Ch 2: Types Of Hardware
Input Unit –
What is an Input Unit?
An Input Unit is a part of the computer system that helps users enter data and instruc ons into the computer.
It converts the entered data into a form that the computer can understand and sends it to the CPU for processing.
Func ons of Input Unit
Accepts data and instruc ons from the user
Converts data into machine-readable form
Sends data to the computer for processing
Common Input Devices
1. Keyboard
A keyboard is the most commonly used input device.
Uses
Typing text, numbers, and symbols
Giving commands to the computer
Types of Keys
Alphabet keys, Number keys, Func on keys, Arrow keys
Special keys (Enter, Spacebar, Shi , etc.)
2. Mouse
A mouse is a poin ng device used to move the cursor on the screen.
Func ons: Click, Double-click, Drag and drop, Scroll
Types of Mouse
Mechanical mouse, Op cal mouse, Wireless mouse
3. Scanner
A scanner is used to copy printed text or images into the computer.
Types of Scanner
Flatbed scanner, Handheld scanner, Drum scanner
Uses
Scanning documents, Digi zing photographs
4. Microphone
A microphone is used to input sound or voice into the computer.
Uses
Voice recording, Online classes, Video conferencing
5. Webcam
A webcam captures images and videos and sends them to the computer.
Uses: Video calls, Online mee ngs, Recording videos
6. Joys ck
A joys ck is mainly used for playing games and controlling movement on the screen.
Uses
Video games, Flight simulators
7. Touch Screen
A touch screen allows users to give input by touching the screen directly.
Uses: Smartphones, ATMs, Tablets
Advantages of Input Devices
Easy data entry
Fast communica on with computer
Improves accuracy and efficiency
Output Unit
What is an Output Unit?
An Output Unit is a part of the computer system that displays the processed informa on to the user.
It receives data from the CPU and presents it in a human-readable form such as text, images, sound, or printed copy.
Func ons of Output Unit
Receives processed data from the CPU
Converts data into understandable form
Displays results to the user
Common Output Devices
1. Monitor
A monitor is the most common output device. It displays text, images, videos, and graphics on the screen.
Types of Monitor
CRT Monitor, LCD Monitor, LED Monitor
Uses
Watching videos, Viewing documents, Playing games
2. Printer
A printer produces a hard copy of documents and images on paper.
Types of Printer
A. Impact Printer
Prints by striking ribbon against paper.
Examples
Dot Matrix Printer
B. Non-Impact Printer
Prints without striking the paper.
Examples: Inkjet Printer, Laser Printer
Uses
Prin ng documents
Prin ng photographs
3. Speaker
A speaker outputs sound from the computer.
Uses
Listening to music
Watching movies
Online classes
4. Projector
A projector displays computer output on a large screen or wall.
Uses
Classroom teaching, Business presenta ons, Movies
5. Plo er
A plo er is a special output device used for prin ng large drawings and designs.
Uses
Engineering designs, Maps, Architectural drawings
Types of Plo er
Drum Plo er
Flatbed Plo er
So Copy and Hard Copy
So Copy
The electronic form of output displayed on a screen is called a so copy.
Examples
Monitor display, Projector display
Hard Copy
The printed form of output on paper is called a hard copy.
Examples
Printed documents, Printed photographs
Advantages of Output Devices
Displays informa on clearly
Helps in communica on
Produces permanent records through prin ng
Storage Devices
What are Storage Devices?
Storage devices are hardware devices used to store data, informa on, and programs permanently or temporarily in a
computer.
They help users save files and retrieve them whenever needed.
Func ons of Storage Devices
Store data and informa on
Save so ware and programs
Keep data safe for future use
Help in backup and transfer of files
Types of Storage Devices
1. Primary Storage Devices
Primary storage is also called main memory.
It stores data temporarily while the computer is working.
Features
Fast in speed
Directly connected to CPU
Limited storage capacity
Temporary storage
Types of Primary Memory
A. RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM stores data temporarily while programs are running.
Features
Vola le memory (data is lost when power is off)
Fast processing speed
Uses
Running applica ons
Temporary data storage
B. ROM (Read Only Memory)
ROM stores permanent instruc ons required to start the computer.
Features
Non-vola le memory
Data is not lost when power is off
Uses
Boo ng the computer
Storing firmware
2. Secondary Storage Devices
Secondary storage devices store data permanently.
Features
Large storage capacity
Permanent storage
Slower than primary memory
Common Secondary Storage Devices
A. Hard Disk
A hard disk stores large amounts of data inside the computer.
Uses
Storing opera ng system
Saving files and so ware
B. Pen Drive
A pen drive is a portable storage device connected through a USB port.
Uses
Transferring files
Backup storage
Advantages
Small and portable
Easy to use
C. CD/DVD
CD and DVD are op cal storage devices used to store music, videos, and so ware.
Full Forms
CD – Compact Disc
DVD – Digital Versa le Disc
Uses
Watching movies
Installing so ware
D. Memory Card
A memory card is a small storage device mainly used in smartphones and cameras.
Uses
Storing photos
Storing videos and documents
E. SSD (Solid State Drive)
An SSD is a modern storage device that works faster than a hard disk.
Features
High speed
Durable
No moving parts