Unit 3 – Part II: Computer Applications

Computer Hardware

3.1 Introduction

Every computer, no matter how advanced or simple, is made up of two main parts
— hardware and software. While software refers to programs and data, hardware refers to all
the physical components you can actually see and touch.

Think of hardware as the “body” of the computer — it includes parts like storage devices, input
devices, output devices, processors, and connecting cables. Without these physical parts, the
software would have nothing to run on.

One important point is that hardware is not changed frequently. For example, you might
install a new application or update your operating system often, but you won’t be replacing your
keyboard, hard disk, or monitor every few days. Hardware components are built to last and are
designed for long-term use.

3.3 Storage Devices

Storage devices are like the memory of the computer — they keep data safe for use now or in the
future. Some store data permanently, others temporarily. They vary greatly in capacity, speed,
and durability.

3.3.1 Floppy Disk

A floppy disk is a thin, flexible disk made from Mylar plastic and protected by a square plastic
jacket. The most common floppy disks were 3.5 inches in diameter with a storage capacity
of 1.44 MB.

Although their capacity seems tiny compared to modern devices, floppy disks were once
considered revolutionary. They were small, portable, inexpensive, and easy to store, making
them a popular choice for transferring files between computers. However, because they could
only store small amounts of data, they have now become obsolete.
3.3.2 Hard Disk

A hard disk is the main storage device in most computers. It is usually fitted inside the
computer case and is not visible from the outside.

It contains one or more platters coated with magnetic material, arranged on a central spindle.
These platters spin at high speeds, while a read/write head moves across their surface to store or
retrieve information. The platters are divided into tracks and sectors, which help in organizing
data.

Modern hard disks can store hundreds of gigabytes or even several terabytes (TB) of data.
They are much faster and more reliable than older storage devices like floppy disks.

3.3.3 Compact Discs (CDs)

A Compact Disc (CD) is an optical storage medium — meaning it stores data using laser
technology instead of magnetic surfaces. CDs are flat, circular discs that can store up to 700
MB of data.

There are three main types:

1. CD-ROM (Read Only Memory) – Data is pre-recorded and cannot be erased or

changed. Often used for software installation or music albums.
2. CD-R (Recordable) – You can store data on it once, but it cannot be erased.
3. CD-RW (Rewritable) – You can write, erase, and rewrite data multiple times, making
it more versatile.

3.3.4 Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs)

A DVD looks just like a CD but offers much higher storage capacity — from 4.7 GB up to 17
GB. DVDs are also optical storage devices and are often used for movies, large software files,
and backups.

Types include:

1. DVD-ROM – Read-only, used for storing pre-recorded data.

2. DVD-R – Allows writing data only once.
3. DVD-RW – Allows multiple rewrites, making them reusable.
3.3.5 Pen Drives

A pen drive, also called a USB flash drive, is one of the most popular storage devices today. It
is small, portable, lightweight, and connects directly to a USB port on the computer.

Pen drives come in various capacities, ranging from 1 GB to 1 TB or more. They are
extremely convenient for transferring data, and unlike CDs or DVDs, they are not affected by
scratches or dust.

3.4 Input Devices

Input devices are the tools we use to send data and instructions into the computer. Without
them, the computer would not know what we want it to do.

3.4.1 Keyboard

A keyboard works much like a typewriter. It allows us to type letters, numbers, and special
commands. Most keyboards follow the QWERTY layout, named after the first six letters in the
top row of letters.

Apart from letter and number keys, keyboards have function keys (F1–F12) that perform special
tasks, and other control keys like Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and arrow keys.

3.4.2 Mouse

A mouse is a pointing device that allows users to move a cursor on the screen. It usually has two
or three buttons, and sometimes a scroll wheel.

The left button is generally used for selecting and executing commands, while the right
button often opens context menus. Moving the mouse on a flat surface moves the cursor in the
same direction on the screen.

3.4.3 Joystick

A joystick is mostly used for playing video games. It moves in different directions, and the way
it is pushed determines the movement or speed of an object on screen.
3.4.4 Scanner

A scanner takes printed documents or images and converts them into digital format. It works
by shining light on the document and capturing the reflected light to create an image the
computer can store and edit.

3.4.5 Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

OCR is a technology that reads printed or handwritten text and converts it into editable digital
text. This is especially useful for digitizing books or documents without retyping them.

3.4.6 Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

MICR is used mainly in banks for cheque processing. It can read characters printed with special
magnetic ink, ensuring high security and accuracy.

3.4.7 Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

OMR detects marks made by pen or pencil on paper, such as in multiple-choice exams or
surveys.

3.4.8 Bar Code Reader

A bar code reader scans the vertical black-and-white stripes (bar codes) on products. The
computer then uses this code to fetch product details and prices from a database. This is common
in supermarkets.

3.4.9 Microphone (Mic)

A microphone allows you to input sound into a computer by converting audio waves into digital
signals. This requires a sound card to process the audio.
3.5 Output Devices
Output devices present the processed data from the computer in a form that humans can
understand — text, images, audio, or video.

3.5.1 Monitor

A monitor displays visual output — it could be text while typing, images, videos, or graphics.
The image is made up of thousands of small dots called pixels.

Types of monitors include: CRT, LCD, Plasma, Touch Screen, and OLED.

3.5.2 Printer

Printers create a hard copy of documents. They can be:

 Impact Printers – Have mechanical contact with paper (e.g., Dot-Matrix).

 Non-Impact Printers – Print without contact (e.g., Inkjet, Laser).

Dot-Matrix Printer

Uses pins to strike an ink ribbon and create patterns of dots on paper. Durable but low in print
quality.

Inkjet Printer

Sprays tiny drops of ink directly onto paper for high-quality printing, often in colour.

Laser Printer

Uses a laser beam and toner to produce high-quality, fast prints.

3.5.3 Plotter

A plotter is like a printer for drawings. It uses pens to produce continuous lines, making it
perfect for engineering blueprints.
3.5.4 Speakers

Speakers convert digital audio signals into sound we can hear.

3.6 Ports
Ports are connection points where we plug external devices into a computer.

Serial Port

Transfers one bit at a time, used for older devices like mice or modems.

Parallel Port

Transfers 8 bits at once, used for printers and scanners.

USB Port

Connects modern devices like pen drives, cameras, and printers — can also provide power.

AGP Port

Connects high-speed graphic cards for gaming and multimedia.

Infrared Port

Transfers data using invisible infrared light — similar to a TV remote.

Bluetooth

Uses short-range wireless technology to connect devices.

PS/2 Port

Circular connectors for older keyboards and mice.

Firewire

High-speed connection for devices like video cameras, supporting up to 63 devices at once.