CACS101: Computer Fundamentals and Applications

Unit 1 – Introduction to
Computer System

PRAJWAL BISTA

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 Introduction to Computer
• The word "computer" is derived from the Latin word
"computare" which means "to calculate".
• Computer is an electronic device which has the
ability to retrieve, store, process data.
• The only language supported by computer system is
"Binary System" or "Machine Language". The
machine language is represented by 0's and 1's.

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Computer Architecture

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 Computer Architecture
• Computer Architecture refers to the definition of the basic
attributes of hardware components and their
interconnections, in order to achieve certain specified goals in
terms of functions and performance.
• The attributes may include the instruction set, data
representation, I/O mechanisms, etc.
• The architecture basically defines the logical structure of a
computer system.
• It is a specification detailing how a software and hardware
technology standards interact to form a computer system.

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 CISC Architecture
• CISC stands for Complex Instruction Set Computer. CISC chips
have a larger set of complex instructions.
• The CISC machines have complex instructions that need a
multiple number of cycles for their execution.
• Variable length Instruction format[8 or 16 or 32 or 64 bits]
• Large number of addressing modes.
• Cost is high.
• More powerful.
• Several Cycle instructions.
• Emphasis on hardware.
• Manipulation directly in memory.
MULT 2:2, 3:3

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 RISC Architecture
• RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer.
• The RISC machines have simpler instructions that need a
single cycle for their execution.
• Fixed length Instruction format[32]
• Few number of addressing modes.
• Cost is low.
• Less powerful.
• Single Cycle instruction.
LOAD A, 2:2
LOAD B, 3:3
PROD A, B
STORE 2:2, A

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 Characteristics of Computer
1. Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy
compared to humans while performing mathematical
calculations. Computers can process millions of instructions
per second. The time taken by computers for their
operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.
2. Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors
may occur due to data inconsistency or inaccuracy.

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 Contd.
3. Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with
the same consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue
or lack of concentration. Its memory also makes it superior to
that of human beings.
4. Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform
different kinds of works with same accuracy and efficiency.

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 Contd.
5. Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar
set of data i.e., if we give same set of input any number of
times, we will get the same result.
6. Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs
tasks without manual intervention.
7. Memory
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory
where it stores data. Secondary storage are removable
devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also used to
store data.

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 Applications of Computer
• Home
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online
bill payment, watching movies or shows at home, home
tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet access,
etc. They provide communication through electronic mail.
They help to avail work from home facility for corporate
employees. Computers help the student community to avail
online educational support.

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 Contd.
• Medical Field
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of
patients’ history, diagnosis, X-rays, live monitoring of
patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays use robotic surgical devices
to perform delicate operations, and conduct surgeries
remotely. Virtual reality technologies are also used for
training purposes. It also helps to monitor the fetus inside the
mother’s womb. ECG’s, radiotherapy wasn’t possible without
computers.

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 Contd.
• Entertainment
Different types of entertainment fields such as multimedia, film
making with animation, graphics, audio and visual design are done
with the help of computer.
• Military
Computers are the main tools which help in developing missiles
and other equipment in the defense system. Designing and the
maintenance are possible only through computers. Computer
builds the links between the soldiers and commanders through
the satellite. Construction of weapons and controlling their
function is not possible without the aid of computers. The list of
the criminals and the records of the cops are maintained regularly
in the system.

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 Contd.
• Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries
like managing inventory, designing purpose, creating virtual
sample products, interior designing, video conferencing, etc.
Online marketing has seen a great revolution in its ability to
sell various products to inaccessible corners like interior or
rural areas. Stock markets have seen phenomenal
participation from different levels of people through the use
of computers.

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 Contd.
• Education
Computers are used in education sector through online
classes, online examinations, referring e-books, online
tutoring, etc.
• Government
In government sectors, computers are used in data
processing, maintaining a database of citizens and
supporting a paperless environment. The country’s defense
organizations have greatly benefitted from computers in
their use for missile development, satellites, rocket launches,
etc.

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 Contd.
• Banking
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of
customers and conduct transactions, such as withdrawal and
deposit of money through ATMs. Banks have reduced
manual errors and expenses to a great extent through
extensive use of computers.
• Business
The main objective of business is transaction processing,
which involves transactions with suppliers, employees or
customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and
accurate. People can analyze investments, sales, expenses,
markets and other aspects of business using computers.

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 Contd.
• Science and Engineering
Computers with high performance are used to stimulate
dynamic process in Science and Engineering.
Supercomputers have numerous applications in area of
Research and Development (R&D). Topographic images can
be created through computers. Scientists use computers to
plot and analyze data to have a better understanding of
earthquakes.

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 Classification of Computer
• On the basis of Size and Speed
• On the basis of working principle

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 On the basis of Size and Speed
• Super Computer
• Mainframe Computer
• Mini Computer
• Micro Computer

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 Super Computer
• A Supercomputer is the fastest and powerful computer for
processing data. Its’ size and storage capacity is also huge;
designed to process vast amounts of data in a short time with
high productivity. It can execute hundreds of millions of
instructions per second.
• These are specially made to perform multi-specific tasks.
Therefore, many CPUs work in parallel order on these
supercomputers. This function of a Supercomputer is called
Multi or parallel processing.
• Examples: IBM Roadburner, IBM Blue Gene, CRAY-XMP-14.

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 Contd.
• Although both desktop computers and supercomputers are
equipped with similar processors, their speed and memory
sizes are significantly different. For instance, a desktop
computer built in the year 2000 normally has a hard disk data
capacity of between 2 and 20 gigabytes and one processor
with tens of megabytes of random access memory (RAM)-just
enough to perform tasks such as word processing, web
browsing, and video gaming. Meanwhile, a supercomputer of
the same time period has thousands of processors, hundreds
of gigabytes of RAM, and hard drives that allow for hundreds,
and sometimes thousands, of gigabytes of storage space.

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 Contd.
• The supercomputer's large number of processors, enormous
disk storage, and substantial memory greatly increase the
power and speed of the machine. Although desktop
computers can perform millions of floating-point operations
per second (megaflops), supercomputers can perform at
speeds of billions of operations per second (gigaflops) and
trillions of operations per second (teraflops).

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 Applications of Super Computer
• In research and study of energy and nuclear
weapons and designing the aircraft, airplanes, and
flight simulators.
• Climate research and Weather Forecasting and
Prediction of Natural Disasters.
• Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
• Used in scientific research laboratories.
• Used in Chemical and Biological research and for
highly calculation complex tasks.

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 Mainframe Computer
• Mainframe computers are multi-programming, high-
performance computers, and multi-user, which
means they can handle the workload of more than
100 users at a time on the computer.
• The storage capacity of the mainframe is enormous,
with a high-speed data process as well. As well as
handling hundreds of input and output devices at a
time.

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 Contd.
• The mainframe is a highly efficient computer capable
of simultaneously solving complex calculations and
continuously for a long time. These computers have
several microprocessors that have the ability to
function the data at too high performance and
speed.
• Examples: IBM Es000 series, ICL39 Series, CDC 6600.

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 Applications of Mainframe Computer
• Mainframe computers are mainly used by
departmental and commercial organizations like
Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers, and
railways.
• These computers can work for 24 hours. Hundreds of
users can work on these computers simultaneously.

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 Mini Computer
• Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer
system with the connection of more than one CPU.
Thus, many people can work on these computers
simultaneously instead of a single person.
• Minicomputers are the medium type of computers
that have more functionality power and are
expensive than microcomputers. On the other hand,
the size, storage, and speed of minicomputers
are large but less than the mainframe and
supercomputers.

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 Contd.
• Minicomputers are made for performing multiple
computing tasks at a single point of time, instead of
assigning many microcomputers for a single task,
which will be time-consuming and expensive.
• In general, a minicomputer is a multi-threaded
system (several processes at a time) capable of
supporting from one to up to 200 users
simultaneously: these computers are currently used
to store large databases, multi-user applications, and
the automation industry.
• Examples: PDP 11 and IBM (8000 Series).
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 Applications of Minicomputers
• The minicomputers are used as real-time
applications in Industries, bookings, and
Research Centers. Banks also use
minicomputers for preparing payroll for
employees’ salaries, records, tracking of
financial accounts, etc. As well as in the field
of Higher Education and Engineering.

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 Micro Computer
• With the invention of the microprocessors in the
year 1970, it became possible to use computers for
people personally at a low cost and reasonable price
known as Digital Personal Computer.
• The design of microcomputers is minimal in size and
storage capacity. These computers consist of many
parts like Input and Output devices, Software,
operating systems, networks, and Servers all these
need to connect to form a complete Personal Digital
Computer.

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 Contd.
• Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini
computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
• Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete
with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is
generally smaller in size than a desktop computer
and larger than a notebook computer.
• Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook
/PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no
keyboard but the screen serves both as an input
and output device.

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 Applications of Micro Computer
• PC is being widely used in many fields like home,
office, data collection, business, education,
entertainment, publishing, etc.
• It keeps the details and prepares letters for
correspondence in small businesses, creating bills,
accounting, word processing, and operation of the
filing systems in a large company.

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 On the basis of working principle
• Analog Computer
• Digital Computer
• Hybrid Computer

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 Analog Computer
• An analog computer performs tasks using continuous
data. Analog computers are used primarily to
measure physical units like the voltage, pressure,
electric current, temperature.
• Analog computers are mainly used in the fields of
science and engineering. Analog computers are less
reliable than digital computers.

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 Contd.
• They are used in the fields of technology, science,
research, engineering, etc. Because quantities
like voltage, pressure, electric current,
temperature are used more in these areas, these
types of computers give only approximate estimates.
• Examples: Analog clock, thermometer, vehicle’s
speedometer, barometer, etc. are examples of
analog computing.

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 Digital Computer
• Computers which work on discrete signals (digital
signals)
• It can perform arithmetic operations such
as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
and all types of logical(mathematical) operations.

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 Contd.
• Digital computers use discrete electrical signals for
operation making them the most common form of
computers today because of their versatility, speed,
and power.
• Examples: Personal Desktop Computers, Calculators,
Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets, Digital Watch,
etc.

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 Analog Computer vs Digital Computer

Analog Computer Digital Computer

Analog computers are less reliable than Digital computers are more reliable than
digital computers. analog computers.
Its performance is comparatively low. Its performance is very high.
Its speed of processing is not so high. Its speed of processing is very high.
It provides results with less accuracy as It provides results with higher accuracy as
compared to digital computers. compared to analog computers.
They are usually special purpose devices. It can be general purpose devices.
Examples includes analog clock and Examples includes Digital laptop, digital
thermometer etc. camera, digital watches etc.

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 Hybrid Computer
• A hybrid computer is a combined complex computer
unit built using both analog and digital properties
and united by a single control system. The purpose
of designing hybrid computers is to offer best of
both types of computers.
• Hybrid computers are extremely fast when driving
equations, even when those calculations are
incredibly complex.

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 Contd.
• As both the properties of a computer consist in the
form of a single hybrid computer made possible to
solve too complex calculations or problems, at the
same time, these devices are not only too expensive
but also able to solve complex issues a bit fastly.
• The analog computer systems solve the equation
process immediately. But it is not necessary that
those solutions would be completely accurate.

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 Contd.
• Here, the digital computer system gives 100 %
correct solutions, but it takes a bit of time in the
calculation. Therefore, Hybrid computers are made
to overcome the flaws of both these analog and
digital systems.
• Example: Auto Gasoline pump, Electrocardiogram
Machine, Monitoring Machine, etc.

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 Contd.
• Hybrid computers are most commonly used in vast
industries, research centers, organizations, and
manufacturing firms (where many equations need to
be solved).
• Also, the solutions and uses of hybrid computers
have proved to be much more detailed, accurate,
and useful. Hybrid computers are used in scientific
calculations, for nations’ defense and radar systems
as well.

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 Mobile Computing
● Mobile computing is a technology that enables data,
voice, and video to be transmitted wirelessly from a
computer or other wireless enabled device without
the need for a fixed physical connection in a timely,
cost-effective way.
● The concept of Mobile Computing can be divided
into three parts:
○ Mobile Communication
○ Mobile Hardware
○ Mobile Software

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 Mobile Communication
• Mobile Communication specifies a framework that is
responsible for the working of mobile computing
technology.
• It refers to an infrastructure that ensures consistent,
seamless and reliable communication; among wireless
devices.
• It consists of communication devices such as protocols,
bandwidth necessary to facilitate and support the stated
services. These devices are responsible for delivering a
smooth communication process.
• The wireless networks utilized in communication are
Bluetooth, W-LANs, Cellular and satellite communication
system.

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 Types
• Fixed and Wired: In Fixed and Wired configuration,
the devices are fixed at a position, and they are
connected through a physical link to communicate
with other devices. Example: Desktop
• Fixed and Wireless: In Fixed and Wireless
configuration, the devices are fixed at a position, and
they are connected through a wireless link to make
communication with other devices. Example:
Communication Tower, WiFi router, Temporary
Setups

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 Types
• Mobile and Wired: In Mobile and Wired
configuration, some devices are wired, and some are
mobile. They all together make communication with
other devices. Example: Laptop
• Mobile and Wireless: In Mobile and Wireless
configuration, the devices can communicate with
each other irrespective of their position. They can
also connect to any network without the use of any
wired device. Example: Laptop with WLAN

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 Mobile Hardware
• Mobile hardware is a portable computing device with the
ability to retrieve and process data.
• Examples of mobile hardware can be smartphones,
laptops, portable PCs, tablet PCs, Personal Digital
Assistants, etc.
• These devices are inbuilt with a receptor medium that
can send and receive signals. These devices are capable
of operating in full-duplex. It means they can send and
receive signals at the same time. They don't have to wait
until one device has finished communicating for the
other device to initiate communications.

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 Mobile Software
• Mobile software, an essential component that
operates the mobile device is a program that runs on
mobile hardware. This is designed to deal capably
with the characteristics and requirements of mobile
applications.
• This is the operating system in mobile devices.
• These operating systems provide features such as
touchscreen, cellular connectivity, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
GPS mobile navigation, camera, video camera,
speech recognition, voice recorder, music player,
near field communication and sensors.

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 Advantages of Mobile Computing
• Seamless and reliable communication
• Increased productivity
• Entertainment
• Portability
• Cloud Computing
• Web or internet access
• GPS (Global Positioning System)
• Emergency services (hire an ambulance, police call,
etc)

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 Disadvantages of Mobile Computing
• The obstacle to battery consumption.
• The transmission bandwidth is inefficient.
• Over the whole network, there are link losses.
• Fluctuation in the stability of the network.
• Small screen sizes.

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 Anatomy of a Digital Computer
● The computer system consists of three main
components:
○ Input/Output (I/O) Unit,
○ Central Processing Unit (CPU), and
○ Memory Unit.
● The I/O unit consists of the input unit and the output
unit. CPU performs calculations and processing on
the input data, to generate the output. The memory
unit is used to store the data, the instructions and
the output information.

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 Input/Output Unit
• The user interacts with the computer via the I/O
unit. The Input unit accepts data from the user and
the Output unit provides the processed data.
• The Input unit converts the data that it accepts from
the user, into a form that is understandable by the
computer. Similarly, the Output unit provides the
output in a form that is understandable by the user.
The input is provided to the computer using input
devices like keyboard, trackball and mouse. Some of
the commonly used output devices are monitor and
printer.

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 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• CPU controls, coordinates and supervises the operations of
the computer. It is responsible for processing of the input
data.
• CPU consists of Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit
(CU).
• ALU performs all the arithmetic and logic operations on the
input data.
• CU controls the overall operations of the computer i.e. it
checks the sequence of execution of instructions, and,
controls and coordinates the overall functioning of the units
of computer.
• Additionally, CPU also has a set of registers for temporary
storage of data, instructions, addresses and intermediate
results of calculation.

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 Memory Unit
• Memory unit stores the data, instructions, intermediate results and
output, temporarily, during the processing of data. This memory is
also called the main memory or primary memory of the computer.
• The input data that is to be processed is brought into the main
memory before processing. The instructions required for
processing of data and any intermediate results are also stored in
the main memory.
• The output is stored in memory before being transferred to the
output device. CPU can work with the information stored in the
main memory.
• Another kind of storage unit is also referred to as the secondary
memory of the computer. The data, the programs and the output
are stored permanently in the storage unit of the computer.
Magnetic disks, optical disks and magnetic tapes are examples of
secondary memory.

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 Computer Memory
• Computer memory is the storage space in the computer,
where data is to be processed and instructions required for
processing are stored.
• Different types of memories are available in a computer. The
cache memory, registers, and RAM are fast memories and
store the data and instructions temporarily during the
processing of data and instructions.
• The secondary memory like magnetic disks and optical disks
have large storage capacities and store the data and
instructions permanently, but are slow memory devices. The
memories are organized in the computer in a manner to
achieve high levels of performance at the minimum cost.

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 Memory Representation
• Memory unit is the amount of data that can be stored in
the storage unit. This storage capacity is expressed in
terms of Bytes.
• Bit (Binary Digit): A bit is a single binary digit, i.e., 0 or 1.
A bit is the smallest unit of representation of data in a
computer.
• Nibble: A group of 4 bits is called nibble.
• Byte: A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the
smallest unit, which can represent a data item or a
character.
• Word: A group of bytes can be further combined to form
a word. A word can be a group of 2, 4 or 8 bytes.

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 contd.

1 bit = 0 or 1
1 Byte (B) = 8 bits
1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes
1 Megabyte (MB) = 1024KB
1 Gigabyte (GB) =1024 MB
1 Terabyte (TB) =1024 GB

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 Types of Memory
1) Primary Memory
2) Secondary Memory

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 Primary Memory
● Primary memory is the main memory of computer
which is used to store the information (programs
and data) that the computer is currently using.
Primary memory is categorized into two main types:
○ Random Access Memory (RAM), and
○ Read Only Memory (ROM)

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 Random Access Memory (RAM)
• RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the
CPU for storing data, program and program result.
• It is read/write memory which stores data until the machine is
working.
• Access time in RAM is independent of the address that is,
each storage location inside the memory is as easy to reach as
other locations and takes the same amount of time.
• Data in the RAM can be accessed randomly but it is very
expensive.
• RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch of
the computer or if there is a power failure. Hence a backup
uninterruptible power system (UPS) is often used with
computers.
• RAM is small, both in terms of its physical size and in the
amount of data it can hold.

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 Types of RAM
1. Static RAM (SRAM)
● The word static indicates that the memory retains
its contents as long as power is being supplied.
However, data is lost when the power gets down
due to volatile nature.
● SRAM need not have to be refreshed on a regular
basis in order to maintain the data. SRAM is used as
cache memory and has very fast access. SRAM uses
multiple transistors (four to six), for each memory
cell. It does not have a capacitor in each cell.

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 Characteristics of SRAM
• It has long life
• There is no need to refresh
• Faster
• Used as cache memory
• Large size
• Expensive
• Less power consumption

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 Types of RAM
2. Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
● DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed
(recharged) in order to maintain the data. This is done by
placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the
data several hundred times per second.
● DRAM is used for most system memory because it is cheap
and small. It uses transistors and capacitors. The transistors
are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. The capacitor
holds the bit of information 0 and 1.
● The transistor and capacitor are paired to make a memory
cell. The transistor acts as a switch that lets the control
circuitry on the memory chip read the capacitor or change its
state.

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 Characteristics of DRAM
• It has short data lifetime
• Need to be refreshed continuously
• Slower as compared to SRAM
• Used as RAM
• Lesser in size
• Less expensive
• High power consumption

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 Read Only Memory (ROM)
• ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory
from which we can only read but cannot write on it.
This type of memory is non-volatile. The
information is stored permanently in such
memories during manufacture.
• A ROM, stores such instructions that are required to
start a computer. This operation is referred to as
bootstrap. ROM chips are not only used in the
computer but also in other electronic items like
washing machine and microwave oven.

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 Types of ROM
1. MROM (Masked ROM): The very first ROMs were
hard-wired devices that contained a pre-
programmed set of data or instructions. These kind
of ROMs are known as masked ROMs which are
inexpensive.
2. PROM (Programmable Read only Memory): PROM
is read-only memory that can be modified only once
by a user. It can be programmed only once and is
not erasable.

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 Contd.
3. EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only
Memory): The EPROM can be erased by exposing it
to ultraviolet light for a duration of up to 40
minutes.
4. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable
Read Only Memory): The EEPROM is programmed
and erased electrically. It can be erased and
reprogrammed about ten thousand times.

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 RAM vs ROM

RAM ROM

Temporary Storage Permanent Storage

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 Secondary Memory
• Secondary memory is where programs and data are
kept on a long-term basis.
• Common secondary storage devices are the hard
disk and floppy disks.
• Secondary memory (or secondary storage) is the
slowest and cheapest form of memory. It cannot be
processed directly by the CPU. It must first be
copied into primary storage (also known as RAM ).

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 Types of Secondary Memory
• Magnetic Tape
• Magnetic Disk
• Optical Disk
– CD-ROM (Compact Disk - Read Only Memory)
– CD-R (Compact Disk - Recordable)
– CD-RW (Compact Disk - Rewritable)
– DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk - Read Only Memory)
– DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk - Random Access Memory)

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 Magnetic Tape
• Magnetic tape is the most popular storage medium
for large data, which are sequentially accessed and
processed.
• This type of device is still used for large data backup
because these are cheaper than other devices. Like
audio or videotape, the magnetic tape used in
computer system which can also erased and reused
indefinitely. Old data on a tape are automatically
erased, as new data are recorded in the same area.

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 Magnetic Disk
• Magnetic disk is a circular disk. The disk rotates with
very high speed inside the computer drive.
• Magnetic disks are most popular for direct access
storage device. Each disk consists of a number of
indivisible concentric circles called tracks.
Information recorded on tracks of a disk surface in
the form of magnetic spots.

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 Magnetic Tape vs Magnetic Disk

Magnetic Tape Magnetic Disk

The cost of magnetic tape is less. The cost of magnetic disk is high.
Access time for magnetic tape is more. Access time for magnetic disk is less.
Data transfer rate for magnetic tape is Data transfer rate for magnetic disk is
comparatively less. more.
In magnetic tape data accessing rate is In magnetic disk data accessing rate is
slow. high or fast.

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 Hard Disk
• The hard disk is direct-access storage medium with a rigid
magnetic disk.
• The disk is divided into number of tracks and each tracks are
divided into sectors. A hard disk uses round, flat disks called
platters, coated on both sides with a special media material
designed to store information in the form of magnetic
patterns. The platters are mounted by cutting a hole in the
center and stacking them onto a spindle. The platters are
rotated at very high speed, driven by a special spindle motor
connected to the spindle. Each platters consists of
READ/WRITE head to read and write data. The disks are
rotated at very high speed (usually around 7200 RPM-
revolution per minute.)

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Hard Disk

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 Optical Disk
• An optical disk is random access storage medium. It is
made of glass. Optical disks uses light technology where
laser beam is projected and reflected light is observed.
• An optical disk storage system consists of a rotating disk
which is coated with a thin metal or some material that
is highly reflective. This type of disk uses laser beam
technology for READ/WRITE data. Due to the use of
laser beam technology, optical disks are also known as
laser disk or optical laser disks.
• Unlike magnetic disks, which have several concentric
tracks, an optical disk has one long track, which starts at
the outer edge and spirals inwards to the center.

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Hard Disk

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 Types of Optical Disks
1. CD-ROM (Compact Disk - Read Only Memory): The data
is written onto the CDROM disk before it is sold and
cannot be changed by the user. CD-ROMs are used for
applications such as distributing software, digital videos
or multimedia products.
2. CD-R (Compact Disk - Recordable): A CD-R disk is blank
when it is supplied. The user can write data to it just
once. After data has been written to the disk it cannot
be changed. CD-Rs are often used for making
permanent backups of data and distributing software
when only a small number of copies are required.

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 Types of Optical Disks
3. CD-RW (Compact Disk - Rewritable): CD-RW disks can
be read from and written to.
4. DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk - Read Only Memory):
DVD disks are able to store much more data than CD
disks. DVD-ROM disks can be read from but cannot be
written to.
5. DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk - Random Access
Memory): DVD-RAM disks have all of the benefits of
DVD-ROM disks and can be written to as well. These
very high capacity disks are ideal for producing backups.
Because of their high capacity, DVD disks are used to
store high quality video such as complete movies.

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 Input and Output Devices
• A computer interacts with the external environment
via the input-output (I/O) devices.
• Input device is used for providing data and
instructions to the computer. After processing the
input data, computer provides output to the user
via the output device.
• The I/O devices that are attached, externally, to the
computer machine are also called peripheral
devices.

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 Input Devices
• The devices which allow users and other
applications to input the data and the programs into
the computer , for processing are known as "Input
Devices".
• Input device can read data and convert them to a
form that a computer can use.

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 Keyboard
• It is a text based input device that allows the user to
input alphabets, numbers and other characters. It
consists of a set of keys mounted on a board.
• Alphanumeric keys: Letters, and numbers Punctuation
keys: comma, period, semicolon and so on.
Special keys: function keys, control keys, arrows keys
cap lock key, and so on.
• For example the original PC keyboard has 84 keys, AT
keyboard has also 84 keys, similarly the enhanced
keyboard has 101 keys, other keyboard consists up to
104 keys

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 Mouse
• Mouse is the most popular pointing device. It is a
very famous cursor-control device having a small
palm size box with a round ball at its base, which
senses the movement of the mouse and sends
corresponding signals to the CPU when the mouse
buttons are pressed.

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 Mouse Actions
• Left Click: Used to select an item.
• Double Click: Used to start a program or open a file.
• Right Click: Usually used to display a set of
commands.
• Drag and Drop: It allows you to select and move an
item from one location to another. To achieve this
place the cursor over an item on the screen, click
the left mouse button and while holding the button
down move the cursor to where you want to place
the item, and then release it.

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 Trackball
• Track ball is similar to mouse except that it requires
less space than mouse. When space is limited
trackball is used.
• The user moves the ball directly, while the device
itself remains stationary. The user spins the ball in
various directions to effect the screen movements.
There are usually one to three buttons on trackball.
• Trackball is popular than mouse because it is
stationary so it does not require much space and we
can place it into any type of surface.

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 Joystick
• The joystick is a vertical stick which moves the
graphic cursor in a direction the stick is moved. It
typically has a button on top that is used to select
the option pointed by the cursor.
• Joystick is used as an input device primarily used
with video games, training simulators and
controlling robots.

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 Digitizing Tablet
• It is an input device used primarily to input drawings,
sketches, etc.
• Digitizing tablet is used for Computer Aided Design
(CAD) for the design of buildings, automotive designs,
and designing of maps, etc.
• Digitizing tablet consists of two parts: electronic tablet
and pen. The electronic tablet is a flatbed tablet. The
pen looks like a ball pen but has an electronic head.
• The pen is moved on the tablet. Each position on the
tablet corresponds to a fixed position on the screen.
Drawings can be made on the tablet using a pen, and is
provided as input to computer, where, a location on the
tablet corresponds to a specific location on the screen.

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 Light Pen
• It is a pen shaped device used to select objects on a
display screen. It is quite like the mouse (in its
functionality) but uses a light pen to move the
pointer and select any object on the screen by
pointing to the object.
• It uses a light-sensitive detector to select objects on
display screen.
• It is used for making drawing, graphics and for menu
selection. Figures and drawings can be made by
moving the pen on computer screen.

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 Touch Screen
• It allows the user to operate/make selections by
simply touching the display screen.
• Common examples of touch screen include
information kiosks, and bank ATMs.

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 Speech recognition Input Device
• The “Microphones - Speech Recognition” is a speech
Input device.
• To operate it we require using a microphone to talk to
the computer. Also we need to add a sound card to the
computer.
• A sound card translates analog audio signals from
microphone into digital codes that the computer can
store and process. Sound card also translates back the
digital sound into analog signals that can be sent to the
speakers. A speech recognition program can process the
input and convert it into machine-recognized
commands or input.
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 Scanner
• Scanner is an input device, which works more like a
photocopy machine.
• It is used when some information is available on
paper and it is to be transferred to the hard disk of
the computer for further manipulation.
• Scanner is used to input data directly into the
computer from the source document without
copying and typing the data. The input data to be
scanned can be a picture, a text or a mark on a
paper.

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 Optical Character Recognition
• OCR systems are made up of a combination of
hardware and software that is used to convert
physical documents into machine-readable text.
• Hardware, such as an optical scanner or specialized
circuit board is used to copy or read text while
software typically handles the advanced processing.
• It is most commonly used to turn hard copy legal
or historic documents into PDFs. Once it is done,
users can edit, format and search the document as
if it was created with a word processor.

CACS-101 91
 Optical Mark Recognition
• OMR is used to detect marks on a paper. The marks are
recognized by their darkness. OMR uses an optical mark
reader to read the marks.
• The OMR reader scans the forms, detects the mark and
passes this information to the computer for processing
by application software.
• The optical mark reader detects the presence of mark
by measuring the reflected light. OMR is widely used to
read answers of objective type tests, where the student
marks an answer by darkening a particular circle using a
pencil. OMR is also used to read forms, questionnaires,
order forms, surveys, etc.

CACS-101 92
 Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
• MICR is a technology used to verify the legitimacy or
originality of paper documents, especially checks.
• Special ink, which is sensitive to magnetic fields, is used
in the printing of certain characters on the original
documents. Information can be encoded in the
magnetic characters.
• The use of MICR can enhance security and minimize the
losses caused by some types of crime. If a document has
been forged - for example, a counterfeit check is
produced, the magnetic-ink line will either not respond
to magnetic fields, or will produce an incorrect code
when scanned using a device designed to recover the
information in the magnetic characters.

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 Barcode Reader
• Barcodes are adjacent vertical lines of different
width that are machine readable.
• Goods available at supermarkets, books, etc. use
barcode for identification. Barcodes are read using
reflective light by barcode readers. This information
is input to the computer which interprets the code
using the spacing and thickness of bars.
• Hand-held barcode readers are generally used in
departmental stores to read the labels, and in
libraries to read labels on books. Barcode readers
are fast and accurate.

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 Output Devices
• Output devices provide output to the user, which is
generated after processing the input data. The
processed data, presented to the user via the
output devices could be text, graphics, audio or
video.
• The output could be on a paper or on a film in a
tangible form, or, in an intangible form as audio,
video and electronic form.

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 Printer
• A printer is an external hardware output device that
takes the electronic data stored on a computer or
other device and generates a hard copy.
• Printers are one of the most popular computer
peripherals and are commonly used to print text
and photos.

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 Plotter
• Plotters are used to print graphical output on paper.
It interprets computer commands and makes line
drawings on paper using multicolored automated
pens. It is capable of producing graphs, drawings,
charts, maps etc.
• Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) applications like
CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer
Aided Manufacturing) are typical usage areas for
plotters.

CACS-101 97
 Monitor
• A monitor is an electronic visual computer display.
• The monitor is associated with a keyboard for
manual input of characters and displays the
information as it is keyed in. It also displays the
program or application output.
• Older computer monitors made use of cathode ray
tubes (CRT), which made them large, heavy and
inefficient. Nowadays, flat-screen LCD monitors are
used in devices like laptops, PDAs and desktop
computers because they are lighter and more
energy efficient.

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 Audio and Video Output
• Screen image projector or data projector is an
output device that displays information from the
computer onto a large white screen.
• The Audio output is the ability of the computer to
output sound. Audio output device are speakers,
headset or headphone.

CACS-101 99
 Interfaces
• Software Interface: When referring to software, an interface is a
program that allows a user to interact computers in person or over
a network. An interface may also refer to controls used in a
program that allow the user to interact with the program. One of
the best examples of an interface is a GUI (Graphical User
Interface). This type of interface is how you navigate your
computer.
• Hardware Interface: When referring to hardware, an interface is a
physical device, port, or connection that interacts with the
computer or other hardware device. For example, Hardware
interfaces refer to the connection and communication of different
devices. For example, a printer being connected to a USB port is
actually connected to the USB interface of the system. Another
example of a hardware interface is a graphics card plugged into a
PCI slot, which is using the PCI interface to connect and
communicate.

CACS-101 100
 Serial Port vs Parallel Port
Serial Port Parallel Port

Serial Port is used for serial data Parallel Port is used for parallel data
transmission. transmission.
Transmission speed of a serial port is slow Transmission speed of a parallel port is
as compared to a parallel port. quite high as compared to a serial port.
Wire connections to serial port are quiet No. of wires that are connected to parallel
less as compared to parallel port. port are quiet high as compared to serial
port.
A serial port is able to transmit a single A parallel port is able to transmit multiple
stream of data at a time. data streams at a time.
A serial port sends data bit by bit after A parallel port sends data by sending
sending a bit at a time. multiple bits in parallel fashion.
Modems, security cameras, device Printers, Hard Drives, CD drives use
controllers use serial ports. parallel ports.
CACS-101 101