and nuclear weapon etc.
Carry research and Intel are well known producers of Super Computers.

2. Main Frames
A main frame originally meant the cabinet containing the central processor unit
of a very large computer. After mini computer became available, the word
main-frame comes to refers to the large computer itself.

Mainframes, the biggest and the most productive general purpose systems, that
are made to model large dynamic computing need of a big organizations that
serve hundreds of terminals all at the same time. A terminal consists of a
monitor and keyboard that allow a person to enter information and retrieve it
from the computer. These computers are the ultimate in sophistication,
flexibility and speed.

3. Mini-Computer

Mini computer are increasingly powerful and do almost any thing that large
computers do, only more slowly and at much lower cost than mainframes. This
makes it ideal for small companies where capacity and speed of operations in
not highly critical. These computers are smaller than mainframe and larger than
micro computer in size. A mini computer is a multiprocessing system having
terminals attached to it and is capable of supporting 4 to 200 users
simultaneously. DEC VAX and IBM AS/400 are commonly used mini-
computers.

4. Micro-Computer

Micro-Computers are computers that are powered by microprocessors.

Sometimes they are referred as SINGLE CHIP PROCESSOR a SYSTEM-ON-
A-CHIP. Micro-computers or personal computers are the smallest computers,
designed to be used by individuals for writing, illustrating, budgeting, playing
games and communicating with other computers.

Programming Language

A programming language is a type of software. A program is a set of step by

step instruction that directs the computer to do the tasks you want it to do and
produce the result you want. A set of rules that provides a way of telling a
computer when operations to perform is called a Programming Language.
Machine Language (Low Level Language)

Every creation of this universe has its own language. Like wise, computer has a
language that is called Machine Language (machine level language) for
instructing computer to perform specific task. It is also called binary language
because it is the language of 0s and 1s, means every instruction in Machine
language consists of a series of 0s and 1s (binary code) that a computer can
understand and execute directly. Each machine language statement corresponds
to one machine action. An operation that requires one machine language
instruction in one computer may require several instructions in another
computer. Each computer has its own unique machine language.

Assembly Language

In assembly language, the statements are written in symbolic codes (termed as

mnemonics) that are easier for human to read and write as compared to machine
language. Each assembly language statement corresponds to one machine
language statement.

Advantages of Assembly Language

1. Operation codes of machine language are mnemonics, which are easy to

remember.

2. An Assembly language program may be written easily as compared to

machine language.

3. The memory addresses are used in machine language which is replaced by

the variable names in this language.

4. Revision of complete program is quite easy.

5. The insertion and deletion of the instructions in the program are quite easy.

Disadvantages of Assembly Language

1. As compared to machine language assembly language is less efficient.

2. An assembly language program cannot be executed on small size computers.

High Level Language

High level languages are closer to human languages than low-level language
and include statement like GOTO and PRINT which are regular words. Unlike
the assembly language, the program of high level languages do not have to be
written for a particular computer, but it can be execute on any machine that has
a compiler for that language.

Internet

Internet is the largest network of the world that connects computers located t
different parts of the world. The Internet has had a huge impact on society. The
Internet provides information and service, as well as the ability to communicate
to people all around the world in a variety of ways. These range from bulletin
boards and chat rooms to voice conversations and video conferencing.

The Internet creates new ways for citizens to communicate, congregate and
share information. It is obvious that the Internet has and will continue to change
the way we live.

All in all, the Internet is affecting so many people's lives in most welcome,
exciting and challenging ways.

Advantages of Internet

1. It gives information about every field of life.

2. You may take advantages from encyclopedias and dictionaries with the help
of Internet.

3. You my get information according to your need through Internet.

4. It gives a co-ordination with whole world and its interests.

5. It helps to exchange views with the person of same mental attitude.

6. Internet brings the world closer.

7. Current happening incident can be discovered by the use of Internet.

8. Any kind of topic related with politics, fashion, science etc can be discovered
by use of Internet.

Disadvantages of Internet

1. The student waste their precious hours on sitting on Internet without taking
any positive and constructive benefit.

2. Most of the people using Internet to satisfy their negative desires.

3. Adult material is easily available through Internet which destroys the moral
values of young boys and girls.

4. Computer hacking is very common by the use of Internet some extreme

minded people can digest the money through the use of credit cards of others.

5. The students waste their time in useless talking with each other.

6. Several hours on Internet without any purpose produce wrong effects on a

person.

Compiler

A compiler is complex system software that automatically converts a program

written in some high-level language into an equivalent low-level machine
language. The compiler or the language processor converts the entire program
into machine code before execution. A program written by a programmer in a
language other than machine language is called a Source Program. The output
from a compiler or an assembler, which consists of machine language
instructions, is called the Object Program.
Interpreter

An interpreter is another type of translator that converts each statement of a

program written in a high level language into machine code and executes it
before translating the next statement of the source program. It differs from a
compiler that translates the entire source program into object program without
undergoing its execution.

Short Notes

BASIC - Beginner's All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)

John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz developed BASIC in 1964 for beginners.
BASIC is a very simple language to use and understand. It uses simple English
words. Even a person with a little knowledge of computer programming can
learn it and utilize it for business and scientific purpose. It is a powerful
language that has grasped millions of users. The biggest problem with it is that
it has no standard version and different manufacturers modified it into different
versions.

PASCAL

A French mathematician Blaise Pascal introduced a programming language by

the name of PASCAL. It is a highly structured programming language. It was
developed in 1970's after the concept of structured programming.

FORTRAN (Formula Translation)

It was developed in 1957 for IBM computers to solve mathematical, scientific

and engineering problems. It was one of the first languages to introduce the
concept of "Modular Programming". It has been revised so many times.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers

Following are some advantages and disadvantages of computer in our life.

Advantages

1. Computers make us more productive in many of our jobs.

2. In education they can help us for better understanding faster learning and
broaden our thinking.

3. In hospitals we have better diagnosis, proper treatment and better healthcare.

4. In business, they are used to record stocks of raw materials as well as

finished products, making customer's bill, analyzing sales of various products
etc.

5. In banks, they are used for day-to-day processing of customer's accounts and
payments.

6. In manufacturing, they provide ways to develop a representation of the

product and to test it in a variety of simulated environments.

Disadvantages

1. Unemployment due to automation.

2. Wastage of time and energy in useless computer activities.

3. Data security.

4. Privacy

5. Computer Crimes.
Data Processing

Data processing often referred as D.P is a process of collecting the data together
and converting the data into information. The method used for collecting the
data may be manual, mechanical or electronic.

Data processing is a term mostly associated with business and commercial

work. Since computers are being used in the processing of data the term
“electronic data processing” may also be used.

Electronic Data Processing

Data processing means transformation of data into more meaningful results for
carrying out scientific, business activities. The result of data processing is called
“information”. The transformation of data consist of a sequence of operations.
The sequence is called “procedure”.

Input -> Processing -> Output

Data processing is a system which takes data as an input, carries out the
required processing on the data and produces the information. The system is
called “MANUAL” when processing is performed by human beings and
“AUTOMATIC” when machines are used. When computers are used for data
processing the system is called “Electronic Data Processing”.

Elements of EDP

There are five basic elements in a processing system which uses a computer for
processing data. These are hardware, software, user program, procedure and
personnels.

1. HARDWARE

All the physical parts which makes up a computer system called hardware i.e.
all the devices or peripherals which performs the data processing operations.
2. SOFTWARE

Software consists of programs and routines whose purpose is to make the

computer useable for the user. These software normally supplied by computer
manufacturers or software manufacturers.

3. USER PROGRAM

A program consist of a related instructions to perform operations. A data

processing job may require a number of programs.

4. PROCEDURE

The operations of data processing system requires procedure for use, in

preparing data, for operating the computer and distributing the output after
processing.

5. PERSONNELS

E.D.P basically needs three kinds of skilled personnels.

a) System Analyst

b) Progammer

c) Operator

a) SYSTEM ANALYST

System Analyst studies information needs and data processing requirements,

design a data processing system and prepare specification.

b) PROGRAMMER

A Programmer writes a programmer on specification by System Analyst.

c) OPERATOR

An Operator is a person who operates the computer system.

Input and Output Devices

PRINTER

A computer peripheral that puts text or a computer generated image on paper or

on another medium, such as a transparency. Printer can be categorized in
several ways the most common distinction is IMPACT and NON-IMPACT.

IMPACT PRINTING

Is the method used by the conventional type writers. In some type of impact
printing a metal “hammer” embossed with a character strikes a print ribbon,
which presses the characters image into paper. In other types the hammer
strikes the paper and presses it into the ribbon characters created through impact
printing can be formed by either a solid font or dot matrix printing mechanism.

NON – IMPACT PRINTING

Does not depend on the impact of metal on paper. In fact no physical contact at
all occurs between the printing mechanism and the paper. The most popular
non-impact methods today utilize thermal transfer, ink-jet.

TYPES OF PRINTERS

DOT MATRIX PRINTER

Any printer that produces character made up of dots using a wire pin printed
head. The quality of output from a dot matrix printer depends largely on the
number of dots in the matrix, which might be low enough to show individual
dots or might be high enough to approach the look of fully formed characters.
Dot matrix printers are often categorized by the number of pins in the printer
head typically, 9 or 24.

LINE PRINTERS

Any printer that prints one line at one time, as opposed to one character at a
time or one page at a time. Line printer typically produce the 11 by 17 inch
“computer” printout. They are high speed devices and are often used with
mainframes, minicomputers, or networked machines rather than with single
user system. Types of line printers include chain printers and band printer.

LASER PRINTERS

An electrophotographic printer that is based on the technology used by

photocopiers. A focussed laser beam and a rotating mirror are used to draw an
image of the desired page on a photosensitive drum. This image is converted on
the drum into an electrostatic charge, which attracts and holds toner. A piece of
electrostatically charged paper is rolled against the drum, which pulls the toner
away from the drum and onto the paper. Heat is then applied to fuse the toner to
the paper. Finally, the electrified charge is removed from the drum and the
excess toner is collected. By omitting the final step and repeating only the toner
application and paper handling steps, the printer can make multiple copies.

DAISY WHEEL PRINTER

Daisy wheel printer are some times called letter quality printer because they are
often used to produce attractive correspondence. The D.W.P is a flat circular
device made of metal with character embossed on it. As this wheel spins at a
very high speed the hammer hits the specific character against the ribbon which
presses against the paper.

THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTER

It is a kind of non-impact printer. In electrothermal printing, characters are

burned on to a special paper by heated rods on a print heat. They transfer ink
from a wax-based ribbon onto plain paper. These printer can support high
quality graphic.

INK – JET PRINTER

It is a kind of non-impact spray small dots of electrically charged ink onto a

paper to form images. Ink jet printer are flexible enough to be used as plotters.

SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICES

Secondary storage devices are also called backup storage because it is used to
store data. Volume of data on permanent basis which can be partially
transferred to the primary storage, when required for data processing.
Afterwards these devices are comparatively cheap and provide greater space to
store the data /instructions are stored on secondary storage devices in the same
binary codes as in primary storage.

NEEDS OF SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICE

The storage capacity of the primary storage of today’s computer is not

sufficient. To store a large volume of data as a result additional memory called
secondary storage is needed with most of the computer system.

These devices also provides the fast communication than I/O devices. The
internal memory of a computer is a volatile memory. Therefore, we cannot save
the data permanently. In that case we require secondary storage device which
provide the facility to store the data for future use.

RANDOM ACCESS DEVICES

Random Access Devices are those devices on which we can directly access the
data. These devices are comparatively provide the fast communication.

For example, hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk.

FLOPPY DISK

A floppy disk, also called simply a diskette or disk, is a small flexible Mylar
disk coated with iron oxide on which data are stored. The floppy disk has been
around since early 1970s, today it is available in three 3½ inch, 5¼ inch and 8
inch sizes. The 5¼ and 8 inch diskettes are covered by stiff protective jacket
with different holes. The central big hole called hub ring which is used to hold
by disk drive during rotation. The elongated read write window is used to read
and write data through read/write head. The small hole next to the hub ring is
called index hole which is used to locating data through computer. The cut out
on the side of the floppy disk is called write protect notch. If we cover this
opening with a piece of paper then we can’t write data on to disk.

In small diskette a hard plastic cover and protective metal is used to protect
disk. Before using a disk we have to format a disk in which disk is divided into
tracks and sectors for storing the data. Diskettes may be double sided and single
sided while the storage capacity become less or more.

Floppy diskettes are more convenient to use with microcomputers. A floppy

disk which is a random access device can access data fast than magnetic tape.

SEQUENTIAL ACCESS DEVICES

Sequential Access Devices are those in which we can access the data one by
one in a sequence. These devices provide slow communication as compared to
Random Access Device.

MAGNETIC TAPE

Magnetic tape is a sequential access device about one half or one fourth inch in
size and made of Mylar (a plastic material) coated with a thin layer of iron
oxide. Data can be read and write through a device which is called tape drive.
The read/write head of tape drive which is an electromagnetic component read,
write and erase data from magnetic tape. Magnetic tape is divided into nine
separate strips or tracks in which eight tracks are used to store data and ninth
track is used for error checking bit.
Magnetic tape can store large quantities of data therefore they are erasable,
usable and durable secondary storage device. But it can use with large
computers.

INPUT DEVICES

Input devices are used to provide data or information to the computer. The
computer follows the instructions given to it by and input device. A variety of
input devices are used with the computer depending on the type and purpose of
input information. For example, a keyboard is commonly used to transfer data
or information from human readable form to machine readable form. Other
examples of input devices are: mouse, joystick, trackball, light pens, digitizers,
scanners, optical character reader (OCR), touch window, etc.

MOUSE

The mouse is an input device that usually contains one or two buttons. As a user
moves the mouse on a flat surface, the mouse controls the cursor movement on
the screen. When the user presses one of the buttons, the mouse either marks a
place on the screen or makes selection from data or menu on the screen. A
mouse has a sphere on its underside. This rotates as the mouse is moved along a
flat surface.

The mouse translate the direction and speed of rotation into a digital signals that
identifies the position or control, the cursor on the computer.

A mouse can be used for many application, ranging from games to drawing and
designing products with computer graphics. It provides an alternative for people
who are uncomfortable with a keyboard but it also can be used in combination
with a keyboard to input data.

TRACKBALL

A Trackball is a pointing device almost like a mouse turned upside down. The
user controls the cursor on the screen by rolling a plastic ball with a fingertip or
wrist. To execute commands with a Trackball, one or more buttons are pressed,
much in the same way as is done with a mouse. The cursor can be moved
around on the screen by rolling the ball with a thumb or finger.

Trackball is popular among users of laptop computers when space is limited

and may be mounted on either side of the keyboard. For handicapped people
who may have difficulty pressing keys on a standard keyboard or using a
mouse, the trackball may be the answer since it edoes not require to moves the
entire arm to use it.

SCANNER

Scanner is an input device. It is also called Optical Reader or Digital Scanner. It

scans or reads text and picture printed on a paper and enters them directly into
the computer memory.

The advantage of a scanner is that the user needs not type the input data in. This
is a lust and accurate method for entering data into the computer. The scanner
takes electronic images, of text or pictures from the paper it breaks each image
into light and dark dots and stores them into the computer memory in machine
codes. Scanned text can be edited by OCR software. Optical Character
Recognition (OCR) software translates the scanned document into text that can
be edited.

The image scanner is useful because it translates printed images into an

electronic format than can be stored in computer's memory. The stored image
can be transferred into a paint program or directly into a word processor. You
can use software to organize and manipulate the electronic image.

KEYBOARD

A keyboard is the most commonly used input device which helps us in simply
keying in required information in a computer. This information is subsequently
stored in the computer’s memory. A keyboard can be used effectively to
communicate with the computer but considered to be relatively slow as
compared to other input devices. The keyboard is divided into following
divisions:
ALPHABETIC KEYPAD

These keys are similar to a standard typewriter and is used to type general
information.

NUMBERIC KEYPAD

These keys are used to input numeric data only. These are very useful in case of
large numeric data input because all numeric keys can be accessed by one hand
only. These keys can also be used as an alternative to the screen navigation and
editing keys.

FUNCTION KEYS

These are keys marked as F1 - F12, located normally at the top of the keyboard.
These are special keys provided to a programmer which allow him to attach
special functions to each key. Each of these function keys are also given some
special function in different packages.

SCREEN NAVIGATION AND EDITING KEYS

These keys are provided to move around in the screen. May programs use these
keys to let the user move around the screen display. In some keyboards these
keys are also provided inside the numeric keypad as alternate keys.

The description of commands assigned to function keys under the BASIC

mode.

F1 - LIST Function - Used to display the lines of your program on the screen.

F2 - RUN Function - Used to execute a program from its beginning.

F3 - LOAD Function - Used to read a program from a storage device and store
it in main memory.

F4 - SAVE Function - Used to store a program on a storage device from

Memory.

F5 - COUNT Function - Used to restart a program after it has temporarily

interrupted by a stop or CTRL + BREAK.

F6 - LPT1 Function - Used to transfer data from the video screen to the line
printer.
F7- TRON Function - Refers to "trace on". This function causes the line
number of program line to be displayed as these lines are executed.

F8 - TROFF Function - Refers to "trace off". This function cancels TRON

function.

F9 - KEY Function - Use to change the function of the other function keys.

F10 - SCREEN Function - Used to return program to the character mode from
the graphic mode and a;so to turn off the colour.

OUTPUT DEVICES

An output device is used to display the data or information that we receive from
the computer. An output device can be used to display or print the intermediate
or final results performed by computer. A variety of output devices are used
with computer. The use of these devices depends on the type and purpose of
output. Some examples of output devices are: Monitors, Printer, Plotters, Visual
display unit (VDU), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc.

MONITOR

To display result or output from computer, a T.V like device is used which is
called monitor. The monitors are also referred as C.R.T (Cathode Ray Tube),
V.D.U (Visual Display Unit). The monitor assist during input from the
keyboard, this display is called a soft copy. The monitor can be of various
kinds, depending on the type of application. Monitors are categorized into two
groups:

• Monochrome monitors

• Colour monitors

MONOCHROME MONITORS

Monochrome monitors are used specially for text editing purpose. These
monitors can display only one colour. Normally amber, green or paper white.
COLOUR MONITORS

Colour monitors serves a wide range of selection according to the application.

Such as red, green, blue, Enhance Graphic Array (EGA), Colour Graphic Array
(CGA), Video Graphics Array (VGA), Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA).

There are two types of colour monitors:

1. CRT Monitor

2. LCD Monitor

CRT MONITOR

The CRT monitors are a lot like television set, using the same CRT or Cathorde
Ray Tube technology. The CRT monitor has two major parts; the screen and the
cathode ray tube (CRT). The screen is the front of the monitor and CRT is fitted
inside the monitor.

LCD OR FLAT PANEL MONITOR

Another monitor type is LCD or Liquid Crystal Display. LCD monitors are a lot
like CRT monitors without the bulkiness but they do not have CRT. LCD
monitors use a flat lightweight surface filled with millions of tiny glass bubbles,
each having a phosphoric covering. These phosphoric coverings glow to create
an image. LCD screens provide clarity and flicker-free viewing.

PLOTTER

Plotter is a special output device, which is used to produce high quality,

perfectly proportional hard copy output. Plotters are designed to produce large
drawings or images such as construction plans for buildings or blue prints for
mechanical devices. Plotters have been used in automotive and aircraft design,
topological surveys, architectural layouts and other similar complex drafting
jobs.

A plotter is composed of a pen, a move-able carriage, a drum and a holder for

chart paper. Both the pen and the paper can move up and down and back and
forth. This permits very detailed drawings. Some plotter having coloured pens
can make coloured drawings also.

There are two types of plotters, which are as follows:

1. Drum Plotter

2. Flatbed Plotter

DRUM PLOTTER

On the drum plotter, the pens, and the drum move concurrently in different axes
to produce the image. Drum plotters are used to produce continuous output,
such as plotting earthquake activity, or for long graphic output, such as
structural view of a skyscraper.

FLATBED PLOTTER

On some flatbed plotters, the pen moves in both axes while the paper remains
stationary. However, on most desktop plotters, both paper and pen move
concurrently in much the same way as on drum plotters.

HARD DISK

Hard disk is a thin circular metal plate coated both side with a magnetic
material. A hard disk pack consist of a number of disk mounted on central shaft
which rotate at a speed of 2400 rpm or more. In a hard disk information is
stored on both the surfaces of each disk plate except the upper and the lower
surfaces of the bottom plate which are not used. Information is recorded on the
track of the disk surfaces in the form of invisible tiny magnetic spot. The
presence of a magnetic spot represent 1 bit and its absence represents 0 bit.

Hard disk are potentially very high capacity storage devices typically in the
range of 20 megabyte to 1 gigabyte. Data are recorded on the tracks of a
spinning disk surface and read from the surface by one or more read/write
heads. There are two basic types of disk system.
1. Moving head

2. Fixed head

MOVING HEAD

The moving head consist of one read/write head for each disk surface mounted
on an axis and which can be moved in and out. In this system each read/write
head moves horizontally across the surface of the disk. So that it is able to
access each track individually. Information stored on the tracks which constitute
a cylindrical shape through the disk pack are therefore accessed simultaneously.

FIXED HEAD

In the fixed head system the axis are non-movable. A large number of
read/write heads are distributed over the disk surfaces. One head for each track
as a result no head movement is required and therefore information is accessed
more quickly.

VOICE RECOGNITION

A voice recognition system compares a person's live speech to their stored

voice pattern. Larger organizations sometimes use voice verification systems as
time attendance devices. Many companies also use this technology for access to
sensitive files and networks. Some financial services use voice verification
systems to secure telephone banking transactions. These systems use speaker
dependent voice recognition software. This type of software requires the
computer to make a profile of your voice, that is, you train the computer to
recognize your inflection patterns.

SHORT NOTES

DISK DRIVE

Disk drive is a peripheral device that reads or write the disks (hard disks, floppy
disks, etc) that store information. Disk drives are called "Storage Device"
because they store information or portabel or permanent disks. The drive
contains a motor to rotate the disk at a constant rate and one or more read/write
heads, which are positioned over the desired track.

CD-WRITER

A CD writer is a device connected to your computer which can write on CD-

WR and CD-R discs. CD-WR discs may be written, erased and rewritten, while
CD-R discs may be written only once. CD writer performances is measured in
X unit, where IX =150 kilobytes/sec. This allows user to master a CD-ROM or
audio CD for publishing CD-R devices can also read CD-ROMs and play audio
CDs. The CD writer is also called a CD-R drive (short for Compact Disc -
Recordable Drive)
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