HW.04
HW.04
Hardware refers to any physical/tangible part of the computer that you can touch, feel, see and pickup.
Input devices
Computer input refers to any data and instructions entered/fed into a computer for processing.
Computer input devices are components/devices that enable a user to enter/feed data and instructions into a
computer for processing.
Keyboards
Keyboards are one of the most commonly used manual input devices. Keyboards are used to input text,
numbers and instructions into the computer. Most keyboards use a QWERTY key layout.
Advantages of keyboards
1) Keyboards are more reliable and produce fewer errors than other input methods since information you
input instantly appears on the screen so it is easy to know whether it is correct.
2) Entering data and instructions with keyboards is generally faster than with pointing devices.
3) It is not necessary to buy additional equipment because most computer systems are normally supplied
with keyboards
Disadvantages of keyboards
1) People with wrist and hand problems find using keyboards painful to use.
2) Typing speeds are still very slow when compared to computer speeds.
3) It takes a lot of time to practice in order to type quickly and accurately.
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Mouse
A mouse is the most widely used pointing device on personal computers. Pointing devices are part of hardware
that are used to control a pointer (cursor) on a screen.
Mice have two buttons and a scroll wheel. These provide users with different functions:
Advantages of Mice:
1) Faster to select icons and options when compared to a keyboard.
2) Very easy to move a pointer around a screen and to navigate through documents even for beginners.
3) It does not take time to master the techniques of using the mouse.
4) Mice fit comfortably below the palm and their wheels below fasten movements
Disadvantages of Mice:
1) Mice need a flat surface in order to work properly
2) Ball mice can pick up dirt which will affect the accuracy of pointer movement.
3) A mouse needs more desk space to operate compared to a touchpad or trackball.
4) You need to move a hand from the key board to move the pointer or execute a command given
5) It is not easy and convenient to input text with a mouse
6) Issuing commands by using a mouse is slower than by using a keyboard
7) A mouse is not accurate enough when it comes to drawings that require high precision
Major problems that often affect the proper functioning of the mouse
1) Dirt disrupts motion of the ball in the mechanical mouse
2) Nature of the surface-not too rough or too smooth
3) Disconnection of the chord in case the mouse falls down
4) Connecting the mouse to the system unit one must be very careful to follow the directions of the pins
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Touchpads: Users lightly brush their finger over the touchpad in order to control a pointer. Touchpads are
built into laptops and perform the same functions as mice and as a replacement to a mouse. The touchpad
enables users to control a screen pointer and the buttons allow users to select icons and call up options.
Advantages of Touchpads:
1) Easier than QWERTY keyboards when used to select options and icons.
2) Touchpads are built into laptops so there is no need for a separate mouse. This helps improve portability.
3) Can be used even when there is no flat surface available.
4) Won't get clogged with dirt (as can happen with ball mice) so performance is never reduced.
Disadvantages of Touchpads:
1) More difficult to control a mouse pointer when compared to a mouse.
2) People with wrist and hand problems (like RSI) can find touchpads painful to use.
3) Some operations are more difficult to perform when compared to a mouse. Drag and Drop for example.
Trackballs: Track balls are similar to mice but the ball is on the top of the device instead of the bottom. Screen
pointers are controlled by rotating the large ball with your hand.
Advantages of trackballs
1) Pointer can be positioned more exactly which makes trackballs very useful for image editing.
2) Can be used even when there is no flat surface available.
3) Good for limited desk space because the user does not have to move the entire device.
Disadvantages of trackballs
1) More expensive than mice.
2) More difficult to learn to use than a mouse.
3) The ball mechanism of trackballs also requires more frequent cleaning than a mouse.
Remote Control: Remote controls are used to control other devices using wireless signals.
Joysticks: Joysticks are also popular devices for gaming. The handle allows gamers to control on-screen
characters and the buttons are used for things like firing weapons.
Uses of Joysticks:
1) Joysticks can control characters or objects in video games.
2) Can control industrial machinery (cranes for example)
3) Joysticks are used in simulators. For example flight simulators use joysticks in order for trainee pilots to
control the simulated plane.
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Advantages of Joysticks
1) Easier to control an on-screen cursor or move an in-game character than it is when using a keyboard.
2) Very simple to get used to and can be used by disabled people since Joysticks can be operated by hands
or even feet.
3) The joystick allows fast interactions required in most games
Disadvantages of Joysticks
1) Difficult to use a joystick to select objects accurately on the screen.
2) People with hand/wrist issues (like RSI) can find them painful to use.
3) Difficult (but not impossible) to enter text. For example: some games allow you to select individual
letters using the joystick in order to spell out your name when entering a high score.
Touch Screens: Touch screens enable users to input commands into a computer by pressing or touching
buttons/icons on the screen. Touch screens are more suitable for use with a limited amount of options.
Scanners: Scanners are used to enter information on paper (hard copies) into a computer. Scanners can convert
hard copies (printed documents, photographs) into digital data.
Uses of Scanners
1) Used to scan hard copy / printed documents into a computer.
2) Old photos and important documents (like birth certificates) can be scanned into the computer. This
means you still have a copy if the original is damaged or lost.
Advantages of Scanners:
1) Very fast to enter hard copies into the computer (compared to retyping with a keyboard).
2) Digital copies of the stored data can easily be duplicated and backed up.
Disadvantages of Scanners:
1) Scanned images are usually of lesser quality than the original document.
2) Scanned images can take up a lot of disk space (especially if you scan them at a high resolution).
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Graphics Tablet and stylus: Graphics tablets are used by artists and designers to easily create and store digital
graphics in a computer. A graphics tablet can be drawn on with a special pen called a 'stylus'. Whatever is
drawn onto the tablet can be seen on a computer screen.
Light Pens: Light pens are used by directly drawing or selecting icons on a computer screen. Light pens work
by picking up light from the computer screen and then signaling to the computer exactly where the light was
picked up.
Uses of Microphones:
1. Used to input sounds/speech for use in a range of applications: Speaking over the Internet using VoIP
2. Used in voice recognition software. For example: Converting speech into text, Issuing commands
3. Hands-Free mobile phones enable people to hold conversations on phone without using their hands
4. Used (along with headphones) in gaming so that gamers can talk to each other.
Advantages of Microphones:
1. Faster to read text into a computer than to type it in using a keyboard.
2. Microphones are relatively cheap to buy.
Disadvantages of Microphones:
1. Sound files can take up a lot of computer storage space.
2. Speaking words into a computer is not as accurate as typing.
3. Background noise can interfere with input of data using microphones.
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Digital Cameras: Digital cameras capture and store images on a memory card and these images can easily be
transferred onto a computer for viewing or editing.
Web Cameras (webcams): Web cameras can capture both digital images and video that are sent over the
internet.
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Magnetic Stripe Reader: Reads information from magnetic stripes found on Bank Cards, Membership Cards
and Hotel Door Cards etc. Data contained on the card's stripe is read by pulling the card through the magnetic
stripe reader. This is known as 'swiping'. The magnetic stripe reader then sends data from the card into the
computer for processing.
Barcode Reader: Used to read information that is stored on product's barcodes (zebra stripped marked on many
retail products).
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR): This is a system which automatically reads marks made in pen or pencil.
Uses of OMR
Used to read the shaded areas on documents such as: Multiple choice examinations, multiple choice
questionnaires, Lottery tickets
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Advantages of OMR
1) Extremely fast way of inputting information into a computer.
2) Very accurate as document's data is fed into the computer automatically with no manual typing.
3) Can save money as there is no need to employ workers to enter form information into a computer.
4) Large volumes of data can be collected quickly and easily without the need for specially trained staff
Disadvantages of OMR
1) Documents for OMR are difficult to design
2) The OMR reader needs to be reprogrammed for each new document design
3) OMR readers are relatively slow
4) The person putting marks on the documents must follow the instructions precisely
5) Any folding or dirt on a form may prevent the form from being read correctly
Optical Character recognition (OCR): OCR's allow us to scan text on paper (hardcopy) into a computer.
Once into the computer, OCR software converts the scanned text into a digital format. OCR devices read
special pre-printed characters and convert them in a form which can be understood by the computer.
Uses of OCR's:
1) Used in the processing of Passports and Identity Cards.
2) OCR is also used in the process of digitizing books.
Advantages of OCR's:
1) Written data and printed data can be read at the same time
2) Hard copies of documents can be read directly into a computer without retyping
3) The characters converted can be later edited by word processing software
4) Very fast way of entering hard-copy text into a computer.
5) Cheaper than paying an employee to manually re-type printed text into a computer.
6) Avoids typing errors as the process is automatic (no typing involved)
Disadvantages of OCR's:
1) OCR readers often do not work well with handwritten characters or those in unusual fonts.
2) Not 100% accurate. (relies on being able to read the original text)
3) As it is not 100% accurate, information needs to be manually checked for errors. This is time
consuming.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR): MICR is a system used to read information printed in special
ink.
Uses of MICR:
1) MICR devices are mainly used to process cheques.
2) Some countries also use MICR devices to read the passport number on passports.
Advantages of MICR:
1) Cheques can be processed very quickly (up to 300 per minute).
2) Greater security than OCR because the special ink characters cannot be changed or forged.
3) No manual input therefore less errors.
4) Information can still be read even if someone writes over the magnetic ink characters.
5) Reading is accurate.
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Disadvantages of MICR:
1) MICR readers and encoders are expensive.
2) The system can only accept a few different character sets.
Voice recognition systems: provide the computer with the capability to distinguish spoken words. Note that
voice recognition implies only that the computer can take dictation, not that it understands what is being said.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) device: MIDI devices is used to create, record and play back
musical compositions. MIDI is a standard that allows musical instruments to connect to the system unit.
Sensor and remote sensor: A sensor and remote sensor is an input device that can detect external changes in
an environment.
Uses of sensors
1) Monitoring and control applications-burglar detection
2) Data collection and everyday applications-measuring pollution and automatic doors
Advantages of sensors
1) More accurate readings can be taken.
2) Monitor information constantly.
3) Respond to information immediately.
4) No need of humans to operate sensors in dangerous conditions like monitoring radiation levels.
Disadvantages of sensors
1) Faulty sensors can give incorrect results
Digital video cameras: Digital video cameras record motion digitally on a disk and have the capability to take
still images as well.
PC camera: A PC camera allows home users to record, edit and capture video and still images and to make
phone calls on the Internet.
Examples of terminals
1) A dump terminal has no processing power and is connected to a server to operate.
2) An intelligent terminal memory and a processor so can process data.
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3) An electronic point of sale terminal (EPOS) is used to record purchases.
4) An electronic funds transfer point of sale (EFTPOS) terminal transfers funds from a customer bank
account to a retailer's account.
5) An automated teller machine (ATM is a self-service banking machine attached to a computer.
Pointing stick: A pointing stick is located in the middle of the keyboard and to control the pointer, you direct
the stick with your finger. Most pointing sticks are pressure-sensitive, so the pointer moves faster when more
pressure is applied.
PROCESSING DEVICES
Processing devices serve the function of interpreting and manipulating instructions and data into information in
a computer.
The more powerful the CPU, the faster the computer and the bigger the memory required.
The speed of the computer operations is determined by the system clock.
The faster the clock, the more instructions the CPU executes per second.
The clock speed is stated in Megahertz and Gigahertz.
Each tick is a clock cycle and this is a hertz.
Clock speed/clock rate is the speed at which a processor undertakes instructions.
In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.
RISC-reduced instruction set computer: RISC is a design of the CPU that recognizes a relatively limited
number of instructions.
CISC-Complex instruction set computer: CISC is a design of CPU that supports a large number of
instructions but at relatively low processing speeds.
There are two primary manufacturers of computer processors with Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
leading the market in terms of speed and quality.
Pentium processors
The current family of Intel Pentium microprocessors includes Pentium II, Pentium III, and Pentium 4, Xeon,
multimedia extensions (MMX), Celeron, Itanium series and core 2. The core 2 class is the current standard for
processor chips.
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AMD processors
The best performing AMD processors are the Athlon, Athlon Xp, Thunderbird and Duron series. These AMD
processors are currently the most used microprocessors in high-end desktop systems, workstations and servers.
Control unit
The control unit directs all the operations that take place within the computer that is it tells the rest of the
computer system how to carry out a program’s instructions.
Logical operations are comparisons that the ALU compares two pieces of data to see whether one is:
1) Equal to = 5) Less than or equal to <=
2) Greater than > 6) AND
3) Less than < 7) OR
4) Greater than or equal to >= 8) NOT
Registers
Registers are high speed temporary storage locations used to hold data and instructions during processing.
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THE MAIN MEMORY
Also called primary storage, internal memory or main memory is the part of processing hardware that is used to
temporarily store data and instructions about to be processed by the computer.
Data in the memory is represented as electronic voltage in space called memory addresses.
The role of the computer memory in storing both data and instructions is called the stored program concept.
Computer memory is the temporary storage space for data, programs, commands and instructions.
Main memory:
1) Holds data for processing
2) Holds instructions for processing the data
3) Holds data after it is processed
Read only memory (ROM): ROM has contents that can be read but cannot be written to during normal
computer operations.
Random access memory (RAM): RAM is used to store programs being used by the user when the computer is
working.
RAM ROM
1) Volatile Non volatile
2) Read and write Read only
3) Temporal Permanent
4) Can be increased Normally not increasable
ROM is used to permanently store instructions that tell the computer how to boot (startup). These instructions
are known as the BIOS (Basic input/output system) or the boot program.
Information stored in ROM is known as READ ONLY. This means that the contents of ROM cannot be altered
or added to by the user.
ROM is Non-Volatile memory. This means that stored information is not lost when the computer loses power.
Contents of the read only memory are collectively called firm ware that is set during manufacture and cannot be
altered.
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Firm ware contains permanently written data, instructions or information.
ROM is the smallest in size and contains programs that are built in during manufacture.
PROM-programmable read only memory: Programmable read-only memory is memory on which data can
be written only once. Once a program has been written onto a PROM, it remains there forever.
EPROM- erasable programmable read only memory: Erasable programmable read-only memory can be
written to only once and erased once for new contents to be stored and cannot be erased any more.
EEPROM-electronically erasable programmable read only memory: Instructions can be put in this memory
as many times as one may like. The memory contains instructions up to when one decides to alter them.
Uses of ROM
1) ROM stores data and programs that must be kept permanent at all time
2) ROM stores system files that enable a computer to operate
3) ROM stores BIOS that enables a computer to start
RAM is used to temporarily store information that is currently in use by the computer.
RAM can be read from and written to and so the information stored in RAM can change all the time (it depends
what tasks you are using the computer for).
RAM is a fast memory. Data can be written to and read from RAM very quickly.
RAM is Volatile Memory. This means that information stored in RAM is deleted as soon as the computer is
turned off.
RAM forms a major portion of main storage and is in constant use for temporary storage.
Uses of RAM
1) Provides storage of a copy of the system software program.
2) Provides temporary storage of a copy of an application program
3) Provides temporary storage of a copy of data items input from the key board and mouse.
Examples of RAM
1) Conventional memory 4) Extended memory
2) Upper memory 5) Expanded memory
3) High memory area
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CHIPS USED FOR RAM
1) DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
2) SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).
3) FRAM-Ferro-electric random access memory
CMOS chips use battery power to retain information even when the computer is turned off. Information stored
in CMOS can be changed. CMOS contents are updated whenever new components are installed.
Flash memory/flash ROM/flash RAM: Flash memory is a kind of non-volatile memory that can be erased
electronically and reprogrammed. Flash memory is used to store programs and data on personal computers
(PCs), cellular phones, printers, digital cameras and Personal digital assistants (PDAs)
Virtual memory: With virtual memory the operating system (OS) (programs that manage the use and
allocation of hardware and software) allocates/distributes/assigns a portion of a storage medium usually the hard
disk to function as additional random access memory (RAM). The amount of the hard disk used for virtual
memory is called a swap file. The amount of data and programs, instructions exchanged at a given time is
called a page.
Cache memory: Cache memory is an extra high speed memory that stores data that is frequently accessed.
Cache memory is more expensive than any other memory but once contained in a computer, cache memory
makes a computer more powerful.
Buffer memory: Buffer memory is a temporary storage area that holds data before the data is sent to a device.
The purpose of most buffers is to act as a holding area enabling the CPU to manipulate data before transferring
it to a device.
Video Memory (VRAM): VRAM is used to store display images for the monitor. The amount of video
memory determines how fast images appear and how colours are available.
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One character 8 bits
8 bits 1 byte
1 byte 8 bits
BINARY CODES: A binary code is a scheme for encoding data using a series of binary digits.
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII): Most computers use ASCII codes to
represent text, which makes it possible to transfer data from one computer to another. ASCII controls the
system bell and printing.
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDI Code): EBCDIC was used in large computers
Binary Coded Decimal Code (BCD Code): BCDC is the least used code and is almost out of date/not used.
PARITY BITS
Parity bits are bits added to data by a computer to ensure the accuracy of the data.
The computer checks the number of bits and the data during data processing to ensure that no bit is lost during
the process and this is called performing a parity check.
The parity chip holds the parity bit or check bit that is used for error detection.
Parity checking refers to the use of parity bits to check that data has been transmitted accurately.
An instruction set refers to the instructions available for the central processing unit to execute.
Also called a command set, the basic set of commands, or instruction, that a microprocessor understands.
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Computer storage devices
A storage device records and retrieves items to and from a storage medium.
A storage media is the actual physical material that holds data and programs.
Writing is the process of saving information to storage devices whereas reading is the process of accessing
information from storage devices. Writing of data = storing data also known as saving-Reading of data = getting
our data back also known as opening. To save data, data is moved from memory to secondary storage.
Backing up data: Process of copying files, programs and data to a different storage device for future use.
(Making of copies of your files, data and information) A backup is a copy of your original file or data stored on
another storage device.
Secondary storage: Secondary storage is a type of storage designed to retain data and instructions in a
relatively permanent form.
Secondary storage devices are storage devices designed to retain data and instructions in a relatively permanent
form.
Secondary storage devices can be used as both input (when part of their stored data is sent for processing) and
output devices (when used to receive processed data)
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Secondary storage devices are categorized under:
1) Magnetic storage devices
2) Optical storage devices
3) Solid state storage devices
Floppy diskette: Floppy diskettes provide an old method of portable data storage. Data is held on a thin plastic
disk with a magnetic coating covered with a plastic protective case. The most widely used floppy disk is the 3.5
inch floppy diskette. Floppy diskettes are used where small files need to be transferred or stored.
Before anything can be written on a new floppy disk, it must be formatted. Formatting is the process of
preparing a disk for reading and writing by organizing the disk into storage locations. The write protect facility
is useful to prevent accidental overwriting of data.
Magnetic tape: A magnetic tape is a magnetically coated plastic ribbon capable of storing large amounts of
data and information at a low cost. Magnetic tapes are one of the oldest forms of data storage on computers.
Magnetic tapes are used for applications which require extremely large storage capacity and for backup of files.
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Advantages of magnetic tapes
1) Substantially less expensive
2) The storage capacity of a magnetic tape is much higher than that of a floppy diskette.
Zip disks: Another obsolete storage device, Zip disks are high capacity disks that resemble floppy disks
however are slightly larger and thicker is size compared to floppy disks. Zip disks were used for data backup
and moving large files between computers.
Jaz disks: These are small portable disks with high storage capacity and are used for storing data that requires
large storage. Jaz disks were used for data backup and moving large files between computers. Were expensive
and very unreliable.
Hard disks: A hard disk usually consists of several inflexible circular magnetic disks called platters on which
data, instructions and information are stored electronically. A hard disk is also known as a hard disk drive
(HDD). Hard disks are sealed tightly to keep out contaminants like dust and smoke which can lead to head
crashes.
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Uses of external hard disks
1) Can carry data-backups all over the place
2) Transfer information, programs and pictures between computers
Removable storage media: Removable media is any type of storage device that can be removed from a
computer and is not incorporated into the computer itself. Examples of removable media include CDs, DVDs
and Blu-Ray disks, as well as diskettes and USB drives.
Removable media makes it easy for a user to move data from one computer to another and can deliver the fast
data backup and recovery times. The main drawback of removable media is that it's more expensive than many
other forms of storage.
Solid state storage devices: Solid state storage devices are devices with no moving parts. Data and information
are stored and retrieved electronically directly from these devices. This type of storage is expensive but is more
reliable and requires less power and can be written to and updated. This technology is becoming widely used for
specialized removable storage devices.
Memory cards: Memory cards are solid state storage devices widely used on computers.
Advantages
1) Easy to transport since they are small in size
2) Robust and not easy to damage
3) Easy to connect to mobile devices through SD slots
Disadvantages
1) More expensive
2) Easy to lose or to have stolen due to their small size
Smart cards: Smart cards are devices that store data on a thin microprocessor embedded (fixed) in the card.
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Flash disks: Flash disks are small storage devices that can be held on a key ring or necklace. These devices
conveniently connect directly to a computer’s universal serial bus port to transfer data, files and information.
Optical storage devices: Optical storage devices store data on a disk as a number of data dots that can be read
using light. Data is read by shinning the laser beam onto the surface of the disk. The beam burns very tiny holes
(pits) into a thin shiny surface to record data.
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Compact disks: Compact disks are the most widely used optical disks formats. Compact disks are flat, round,
portable storage medium that store data using light beams. Compact disks are mostly used to store data and
information such as video clips, software and sounds. CDs have a maximum storage capacity of 700MBs
Digital versatile disks (DVDs): DVDs are also called digital video disks. With these disks, more data can be
packed on the disk. DVDs are suitable for recording motion pictures such as video because they offer better
sound and picture quality. DVD-ROMs have a storage capacity of 4.7GB
CD-ROM and DVD-ROM: These disks have data that cannot be written over (added to) but can only be read.
These disks are bought with pre-loaded data already on them. Whatever is already loaded onto the disk cannot
be removed or changed. DVD-ROMs hold large amounts of data like movies, modern games, and multimedia
encyclopedia.
CD-Rs and DVD-Rs: These disks are bought blank and data can be added to the disk (once) but not removed
when it is on there. These disks are ideal for single burning or recording of data.
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Advantages of CD-Rs and DVD-Rs
1) Impossible to accidentally delete recorded data
2) Cheaper than CD-RWs and hard disks
3) Easy to transfer information from one computer to another.
Both CD-ROMs and CD-Rs are referred to as (WORM) write once read many because they allow the user to
record data on them once but read the data as often as necessary.
DVD-RAM disks
With DVD-RAM disks, writing and reading of data can happen at the same time. DVD-RAM disks can be
rewritten over many many times.
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Photo CDs: Photo CDs use a special format to store digital images. Photo CDs are multisession meaning that
new images can be added at any time.
BLU-RAY DISKS
The laser used to read the data is blue rather than red hence the name Blu-ray disk.
These disks can be rewritten to and have large storage capacities ranging between 25GB, 50GB and 100GB.
Advantages
1) Files stored on an Internet hard drive can be accessed from any computer or device that has web access
2) Share large audio, video and graphics files with others on the Internet
3) Work as an offsite backups of data
Magneto-optical disk
This combines the best features of magnetic and optical disk technologies.
Has a high storage capacity of an optical disk but can be written over like a magnetic disk.
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Storage capacity
Storage capacity is the amount of data a storage device such as a disk or tape can hold.
Transfer rate
Transfer rate is the time it takes a drive to transmit data and information from the drive to another device.
Access time
Access time is the amount of time it takes to locate an item on a storage medium.
Access time is the amount of time required to retrieve data from a storage device.
METHODS OF ACCESS
Random access or direct access: A particular data item or file can be located immediately without having to
move consecutively through items stored in front of it. Direct access is used where fast access to data is needed.
Direct access is used in storage media like memory sticks, memory cards, CDs and DVDs as well as hard disks.
Sequential access: Under sequenced access, records are accessed one at a time and in the order in which they
were recorded. Serial access is used in old magnetic tapes) video cassettes, music cassettes) and batch
processing systems. Serial access is slow but ideal for a lot of data storage.
Primary storage devices are devices that temporarily store information that the computer is currently working
on. Primary storage devices provide only temporary or volatile storage that is lose all of the contents when the
computer power is turned off.
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Disadvantages of primary storage devices
1) Temporal 3) Limited storage area 4) Delicate especially to
2) Expensive electronic fields
5) .
OUTPUT DEVICES
Output refers to data or information presented or removed from a computer.
Output devices are devices capable of displaying, presenting, removing or getting data and information from a
computer to the user.
Soft copy: Soft copy refers to information/data displayed visually on the screen or is audio or voice form such
as speech or music and this kind of output is not tangible. Soft copy exists electronically and displays for a
temporary period of time.
Advantages of softcopy
1) Softcopy is more portable compared to hard copy
2) Softcopy is easily manipulated or edited
3) Softcopy can be protected using a password
4) Softcopy conserves physical space since it is stored on storage devices
5) Multiple copies of the same document can be kept in different versions and one can easily backtrack to
an earlier version.
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Disadvantages of softcopy
1) This can be costly as this is energy consuming
2) Information can be lost if there is a power outage, computer viruses or accidental deletion
3) Soft copies are usually irreplaceable
Hard copy: Hard copy refers to information/data that is in a permanent form that is in print out form. Hard
copy is tangible. Hard copy is considered hard because it exists physically on paper, whereas a soft copy is
considered soft because it exists only electronically.
Disadvantages of hardcopy
a) Hard copy requires physical space to be stored.
b) Hard copy is not as portable as some electronic devices.
c) Hard copy takes a longer time to sort and find.
d) Hard copies may be lost easily and are sometimes not retrievable.
Speakers: Speakers are audio output devices that produce music, speech and other sounds from the computer.
Fax machine: A facsimile is a machine that transmits and receives documents over a telephone line and prints
out the document on paper.
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Disadvantages of using fax machines
1) Sending a big document can be slow
2) There is waste of paper when junk/useless faxes are sent.
Multifunction device: A multifunction device combines the capabilities of a scanner, printer, fax and copying
machine.
Data Projector: A projector takes images displayed on the computer screen and casts/projects them on a larger
screen so that people can see the image clearly.
Plotters: Plotters print their output by moving a pen across the surface of a piece of paper. Plotters are suitable
for architectural drawing, engineering applications and map making. Plotters create hard-copy in a very
different way to printers.
Uses of Plotters:
1) Used to produce large, accurate drawings for example Blueprints of buildings (plans/designs), Maps,
Giant posters and
2) Pens can be replaced with cutting tools to produce large signs.
Advantages of plotters
1) Plotters can produce much larger printouts than other printers.
2) The print quality is extremely high.
3) Plotters can also 'cut out' designs for use in sign making.
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3) Plotters have been largely superseded by large-format ink jet printers that can produce more detailed
printouts and in full-colour
Terminals
Terminals are output devices that connect you to another type of computer called a host computer.
Monitors present visual images of both the user’s input (text and graphics) and computer output.
Monitors display information on the screen thus helping the user to monitor operations carried out by the
computer.
Display devices can be monochrome or colour. Monochrome means that information displays in one colour on
a different colour background for example white on black.
Colours are used to make screen displays more attractive and to highlight messages and menu options
however screens with a lot of colours take longer time to process and more memory is required to display
a lot of colours.
Images are formed on the monitor by a series of dots or pixels (picture elements).
Refresh rate indicates how often a displayed image is updated and redrawn on the monitor.
For a monitor to display information, it must be connected to a video card or graphics adapter.
Near letter quality (NLQ) is a quality of print that is not quite letter quality but is better than draft quality.
Drops per inch (DPI) the number of individual dots that can be placed in a line.
Types of monitors
Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors: CRT monitors are the most common type of monitors used in office and
homes. CRT’s are becoming rare as TFT monitors are replacing them.
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Advantages of CRT monitors
1) Can produce fast and rich colour output
2) Can be viewed from a very wide angle
3) Are low cost monitors than LCD monitors
TFT and LCD are two of the technologies used in flat-screen monitors:
TFT is Thin-Film-Transistor
LCD is Liquid-Crystal Display.
Disadvantages
1) Need separate devices to produce the hard copy
2) Unsuitable for users with visual problems
3) Information produced on the screen is only temporary and will be lost when the power of the display
device is turned off.
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Printers: Printers are output devices that produce text and graphics on a physical medium like paper. Printers
are categorized by how images are formed that is whether or not the image is formed by physical contact of the
print mechanism with paper.
Advantages of printers
1) Information produced is permanent
Disadvantages of printers
1) The time to get the printout is slow
2) Paper is wasted for obtaining the output
3) Printers are generally noisier than display devices
Impact printers: Impact printers are a class of printers that work by banging a head or needle against an ink
ribbon to make a mark on the paper. Impact printers use pins or hammers which hit a ribbon to transfer images
to paper.
Dot matrix printers: Dot matrix printers use a pattern of dots formed by pins on a print head to form out a
character on paper.
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Daisy wheel printer: The daisy wheel is a disk made of plastic or metal on which characters stand out along
the outer edge. To print a character, the printer rotates the disk until the desired letter is facing the paper. A
hammer strikes the disk forcing the character to hit an ink ribbon leaving an impression of the character on the
paper. You can change the disk wheel to print different fonts. Daisy wheel printers cannot print graphics, are
generally noisy and are slow.
Braille printers: Braille printers produce characters that can be read by visually impaired people.
Non-impact printers: Non-impact printers are printers that use chemicals, lasers or heat to form the images on
the paper.
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Inkjet printers: Inkjet printers form characters on paper by spraying tiny droplets of ink on paper to form out a
character.
Thermal printers: Thermal printers use heating elements to produce images on heat-sensitive paper.
Laser printers: Laser printers use a laser light beam to produce images with excellent letter and graphics
quality.
Control devices
Control devices are output devices that work in conjunction with sensor input devices and commands from
computers in order to undertake a process.
Motor Households:
Automatic washing machines (to make drum spin)
DVD player (to make disc spin)
Air conditioners (to make fans spin)
Industry:
Controlling robot arms
Computer systems:
Spinning disks in hard disk drives
Spinning cooling fans
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Communication devices
Communication devices enable two or more computers to exchange data, instructions and information with
each other.
Dial-up modems
A modem is a communication device that converts between analog and digital signals.
A modem connected to a sending computer converts the computer’s digital signals into analog signals which
can travel over a communications channel like a telephone line.
Integrated services digital network is a set of standards for digital transmission of data over standard copper
telephone lines.
Digital subscriber lines provide high-speed connections to the internet over a regular copper telephone line.
ADSL-asymmetric digital subscriber line is a type of DSL that supports faster transfer rates when receiving
data than when sending data.
Cable modems
A cable modem sends and receives data over the cable television network.
Cable modems transmit data at speeds much faster than dial-up and ISDN modems.
Multiplexers
Multiplexers are communication devices that combine two or more input signals from several devices into a
single stream of data and transmit over a communication channel.
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