Unit -1 Computer System

Unit -2 Number System and Conversion Boolean Logic

Unit -3 Computer Software and Operating System
Unit -4 Application Package
Unit -5 Programming Concept & Logic
Unit -6 Web Technology-I
Unit -7 Multimedia
Unit -8 Information Security and Cyber Law
Introduction of Computer:
The word ‘computer’ is derived from the Greek work ‘computare’ which
means to calculate. It was specially for fast and accurate computing in the
past but nowadays it is used for doing various kinds of tasks.
A computer is an electronic device that can perform a variety of tasks in
accordance with the set of instructions called program. A computer
accepts data from an input device like mouse and keyboard and processes
it into useful information which it displays on its output device monitor
and printer.
Data:
Data is known as fact and figures about a person, place, thing etc. which
can be recorded in the form of text, number, sound or image.
Information:
Information is the processed data which we get the required form. So, it is
very meaningful and useful to us.
Process:
Processing is the conversion of input into output which is done by the
processing unit of the computer.
Computer System
(1) Speed:
Computer works at very high speed and are much faster than humans. A second is
very long time period for computer. A computer can perform millions of calculations
in a second. The time used by a computer to perform an operation is called the
processing speed.
(2)High Storage Capacity:
A modern computer can store large amount of data. User can use data at any time. It
can be stored any type of data in a computer. Text, graphic, pictures, audio and video
files can be stored easily. The storage capacity is increasing rapidly. Storage capacity
can be measured in following units.
4 Bits = 1 Nibble
8 Bits = 1 Byte
1024 Bytes = 1 Kilo Byte
1024 KB = 1 Mega Byte
1024 MB = 1 Giga Byte
1024 GB = 1 Tera Byte
1024 TB = 1 Peta Byte
1024 PB = 1 Exa Byte
1024 EB = 1 Zetta Byte
1024 ZB = 1 Yotta Byte
1024 YB = Brono Byte (Unofficial)
1024 BB = 1 Geop Byte (Unofficial)
(3) Accuracy:
Accuracy means to provide results without any error. Computer can process large
amount of data and generate errors-free or almost 100% error free results. A
modern computer performs millions of operations in one second without any
error.
(4) Diligence:
Unlike the human being, a computer never feels tired and bored to do a task
repeatedly for a long time. The computer can perform the same task with same
speed and accuracy for a long time if it is provided the suitable environment and
correct instruction.
(5) Versatility:
Modern computer can perform various types of job efficiently. So the same
computer can be used for various purposes such as accounting, playing games,
listening music, watching movies, typing and printing the document, sending
email etc.
6. Automatic:
Being a programmable machine, modern computer can be programmed in such a
way that it can perform a series of task automatically after it has been started.
Modern digital computer does not need a human operator .
7) Non-intelligent:
Although the computers are faster, more powerful and accurate than the humans
but it doesn’t have commonsense and can’t think and decide itself to do any task.
 Applications /Uses of Computer
(1) Offices:
Modern computers are very necessary and useful resources in offices. In offices, computers are
used in preparing the reports, letters, notice, salary-sheet, income and expenditure statements
etc. so that efficiency of work speed of the employees will be improved. Generally Microsoft
Office and Accounting Packages are used in an office to handle the daily works.
(2) Home:
In the past, computers were very large, expensive and limited in its users. But nowadays, due to
the development in technology, microcomputers have been developed. After the development
of microcomputer, it has become necessary device in home which can be used in storing the
personal records, photos, videos, playing games, listening music, watching movies and songs
etc. It can be used even to connect the internet and use services like email, voice mail, chat etc.
(3) Bank:
All financial transactions in banks and financial institutions are done by computer software.
They provide security, speed and convenience. Different branches are connected with the help
of computer network; one can withdraw and deposit money for any branch system. In ATM
system one can withdraw cash from any ATM machines which are interconnected in ATM
system.
(4) Education:
Computer has been used in education to help the students in their study and the teachers to
organize and prepare their teaching materials and collect required information from the
internet. Due to the availability of e-books in CD, DVD and in internet, computer has been very
helpful and essential device for students and teacher for their better education. Besides these,
the educational institute use computers for keeping the student record, preparing the result-
sheet, examination process, accounting and printing different documents etc.
(5) Medicine:
Computers have been played a vital role in medical fields as it has been used in hospital to
help the doctors, nurses and technicians to diagnose diseases, getting information about
patient, disease and drugs. Similarly, many computerized equipment such as CT Scan
Machine, eye testing machine and many other computerized machines are used for right
experiment and diagnosis. Surgeon also uses the computerized device to get the correct
information about the condition of patient.
(6) Industries:
Computers have been used in industries for various purpose such as keeping the
employees records, income and expenditure records, salary-sheets, measurement and
display of physical quantity, quality control of production etc. The different tasks which
are risky for human beings are being done by computerized robots in industries so that
human life will not be at risk. This type of risky jobs are performed by robots.
(7) Business:
Shops, malls, and supermarkets use computers for file management, calculating the bills,
office communications, administrative works, decision making etc. One can predict
future trends of business using artificial intelligence software. There are fully automated
factories running on software in the world.
(8) Reservation:
By using the computer internet facilities, the reservation for the air ticket, train ticket, bus
ticket etc. became possible. If there had not been computerized system without network,
then there would be a problem of issuing the same ticket to more than one person or
passenger. It also stores information regarding passenger such as name, address, age,
destination, date of journey, class etc. Due to the credit card and debit card facility, the
passengers can reserve and purchase the tickets even from their own home computer.
(9) Defense:
Computers are widely used in defense. Secured database and records are kept in
computer with the help of software used in system. Information of defense system
is very secured and complicated, so computer is most essential in defense system
along with different secured feature software component. There is software
embedded in almost every weapon. Software is used for controlling flight and
targeting in ballistic missiles. Software is used to control access atomic bombs.
(10) Desktop Publishing:
We can use computer for desktop publishing for e.g. one can create page layouts
for magazine, newspaper, book etc. with attractive design by using designing
software like Adobe PageMaker, Macromedia Freehand, Adobe Photoshop etc. in
personal computers.
(11) Communication:
Due to the invention of internet, modern computers are massively used even for
fast, reliable and cheap communication all over the world. Text, photo, animation,
email, voice etc. can be exchanged between the computers through the internet.
Due to the various services of internet, email, chat, internet phone etc.
communication has been fast, reliable and cheaper.
(12) Weather Forecasting:
Computer can be used for weather forecasting like sunrise, sunset, rainfall,
temperature of different places at the same around the globe using super
computers and related programs. We can also predict the future weather
forecasting on the basis of past record.
 Abacus:
It is believed that abacus was the earliest counting device invented somewhere
in China or Egypt in 3000 B.C. The Chinese abacus was called ‘suan pan’
which means counting board. An abacus consists of rectangular frame
containing a number of rods and wires which is divided into 2 unequal parts
called heaven and earth. The lower part contains 5 rings and upper part
contains 2 rings in each wire. By moving the rings, it is used for counting as
well as to find addition and subtraction.
Napier’s Bone:
John Napier was a great Scottish mathematician. He invented ‘Principle of
Logarithm’ i.e. log in 1614 A.D. Then based on his own principle, he invented a
simple device containing 10 rods made by ivory sticks marked with numbers
in 1617. That device was called Napier’s Bone and people could use it for faster
multiplication and division.
Schickard’s Calculating Clock:
The first gear driven calculating machine was probably the calculating clock,
named by its inventor, the German professor Wilhelm Schickard in 1623. This
device got little publicity because Schickard died soon afterward in the
bubonic plague.
Slide Rule:
Based on the principle of John Napier, William Oughterd, an
English mathematician, invented a machine called Slide Rule in
1624 AD. It had 2 rulers engraved numbers and people could use it
for faster multiplication and division also. He used the principles of
bones and logarithm. This is considered the first analog
computing.
Pascaline:
Pascaline was invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642 AD. when he was
just 19 years old. He was a famous French mathematician and
philosopher. He invented that device to help his father in his
profession who was tax collector. It had some cogs and gears
rotating in complement to each other and it could do addition and
subtraction up to 8 digits. Multiplication and division was done by
repeating addition and subtraction respectively. Later computer
programming language was called ‘Pascal’ to honor him for his
contribution in the development computer.
Stepped Reckoner:
G.V. Leibniz was a German mathematician. He modified the
Pascaline and made his own device called Stepped Reckoner in 1671
AD by applying the principle of Pascal. It could perform addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division and also find out square root
by series of stepped addition. It was called Leibniz Calculator or
Stepped Reckoner.
Jacquard’s Loom and Punch Card:
Joseph Marie Jacquard was neither mathematician nor philosopher
like other computer scientists. He was French textile manufacture
and businessman. In 1801 AD, he invented a poor loom that could
base its weave upon a pattern automatically read from punched
wooden cards, held together in a long row by rope. Later the same
punch card technology was used for computer programming. Hence,
he is remembered even in the history of computer. Jaquard’s
technology was real boon to mill owners, but put many loom
operators out of work. Angry mobs smashed Jacquard looms and
once attacked Jacquard himself.
Difference Engine and Analytical Engine:
Difference engine was developed by Chalres Babbage in 1822 AD. which was
equal to the size of room. He was great English mathematician at
Cambridge University. Difference engine was his first invention and it was
powered by steam. It was fully automatic for mathematical calculation. He
requested to the British government and obtained funding for the
development of Difference Engine due to the importance of numeric tables
in ocean navigation.
He also designed another engine called Analytical Engine in 1833 AD. But
unfortunately he was unable to complete. He also discovered the principle
for the construction of general purpose programmable automatic
mechanical computer on which modern electronic computers are based.
Hence, he is known as Father of Computer.
Lady Augusta Ada:
Lady Augusta was admirer and follower of Charles Babbage. She was
fascinated by Babbage ideas. Through letters and meeting with Babbage,
she learned enough about the design of the Analytic Engine. She suggested
Babbage to use binary number system for computer program and data. She
gave the concept of computer programming for the first time, so she is
considered as ‘First Computer Programmer’. She invented subroutine and
importance of looping. Later a computer programming program was called
‘Ada’ to honor her for her great contribution in computer programming.
Tabulating Machine:
Tabulation machine was made by Dr. Herman Hollerith. The U.S.
Constitution states that a census should be taken of all U.S. citizens
in every 10 years. The very first census of 1790 has only 9 months, by
1880 the U.S. population had grown so much that the count for the
1880 census took 7.5 years. Automation was clearly needed for the
next census. The census bureau offered a prize for an inventor to help
with the 1890 census and this prize was won by Herman Hollerith for
the development of Tabulating Machine. He used to work in the U.S.
census bureau. By using the similar ideas of Jacquard’s Loom, he
made tabulating machine in 1886. It could process on the punch
cards and perform the census calculation faster and accurately.
Hollerith’s technique was successful and the 1890 census was
completed in only 3 years at a saving of 5 millions dollars. He
established his own company called Tabulating Machine Company
(TMC). Later, TMC was joined with other company and established
IBM company in 1923 A.D. IBM is the largest computer
manufacturing company in the world even today.
Age of Electro-Mechanical Computer Era
Mark I:
The first electro-mechanical computer Mark I was built in early
1940s, which was based on the principle of Charles Babbage by
Howard Aiken. This project was joint partnership between IBM and
Harvard University. It was also called IBMASCC. This was the first
programmable digital computer. Mark I was constructed by using
switches, relays, rotating shafts, and clutches. It was very much
complex in design as it contained about 7,50,000 parts and about
500 miles of wire was used to connect them. The machine was very
heavy and its dimension was 51 feet long, 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
ABC (Atanasoff-Berry Computer):
J.V. Atanasoff was a professor of physics and mathematics at IOWA
state university. Getting the help of his student, Clifford Berry, he
invented a computer that could solve different types of
mathematical problems successfully tested in 1942. This computer
was the first to store data as a charge on a capacitor, which is how
today’s computers store information in their main memory (RAM).
Age of Electronic Computers Era
ENIAC:
ENIAC stands for Electronic Numeric Integrator And Calculator. Which was
the first general purpose electronic computer developed by J.W. Mauchly and
J.P. Eckert in 1946 A.D. It was built to fulfill the requirements of US armed
force. It is as 10 feet tall , occupied about 1000 sq.feet, weighed 30 tones and
used more that 18,000 vacuum tubes. So, it also consumed a lot of electricity
and produced much more heat.
J.V.Neuman:
J.V. Neuman was a great mathematician and he discovered the principle of
stored program concept in 1945 A.D. All the modern computers are based on
his stored program technique. He is also called the ‘Father of Stored Program
Technique.’ Before his principle, program required for computers were
integrated and written permanently in paper tapes, mechanical devices and
in the circuit of vacuum tubes so modification of program was not possible .
ACE :
ACE stands for Automatic Computing Engine. Alan Turing presented a
detailed paper to the National Physical Laboratory Executive Committee,
giving the first reasonably complete design of a stored-program computer.
However, because of the strict and long-lasting secrecy around his wartime
work, he as prohibited from explaining that he knew his ideas could be
implemented in an electronic device Unfortunately, due to wartime secrecy,
the computer and his plans were destroyed with his suicide in 1954.
EDVAC:
It stands for Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer and
was developed in 1952. It was a binary serial computer with
automatic addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and
automatic checking with an ultrasonic serial memory. This allows
much fast operation since the computer had rapid access to both
data and instruction. It was binary than decimal. The advantage of
storing instruction was that computer could do logical decision
internally
UNIVAC:
It stands for Universal Automatic Computer. By the 1950’s,
computers were no longer owned only by universities and
government research labs. Then after, it was the first commercial
computer produced in the United State. It was produced in large
quantity. It was principally designed by J.P. Eckert and John
Mauchly. The machine was 25 feet by 50 feet in length. It contained
5600 tubes, 18,000 crystal diodes and 300 relays. The internal
storage capacity of this computer was 1000 words or 12,000
characters.
If we see the computer of the past, then we find that they were
not in similar shape, size, cost, functionality, technology,
hardware and software to the modern digital computers.
Computer generation is the classification of computers into
different groups according to their manufacturing date, memory
device, other hardware and software technology used inside
those computers. Generation of computer is a step in advancing
technology. It provides the framework for the growth and
development of the more powerful and useful computer system.
When computer generation goes higher i.e. from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to
3rd and so on , then we find that processing speed, storage
capacity and accuracy are increasing but size, cost, weight,
power consumption and heat emission are decreasing gradually
which is further clarified in the table below:
Characteristics Effects
Size Decreased
Weight Decreased
Power Consumption Decreased
Heat Emission Decreased
Price of Computer Decreased
Processing Speed Increased
Storage and Memory Capacity Increased
Use of User Friendly Software Increased
Hardware Complexity Increased
Reliability and Accuracy Increased
First Generation Computer:
The computer which were made approximately between 1941 and
1955 A.D. are classified as the first generation of computer. All the
computers which are made during the first generation had
vacuum tubes as their memory and processing devices.
Technology Vacuum tube was used as its main components.

Processing Speed Processing speed was measured in Millisecond.

I/O Devices Punch card was used.

Memory Vacuum Tube
Storage Device Magnetic drum and punch card.
Operation Mode Manually as there was no OS
Reliability and Accuracy Not fully reliable and accurate.

Programming Language Machine Level Language was used

Size and cost Very large and very expensive.

Availability Only available to the military purpose and
university research
Power Consumption Consumed a lot of electricity
Portable Not portable because of its huge size.
Second Generation of Computer:
The computers which were approximately between 1955 to 1964 and
having transistor and diodes as memory device are classified as the
second generation computer. The word transistor is derived from two
word ‘transfer’ and ‘register’
Technology Transistor was used

Processing Speed Faster processing speed as it was measured in

Microsecond.
I/O Device Punch Card was used.
Memory Magnetic Core memory was used as internal memory

Storage Device Magnetic tape was used as secondary storage device.

Operation Mode Setup manually there is no OS

Reliability and Accuracy More reliable and accurate than first generation
computer.
Programming Language Assembly and HLL

Size and Cost Smaller in size and less expensive than first
generation computer
Availability Available for general purpose too.

Power Consumption Less consumption than first generation computer

Portable Not portable

Third Generation Computer:
The computers which were approximately between 1964 to 1975 and
having IC(Integrated Circuit) technology as memory and
processing devices were classified as third generation computer. ICs
were the semiconductor device which consists of many
interconnected transistor and other components.
Technology IC (Integrated Circuit) was used

Processing Speed Faster than previous generation computer as processing speed

was increased into Nanosecond.
I/O Device Keyboard & Monitor was introduced as I/O for the first time.
Memory Magnetic Core memory was used as internal memory
Computer Type Computers were electronic
Memory Semiconductor memory was used as primary memory.
Storage Device Magnetic disks were used as secondary storage device.
Operation Mode Operating system was introduced.
Reliability and Accuracy Computers became fully reliable and accurate.
Programming Language Further development of HLL for programming.
Size and Cost Smaller in size and less expensive than previous generation
computer.
Availability Available for general purpose as well as for personal purpose

Power Consumption Less consumption than previous generation computer

Portable Computer became portable for the fist time because of the
development of Personal or Desktop Computer.
Fourth Generation Computer:
The computers which were made approximately between 1975 to
till now and having microprocessor as CPU and VLSI & ULSI
technology in IC as memory device are classified as the fourth
generation computers. Microprocessor is a chip in which millions
of components are integrated together in different layers. The first
commercial microprocessor was Intel 4004 which was made by
Intel Corporation in 1971.
Technology ICs and microprocessors with VLSI and ULSI technology

Processing Speed Faster than previous generation computer as processing speed

was increased into Picoseconds.
I/O Device I/O devices have been further refined and invented various
devices such as scanner, microphone, speaker, printers etc.
Memory Magnetic Core memory was used as internal memory
Computer Type Computers were electronic
Memory Semiconductor memory with huge capacity has been used as
primary memory.
Storage Device Use of magnetic and optical disks with huge storage capacity.
Operation Mode Multiprogramming, multiprocessing etc. OS are possible.
Reliability and Accuracy Computers have became fully reliable and accurate.
Programming Language Advance HLL and 4GL for application and database
programming have been used.
Size and Cost Smaller in size and less expensive than previous generation .

Availability Available for general purpose as well as special purpose

Power Consumption Less consumption than previous generation computer

Portable Computers have became portable Laptop, Notebook, PDA
Fifth Generation Computer:
Although the computer of this generation have not come yet in reality,
but computer scientist are trying since 1990 A.D. It is said that the
computer of this generation will use AI and bio-chips as memory
device so that they can think and decide like human being. So, this
computer will have power of sense, logic and decision making
capacity. It has been predicted that such a computer will be able to
communicate in natural spoken language with its user.
Features of Fifth Generation Computer
(i) They will be capable of fully parallel
processing.
(ii) Computer will use super conductor
memory like bio-chips so that the speed still
be very fast.
(iii) The computers will be intelligent and
knowledge base because of AI.
(iv) Instead of HLL, natural language like
English, Nepali, Hindi etc. will be used for
giving instruction and making computer
program.
 Types of Computer

On the basis
On the basis On the basis On the basis On the basis
of Working
of Size of Brand of Model of Purpose
Principle

Analog Super IBM XT Specific

IBM
Digital Mainframe AT General
Compatible

Hybrid Mini Apple/ PS/2

Macintosh
Micro
On the basis of Working Principle:
Analog Computer:
Analog Computer is a computing device that works on continuous
range of values. The results given by the analog computers will only
be approximate since they deal with quantities that vary
continuously. It generally deals with physical variable such as
voltage, pressures, temperature, speed etc.
Digital Computer:
Digital computers deal with mathematical variables in form of
numbers that represent discrete values of physical quantities.
The advantages of digital computers are that they are versatile,
reprogrammable, accurate, and less affected by outside
disturbances. In contrast to analog computers, digital machines
work on numbers. Each variable is converted into numbers and
each number into binary form, i.e. 0 and 1. It is this
combination of 0 and 1 that does all the calculations. All
modern computers, laptops, and calculators are all digital
computers.
Hybrid Computer:
Hybrid means combination of two or more elements. Hybrid
computer is also the combination of analog and digital computer. It
can work on the physical values or continuous data like analog
computer and on the discontinuous values or discrete data like
digital computer. Generally, hybrid computer is used in Aero plane,
Hospital, Industries etc.
On the basis of Size
Super Computer:
Super computers are the largest, fastest and the most expensive computers.
They have a large memory capacity and very high processing speed. They can
perform at billions of instructions per second (BIPS) and more. Some of the
today’s super computer has the computing capability equal to that of 40,000
micro-computers. These computes are the most expensive computer. The
average cost of these computers are 15-20 millions dollar range. It solves the
very complex problems within a nanoseconds. These computers have
multiple CPUs that can process multiple instructions at a time, known as
parallel processing. Due to its high cost and size, it is relatively rare. It used
only by large corporations, universities and government agencies, mainly in
the areas of defense and weaponry, weather forecasting, scientific research,
aeronautics, satellite communication etc. CRA-XMP/24, NEC-500 PARAM,
CYBER 205 etc are the best examples of super computer.
Mainframe Computer:
Computers with large storage capacities and very high speed of
processing (comparing to mini or micro computer) are known as
mainframe computers. These are general purpose computer designed
for large scale data processing. Mainframe computers have very
powerful computer systems that are usually at the heart of business.
Normally, they are used in banking , airlines and railways etc for their
application, it also process and store large amount of data . Banks,
educational institutions, insurance companies use mainframe
computer to store data about their customer, student and insurance
policy holders. Examples of these computes are IBM 1401, ICL 2950,
CYBER 170 etc.
Mini Computer:
Mini computer is a kind of computer that is smaller, less expensive
and less powerful than mainframe and super computer but more
expensive and more powerful than a personal computer. Mini
computers are also called “mid-range computer” These computers are
not designed for a single user. Individual departments of a large
company or organizations use mini computers for specific purpose.
For example, a production department can use mini computers for
monitoring certain production process.
Micro Computer:
A micro computer is a computer designed for individual use. It is
generally synonymous with personal computer (PC). Desktop
computers, Laptops, Personal Digital Assistance (PDA), Tablets, and
Smart phones are the types of micro computer. The micro computers
are widely used and fastest growing computers.
These computes are the cheapest among the other three types of
computers. These are specially designed for general usage like
entertainment, education, work purpose etc.
-Desktop Computer:
These, as the name suggests, are designed to fit on a desk or flat surface such as table. They
are heavier and bigger than a laptop but are often designed to complete more complex
operations as well as having each components such as mouse, keyboard, screen separate
from the main unit and simply attached by wire.
-Laptop:
Laptop computer is bigger than a notebook and heaver but still portable. As their name
suggest, they were built to fit on someone’s lap to the user to type and use anywhere simply
by placing it on their lap.
-Tablet PC:
A tablet is a wireless, portable personal computer with a touch screen interface. The tablet
form factor is typically smaller than a notebook computer, but larger than a smart phone. A
tablet PC usually has a software application used to run virtual keyboard. However, many
tablet PCs support external keyboard. Tablet PC allows users to view display screen in
portrait or landscape mod.
-PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)/Palmtop:
A personal digital assistant is a portable device that functions as a personal information
manager. PDAs are used for web browsing, office applications, watching videos, viewing
photos or mobile phones. It is the name given to small handheld devices that combines
computing, telephone/fax, Internet and networking features. A typical PDA can function as
a cellular phone, fax sender, Web browser and personal organizer. These devices are usually
pen-based.
Notebook:
A notebook is an extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook
computers typically weigh less than six pounds and are small enough to fit
easily in a briefcase. Notebook computers use a variety of techniques, known
as flat-panel technologies, to produce a lightweight and non-bulky display
screen. In terms of computing power, modern notebook computers are nearly
equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory
capacity and disk drives.
Smartphone:
A smart phone is a mobile or cell phone that runs of mobile operating system
and functions as a portable media player digital cameras, video cameras. In
other word, smart phone is a mobile phone with advanced mobile operating
system which combines features of computer operation system.
Workstation:
A workstation is a computer intended for individual use that is faster and
more capable than a personal computer. It is intended for business or
professional use. It includes one or more high resolution display and faster
processor than a personal computer. A workstation also has multitasking
capability because of additional random access memory. The term
workstation also has been used for local area network (LAN). These
workstations may share network resources.
On the basis of Brand:
IBM computer:
IBM stands for International Business Machine. It is one of the world’s
oldest and largest computer company with revenues of USD $80
billion. The IBM computes are more reliable, durable and have high
processing capability. It is also called IBM branded computer as its
whole parts are developed by IBM itself. These are more expensive
than other computers.
IBM Compatible:
A PC that is compatible with the IBM PC standard, essentially, every
windows PC on the market. These computers are developed by the
companies other than IBM company but compatible with IBM. These
computers are generally called assembled or duplicate of PCs. These
computers are comparatively cheaper than IBM PCs.
Apple/Macintosh:
Apple corporation is one of the largest computer manufacturing
company in United State. It has made many PCs with good qualities
and user friendly and the internally architecture of Apple computer is
totally different than other IBM PC. The software made for Apple
Computer can not be used in IBM PC.
On the basis of Model:
XT Computer:
XT stands for Extra Technology. These computers are the old
technology computer. They can not run GUI (Graphical User
Interface) based software. They have slow processing speed. Only the
CUI (Character User Interface) or text base software used. They don’t
have the large storage capacity and fast processing speed. So, complex
calculation and large data processing can not be done in XT
Computers.
AT computer:
AT stands for Advanced Technology. These computers are the
new technology computers. They are faster in processing than
XT and can run any type of software whether that is text base or
GUI (Graphical User Interface) based. Any type of complex and
long processing can be done depending on the capacity of the
computers. I/O devices are interactive, flexible and faster.
PS/2 Computer:
PS stands for Personal System. These are not totally different
models of computers but are refinement of AT computers. PS/2
model was developed in 1990 and mainly used in laptop computers.
These computes can run even on battery. Rechargeable and battery
operated systems with faster and flexible I/O devices are some
important characteristics of these computer.
On the basis of Purpose
Specific:
Special-purpose computers refer to computers that are built to
perform specific tasks, such as automatic teller machines or
washing machines. Special-purpose computers also include
systems to control military planes, boats, surveillance equipment
and other defense-oriented applications.
General:
A general purpose computer is a computer that is designed to be
able to carry out many different tasks. Desktop computers and
laptops are examples of general purpose computers. Among
other things, they can be used to: access the internet.
Mobile Computing:
Mobile computing is the technology used for transmitting voice and data
through small, portable devices using wireless enabled networks. In other
words mobile computing is a generic term that refers to a variety of devices
that allow people to access data and information from wherever they are.
Mobile computing transmits data, voice and video over a network via a
mobile device.
Components of Mobile Computing
(i) Mobile Hardware:
Mobile hardware is a small and portable computing device with the ability
to retrieve and process data. Smart phones, hand-held and wearable device
fall under the mobile hardware. These devices typically have an operating
system (OS). These devices are equipped with sensors, full duplex data
transmission and have the ability to operate on wireless networks.
(ii) Mobile Software:
Mobile software is the system program which is developed specially to be
run on mobile hardware. This is usually the operating system in mobile
devices. These operating systems provide features such as touch screen,
cellular connectivity, blue-tooth, Wi/Fi, speech recognition, voice recorder,
music player, near field communication and sensors. The device sensor
and other components can be accessed via the OS.
(iii) Mobile Communication:
Mobile communication refers to the exchange of data and voice using existing wireless
networks. The data being transferred are the applications including File Transfer (FT), the
interconnection between WAN (Wide Area Network), fax, electronic mail, access to the
internet and the world wide web. The wireless network utilized in communication are IR,
Bluetooth, W-LANS, Cellular, Data networks and satellite communication system. It is the
mobile communication infrastructure which takes care of seamless and reliable
communication between mobile devices.
Features of Mobile Computing:
(i) Portability: The ability to move a device within a learning environment or to the
different environment with ease.
(ii) Social Interactivity: The ability to share data and collaboration between users.
(iii) Connectivity: The ability to digitally connected for the purpose of communication of
data in any environment.
(iv) Individual: The ability to use the technology to provide scaffolding on difficult
activities and lesson customization for the individual learners.
(v) Small Size: Mobile devices are also known as hand-held, palmtops and smart phones
due to roughly phone like dimension. A typical mobile device will fit in the average adult’s
hand or pocket. Some mobile devices may fold or slide from compact, portable mode to a
slightly larger size, revealing built-in keyboard or larger screen.
(vi) Wireless Communication:
Mobile devices are typically capable of communication with other similar devices, with
stationery computers and systems, with networks and portable phones. Mobile devices
are capable of accessing the internet through blue-tooth or wi/fi networks and many
models are equipped to access cell phone and wireless data networks as well. Email and
texting are standard ways of communicating with mobile device.
 Computer System and I/O Devices
Computer Architecture:
Computer architecture is a set of rules stating how computer software and
hardware are joined together and interact to make a computer work. It not
only determines how the computer works but also which technology is
capable. In other word, computer architecture is a specification describing
how hardware and software technologies interact to create a computer
platform or system.
Computer Organization:
Computer organization refers to the operational units and their
interconnection that realize the architecture specification. Organizational
attributes include those hardware details transparent to the programmer such
as control signals, interface between the computer and peripherals and
memory technology used. Computer organization basically concerned with
computer hardware components operate and the way their connected
together form a computer system.
Components of Computer System
Input Unit:
An input device is a piece of computer hardware equipment used to provide
data and control signals to an information processing system such as a
computer or information appliance. Examples of input devices include
keyboard, mouse, scanners, digital cameras and joysticks. In simple word,
we can say that the device needed for the insertion of data in computing
device is termed as input device.
Processing Unit:
A central processing unit, also called processor or main processor, is the
electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a
computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logic, controlling and
input/output operations specified by the instructions. A computer’s CPU
handles all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on
the computer.
Output Unit:
An output device is any device used to send data from a computer to another
device or users. Most computer data output that is meant for humans in the
form of audio or video. The most output devices used by humans are
monitors, printers, projectors, speakers, headphones. So, an output device is
any piece of computer hardware equipment which converts information into
human readable form.
Memory Unit/Storage Unit:
A memory/storage unit is a device to which binary information is transferred for
storage and from which information is retrieved when needed for processing. A
memory unit stores binary information in groups of bits called words. The internal
structure of memory unit is specified by the number of words it contains and the
number of bits in each word. The memory unit is an essential component in any digital
computer since it is needed for storing programs and data.
Control Unit:
A control Unit or CU is circuitry that directs operations within a computer’s processor.
It let’s the computer’s logic, memory as well as both input and output devices know
how to respond to instructions received from a program. Actually it directs all
hardware operations and necessary signals to the components.
Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU):
ALU is the part of computer processor (CPU) that carries out arithmetic and logic
operations on the operands in computer instruction words. In some processor, ALU is
divided into two units, AU and LU. Some processor contain more than one AU for
example, one for fixed point operations and another is floating point operations.
Registers:
A processor Register (CPU Register) is one of a small set of data holding places that are
part of the computer processor. A register may hold an instruction, a storage address or
any kind of data. So, it is the memory inside the processor which holds data to be
processed and result of a operation temporarily.
Concept of System Bus
As we need a highway to travel from one place to another place. Similarly, the
input and output of computer system also need a path to transmit data,
information and control from one device to another device. The data and
instructions have to electrically flow from one device to another device to
fulfill the requirements of the user. For examples from input device to CPU,
CPU to memory, storage device to CPU, CPU to output device etc. So, it can
be said that system bus is a single computer bus that connects the major
components of a computer system, combining the functions of a data bus to
carry information, an address bus to determine where it should be sent and
control bus to determine its operation. So, the bus is a medium used to
transfer data and controls from one part to other part of computer.
 Types of System Bus
(i) Data Bus:
Data bus is the most common type of bus. It is used to transfer data between
different components of computer. The number of lines in data bus affects the
speed of data transfer between different components. The data bus consists of
8, 16, 32, 64 lines. A 64 line data bus can transfer 64 bits of data at one time.
(ii) Address Bus:
Many components are connected to one another through buses. Each
component is assigned a unique ID. This is called the address of that
component. It is a component that wants to communicate with another
component, it uses address bus to specify the address of that component. The
address bus can carry information only in one direction. It carries addresses of
memory location from microprocessor to the main memory.
(iii) Control Bus:
Control bus is used to transmit different commands or control signals from
one component to another component. Suppose CPU wants to read data from
main memory. It will use control and also used to transmit control signals.
The control bus is different from other two buses. It is the collection of
individual control signals for timing and controlling functions sent by the
control unit to other units of system.
Memory:
Memory is the working area of computer. This is that place where our
data and instruction get stored before processing and the result gets
stored before to its output. Data and instruction are stored in
memory in the binary form. Modern computer system has various
types of memory which has been mentioned below.
Primary Memory:
Primary memory is also known as main memory or may also refer to internal
memory and primary storage. All those types of computer memories that are
directly accessed by the processor using data bus are called primary memory.
It is a volatile memory. It means the data is stored as temporary and it is
change or lose in case of power failure. It is fast and less capacity memory of
computer. The primary memories of computer are register, cache memory,
RAM, ROM etc.

Cache Memory:
Computer has a primary memory. Besides it primary memory, it has also
another memory which is called cache memory. The access time of main
memory (RAM) is not very high in comparison to the processing speed of
CPU. CPU has to wait for a long period if it fetch data and instruction from
main memory for execution which causes the slowdown in performance.
This problem is overcome by high speed memory called cache memory. It is
the fastest memory inside computer system which is a small memory placed
between CPU and main memory whose access time is closer to the
processing speed of the CPU. It acts as a high speed between CPU and main
memory.
Features of Cache Memory
(1) It is temporary Memory
(2) It is small size
(3) It is fast memory
(4) It increases the speed of
computer
(5) Its internal cache is
inside microprocessor and
external caches are outside
microprocessor.

In the above figure, we can see that

the cache memory and CPU which
keeps balance the fast speed of CPU
and slow speed of memory.
L1 Cache
L1 cache is the level 1 cache memory. We also call it the primary cache. It
operates at the same speed as the CPU. Also, it is the fastest cache among all
other caches. Moreover, it is smaller than other caches, which are L2 and L3.
Furthermore, each core in the CPU has their own L1 cache memory.
L2 Cache
L2 cache is the level 2 cache. It stores the data that is not stored in the L1 cache.
In other words, if the CPU cannot find the data it is looking for in the L1 cache,
it checks the L2 cache. Furthermore, L2 cache is larger than L1 cache but
smaller than L3 cache. Each core in the CPU has their own L2 cache memory.
L3 Cache
L3 cache is the level 3 cache. It stores data that is not stored in L1 and L2 cache.
In other words, if the CPU cannot find the data it is looking for in L1 and L2
cache, it checks L3 cache. Moreover, L3 cache is the largest among all caches.
Also, all the cores in the CPU share the same L3 cache memory.

RAM (Random Access Memory):

Random Access Memory is a form of computer memory that can be read and
changed in any order typically used to store working data and machine code. It
is the hardware in a computing device where the OS application programs are
data in current use are kept. RAM is volatile. That means data is retained in
RAM as long as the computer is on, but it is lost when the computer is turned
off.
 Types of RAM
(i) DRAM:
Dynamic random access memory is a specific type of random access
memory that allows for higher densities at a lower cost. DRAM
stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated
circuit. The capacitor can be either charged or discharged. We can
pack a lot of bits into a very small chip and it is very inexpensive
which makes affordable for large amount of memory.

(ii) SRAM:
SRAM stands Static Random Access Memory. The memory cells are
made from digital gates. CPU doesn’t wait to access data from SRAM
during processing. That is why, it is faster then DRAM. It utilities
less power than DRAM. SRAM is more expensive than DRAM. It is a
type of semiconductor memory. It is still volatile in the conventional
sense that data is eventually lost when the memory is not powered.
 Differences between DRAM & SRAM

DRAM SRAM
1. DRAM stands for Dynamic Random 1. SRAM stands for Static Random Access
Access Memory Memory
2. DRAM is fast. 2. SRAM is very fast.
3. It is cheaper than SRAM 3. It is costly.
4. It occupies small space 4. It occupies large space.
5. It consumes high electricity. 5. It consumes less electricity.
6, It requires one transistors and one 6. It requires six transistors per bit.
capacitor per bit.
7. DRAM is used in main memory 7. SRAM is used in cache memory

ROM:
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It is a type of non-volatile memory used
in computer and other electronic device. Data stored in ROM cannot be
electrically modified after the manufacture of the memory device. ROM is
useful for storing software that is rarely changed during the life of the
system. The manufacturing company already installed program in ROM.
 Types of ROM
PROM:
The full form of PROM is Programmable Read Only Memory. It is a
memory chip on which data can be written only once. Once a
program has been written onto a PROM, it remains there forever.
This form of ROM initially blank. The user or manufacturer can
write data and programs on it using special devices. If there is any
error in writing instructions the error can not be removed from
PROM.
EPROM:
EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. It
is a special type of memory that retains its contents until it is
exposed to ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light clears its contents,
making its possible to reprogram the memory. To write and erase
an EPROM, we need a special device called PROM programmer or
PROM burner. An EPROM differs from PROM is that a PROM can
be written to only once and can not be erased.
 EEPROM:
EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory. In this memory, user can erase and write instructions with
the help of electrical pulses. If there is any error in writing the
instructions, the user can erase the contents electronically. The
content of EEPROM can be modified easily.
Differences between RAM and ROM
RAM ROM
1. RAM is volatile in nature as it 1. ROM is non-volatile since it is never
automatically erased when computer erased when there is any shutdown or
shutdown. restart of computer.
2. RAM is used to store the temporary 2. ROM is used to store permanent
information for limited time information which can not be deleted.
3. Writing data is faster 3. Writing data is slower.
4. It is costlier than ROM 4. It is cheaper than RAM
5. Examples of RAM are DRAM & Examples of ROM are PROM, EPROM
SRAM. & EEPROM.
Buffer:
A buffer contains data that is stored for a short amount of time,
typically in the computer’s memory (RAM). The purpose of buffer is
to hold data right before it is used. For example, when you
download an audio or video file from the internet, it may load the
first 20% of it into a buffer and then begin to play. When the clip
plays back, the computer continuously downloads the rest of the
clip and stores in the buffer. Because the clip is being played from
the buffer, not directly from the internet.
Secondary Memory:
Secondary memory is where programs and data are kept on a long
term basis. Secondary memory is also known as secondary storage.
RAM cannot hold any information after the computer is shut down.
To overcome the problems of the primary memory, the computer
has a separate memory place and it is called secondary storage
device. It is also called auxiliary or backing storage. The secondary
storage is used to permanently store system programs, application
programs, large data files etc. Common secondary storage devices
are the hard disk and optical disks.
 Differences between Primary and Secondary Memory
S.No. Primary Memory Secondary Memory
1 They are faster. They are slower.
2 They are expensive They are cheap.
3 They have low capacity The have high capacity
4 Primary memory works directly with Secondary memory doesn’t connect
the processor directly to the processor.
5 Examples: RAM, ROM etc. Examples: Hard Disk Drive, Floppy
Disk Drive etc.
6. It is temporary memory except ROM It is permanent memory.
Magnetic Tape:
Magnetic tape is a medium for magnetic recording, made of a thin,
magnetizable coating on a long, narrow strip of plastic film. It was
developed in Germany in 1928, based on magnetic wire recording.
Hard Disk:
A hard disk, also referred to as a disk drive or hard drive, is a
magnetic disk for storing computer data. It uses magnetic storage to
store and retrieve digital data using one or more rigid, rapidly
rotating platters coated with magnetic material. The platters are
paired with magnetic heads that read and write data to the platter
surfaces. Data is randomly accessed, meaning individual blocks of
data can be retrieved and stored in any order. Hard disks contrast
with floppy disks, as they are faster and hold more data than floppy
disks.
Floppy Disk:
A floppy disk, also known as a floppy, diskette or simply disk, is a
type of disk storage composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic
storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic. Floppy disk are
portable because we can insert and eject as per our needs. Floppy
disks are slower to access than hard disk and have less storage
capacity but they are much less expensive. They are mostly used for
transferring software between computers. The total capacity of 3.5”
double sided floppy disk is about 1.44 MB. Generally the floppy drive
is named as A: or B: drive in PC.
Memory Card:
A memory card is a type of storage device that is used to store
videos, photos, or other data files. It offers a volatile and non-
volatile medium to store data from the inserted device. It is
also referred to as a flash memory. Commonly, it is used in
devices like phones, digital cameras, laptops, digital
camcorders, game consoles, MP3 players, printers, and more.
Pen Drive/Flash Drive:
A USB flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory
with an integrated USB interfaces. It is typically removable, re-
writable and much smaller than optical disk. Pen drive is portable
USB flash memory device that can be used to transfer audio, video
and data files from one computer to another. USB flash drives are
called thumb drive, jump drive, key drive, tokens, USB drive etc.
Optical Disk:
It is an information storage device for a computer in the shape of
round flat plate which can be rotated to give access to all parts of the
surfaces. In other word, it is an electronic data storage medium that
can be written to and read using a low powered laser beam. It is mainly
used for music, movies and software programs.
CD-ROM
CD-ROM stands for Compact Disk Read Only Memory. CD-ROMs are
popularly used to distribute computer software, including games and
multimedia applications. CD-ROM can not be written again once they
are written. The users can not write new data or modify the existing
data to the CD-ROMs. It is useful for distributing large amount of data
at low cost.
CD-RW:
CD-RW stands for Compact Disk Re-writable . Initially it is blank disk.
It refers to an optical CD that may be written and re-written multiple
times. CD-RW allows for data erasing during each re-writable session.
A CD-RW can hold data for several years if the disk is protected from
direct sunlight. The main advantage of CD-RW is that it can be erased
and re-written.
VCD:
A Video Compact Disk (VCD) is a digital video format used for storing
video on standard compact disk. VCD can be played on dedicated video
compact disk players. Each VCD disk holds 72-74 minutes of video and
has a data transfer rate of 1.44 mbps. VCDs can be played on a VCD
player connected to a television set or computer on a CD player.
DVD:
DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disk. DVD disc offers higher storage
capacity. It is a type of optical media used for storing data. It is the
same size as a CD but has a larger storage capacity. DVD discs
containing other types of information may be referred to as DVD data
discs. It can store any types of data such as text, graphics, audio, video
etc.
BD:
BD stands for Blu-ray Disk. Blu-ray is an optical disc format such as
CD and DVD. It was developed for recording and playing back high-
definition (HD) video and for storing large amounts of data. While a
CD can hold 700 MB of data and a basic DVD can hold 4.7 GB of
data, a single Blu-ray disc can hold up to 25 GB of data. Dual-layer
Blu-ray discs will be able to store 50 GB of data. That is equivalent to
4 hours of HDTV.
Input Devices
Keyboard:
A computer keyboard is an input device that allows a person to enter
letters, numbers and other symbols into a computer. The keyboard is
used to type information into the computer or input information.
Using a keyboard to enter lots of data is called typing.
Mouse:
A computer mouse is an input device that is used with a computer.
Moving a mouse along a flat surface can move the cursor to different
items on the screen. Items can be moved or selected by pressing the
mouse button called clicking. Nowadays mice have two buttons the
left button and right button with a scroll wheel between two.
 Types of Mouse
(i) Mechanical Mouse:
This type of mouse contains a hard rubber, that ball rubber rolls as to
mouse is moved. There are sensors inside the mouse which convert the
motion into the signal and transmit it to the cursor.
(ii) Optical Mouse:
This type of mouse contain light emitting diode sensor that sends the
signal and it detects in the form of the light rays. This is one of the
most advanced forms of the sensor.

Mechanical Mouse Optical Mouse

Scanner
A scanner is a device that takes a picture of an image that exits outside the
computer, such as a photograph or drawing on paper. As the scanner takes
the picture, it digitizes the image and send this digital information to the
computer as a file. Then we can take this file of the scanned image and use
it in our work.
Light Pen:
Light pen is a pointing device similar to a pen. It is used to select a displayed
menu or draw pictures on the monitor screen. It allows the users to point to
displayed objects or draw on the screen, in a similar way to a touch screen
but with greater positional accuracy. A light pen can work with any CRT-
based display, but not with LCD screen projectors and other display devices.
OMR:
OMR stands for Optical Mark Recognition. It is the process of capturing
human-marked data from document forms such as surveys and tests. They
are used to read questionnaires, multiple choice examination paper in the
form of lines or shaded areas. The OMR converts the marks into electrical
pulses and transmitted to the computer for processing. It is specially used
for the check objective type answer papers in examination and order forms
containing a small choice of items.
OCR(Optical Character Recognition):
OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It is an input device of
computer. It is used to read character from the paper printed in special type of
font. It is the mechanical and electronic translation of scanned images of
handwritten, typewritten or printed text into machine-encoded text. It is
widely used to convert books and documents into electronic files to
computerized a record-keeping system in an office or to publish the text on a
website.
BCR(Bar Code Reader):
BCR stands for Bar Code Reader. It is a printed series of vertical lines or bars of
varying thickness to indicate specific information. It is an electronic device for
reading printed barcodes. It is such input device of computer which can read
the bar code from many items and convert them into electrical pulses for
processing by computer. Bar code is decoded and data is sent directly to the
computer so that the compute can print the name of item, its price and other
necessary information on the bill specially in the supermarkets.
Joystick:
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and
reports and moves in all directions and controls the movement of pointer or
some other display symbol. A joystick is a similar to a mouse, except that with
the mouse curser stops moving as soon as you moving the mouse with a
joystick, the pointer continues moving in the direction the joystick is pointing.
To stop the pointer, you must return the joystick to its upright position. Most
joysticks include two buttons triggers. These are used mostly for computer
games.
MICR:
MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition is a
technology used to verify the legitimacy or originate of paper
documents, specially cheques. Special inks which is sensitive to
magnetic fields, is used in the printing of certain characters on the
original documents. This technology allows computers to read
information of printed documents.
Digital Camera:
A digital camera or digicam is a camera that captures photographs
in digital memory. It is a camera that takes video or still
photographs or both digitally by recording images via an electronic
image sensor. It stores thousands of images on a single small
memory device and deleting images to free storage space.
Touch Screen:
Touch screen is a latest and advanced technology in wrist, camera,
pagers etc. It is a screen with touch sensitive points or program
icons. It is a both input and output device. When specific icon is
touched, by finger tips, related program or prompt are activated.
 Output Device
An output device is any piece of computer hardware which convert
information into human readable form. It can be text, graphics, audio and
video. An output device helps to give the final result from the CPU to the
monitor or printer.
Monitor:
A computer monitor is an output device that displays information in
pictorial form. It is a standard output device of computer. It consists of a
television like screen which is called monitor. The different types of
monitors are as follows:
(i) CRT Monitor:
CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube. It is the pioneering technology used in
the first monitors, which we will easily recognized since they were the ones
that transmitted the image in black and white. It has an electron gun
located at the back of a tube which produces the electron beams.
(ii) LCD Monitor:
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. Its structure is thin and works
through a series of monochrome pixels that takes shape through a light. The
LCD monitors are flat panel specially used in portable computer like laptop,
notebooks etc. because they are not heavy and bulky like CRT monitors. A
special liquid sandwiched (Insert & squeeze) between two plates. The top
plate is transparent and bottom plate is reflective. It doesn’t emit their own
light as a result it doesn’t harm our eyes.
LED Monitor:
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. LED monitors are the latest
types of monitors on the market today. LED display is a flat screen,
flat panel computer monitor or television. It has a very short depth
and is light in terms of weight. These are flat panel or slightly curved
displays which make use of light emitting (producing of light) diodes
for back-lighting. LED monitors are said to use much lesser power
than CRT and LCD and are considered far more environmentally
friendly.
Plasma Monitor:
A plasma screen or plasma display is a television, usually larger in
size, ranging from 40-inches to 65-inches. Plasma screens are similar
to LCD and LED televisions in that they are flat-panel, thin and are
capable of being mounting on a wall. A plasma screen is made up of
many tiny cells containing noble gases and a tiny amount of mercury.
These cells are between two pieces of glass and electricity is passed
through the cells, causing the gases to turn into plasma. Light is then
emitted, generating a picture on the screen.
Printer:
A printer is a device that accepts text and graphics output from a
computer and transfer the information to paper. It is an output device
that prints paper documents. This includes documents, images or
combination of both. The printed output produced by a printer is often
called hardcopy, which is the physical version of an electronic
document. Some printers can only print black and white copies some
can produce color prints.
Types of Printer on the basis of how they print
(i) Impact Printer:
An impact printer is a type of printer that operates by striking a metal or
plastic head against an ink ribbon. The ink ribbon is pressed against the
paper, marking the page with the appropriate character, dot, line or
symbol. Common examples of impact printer include dot matrix, line
printers because they produce sound while printing. It can print
multiple copies output at a time by using carbon between the papers.
They are slow and print quality is not so high.
 (ii) Non-impact Printer:
It is a type of printer that doesn’t operate by striking a head against a ribbon.
Non-impact printers are generally much quieter than impact printers since
they don’t physically strike the page. The modern printers including an ink
ribbon and are considered to be non-impact printers. For example, ink-jet
printers spray tiny drops of ink onto the page while laser printers use
cylindrical drum that rolls electrically charged ink onto the paper. Both of these
methods are non-impact and that produces little sound.
Differences between impact and non-impact printer
S.N. Impact Printer Non-impact Printer
1. It prints characters or images by striking It prints characters and images without
print hammer or wheel against an inked striking the paper.
ribbon.
2. Its speed is slower. Its speed is faster.
3. Its printing quality is lower. Its printing quality is higher.
4. It normally uses continuous paper-sheet. It normally uses individual paper sheet.
5. It generates noising during printing. It doesn’t noising during printing.
6. It uses inked ribbon for printing. It uses toner or cartridge for printing.
7. It is less expensive. It is expensive.
8. Dot matrix is an impact printer. Laser is a non-impact printer.
 Impact Printer

Non-Impact Printer
 Types of printer on the basis of printing speed
(i)Character Printer:
A printer that prints one character at a time. It is very slow for printing and its
printing quality is not so high. The typical dot matrix, printer is the example of
character printer.

(ii) Line Printer:

The printer which can print one line of text at a time is called line printer. It is
faster than character printer. Drum printer, chain printers are the example of line
printer.
(iii) Page Printer:
The printer which can print one page of text or image at a time is called page printer
and they are the fastest printer and printing quality is very high. Laser printer is the
example of page printer.

Different Types of Printer:

(i) Dot-Matrix Printer:
A dot matrix printer is a type of printer which uses pins impacting an ink ribbon to
print. These printer are generally considered outdated, as they cannot create high-
quality prints and are costly as well. Dot matrix printer creates dots that form text and
image. These printers were very popular and the most common type of printer in 70’s to
80’s. However, their use was gradually replaced by ink-jet printers in 90’s.
Advantages:
(1) Cheaper than other printers. Disadvantages
(1) Output is not high quality.
(2) Can print carbon copies.
(2) Pins can bend if little mistake.
(3) Indication of ribbon replacement. (3) Noisy.
(4) Low printing cost per page. (4) Limited printing quantity.
(5) Reliable & durable. (5) Low printing speed.
Ink-Jet Printer:
An ink-jet printer is a computer peripheral that produces hard copy by
spraying ink onto paper. A typical inkjet printer can produce copy with a
resolution of at least 300 dpi. Some inkjet printers can make full color
hard copies at 600 dpi or more. It is faster, less noisy and provides the
higher print quality than impact printers but its printing cost is higher.
Laser Printer:
A laser printer, also known as page printer, represents a real technological
revolution. It is a type of printer which makes use of a laser beam to produce an
image onto the drum or we can say that it is a printer that makes use of a
focused beam of light to transfer text and images onto paper. It prints in high
speed and high quality resolution ranging from 600 to 1200 dpi. Unlike inkjet
printer, laser printer use toner instead of liquid ink.
Advantages
(1) High quality printouts – better than ink-jet.
(2) Fast printout - faster than inkjet & dot matrix.
(3) Prints very quietly – quieter than inkjet or dot matrix.
(4) Cost per page is low – cheaper than ink-jet.
Disadvantages
(1) Most expensive printer type to buy specially color lasers.
(2) Toner is most expensive than ink-jet.
(3) Expensive to repair – lots of equipment inside the laser printer.
(4) Warm up time is needed.
(5) Can’t use continuous paper to create carbon copies like dot matrix printer.
Thermal Printer
A thermal printer is a printer that makes use of heat in order to
produce the image on paper. Due to quality of print, speed and
technological advances it has become increasingly popular and is
mostly used in airlines, banking, entertainment, retail, grocery, and
healthcare industries. They are also quiet popular in creating labels
owing to speed of printing.
Plotter
A plotter is a computer hardware device much like a printer that is used
for printing vector graphics. Instead of toner, plotters use a pen, pencil,
marker or another writing tool to draw multiple continuous lines onto
paper rather than a series of dots like traditional printer. It can be used to
produce single or multiple colored images and drawings.
(1) Flatbed Plotter:
The paper is fixed and the pen moves left and right and up and down
across the paper to draw lines. In this, plotter uses more than one pen to
draw on a paper.
(2) Drum Plotter:
In this plotter, the pen moves up and down on the paper and the paper is
moved left and right by rotating a drum on which the paper is placed.
Speaker:
A computer speaker is an output hardware device that connects to a
computer to generate sound. The signal used to produce the sound
that comes from a computer speaker is created by computer’s sound
card. Computer speakers are external speakers. After the sound is
processed, sound card is responsible to convert the digital form
sound into analog sound signal. Then speaker produce the analog
sound in different frequencies. Most modern computers have sound
card in-built to the motherboard through it is common for a user to
install a separate sound card as an upgrade.
Modem:
Modem is a communicating device. It has two parts. One is
modulator and other is demodulator. Modulator converts digital
signal into analog and demodulator converts analog signal into
digital signal. Actually, it is a signal convertor. There are two types of
modem in use. They are internal and external modem. Internal
modem is attached in CPU and external modem is connected outside
of the CPU.
Computer Interface
Computer interface is the point where a connection is made between
two different parts of a computer system, such as between two
hardware devices, between a user and a program. The hardware
interface is also called port. Entire data and information flow in and
out through these ports in the computer system.
Parallel Port:
A parallel port allows the transfer of all bits of a word simultaneously.
In parallel interface, there are multiple lines to connect the peripheral
to the port. A parallel interface is used to transfer data as faster rate for
high-speed peripherals such as printer. It can transfer more data at a
time than in a serial port.
Serial Port:
Serial port is a serial communication interface through which
information transfer in or out one bit at a time. It is one of the oldest
types of interfaces and at one time was commonly used to connect
printers and external modems to a PC. Compared to a parallel port,
the data transfer rate of a serial port is slower.
USB Port:
A universal serial bus port is a standard cable connection interface for
personal computers and consumer electronic devices. It is a high speed
serial bus. Its data transfer rate is higher than that of a serial port. It
supports interface for a wide range of peripherals such as: USB
keyboard, USB mouse, USB modem, digital camera, webcam etc. can
be connected to the same USB port.
NIC (Network Interface Card)
A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component without
which a computer cannot be connected over a network. It is a circuit
board installed in a computer that provides a dedicated network
connection to the computer. It is also called network interface
controller, network adapter or LAN adapter.
Fire Wire of IEEE 1394:
IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. It is
also a standard for high speed serial data transfer. The first version
of Fire Wire works at speed of 400 kbps/sec and newer version fire
wire supports twice that speed. It works specially well for digital
video and audio as well for connecting external hard drives or rather
high bandwidth peripherals. The Fire Wire connection can also
supply 60 watts of power to the peripherals.
HDMI:
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI is a
connector and cable capable of transmitting high-quality and high-
bandwidth streams of audio and video between devices. The HDMI
technology is used with devices such as an HDTV, Projector, DVD player,
or Blu-ray player. HDMI typically produces the best quality picture and sound
compared to other types of connectors.
Expansion Slots:
An expansion slot refers to any of the slots on a motherboard that can hold an
expansion card to expand the computer’s functionality, like video card,
network card or sound card. The expansion card is plugged directly into the
expansion port so that the motherboard has direct access to the hardware.
Computer Peripherals:
A computer peripheral is any external device that provides input and output
for the computer. For example, a keyboard and mouse are input peripherals,
while a monitor and printer are output peripherals. Computer peripherals, or
peripheral devices, are sometimes called "I/O devices" because they provide
input and output for the computer. Some peripherals, such as external hard
drives, provide both input and output for the computer.
Full Forms
AGP= Accelerated Graphics Port
AMR= Audio Modem Riser
CNR= Communication and Networking Riser
EISA= Extended Industry Standard Architecture
ISA= Instruction Set Architecture
PCI= Peripheral Component Interconnect
VESA = Video Electronics Standards Association