INPUT DEVICES

An input device is a computer device or

hardware that allows the user to provide data,
input, instructions to the computer system
KEYBOARD

1. Keyboard: The keyboard is the main input device of the

computer that is used most often. The keyboard is used to perform
all typing tasks on the computer. The
keyboard has many types of keys for
proper function.
The following are the types of keys on the
keyboard:
1. Numeric Keys
These are used to type numbers or move the cursor with the help
of Shift. They generally consist of 17 keys that are arranged
similarly to how most adding machines and calculators are.
2. Function Keys
At the top of the keyboard, there are twelve function keys
positioned in a row. Each function key serves a distinct function
and has a distinct meaning.
3. Typing Keys
The letter keys (A-Z) and the number keys (0-9), which have the
same layout as typewriters, are included in these keys.
4. Control keys
These keys are used to control the pointer and the screen. They
include four directional arrow keys. Other than these, Delete, End,
Home, Insert, Page Down, Page Up, Alternate (Alt), Control (Ctrl),
and Escape (Esc) are also Control Keys.
5. Special Purpose Keys
Special function keys on the keyboard include the Space bar, Shift,
Num Lock, Tab, Enter, Caps Lock, and Print Screen.

2. Mouse: The most widely used pointing device is the mouse. It

is a well-known cursor-control gadget made out of a tiny palm-sized
box with a spherical ball at its base that detects mouse movement
and sends suitable signals to the CPU when mouse buttons are
pressed. It usually includes two buttons on the left and right, with a
wheel in the centre. You can move the cursor around the screen
using the mouse, but you can't input text into the computer with it.
Some common types of Mouse

1. Mechanical Mouse
To track the movement, it uses a ball and many rollers. This mouse
comes with a cable. A mechanical mouse can be used to get the
amazing performance. The negative of this type of mouse is that it
gathers dust in the mechanics, hence requires a routine cleaning.

2. Cordless or Wireless Mouse

This mouse controls pointer movement using wireless technologies
like IrDA (infrared) or radio (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) instead of using a
cable. This mouse gets the energy from batteries. A wireless mouse
makes the experience of using a mouse more enjoyable.

3. Optical Mouse
The movement of an optical mouse is tracked using optical
circuitry. This mouse lasts longer and requires less maintenance
than a mechanical mouse. However, the surface on which it is
applied affects its performance. So, use a basic, non-glossy mouse
mat for best results.

4. Trackball Mouse
It is a fixed input device that moves the pointer or cursor on the
screen using a ball mechanism. To move the pointer on the screen,
roll the ball halfway inside the device using a finger, thumb, or
palm. The gadget has a sensor that detects the spin of the ball. It
does not need to be moved on the operating table because it is
fixed.

3. JOYSTICK
A joystick is a pointing device for computers that allows you to
move the pointer around the screen. Both the bottom and top ends
of the stick are connected to a spherical ball, and the bottom
spherical ball slips in a socket. You may move the joystick in all
four directions

4. Scanners
A scanner, like a photocopier, is an input device that is used when
paper data has to be transferred to a computer's hard disc and
subsequently modified.
The scanner gathers images from the source and transforms them
into a digital version stored on a disc. Before they're printed, you
can alter these pictures.

5. Light Pen

The light pen's tip has a light-sensitive detector that allows users to
pick items on the display screen by pointing to them. The item's
position is detected by its light-sensitive tip, which transmits the
appropriate signals to the CPU. It can also assist you in drawing on
the screen if necessary.

6. Digitizer

A digitizer is a device that transforms analog data into digital data.

A digitizer can transform a television or camera feed into a series
of numbers stored in a computer. They can be used to create an
image of the object at which the camera is pointed by the
computer.
Because it transforms images and graphical data into binary inputs,
the digitizer is also called a Tablet or Graphics Tablet. For fine
sketching and image manipulation applications, a graphic tablet is
used as a digitizer.

7.Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)

Because banks handle a significant number of cheques every day,

MICR input devices are commonly used at banks. The check
number and the bank's code number are written using a special ink
containing machine-readable magnetic particles.

OUTPUT DEVICE
Any peripheral that accepts data from a computer and prints,
projects, or reproduces it is known as an output device.

Different Types of Output Devices

1. MONITOR
A computer’s principal output device is a monitor, often known as
a visual display unit (VDU). It displays the processed data like text,
images, videos, audios, etc. It makes images by arranging
microscopic dots in a rectangular pattern, known as pixels.
Characteristics of Monitor:
1. Resolution pixels: Pixels are the smallest element of any image
2. Size: The size of the monitor is diagonal measurement of a
desktop screen is typically 14 to 25 inches.
3. Refresh Rate: Total number of times per second that an image
on a display is repainted or refreshed.

2. PRINTER
Printers are information output devices that allow you to print data
on paper. Or in other words, it is an output device that creates a
hard copy of the processed data or information. Printers are
divided into two categories:

Impact Printer: In impact printers, characters are printed on

the ribbon, which is then smashed on the paper. Or we can say that
such type of printer uses a print head or hammer to print the data
on the paper. Here to print the paper the hammer or print head
strikes an ink ribbon against the paper and the character starts
printing. Some of the types of impact printers are:
1) Dot matrix printer
2) Daisy wheel printer
3) Line printer
4) Chain printer
Impact printers have the following characteristics:
1. Extremely low consumable costs.
2. Fairly noisy
3. It’s perfect for large-scale printing because of its inexpensive
cost.
4. Physical contact with the paper is required to form an image.

Non-Impact Printers: Non-impact printers print characters

without the use of a ribbon. These printers are often known as page
printers because they print a full page at a time. Some of the types
of non-impact printers are:
1) Laser printer
2) Inkjet printer
Non-impact printers have the following characteristics:
1. Quicker.
2. They don’t produce much noise.
3. Superior quality.
4. Supports a wide range of fonts and character sizes.

3. PLOTTER
A plotter is a device that prints high-quality graphics in a variety of
color formats. It works in a similar way to a printer, although it has
more advanced features. It is used to print large maps,
architectural drawings, large-format printing, and create pictures,
3D postcards, advertising signs, charts, and various designs of the
internal structure of building machines, as well as create pictures,
3D postcards, advertising signs, charts, and various designs of the
internal structure of building machines.

STORAGE DEVICES.
A storage device is an integral part of the computer hardware
which stores information/data to process the result of any
computational work.

PROCESSOR & MAIN MEMORY

The processor (CPU) and main memory (RAM) work together to
allow a computer to perform its task
The processor, also known as the CPU, provides the instructions
and processing power that a computer needs to function.
Also known as primary memory or RAM, main memory is a volatile
memory that stores data temporarily while it's being processed by
the CPU. The processor can directly access main memory to store
and retrieve data.
What is the difference between processor and main memory?
The processor, also known as the CPU, provides the instructions
and processing power the computer needs to do its work.
RAM provides the shorter-term memory the CPU needs to open
files and move data around as it responds to the tasks given to it by
our apps.

ARCHITECTURE OF PROCESSOR & MAIN MEMORY

The architecture of a processor and main memory includes the
design and organization of a computer's central processing unit
(CPU), the types of memory used, and the ways in which data is
moved between the CPU and main memory.
Processor architectures are classified as either Reduced Instruction
Set Computer (RISC) or Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)
The ways in which processors access memory, such as in uniform
memory access (UMA) and non-uniform memory access (NUMA). In
UMA, all processors have equal access times to memory, while in
NUMA, not all processors have equal access times.
PROCESSOR REGISTERS,
A processor register, also known as a CPU register, is a temporary
storage location in a computer's processor that holds data,
instructions, or storage addresses.
Here are some types of processor registers:
1. Accumulator: Stores intermediate results, which can reduce
memory costs by avoiding unnecessary read and write
operations
2. Instruction register (IR): Temporarily stores the instruction
word that the CPU fetches from memory
3. General-purpose registers: Handle a variety of tasks, such as
temporarily storing data during calculations and executing
arithmetic operations
4. Memory address register (MAR): Keeps track of where data and
instructions are stored in memory
5. Index registers: Help find specific memory locations by adding
to a base address
6. Special purpose registers: Designated for specific tasks or
functions, such as stack pointer and link register
7. Address register: Temporarily stores the address of a memory
location to be accessed for data

MAIN MEMORY:
Primary storage/memory, also known as main memory, is the part
of the computer that stores current data, programmes, and
instructions
ORGANIZATION OF MAIN MEMORY
Computer memory is divided into main (or primary) memory and
auxiliary (or secondary) memory.

The memory is organized in the form of a cell, each cell is able to

be identified with a unique number called address. Each cell is able
to recognize control signals such as “read” and “write”, generated
by CPU when it wants to read or write address. Whenever CPU
executes the program there is a need to transfer the instruction
from the memory to CPU because the program is available in
memory.
MAIN MEMORY CAPACITY
The main memory capacity of a computer is usually measured in
gigabytes (GB) and refers to the amount of random access memory
(RAM) it has. The maximum amount of RAM a computer can have
depends on the size of the address registers in the CPU.

For example, a 32-bit CPU can access 4 GB of memory, while a 64-

bit CPU can access 16 exabytes

RAM
RAM stands for random access memory, which is a type of
computer memory that stores data and instructions that a
computer needs to run.RAM is a fundamental part of a computer's
computing system that stores data temporarily. It's also known as a
computer's main memory.
The amount of RAM a computer needs depends on how many
applications are running at once and how efficiently they need to
run

ROM
ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, a type of computer memory
that stores data permanently and cannot be modified. ROM is
essential for a computer system because it contains the
instructions needed to boot up and run programs.
As its name refers to read-only memory, we can only read the programs
and data stored on it. It is also a primary memory unit of the computer
system.The information is stored in the ROM in binary format. It is also
known as permanent memory.

ROM stores data that can't be changed or modified, even after the
device's power is turned off.

PROM
Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) is a type
of memory that can be programmed once and then retains that
data permanently
It is a type of non-volatile computer memory. This means that once
data has been written to PROM, it cannot be erased.

EPROM
EPROM, or erasable programmable read-only
memory, is a type of computer memory that can retain data even
when the power is off. EPROMs are non-volatile, meaning they can
retrieve stored data after the power is turned back on.
ADVANTAGES: EPROMs are reusable, durable, and have low
power consumption
Disadvantages: EPROMs have a limited number of erase/write
cycles, slower read and write speeds, and limited storage capacity.

EEPROM
EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only
Memory
EEPROM is non-volatile memory used to store small amounts of
data, such as configuration settings and user data. It's ideal for
applications that require frequent data read-write operations, and
is essential in embedded systems

CACHE MEMORY
Cache memory is a high-speed memory, which is small in size but
faster than the main memory (RAM). The CPU can access it more
quickly than the primary memory. So, it is used to synchronize with
high-speed CPU and to improve its performance.
Cache memory acts as a temporary storage area between the CPU
and the main memory, allowing the CPU to access data more
quickly
It holds the data and programs which are frequently used by the
CPU. So, it makes sure that the data is instantly available for CPU
whenever the CPU needs this data. In other words, if the CPU finds
the required data or instructions in the cache memory, it doesn't
need to access the primary memory (RAM). Thus, by acting as a
buffer between RAM and CPU, it speeds up the system
performance.
Cache memory is a type of computer memory that stores frequently
accessed data and instructions to improve the computer's
performance

GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER

The major development steps in data processing is called GENERATION

OF COMPUTERS.
The generation of classified into five generations:

1. First Generation Computer (1940-1956)

2. Second Generation Computer (1956-1963)
3. Third Generation Computer(1964-1971)
4. Fourth Generation Computer(1971-Present)
5. Fifth Generation Computer(Present and Beyond)
1. FIRST GENERATION COMPUTER: (1940-1956)

The first generation of computers is characterized by the use of “Vacuum

tubes” It was developed in 1904 by the British engineer “John Ambrose
Fleming”. A vacuum tube is an electronic device used to control the flow of
electric current in a vacuum. It is used in CRT(Cathode Ray Tube)
TV, Radio, etc.
The first general-purpose programmable electronic computer was the ENIAC
(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) which was completed in 1945
and introduced on Feb 14, 1946, to the public. The ENIAC was 30-50 feet
long, 30 tons weighted, contained 18000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 registers, and
10,000 capacitors, and it required 150000 watts of electricity, which makes it
very expensive.
Later, Eckert and Mauchly developed the first commercially successful
computer named UNIVAC(Univeral Automatic Computer) in 1952.

Examples are ENIAC(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer),

EDVAC(Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer),
UNIVAC-1(Univeral Automatic Computer-1)
 Vacum Tubes
ENIAC UNIVAC
ADVANTAGES
 These computers were designed by using vacuum tubes.
 These generations’ computers were simple architecture.
 These computers calculate data in a millisecond.
 This computer is used for scientific purposes.
DISADVANTAGES
 The computer was very costly.
 Very large.
 It takes up a lot of space and electricity
 The speed of these computers was very slow
 It is used for commercial purposes.
 It is very expensive.
 These computers heat a lot.
 Cooling is needed to operate these types of computers because they
heat up very quickly.

SECOND GENERATION COMPUTER: (1956-

1963)
The second generation of computers is characterized by the use
of “Transistors” and it was developed in 1947 by three American
physicists “John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley”.
A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic
signals or open or close a circuit. It was invented in Bell labs, The transistors
became the key ingredient of all digital circuits, including computers.
Transistors perform the same functions as a Vacuum tube, except that
electrons move through instead of through a vacuum.It is smaller than the first
generation of computers, it is faster and less expensive compared to the first
generation of computers. The second-generation computer has a high level of
programminglanguages, including FORTRAN (1956), ALGOL(1958),
and COBOL(1959).

Examples are PDP-8(Programmed Data Processor-8),IBM

1400(International business machine 1400 series),IBM 7090(International
business machine 7090 series),CDC 3600( Control Data Corporation 3600
series)

ADVANTAGES
 It is smaller in size as compared to the first-generation computer
 It used less electricity
 Not heated as much as the first-generation computer.
 It has better speed
DISADVANTAGES
 It is also costly and not versatile
 still, it is expensive for commercial purposes
 Cooling is still needed
 Punch cards were used for input
 The computer is used for a particular purpose

THIRD GENERATION COMPUTER: (1964-1971)

The Third generation of computers is characterized by the use of “Integrated
Circuits” It was developed in 1958 by two American engineers “Robert
Noyce” & “Jack Kilby”. The integrated circuit is a set of electronic circuits on
small flat pieces of semiconductor that is normally known as silicon. The
transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips which are called
semiconductors, which drastically increased the efficiency and speed of the
computers.
These ICs (integrated circuits) are popularly known as chips. A single IC has
many transistors, resistors, and capacitors built on a single slice of silicon.

This development made computers smaller in size, low cost, large memory,
and processing. The speed of these computers is very high and it is efficient
and reliable also.

These generations of computers have a higher level of

languages such as Pascal PL/1, FORTON-II to V, COBOL, ALGOL-68, and
BASIC(Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) was developed
during these periods.

Examples are NCR 395(National Cash

Register),IBM 360,370 series,B6500

ADVANTAGES:
 These computers are smaller in size as compared to previous
generations
 It consumed less energy and was more reliable
 More Versatile
 It produced less heat as compared to previous generations
 These computers are used for commercial and as well as general-
purpose
 This generation of computers has increased the storage capacity of
computers
DISADVANTAGES
 Still, a cooling system is needed.
 It is still very costly
 Sophisticated Technology is required to manufacture Integrated
Circuits
 It is not easy to maintain the IC chips.
 The performance of these computers is degraded if we execute large
applications.

FOURTH GENERATION OF COMPUTER

The fourth generation of computers is characterized by the use of
“Microprocessor”. It was invented in the 1970s and It was developed by four
inventors named are “Marcian Hoff, Masatoshi Shima, Federico Faggin,
and Stanley Mazor“. The first microprocessor named was the “Intel
4004” CPU, it was the first microprocessor that was invented.
A microprocessor contains all the circuits required to perform arithmetic, logic,
and control functions on a single chip. Because of microprocessors, fourth-
generation includes more data processing capacity than equivalent-sized
third-generation computers.

Examples are APPLE II, Alter 8800

ADVANTAGES
 hese computers are smaller in size and much more reliable as
compared to other generations of computers.
 The heating issue on these computers is almost negligible
 No A/C or Air conditioner is required in a fourth-generation computer.
 In these computers, all types of higher languages can be used in this
generation
 It is also used for the general purpose
 less expensive
 These computers are cheaper and portable
DISADVANTAGES
 Fans are required to operate these kinds of computers
 It required the latest technology for the need to make
microprocessors and complex software
 These computers were highly sophisticated
 It also required advanced technology to make the ICs(Integrated
circuits)

FIFTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS

These generations of computers were based on AI(Artificial Intelligence)
technology. Artificial technology is the branch of computer science concerned
with making computers behave like humans and allowing the computer to
make its own decisions currently, no computers exhibit full artificial
intelligence (that is, can simulate human behavior).

In the fifth generation of computers, VLSI technology and ULSI (Ultra Large
Scale Integration) technology are used and the speed of these computers is
extremely high.
It has been predicted that such a computer will be able to communicate in
natural spoken languages with its user.

In this generation, computers are also required to use a high level of

languages like C language, c++, java, etc.

Examples are Desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, MacBooks, etc.

ADVANTAGES
 These computers are smaller in size and it is more compatible
 Higher technology is used
 Development of true artificial intelligence
 Advancement in Parallel Processing and Superconductor
Technology.

DISADVANTAGES:
 It tends to be sophisticated and complex tools
 It pushes the limit of transistor density.