First Class High School Computer Science Notes
Hardware - Input Devices
These are devices used to enter/feed data into the computer, for example mouse and keyboard.
Below are some of the input hardware and their uses:
(i) Keyboard: It is a device used to enter data and instructions into the computer by typing. It is
a manual input device. It is similar to the traditional typewriter. It is used to enter alphabetic
letters (A-Z-both lower case and upper case), numbers (0-9, positive and negative) and other
special characters like the %, $, coma, ?, and the space. Keyboard entry of data is manual and its
excessive use without breaks will cause Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
*NB: - A character is any symbol, digit or letter that can be entered into the computer, eg. $, %,
5, h, etc. These characters can be numeric (numbers 0-9, positive and negative), alphabetic
(letters A-Z, both lower and upper case), alphanumeric data (a combination of both numeric and
alphabetic characters) and special characters (space, $, >, etc.).
*NB: - Control Character: - Refers to non-
printable character code or number in the
character set that do not represent a
written symbol, e.g. carriage return, tab
key, etc. These are mostly used in
peripheral devices control and for
communication purposes, for example,
carriage return, tab or backspace; and
others typed by depressing a key and the
control key at the same time.
Standard keyboard
Keyboards can be of the following types:
(a) Concept keyboard: uses icons or phrases instead of standard letters, e.g. they can have
the following keys: %, tax, CH, Total, etc. Most are faster for making menu choices. They
have fewer keys. Mostly popular for use in bars, supermarkets, fast food restaurants, etc.
They are quick and easy to use. They are also waterproof. The keys are tamper proof.
(b) Braille keyboard: Suitable for the blind.
(c) Standard keyboard: this is the normal, also called Qwerty keyboard.
Advantages of standard keyboards:
- Most people find them easy to use
- Enable fast entry of text data
Disadvantages of standard keyboards
- They are manual and therefore slower than most automatic entry methods
- Errors are very common using keyboards.
- Can be difficult to use for others.
- Take up valuable desk space as they are large.
(d) Numeric keypads: mostly used to enter numbers only. Used on ATMs, to enter PIN and
amount to be withdrawn. Also found on cell and telephones, Chip and pin devices, and
on Electronic Point of Sale terminals (EPOS). They are faster in entering numeric data as
compared to standard keyboards, very easy to carry around if found on cell phones.
However, they have very small keys which can be difficult to use. It is difficult to use them
for entering text data.
(ii) Mouse: It is a pointing device used to enter data and instructions into the computer by
clicking. A mouse has either one, two or three buttons. A mouse can be cable or wireless. The
mouse is also used to:
- Select options from a menu
- Position the cursor when editing text/typing
- Select an object for drawing and for editing diagrams
- Select icons/text to be formatted, deleted or edited.
- Control movement of pointer on the screen.
It can also be used for pointing and selecting items.
Clicking is the process of pressing and releasing the
Mouse mouse button.
Advantages of mouse
- It is a fast method of entering data and for selecting items as compared to the keyboard.
- It is faster to move cursor around the screen using a mouse than a keyboard.
- Usually supplied with the computer and so there are no additional costs.
- Very easy to use for most users.
- Take up very small area of the desk
- Very fast to switch between programs
Disadvantages of mouse
- Needs a flat surface on which to operate
- Can be easily stolen or vandalised
- Some people find it very difficult to use
(iii) Touchpad
These are pointing devices used on laptops, where one moves a finger to control the pointer on
the screen. Their uses are similar to those of mouse. They aid portability since they are attached
to the whole computer system. Can also be used where there are no flat surfaces available.
However, they are difficult to use, e.g. when doing drag and drop.
(iv) Scanner: an input device used to convert images from paper (hard copy) into electrical signals
for input into the computer.
The images can then be edited, printed or
saved. Mostly used to scan pictures,
photographs, etc. they can use OCR, convert
to Word or pdf format directly.
Flatbed scanners have the paper placed on
top of them, in a similar way to a
photocopier. These are more expensive than
Scanners hand-held scanners but they are usually able
to produce higher resolution images. They
are very accurate in scanning. Images are
stored for later editing. Quality of scanned
image can depend on the resolution of
scanner.
(v) Digital Camera: A device use to capture photographs, films, videos or a combination of both
for entry into the computer where they can be edited.
- no film is needed (saves costs for purchasing films and developing the film)
- Unwanted images can be deleted straight away
- Images are already digital and therefore can be transferred to a computer for editing
immediately,
- Easier and faster to upload photos to the computer
- Produce better quality images than the traditional camera
However:
- Images need to be compressed
- Needs those who are computer literate to use it efficiently
(vi) Touch Screen: A screen display on which you could enter data by pointing/tapping with a
finger on intended option. Used on (ATMs)-Automated Teller Machines, cell phones, computers,
etc.
A touch screen is both an input and output device.
A touch sensitive visual display unit (VDU) or screen
has a grid of light beams or fine wires criss-crossing
the screen that are used to detect touch. Many
mobile phones use touch screens and do away with
the keypad entirely. They're often used on cash
machines and in shopping centres too. Touch screens
are robust, easy to choose options. Faster to make
Touch screen selections. User friendly (less training needed).
Tamper proof. However, they have limited number
of options, leads to RSI, screen can get dirty by
constant touching.
(vii) Magnetic Stripe Readers
Are devices to read information on the magnetic strip found on credit cards. The stripe contains
information like account number, sort code, expiry date and start date.
Uses: used to read debit and credit card data on ATMs and EFTPOS terminals. Also used to read
security cards for entry into buildings, hotel rooms, etc.
Advantages: very fast data entry. Error free data entry since no typing is involved. Information
on magnetic stripe is secure since no human can read it. Can prevent access to restricted areas.
Magnetic stripes are not affected by oil, water, etc. there are no moving parts and therefore are
robust.
Disadvantages: if the magnetic stripe is damaged, all data is lost. They do not work from a
distance, need contact with the reader.
(viii) Joystick: A device specifically used for playing games. Can be used to control pointer on
screen by gripping the stick when making selections. Used also in flight simulators.
It can be an alternative to a mouse. It
consists of a base and a stick
perpendicular to the base. The stick can
be moved in any direction, enabling the
user to move an object around the
computer screen. A joystick can perform
a similar function to a mouse or
trackball, but is only commonly used for
playing games, controlling aircraft,
Two types of joystick controlling motorised wheelchair.
In construction, joysticks are used to
control machinery such as cranes.
Advantage: Easier to navigate round
screen, control is in 3-dimension.
(ix) Tracker ball: It is an input device with a small ball that can be moved by passing the palm of
your hand over it. This will move an arrow on the screen and therefore can replace a mouse.
It is used to draw designs and to select
options from menu. Used as an
alternative to a mouse. To operate it
the user rotates the ball which moves
the pointer on screen. They are
particularly easy to use for those with
Tracer ball limited movement in their hands and
are often used in Computer Aided
Design (CAD) for their increased
precision over a mouse.
Advantages of trackball
- It is stationery and therefore do not need a flat surface to move on
- Less likely to get damaged than mouse
- Less tiring as less movement is needed
- Can be useful in laptops
Disadvantages
- Rolling the ball is less effective than using mouse
- Can be difficult to control
- Not supplied as standard device, so extra cost is incurred
- Muscles can be strained due to repeated movement
(x) Remote Control
Device used to control the operation of other devices remotely by using infra-red signals. Has
button to select options, e.g. TV stations, volume, etc.
Uses
- Used in home entertainment devices like TVs, DVD players, HIFIs, etc
- Remote controls for multimedia systems
- Stop/ start machinery in industrial applications
Advantages: Allows devices to be controlled from a distance, Flexible to the disabled, safer to use
in chemical processes.
Disadvantages: People arm problems/disabilities cannot use them, signals can be blocked (need
a line of sight)
(xi) Microphone: It is an analogue input device that recognises human voice for data entry into
the computer.
Microphones are used to input sound. In
computing, they can be used with voice
recognition software and a word processing
application to enter text. Webcams
commonly have microphones built-in too.
*NB:-An analogue device is a device that recognises data in continuously varying form, e.g.
microphone, wall watches (with minute, hour and second hand), fuel petrol gauge, speedometer,
etc.
A microphone is used in voice recognition systems. These are computerised systems that allow
users to communicate with the computer by talking (voice input). Such systems have the
following advantages:
- The systems are over 90% accurate.
- They are appropriate for the handicapped, especially those without hands.
- They are very fast in entering data and in giving instructions to the computer.
- They are speaker independent.
- They can recognise natural language.
Disadvantages:
- Older systems are speaker dependent.
- They allow the user to speak slowly, using specific words that were programmed for it to
understand.
NB: Multimedia speakers, sound cards, a microphone and voice recognition software are needed
in voice recognition systems.
(xii) Light pen: A ballpoint shaped device used to enter data by writing on an ink pad. It is also
used to make alterations on the screen to the drawings, to write directly on the screen and to
select commands.
Light pen
(xiii) Kimball Tags: These are punched cards with a magnetic strip which contains details of a
product, mostly clothes in a shop.
(xiv) Graphics tablet: Devices used to provide interface for drawing on the screen and links with
the light pen. Can also be used with a stylus. Can be used for drawing
(xv) Webcam: A digital video camera designed to take digital photographs and transmit them
over the internet or to the computer. They do not have own memory. Laptops have their own
web cam.
Uses: viewing each other when chatting on internet. For video conferencing. For taking personal
images.
Advantages: can be left on and only activated when required. People can see each other when
chatting.
(xvi) Sensor: an input device that automatically records physical data by sensing the environment
it is supposed to record, e.g. humidity sensor.
(xvii) Magnetic Stripes: Magnetic stripes can be seen on train tickets or bank or credit cards.
(a) Card with magnetic strip (b) Magnetic strip reader
These stripes hold a small amount of data (64 characters) and can be read by a magnetic stripe
reader (card reader) that is connected to a computer system. These provide a quick and accurate
way of entering details into a computer system and are simple to operate.
(xviii) Smart Card Readers: Similar to magnetic strip readers except that they are used to read
data stored on a chip. Most bank cards and credit cards are now smart cards. Also used on
royalty cards, ID cards, electronic passports and transport passes.
Cards have their own processor and memory that
can hold up to 64KB of data. The data that is stored
can be updated and the processor can process
simple programs.
Smart card
- Smart cards are simple to produce
- Not easily damaged
- Store a fairly large amount of information
- Automatic input devices, reduce paperwork
However:
- Data can be changed by magnetic fields
- The strip can be damaged by scratching
- Limited storage capacity
- Not very secure as thieves can alter the data.
(xix) Barcode Reader: These are devices at Electronic Point of Sale terminals (EPOS) that read
barcodes on products for automatic data entry into the computer. Mostly used in library systems,
luggage handling systems at airports, warehouse stock control, etc.
Barcodes are numbered vertical lines and
spaces of varying size on products that
provide data for such a product to the
computer when read by barcode readers.
If the barcode reader fails to read the
barcodes, data is entered manually through
Barcodes
the keyboard by entering the numbers
below the barcodes.
Barcodes have the following advantages:
- They are cheap and easy to use.
- They are very accurate in entering data.
- They are a very fast means of entering data since they are an automatic data entry
method.
- Customers can be served quickly.
- Automatic re-ordering of goods in supermarkets is possible.
- Automatic stock taking is possible.
- Need for fewer people in the stores thereby cutting labour expenses.
- Out of date items can be automatically identified.
- There is no need for supermarket workers to remember prices.
- It becomes easier to do price changes.
Information found on barcodes includes:
- Product name, Check digit, Product number, Country of origin, Manufacturer’s number,
Weight.
*NB:-The PRICE of an item is NOT FOUND on the barcode.
How does the computer system check that the barcode has been read correctly?
Either the computer performs the following:
Calculates the check digit; remainder = 0 if barcode has been read correctly OR uses the weights
and modulus 11 and use remainder
Areas where barcodes are used:
- Library book systems
- Passport and ID card systems
- Equipment checking systems
- Automatic stock taking in supermarkets
(xx)Video digitiser
A video digitiser takes an image from a video camera or television and digitises it so it can be read
by, and stored on, a computer. Video sequences captured using video digitisers are often used in
multimedia presentations.
(xxi) Stylus: device used to write on sensitive pads or screen for data entry into the computer.
Often purchased with touch screens.
Document Readers
These are devices used for entering data automatically into the computer by reading through
documents. These include:
(i) Optical Mark Recognition (OMR): The Optical Mark Readers use light sensitive devices to
sense pencil marks on a piece of paper for automatic data entry into the computer. Light is
reflected from the document onto the Optical Mark Reader which records the output. It then
records low intensity/zero intensity at certain points. OMR is mostly used in marking multiple
choice exams at ZJC and ‘O’ Level, reading pupils’ registers, playing lotto, etc. An Optical Mark
Reader is the device that is used for automatic data entry in OMR systems.
- OMR is fast in entering data
- It is also accurate and reliable in entering data.
- Has better recognition than OCR
- Can be prepared where data originates, without machines
- Errors can be corrected easily
However:
- Mark readers are relatively slow
- Verification of data is difficult
- Document may be difficult to design
- Forms must be completed clearly for data to be recorded accurately
- Papers need to be clean
(ii) Optical Character Recognition (OCR): It is the use of light sensitive devices to recognise
alphabetic characters and numbers on a sheet of paper for automatic data entry into the
computer. Mostly used by insurance companies, in billing systems and processing of Bank Giro-
forms. An Optical Character Reader is the device that is used for automatic data entry in OCR
systems. It recognises printed or even hang written test for input into the computer
- Can convert large amount of text into digital form at once
- Less tiresome since it is an automatic data entry method
- Faster in entering text into the computer
- Accurate in data entry
However:
- A lot of data entry errors can be found
- May not work well with tables and diagrams
- Do not work well with handwritten text
(iii) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR): A method of automatically entering data into
the computer by reading characters on documents past a magnetised field with iron oxide, e.g.
reading numbers on the bottom of a cheque.
Advantages of using magnetic ink
on cheques include:
- Bundles of cheques can
be processed very quickly.
- It is very difficult to forge
a cheque.
- The ink can be read by the
reader even if the cheque
gets marked or dirty.
A Magnetic Ink Character
Reader is the device that is
used for automatic data entry
in MICR systems
- MICR provides high level of security to data
- Automatic and therefore faster data entry
- Document can still be readable even if folded
However;
- Readers and printers are relatively expensive
- The system can only accept limited characters
- Very expensive data entry method