Monitors

Graphic Plotter

Printer

Monitors
Monitors, commonly called as Visual Display Unit (VDU), are the main output
device of a computer. It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are
arranged in a rectangular form. The sharpness of the image depends upon the
number of pixels.

There are two kinds of viewing screen used for monitors.

Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)

Flat-Panel Display
Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

The CRT display is made up of small picture elements called pixels. The
smaller the pixels, the better the image clarity or resolution. It takes more than
one illuminated pixel to form a whole character, such as the letter ‘e’ in the
word help.

A finite number of characters can be displayed on a screen at once. The

screen can be divided into a series of character boxes - fixed location on the
screen where a standard character can be placed. Most screens are capable
of displaying 80 characters of data horizontally and 25 lines vertically.

The key components of a CRT Monitor are as follows −

 • Electron Guns − Produces beams of electrons to display images

• Phosphorescent Screen − Once electrons hit on phosphor-coated

screen, it glows and makes visibility

• Circuit Board − Provides connectivity for external circuitry

• Deflection Yoke − It deflects the electron beam in precise patterns

There are some disadvantages of CRT −

Large in Size

High power consumption

Flat-Panel Display Monitor

The flat-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced
volume, weight and power requirement in comparison to the CRT. You can
hang them on walls or wear them on your wrists. Current uses of flat-panel
displays include calculators, video games, monitors, laptop computer, and
graphics display.

Flat Monitor

The flat-panel display is divided into two categories −

Emissive Displays − Emissive displays are devices that convert electrical

energy into light. For example, plasma panel and LED (Light-Emitting Diodes).
Non-Emissive Displays − Non-emissive displays use optical effects to convert
sunlight or light from some other source into graphics patterns. For example,
LCD (Liquid-Crystal Device).

The key components of a Flat-Panel Display Monitor are as follows −

• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) − It is positioned between two layers of

glass or plastic and modulates light to create images.

• Light Emitting Diode (LED) − it emits light and improves colour and
contrast.

• Plasma Display Panel (PDP) − It contains small cells with phosphor

coated to emit light.

• Quantum Dot Display − It contains quantum dots to enhance colour

accuracy.

Graphic Plotter

Computer graphics and engineering applications employ graphic plotters to

create high-quality, accurate, and detailed drawings or plots on paper or other
media. It draws continuous lines accurately and is suited for vector drawings,
unlike a standard printer. Key features of graphic plotters are as −

• Vector Graphics − Vector graphics allow graphic plotters to create lines

and shapes precisely using continuous points instead of dots like raster
printers.

• Pen or Pen-Like Tool − A pen or similar instrument draws on paper for

graphic plotters. The pen may move X and Y on a moveable arm to draw
complicated shapes.

The key components of a Graphic Plotter are as follows −

Plotter Head − A plotter head contains multiple pens of different colours to

draw images.
Plotting Surface − It is used to hold and feed paper.

Microcontroller − Controls the plotting process and interprets commands.

Interfaces − It provides interfaces to connect USB, Ethernet, or wireless

connections.

Memory − A device used to Store plotting instructions to process temporarily.

Types of plotters

• Pen Plotters − It uses vector graphics and line drawings.

• Drum plotters − A drum plotter is a device that uses a rotating drum to

draw on paper. The drum revolves to create one direction of the plot,
while the pens move to create the other direction.

• Flatbed plotters − Flatbed plotters are used to draw on paper placed on

a flat surface.

• Electrostatic plotters − This printer draws on negatively charged paper

with positively charged toner.

• Inkjet plotters − The printer uses vector graphic technology to control

the movement of the pen plotters, which in turn drop ink beads of
different colours onto the drawing surface.

Applications − Graphic plotters are employed in engineering, architecture,

cartography, and textile design. They were popular for technical drawings and
diagrams before digital.

Printers

Printer is an output device, which is used to print information on paper.

There are two types of printers −

• Impact Printers

• Non-Impact Printers

Impact Printers
Impact printers print the characters by striking them on the ribbon, which is
then pressed on the paper.

Characteristics of Impact Printers are the following −

• Very low consumable costs

• Very noisy

• Useful for bulk printing due to low cost

• There is physical contact with the paper to produce an image

These printers are of two types −

▪ Character printers

▪ Line printers

Character Printers

Character printers are the printers which print one character at a time.

These are further divided into two types:

• Dot Matrix Printer(DMP)

• Daisy Wheel

Dot Matrix Printer

In the market, one of the most popular printers is Dot Matrix Printer. These
printers are popular because of their ease of printing and economical price.
Each character printed is in the form of pattern of dots and head consists of a
Matrix of Pins of size (5*7, 7*9, 9*7 or 9*9) which come out to form a
character which is why it is called Dot Matrix Printer.
Advantages

• Inexpensive

• Widely Used

• Other language characters can be printed

Disadvantages

• Slow Speed

• Poor Quality

Daisy Wheel

Head is lying on a wheel and pins corresponding to characters are like petals
of Daisy (flower) which is why it is called Daisy Wheel Printer. These printers
are generally used for word-processing in offices that require a few letters to
be sent here and there with very nice quality.
Advantages

• More reliable than DMP

• Better quality

• Fonts of character can be easily changed

Disadvantages

• Slower than DMP

• Noisy

• More expensive than DMP

Line Printers

Line printers are the printers which print one line at a time.

These are of two types −

• Drum Printer

• Chain Printer
These are of two types −

• Drum Printer

• Chain Printer

Drum Printer

This printer is like a drum in shape hence it is called drum printer. The surface
of the drum is divided into a number of tracks. Total tracks are equal to the
size of the paper, i.e. for a paper width of 132 characters, drum will have 132
tracks. A character set is embossed on the track. Different character sets
available in the market are 48 character set, 64 and 96 characters set. One
rotation of drum prints one line. Drum printers are fast in speed and can print
300 to 2000 lines per minute.

Advantages

• Very high speed

Disadvantages

• Very expensive

• Characters fonts cannot be changed

Chain Printer

In this printer, a chain of character sets is used, hence it is called Chain

Printer. A standard character set may have 48, 64, or 96 characters.

Advantages

• Character fonts can easily be changed.

• Different languages can be used with the same printer.

Disadvantages

• Noisy

Non-impact Printers

Non-impact printers print the characters without using the ribbon. These
printers print a complete page at a time, thus they are also called as Page
Printers.

These printers are of two types −

• Laser Printers

• Inkjet Printers

Characteristics of Non-impact Printers

• Faster than impact printers

• They are not noisy

• High quality

• Supports many fonts and different character size

Laser Printers
These are non-impact page printers. They use laser lights to produce the dots
needed to form the characters to be printed on a page.

Advantages

• Very high speed

• Very high quality output

• Good graphics quality

• Supports many fonts and different character size

Disadvantages

Expensive

Cannot be used to produce multiple copies of a document in a single printing

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are non-impact character printers based on a relatively new

technology. They print characters by spraying small drops of ink onto paper.
Inkjet printers produce high quality output with presentable features.
They make less noise because no hammering is done and these have many
styles of printing modes available. Color printing is also possible. Some
models of Inkjet printers can produce multiple copies of printing also.

Advantages

• High quality printing

• More reliable

Disadvantages

• Expensive as the cost per page is high

• Slow as compared to laser printer

Speaker

It is an output device that recieve sound in the form of electric current . It

needs sound card connected to CPU, that generates sound via a card.

Some of the key components of speakers are as follows −

• Magnet − It is an essential component fixed to speakers to create a

magnetic field.
 • Diaphragm (Cone) − It is made with paper, plastic and metal; it is used
to create sound waves.

• Voice Coil − The diaphragm is connected to a voice coil of wire, which is

placed in the magnetic field of the magnet.

• Suspension − This contains the spider and the surround. The spider
keeps the voice coil centred in the magnetic gap and the surround links
the diaphragm to the speaker frame and allows it to move freely.

Some common types of speakers are as follows −

Electrostatic speaker − An electrostatic speaker contains an electrically

charged diaphragm which is positioned between two conductive plates. The
electrical signal causes the diaphragm to move, which generates sound.

Piezoelectric Speakers − These speakers use materials that change their

shape when an electric field is applied and then create sound waves.

Planar Magnetic Speakers − These speakers are similar to dynamic speakers,

except they have a small, flat diaphragm and a voice coil that moves within a
magnetic field.

Subwoofers − Subwoofers produce very low-frequency sound, ranging from

20 to 200 Hz. The subwoofer is a speaker that can be oriented in any
direction. These are specifically designed to produce low-frequency sounds
(bass). Usually, they are used in Home theatre systems and car audio
systems.

Dynamic speaker − Dynamic speakers are often equipped with one or more
woofer drivers. These have one or more tweeter drivers and are known for
producing low-frequency sound.

Bluetooth speakers − Its a wireless speaker which is portable. A Bluetooth

speaker produces high-quality audio.

Horn Speakers − These speakers produce horns to amplify sound; generally

used by drivers.
Headphones

These are pair of small loudspeaker or less commonly a single speaker.

Projector

It is an output device which is used to project information from a computer

onto a large screen. Types of projector

Some common types of projectors are as follows −

Cathode Ray Tube − It is a video projector which employs CRT to produce

pictures. A lens is used to focus and enlarge the output to show on the
screen.

Liquid Crystal Display − LCD projectors use liquid crystals to display images,
data, or videos. LCD projector is extensively used in business seminars,
presentations, and meetings. These are more popular than other projectors as
they have superb colour reproduction and lower manufacturing costs.

Digital Light Processing − DLP projectors are used for front and back
projection. A Three-chip DLP projector can output over 35 trillion colours, and
display visuals more realistic and lifelike than one-chip models. It is used in
companies and classrooms as a front projector and in TV as a rear projector.

Advantages

Some key advantages of projectors are as follows −

• Effective visual projection − A projector displays visuals effectively on

screen which bounds the audience.

• Portability − A user can carry it comfortably.

• Connectivity − It can easily connect in offices, seminar halls, or rooms.

• Applications − It is most widely used in businesses, education, and

meetings to showcase their presentations.

• Entertainment − Most widely used to watch movies and play games.

 • Resolution and Brightness − Used for events, advertising, and digital
signage

GPS

GPS, which stands for “Global Positioning System,” is a radio-based satellite

navigation system and is comprised of a network of different satellites called
a constellation. The Global Positioning System (GPS) can determine a precise
position using radio waves. The user transmits a radio signal to the satellites,
which collect data such as time, location, speed, and other variables and
transfer it to the computer for processing. Users can use this information to
make decisions.

Advantages of GPS

Some key advantages of GPS are as follows −

Accuracy − The accuracy of the location data is important, especially for

applications such as aviation and marine navigation. Higher precision is
essential in these applications. The accuracy of the location data is of great
importance thus greater precision is essential for uses such as aviation and
marine navigation.

Display Quality − The screen’s resolution and readability are crucial,

particularly when using outdoor devices in bright sunlight.

Map Coverage and Updates − Maps for various areas and how easy it is to
update them.

Durability − Water, dust, and shock resistance are crucial for GPS devices
used outdoors and in marine environments.

Additional Features − Features such as planning routes, receiving real-time

traffic updates, tracking fitness, and offering specialized marine and aviation
functions.
Computer - Memory Units

Memory unit is the amount of data that can be stored in the storage unit. This
storage capacity is expressed in terms of Bytes.

The following table explains the main memory storage units −

1 Bit (Binary Digit)

A binary digit is logical 0 and 1 representing a passive or an active state of a

component in an electric circuit.

2 Nibble

A group of 4 bits is called nibble.

3 Byte

A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit, which can
represent a data item or a character.

4 Word

A computer word, like a byte, is a group of fixed number of bits processed as a

unit, which varies from computer to computer but is fixed for each computer.

The length of a computer word is called word-size or word length. It may be as

small as 8 bits or may be as long as 96 bits. A computer stores the
information in the form of computer words.

The following table lists some higher storage units −

[Link]. Unit & Description

1 Kilobyte (KB) 1 KB = 1024 Bytes

2 Megabyte (MB) 1 MB = 1024 KB

3 GigaByte (GB) 1 GB = 1024 MB

4 TeraByte (TB) 1 TB = 1024 GB

5 PetaByte (PB) 1 PB = 1024 TB

Computer Memory

Memory is the electronic storage space where a computer keeps the

instructions and data it needs to access quickly. It’s the place where
information is stored for immediate use. Memory is an important component
of a computer, as without it, the system wouldn’t operate correctly. The
computer’s operating system (OS), hardware, and software all rely on memory
to function properly.

Communication Between Memory and the CPU

Computer memory communicates with the CPU through a structured system

of electronic pathways and controllers, enabling the CPU to fetch and store
data rapidly and efficiently. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

System Bus Structure: The main channel for communication between the
CPU and memory is the system bus, which is a collection of three types of
buses:

Data Bus: Transfers the actual data between CPU and memory.

Address Bus: Carries the memory address that specifies where data should
be read from or written to.
Control Bus: Sends signals that coordinate and control the activity, such as
indicating read or write operations.

Memory Controller: Communication is orchestrated by a memory controller,

which manages the flow of data and ensures that signals between the CPU
and memory are synchronized. In older systems, this controller was located
on the motherboard; in modern computers, it’s typically integrated into the
CPU for greater speed and efficiency

Communication Process

When the CPU needs to access data or instructions in memory, it places the
address of the required memory location on the address bus.

The CPU sends a control signal (read or write command) on the control bus.

If reading, the memory controller retrieves the data from the specified address
and sends it back to the CPU via the data bus. If writing, the CPU sends data
over the data bus to be stored at the designated memory location.

This process is repeated billions of times per second during computing

operations, forming the backbone of the fetch-decode-execute cycle used to
run programs

Types of Computer Memory

Computer memory is categorized into different types based on how data is

stored, accessed, and used during processing.

1. Primary Memory

Also known as the main memory of the computer system, is used to store
data and programs, or instructions during computer operations. It uses
semiconductor technology and hence is commonly called semiconductor
memory. Primary memory is of two types:

Memory is the electronic storage space where a computer keeps the

instructions and data it needs to access quickly. It’s the place where
information is stored for immediate use. Memory is an important component
of a computer, as without it, the system wouldn’t operate correctly. The
computer’s operating system (OS), hardware, and software all rely on memory
to function properly.

Communication Between Memory and the CPU

Computer memory communicates with the CPU through a structured system

of electronic pathways and controllers, enabling the CPU to fetch and store
data rapidly and efficiently. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

System Bus Structure: The main channel for communication between the
CPU and memory is the system bus, which is a collection of three types of
buses:

Data Bus: Transfers the actual data between CPU and memory.

Address Bus: Carries the memory address that specifies where data should
be read from or written to.

Control Bus: Sends signals that coordinate and control the activity, such as
indicating read or write operations.

Memory Controller: Communication is orchestrated by a memory controller,

which manages the flow of data and ensures that signals between the CPU
and memory are synchronized. In older systems, this controller was located
on the motherboard; in modern computers, it’s typically integrated into the
CPU for greater speed and efficiency

Communication Process

When the CPU needs to access data or instructions in memory, it places the
address of the required memory location on the address bus.

The CPU sends a control signal (read or write command) on the control bus.
If reading, the memory controller retrieves the data from the specified address
and sends it back to the CPU via the data bus. If writing, the CPU sends data
over the data bus to be stored at the designated memory location.

This process is repeated billions of times per second during computing

operations, forming the backbone of the fetch-decode-execute cycle used to
run programs

Types of Computer Memory

Computer memory is categorized into different types based on how data is

stored, accessed, and used during processing.

1. Primary Memory

Also known as the main memory of the computer system, is used to store
data and programs, or instructions during computer operations. It uses
semiconductor technology and hence is commonly called semiconductor
memory. Primary memory is of two types:

RAM

Also known as Random Access Memory is a volatile memory. Volatile

memory stores information based on the power supply. If the power supply
fails/ interrupted/stopped, all the data and information on this memory will be
lost. RAM is used for booting up or starting the computer. It temporarily stores
programs/data which has to be executed by the processor. RAM is of two
types:

S RAM (Static RAM):S RAM uses transistors and the circuits of this memory
are capable of retaining their state as long as the power is applied. This
memory consists of the number of flip flops with each flip flop storing 1 bit. It
has less access time and hence, it is faster.
D RAM (Dynamic RAM):D RAM uses capacitors and transistors and stores the
data as a charge on the capacitors. They contain thousands of memory cells.
It needs refreshing of charge on capacitor after a few milliseconds. This
memory is slower than S RAM.

ROM

A type of non-volatile memory stores data permanently, even when the power
is off, known as Read Only Memory (ROM). It is used to hold essential
instructions required to start and operate the system, and its data can only be
read, not modified. ROM is also called permanent memory and stores
information in binary form. It is of four main types.

MROM(Masked ROM): Hard-wired devices with a pre-programmed collection

of data or instructions were the first ROMs. Masked ROMs are a type of
low-cost ROM that works in this way.

PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): This read-only memory is

modifiable once by the user. The user purchases a blank PROM and uses a
PROM program to put the required contents into the PROM. Its content can’t
be erased once written.

EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory):EPROM is an extension

to PROM where you can erase the content of ROM by exposing it to Ultraviolet
rays for nearly 40 minutes.

EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): Here the

written contents can be erased electrically. You can delete and reprogram
EEPROM up to 10,000 times. Erasing and programming take very little time,
i.e., nearly 4 -10 ms(milliseconds). Any area in an EEPROM can be wiped and
programmed selectively.

2. Secondary Memory

Also known as auxiliary memory and backup memory, is a non-volatile

memory and used to store a large amount of data or information. The data or
information stored in secondary memory is permanent, and it is slower than
primary memory. A CPU cannot access secondary memory directly. The
data/information from the auxiliary memory is first transferred to the main
memory, and then the CPU can access it. Its features are:

Non-volatile memory that stores data permanently (even without power)

Provides large storage capacity for files and applications

Slower than primary memory but more cost-effective

Used for long-term data storage and backup

Types of Secondary Memory

1. Magnetic Tapes: Storage medium uses a long, narrow plastic strip coated
with magnetic material to record data as magnetic patches along multiple
tracks, known as Magnetic Tapes. Data is read and written sequentially, and
the tape can be moved forward, backward, or rewound, making it suitable for
backup and archival storage.

2. Magnetic Disks: Type of storage device uses circular plates coated with
magnetic material to store data on both sides, known as Magnetic Disks. Data
is organized into concentric tracks and divided into sectors, allowing faster
and more direct access compared to tapes.

3. Optical Disks: It’s a laser-based storage medium that can be written to and
read. It is reasonably priced and has a long lifespan. The Optical Disks can be
taken out of the computer by occasional users.
Types of Optical Disks

1. CD - ROM: An optical storage device used in secondary memory reads data

using a laser beam and stores it permanently as microscopic pits on a
reflective (usually aluminum) surface. This device, known as a Compact Disc
(CD - ROM), is non-volatile and read-only. It typically has a capacity of around
600 MB, with data organized into tracks and sectors, and offers moderate
data transfer speed with relatively higher access time compared to primary
memory.

2. WORM-(WRITE ONCE READ MANY): Optical storage method allows data to

be written only once using a laser beam and read multiple times without
modification. This type of storage, known as WORM (Write Once Read Many),
is non-volatile and suitable for maintaining permanent records. It offers
moderate storage capacity but has higher access time, and while new data
can be added to unused areas, previously written data cannot be altered.

3. DVDs: An optical storage format offers higher capacity than CDs and is
used for storing video, data, and software. Known as DVD(Digital Versatile
Disc), it includes types like DVD-ROM (read-only), DVD-R (write once), and
DVD-RW (rewritable). Itcan store large amounts of data (typically 4.7 GB to 17
GB), use a polycarbonate layer for durability, and allow data to be read using
laser technology, with some formats supporting writing or rewriting.

3. Cache Memory

Type of high-speed semiconductor memory helps improve CPU performance

by storing frequently used data and instructions, known as Cache Memory.
Acting as a buffer between the CPU and main memory, it reduces access time
and speeds up processing.

Advantages
 • It is faster than the main memory.

• When compared to the main memory, it takes less time to access it.

• It keeps the programs that can be run in a short amount of time.

• It stores data for temporary use.

Disadvantages

• Because of the semiconductors used, it is very expensive.

• The size of the cache (amount of data it can store) is usually small.

What is Computer Hardware?

Hardware is the computer’s peripheral devices which are used to

assemble the system. Hardware devices majorly include computer
input-output devices, memory, and CPU. Generally, Hardware is the
internal and external components of a computer that allow you to
accomplish major functions such as input, output, storage,
communication, and processing.

Some most common examples of computer hardware are −

• Input / Output devices like Keyboard, mouse, & monitor

• The central processing unit (CPU)

• Motherboard

• Random access memory (RAM)

• Storage drive (HDD or SSD)

• Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Types of Computer Hardware

There are two types of computer hardware −

Internal hardware

External hardware

Internal Hardware

Internal hardware is the computer peripherals which are connected

inside the computer. These include motherboards, hard drives, and DDR
(RAM).

External Hardware

External hardware is the computer peripherals which are connected to

the computer system externally. External hardware includes monitors,
keyboards, printers, and scanners.

What is a Computer Motherboard?

A motherboard is a circuit board which is fixed inside the Central

Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer. It can be considered as a
computing system which integrates most of the essential components
of a computer.

A motherboard serves as a single platform to connect all of the parts of

a computer. It connects the CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives,
video cards, sound cards, and other ports and expansion cards directly
or via cables. It can be considered as the backbone of a computer.
Generally, it is made up of fibreglass and copper.
The motherboard is mounted inside the case and is securely attached
via small screws through pre-drilled holes. The motherboard contains
ports to connect all of the internal components. It provides a single
socket for the CPU, whereas for memory, normally one or more slots are
available. Motherboards provide ports to attach the floppy drive, hard
drive, and optical drives via ribbon cables. The motherboard carries fans
and a special port designed for power supply.

There is a peripheral card slot in front of the motherboard using which

video cards, sound cards, and other expansion cards can be connected
to the motherboard.

On the left side, motherboards carry several ports to connect the

monitor, printer, mouse, keyboard, speaker, and network cables.
Motherboards also provide USB ports, which allow compatible devices
to be connected in a plug-in/plug-out fashionfor example, pen drives,
digital cameras, etc.
 Components of a Motherboard

A motherboard is made up of different components; some of the

primary elements are as follows −

• CPU Socket − Its a major component which determines the processor

connected to the system.

• Memory Slots − These slots allow connecting memory devices into it.

• Storage Connectors − These slots include Serial ATA ports to connect

hard drives like hard drives and SSDs.

• ROM Slots − These slots allow ROM BIOS to connect.

• Chipset − It connects CPU, memory, storage and peripheral devices.

• Cooling fans − Cooling fans that maintain a suitable internal operating

temperature.

• Peripheral connector − these include USB ports to connect peripheral

devices.

• Audio Connectors − These allow audio input and output devices to work
with analogue and digital audio signals.

• Network Connectors − These ports are used for wired network

connections, or Wi-Fi to access the internet.

• Power connector − power connectors are used to connect external

power sources. There are two basic types: the 24-pin ATX power
connector and the 4 or 8-pin CPU power connector.

• BIOS/UEFI − The Basic Input / Output System (BIOS), also known as the
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), is a type of firmware that
initializes and tests hardware during the boot process; it also provides
runtime services to operating systems and programs.

Features of Computer Motherboard

 A motherboard comes with the following features −

• Motherboard varies greatly in supporting various types of components.

• The motherboard supports a single type of CPU and a few types of

memory.

• Video cards, hard disks, and sound cards have to be compatible with
the motherboard to function properly.

• Motherboards, cases, and power supplies must be compatible to work

properly together.