Week: 2

Topic: Classification of Computer Hardware

Subtopics: Input, Output, Storage, Processing Units

1. Input Devices

Definition: Hardware components used to send data and instructions into the computer.

Function: Convert user actions or data into a form the computer can process.

Examples and interactions with the CPU:

i. Keyboard

ii. Mouse

iii. Scanner

iv. Microphone

v. Webcam

vi. Touchscreen

vii. Barcode Reader

i. Keyboard & Mouse: These are standard input devices used to send user commands and

navigational data. When a key is pressed or a mouse is moved/clicked, the device generates

a signal, which is transmitted to the computer via a wired or wireless connection. The device

driver interprets the signal and sends the corresponding data (e.g., character code, cursor

position) to the CPU for processing.

ii. Scanner: A scanner is used to convert physical documents or images into digital data. The

scanner captures an image using light and a sensor, converts the analog data to digital

format, and then sends the digital image data stream to the CPU via an interface (like USB).

The CPU then uses software to process and store this data as an image file.

iii. Microphone: A microphone captures sound waves and converts them into an electrical

analog signal. A sound card (or integrated audio interface) digitizes this signal into a digital

audio stream (sampling). This digital audio data is then sent to the CPU, which uses software
to process, record, or analyze the sound.

iv. Webcam: A webcam captures images and video in real-time. Like a scanner, it converts light

into digital data, but it does so continuously as a video stream. The webcam's hardware

compresses the raw data before sending the stream to the CPU via an interface. The CPU

then processes the video data for display, transmission in video calls, or recording.

v. Touchscreen: A touchscreen acts as both an input and an output device. When a user

touches the screen, sensors detect the precise location of the touch. This location data is

transmitted to the CPU. The CPU compares the touch coordinates to what is currently

displayed on the screen to determine the user's intended action (e.g., selecting an icon,

scrolling), in itiating the appropriate system response.

vi. Barcode Reader: A barcode reader (or scanner) uses a light source to read the pattern in a

barcode. It converts this visual pattern into numerical or alphanumeric data. The device

typically decodes the signal internally and sends the final, processed string of data to the

CPU, usually as if the user typed the number manually on a keyboard.

2. Output Devices

Definition: Hardware components used to receive or display processed information from the

computer.

Function: Convert machine-readable data into human-readable form.

Examples:

i. Monitor

ii. Printer

iii. Speakers

iv. Projector

v. Plotter

Differences between softcopy and hardcopy output

 Nature: Intangible, virtual file.

 Requires: Electronic device (computer, phone) and software to view.

 Storage: Digital storage (hard drives, cloud).

 Portability: Highly portable (can be emailed).

 Editing: Easily editable and copyable.

 Security: Vulnerable to hacking, data loss, cyberattacks.

 Examples: Word documents, PDFs, emails, e-books.

B. Hardcopy (Physical)

 Nature: Tangible, physical object.

 Requires: No device needed for viewing (paper, ink).

 Storage: Physical space (shelves, folders).

 Portability: Less portable, requires physical transport.

 Editing: Difficult to alter (requires reprinting).

 Security: Immune to cyber threats; vulnerable to physical damage (fire, water).

 Examples: Printed photos, books, reports, newspapers.

Storage Devices

Definition: Are hardware’s used to store data, instructions, and information permanently or

temporarily.

Classification

1. Primary Storage (Internal/Main Memory):

 RAM (Random Access Memory) – volatile (loses its data when power is off, acting as fast,

temporary workspace for active programs)

 ROM (Read Only Memory) – non-volatile (retains its permanent instructions even without

power, essential for booting up)

2. Secondary Storage (External/Auxiliary Memory):

ii. SSD (Solid State Drive)

iii. Flash Drive

iv. Optical Discs (CD, DVD, Blu-ray)

v. Memory Cards

i. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Technology: Uses spinning magnetic disks (platters) and a mechanical arm with a read/write
head to

store and retrieve data.

Characteristics: Offers large storage capacities at a low cost per gigabyte, but is slower than SSDs
due

to the mechanical movement involved. It is more susceptible to physical damage from drops or

shocks.

Use Cases: Ideal for bulk data storage, long-term backups, and in desktop computers and
servers

where large capacity is prioritized over speed.

ii. Solid State Drive (SSD)

Technology: Uses NAND flash memory chips (integrated circuits) to store data electronically,
with no

moving parts.

Characteristics: Significantly faster than HDDs, offers quicker boot times and application loading.
It is

more durable and energy-efficient, generates less heat, and operates silently. It is generally
more

expensive per gigabyte than HDDs.

Use Cases: Used as primary storage for operating systems and applications in modern laptops
and
desktops, for gaming, and in data-intensive tasks where speed is critical.

iii. Flash Drive

Technology: A portable storage device that uses flash memory.

Characteristics: Small, lightweight, and plugs into a USB port for easy data transfer between
devices.

It is a solid-state device, making it durable.

Use Cases: Commonly used for transporting documents, photos, and music files between
different

computers and devices.

iv. Optical Discs (CD, DVD, Blu-ray)

Technology: Uses laser technology to read from and write to a grooved plastic or metal disk.

Characteristics: These are a form of physical media used for distribution and long-term archiving
of

media content. They typically have lower storage capacities and slower access times compared
to

magnetic and flash storage. Most modern devices no longer include a built-in optical drive.

Use Cases: Commonly used for music distribution (CDs), standard video content (DVDs), and
high-

definition video or large data storage (Blu-rays).

v. Memory Cards

Technology: Tiny, removable storage devices utilizing flash memory.

Characteristics: Very compact and durable due to their solid-state nature. They are available in

various formats, such as SD and microSD cards.

Use Cases: Primarily used with smaller electronic devices like digital cameras, smartphones,
drones,

and handheld consoles to expand storage or transfer data.

Function: Hold data before and after processing for future use.

Processing Unit
Definition: The brain of the computer where data processing occurs.

Components of a Processing unit are as following:

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit): Composed of:

 ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations and logical operations.

 CU (Control Unit): Directs operations of the processor.

 Registers: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU.

 Motherboard: Main circuit board that houses the CPU and connects all hardware.

Function: Executes instructions, performs calculations, and manages data flow.

The Information Processing Cycle

1. Input → 2. Processing → 3. Storage → 4. Output

Each hardware category plays a role in this cycle.