Hardware & Software

Hardware

● the electronic, physical components that make up a typical computer

system. These may include input and output devices as well.
● Internal Hardware Devices:
○ Central processing unit
○ Processor
○ Motherboard
○ Internal memory consisting of; RAM & ROM
○ Graphics & Sound Cards
○ Internal Storage devices like Hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state
drive (SSD)
○ Network interface card (NIC)
● External Hardware Devices:
○ Monitor
○ Keyboard
○ Mouse
○ Printer
○ External Storage Devices

Software

● The techniques, methods, commands, and instructions that tell the device
what to do and how to do it. They are the programs that control the
computer system and process data.
● Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical objects.
Two types of software:

● Application software:
○ Provides services that allow the user to do specific tasks.
○ It can be general-purpose software or custom-made software.
(Specialist software)
○ E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, word processors.
● System Software:
 ○ The software is designed to provide a platform all other software can
run. For example:
1. Compilers: The software translates the High-level language
into Machine code (Language Processor).
2. Linkers: A Software that creates the links between Language
processors into workable solutions (Data definition language).
3. Device drivers: A software that enables the device to work with
another, externally connected device.
4. Utilities: A system software that provides the necessary
facilities (Antivirus, Scan Disk, Disk Defragmentation etc.)
5. Operating systems: To enable computer systems to function
and allow users to communicate with computer systems;
special software, known as operating systems (OS), have been
developed.

Analogue and digital data

Computers can only understand data in the form of binary digits (0,1); this is

commonly known as digital data. However, data in the real world is analogue, not

limited to two specific values.

The figures show how data changes in analogue and digital forms; analogue data

forms smooth curves, whereas digital data changes in discrete steps.

So, for a computer to be able to process real-world data, it first needs to convert

the received data into digital form. This is done by hardware known as ADC

(analogue to digital converter), and its output is given back in analogue form

using DAC (digital to analogue converter).

The Main Components of Computer Systems

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 ● The component of the computer that understands and executes hardware
and software operations. Nowadays, it’s also known as a microprocessor. It
is a single integrated circuit at the core of most PCs and is also present in
many household gadgets and equipment where some control or monitoring
is required.
● It consists of a control unit (CU) that manages the input and output
devices, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) that performs computations and
makes logical judgments, and tiny memory regions known as registers.
● It processes the input and produces the outcome of the processing in the
form of output.

Internal Memory

1. Random access memory (RAM): temporary memory storage, lost after

power is shut down, performs read and write functions, used to store data
that are currently in use, and can be increased in size to improve
operational speed.
2. Read-only memory (ROM): permanent memory storage, non-volatile, can
only be read from, used to store computer’s configuration data, such as
BIOS.
N.B: The BIOS (basic input/output system) stores the date, time and system
configuration on a non-volatile chip called a CMOS (complementary metal
oxide semiconductor) – this is usually battery powered.
Differentiating between Internal memories:

1. RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is a permanent one.

2. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.
3. RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only be read from.
4. RAM is used to store data, files, programs and parts of OS in current use.
However, ROM is used in storing start-up data.

Input & Output Devices

● Input devices are pieces of hardware that allow users to enter data into
computers.
● An output device displays the computer's output in a human-readable
format. For example, words on a printer or moving graphics on a monitor.
 Input devices Output devices

An input device is any hardware An output shows the result

that enables data entry. or solution of the input after
it has been processed.

An input device can only send An output device can only

data. receive data.

Input devices are necessary for a Output devices are needed in

computer to receive commands order to display the outcome
from the user for processing to of the processing that took
be permitted. place to the user.

Input devices are complex as Output devices are simpler

they must ensure proper as they only need to display
communication between the the finale.
computer and the user.

Backing/Secondary Storage

● Required to store significant amounts of data permanently.

● Most commonly in the form of Hard disk drives and Solid-state drives.
Differentiating between internal memory and backing storage:

1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is read-only, and backing
storage is permanent even without power.
2. RAM and ROM are much smaller as compared to backing storage.
3. RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing data than backing
storage.
 4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal memory.
5. Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage can be fixed or portable.
6. Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU while backing storage
needs to be moved into the RAM before being read by the CPU.

Operating Systems
● Controls operation of input, output & backing storage
● Supervises loading, running & storage of application programs.
● Deals with errors in application programs.
● Maintains security of the whole computer system
● Maintains a computer log.
Operating systems offer various types of user interfaces, for example:

1. Command line interface: user needs to type in commands to communicate

with the computer. The user is in direct communication with the computer.
Not restricted to pre-defined options. Possible to alter computer
configuration settings. Needs to learn many commands for basic
operations. All commands need to be typed in, which is time-consuming.
Very error prone, as commands must have correct format, spelling etc.
N.B: Mainly used by programmers who need to have direct communication
with the computer.
2. Graphical user interface: Uses WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing
device). The user does not need to learn any commands. It is more
user-friendly; icons are used to represent applications. A pointing device is
used to click on an icon to launch the application, this is simpler than
typing in commands. This type of interface uses up considerably more
computer memory than a CLI interface. The user is limited to the icons
provided on the screen. Needs a more complex operating system.
N.B: Mainly used by end-users who don’t have great knowledge of how the
computer works.
3. Dialogue-based user interface: use the human voice to give commands to a
computer system. no need for a driver to take their hands off the steering
wheel. In a home, it is especially useful for people with disabilities because
many tasks can be carried out by the spoken word only. Possible to use it
as a security feature because voice recognition could be used to identify a
person. Still unreliable, with many commands not being recognized or
needing to be repeated several times (especially if there is background
 noise). Can be quite complex to setup. User needs to know which
commands can be used.
4. Gesture-based user interface: relies on human interaction by the moving of
hands, head or even feet. Replaces mechanical input devices. No physical
contact is required. Very natural interface for a human operator. No training
is needed to interface with the computer. It is possible for unintentional
movement to be picked up. Only works near the camera or sensor
(maximum of 1.5 meters). May only accept a limited number of movements
(for example, it may take several attempts to determine exactly what finger
movements are recognized).

Types of Computers
Desktop Computers

● Desktop usually refers to a general-purpose computer that is made up of a

separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and processor unit. It is distinguished
from, for example, a laptop computer by the fact that it is made up of
several separate components, which makes it not very portable.
● Uses:
1. office and business work
2. educational use
3. general entertainment
4. gaming device
● Advantages:
1. They are easier and less costly to upgrade and expand.
2. Spare parts are standardized, which makes them cheaper.
3. They tend to have better specifications for a given price.
4. No critical power consumption because they plug into a wall socket.
5. Due to fixed positions, they are less likely to be damaged or stolen.
6. As they usually have wired connections, they have more stable
internet access.
● Disadvantages:
1. Not particularly portable because they are made up of separate
components.
2. More complicated because all the components need to be hooked up
by wiring, which also clutters up the desk space.
3. Because they aren’t portable, files must be copied to another
portable storage device to take work elsewhere.
Mobile Computers:

1. Laptop computer:

● (Or notebook) refers to a type of computer where the monitor, keyboard,

pointing device and processor are all together in one unit. This makes them
extremely portable. lightweight (to aid portability). Low power consumption
(and also long battery life). Low heat output (cooling is very important).
● Uses:
1. office and business work
2. educational use
3. used as a gaming device.
4. general entertainment
● Advantages:
1. Portability, all components are in a single unit so they can be taken
anywhere.
2. Because of one single unit, there are no trailing wires, and desk
cluttering.
3. take up much less room on a desk, so they can be easily used in
public spaces.
4. portability allows them to take full advantage of Wi-Fi features.
● Disadvantages:
1. portability makes it easier for them to be stolen.
2. limited battery life means user needs to carry charger at all times.
3. keyboards and pointing devices may be awkward to use.
4. not easy to upgrade, like adding more RAM.
2. Smartphones:

● Allow normal phone calls to be made, but also have an operating system
(such as iOS, Android, or Windows) allowing them to run a number of
computer applications (known as apps or applets). Smartphones
communicate with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by using
3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks.
● Uses:
1. They allow users to send/receive emails.
2. They allow users to use a number of apps.
3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take photos or videos).
4. They allow users to use a MP3/4 player (for music and videos).
 ● Advantages:
1. very small in size and lightweight, makes them portable.
2. connecting to the internet while on the move.
3. because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone networks, they can be
used almost anywhere.
4. they have apps which can tell instant location, which is a feature that
isn’t available in either desktops or laptops.
5. they have reasonable battery life.
● Disadvantages:
1. small screens and keyboards make pages difficult to read.
2. more difficult and slower when typing things in.
3. Web browsing and photography can quickly drain the battery.
4. Memory size in most phones is not very large when compared to
laptops and desktops.
5. Not all website features are compatible with smartphone operating
systems.
6. Because of their small size, it is much easier to lose a smartphone or
for it to be stolen compared to laptops or desktops.
7. The data transfer rate using mobile phone networks can be slower
than with Wi-Fi.
3. Tablets:

● They work similarly to a smartphone. The only main difference is that they
are somewhat bigger in size as compared to a smartphone.
● Uses:
1. They allow users to send/receive emails.
2. They allow users to use a number of apps.
3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take photos or videos).
4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for music and videos).
● Advantages of tablets compared to laptops:
1. very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting for the operating system
to load up).
2. fully portable – they are so lightweight that they can be carried
anywhere.
3. touch screen technology means they are simple to use and don’t
need any other input devices.
4. not much heat, they use solid-state technology.
5. The battery life of a tablet is a lot longer.
 6. when the power button is pressed, it goes into standby but remains
connected to the internet so the user still hears alerts when emails or
other ‘events’ are received.
● Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops:
1. tend to be rather expensive when compared to laptops.
2. they often have limited memory/storage when compared to a laptop.
3. typing on a touch screen can be slow and error-prone compared to a
standard keyboard.
4. laptops tend to support more file formats than tablets.
4. Phablets:

● Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a hybrid between a

tablet and a smartphone, referred to as a phablet. They have much larger
screens than a smartphone but are smaller than a tablet.

● Uses:
1. Entertainment (streaming of music, videos, and television programs).
2. Gaming (including group games).
3. As a camera or video camera.
4. Internet use (online sales, social networks, using QR codes, and so
on).
5. Sending/receiving emails.
6. Global positioning system (use of maps to navigate to a location).
7. Calendar functions.
8. Telephone banking (sending and receiving money using banking
apps).
9. Voice over Internet Protocol: telephone network using the internet,
which also allows video calling.
10. Instant access to social networks (social contact with friends no
matter where you are in the world).
11. Instant messaging.
12. Office and business management (allows rapid voice and video
communication).
13. Education use (using interactive software to teach or learn from).
14. Remotely control devices.
Laptops are the most expandable of these devices, while
smartphones are the most portable. Tablets and phablets fall
somewhere in between, offering a balance of portability and
 expandability. The choice of device will depend on your specific
needs and use case.

Impact of Emerging Technologies

● Artificial Intelligence (AI): There are many definitions of artificial
intelligence (AI). Essentially, AI is a machine or application which carries
out a task that requires some degree of intelligence. – the use of language,
– recognizing a person’s face, – the ability to operate machinery, such as a
car, airplane, train, and so on, – analyzing data to predict the outcome of a
future event, for example weather forecasting. Impact: Whenever AI is
mentioned, people usually think of science fiction fantasies and think of
robots. The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov even went as far as
producing his three laws of robotics: » Robots may not injure a human
through action or inaction. » Robots must obey order given by humans
without question. » A robot must protect itself unless it conflicts with the
two laws above. Everyday uses:
1. An autonomous (driverless) vehicle – we already have driverless
trains and autopilots on airplanes, but future developments include
driverless cars.
2. Robotic research is leading to improvements in technology to help
amputees and people with disabilities.
3. Robots are used to help people carry out dangerous or unpleasant
tasks – for example, bomb disposal, Negative impacts of AI:
4. Unemployment, robots are capable of doing tedious human tasks
with much more efficiency and excellence than humans.
5. Dependency on technology could lead to problems in the future.
6. De-skilling: tasks that used to be considered a talent are now part of
general, tedious processes that are done on a regular process by
machines.
● Extended reality: refers to real and virtual combined environments. The two
most common examples at the moment are: » Augmented reality (AR) is a
merger between the virtual and physical (real) world, it lays objects onto
the pre-existing objects. e.g., Pokémon GO! Impact: safety and rescue
operations’ training, shopping and retail (getting a better look at a car
before the purchase), healthcare (better understanding of a patient’s body)
» Virtual reality (VR) enables an entirely new world to be created, unlike AR,
this has no link to the actual surroundings of the user. It requires the user
to be specially equipped with a VR headset, joystick, and headphones.
 Impact: Military applications, educational purposes (looking at ancient
buildings), healthcare, media (interactive special effects in a movie),
scientific visualization (part of molecular structures/cells).

Input & Output Devices

● An input device is any hardware device that allows a user to enter data or
instructions into a computer directly.
● An input device can send data to another device, but it cannot receive data
from another device.
● Input devices are necessary for a computer to receive commands from its
users and data to process; they are under the user's control or can be
direct data entry.
Input devices can be complicated because they must ensure the user can interact

with the computer correctly.

1. Keyboards:

Uses:

● Input of data into applications software

● Typing in commands to the computer
Advantages:

● Fast entry of new text into a document.

● Well-known method.
● Easy to use for most people.
● Easier to do verification checks as data is entered (can immediately
compare the source document with typed data on the screen).
Disadvantages:

● It can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist use.

● Slow method when compared to direct data entry.
● A fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space.

2. Numeric keypads:
Uses:

● Automatic teller machines (ATMs), where the customer can key in their PIN,
amount of money, etc.
● Mobile phones allow phone numbers, etc., to be keyed in.
● Point of sale terminals (POS) in case the barcode reader fails to read the
barcode – the number has to be keyed in manually by the operator.
● Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards.
● Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.
Advantages:

● Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric data.

● Because many are small devices, they are very easy to carry around.
Disadvantages:

● Sometimes have small keys, which can make input more difficult.
● Sometimes the order of the numbers on the keypad is not intuitive.

3. Mouse:

Uses:

● Opening, closing and minimizing software

● grouping, moving and deleting files.
● Image editing, for example, controlling the size and position of a drawing
pasted into a document.
● controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection.
Advantages:

● Faster method for choosing an option rather than using a keyboard.

● Very quick way of navigating through applications and the internet.
● Does not need a large desk area when compared to a keyboard.
Disadvantages:

● It can be more difficult for people with restricted hand/wrist movement than
using a keyboard for data entry.
● Easy to damage, and the older type of mouse quickly becomes clogged up
with dirt.
● Difficult to use if no flat surface readily available.
4. Touchpad:

Uses:

● Opening, closing and minimizing software

● grouping, moving and deleting files.
● Image editing, for example, controls the size and position of a drawing
pasted into a document.
● controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection.
Advantages:

● Faster than a keyboard for choosing options.

● Used to navigate applications and the internet.
● Because the touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer, there is no
need for a separate mouse; this aids the portability and is a big advantage
if there are no flat surfaces available.
Disadvantages:

● People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to use.
● Can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a normal
mouse.
● Drag and drop operations are more complicated using a touchpad.

5. Tracker ball:

Uses:

● a good alternative to a mouse for people with conditions such as RSI.

● Used in an industrial control room environment.
● Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as radio.
Advantages:

● Does not need the same fine control as a mouse.

● Easier to use than a mouse if the operator has problems with their wrist.
● More accurate positioning of the pointer on screen.
● They are more robust than a mouse.
● Needs less desk space than a mouse or keyboard.
Disadvantages:

● Not supplied with the computer as standard, therefore more costly.

 ● Users may need training because it is not standard equipment.

6. Remote Control:

Uses:

● Televisions, satellite systems, DVD/Blu-ray players and Hi-Fi systems, to

alter controls such as volume, on/off etc.
● Used to control multimedia systems.
● Used in industrial applications to remotely control processes.
Advantages:

● It can be operated from any reasonable distance.

● Safer in some conditions, e.g., in chemically hazardous environments, we
can control and measure from safe distances.
Disadvantages:

● Difficult to use for people with limited hand/wrist movements.

● Physical obstacles can easily block the signal.

7. Joysticks:

Uses:

● Used in video games.

● Used in simulators, to mimic the actual controls.
Advantages:

● Easier than keyboards for screen navigation.

● In some applications, the control is more realistic than using a mouse.
Disadvantages:

● The on-screen pointer is more difficult to use.

8. Driving wheel:

Uses:

● Used in video games, especially car racing games.

● Used in simulators, to mimic actual vehicle controls.
Advantages:

● More realistic experience than both mouse and joystick.

● Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements.
Disadvantages:

● Rather expensive input device as compared to a mouse or joystick.

● Steering movements tend to be over-sensitive, which gives an unrealistic
feel.
● Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to steering wheel is
non-existent.

9. Touch screen (as an input device):

Uses:

● Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to choose from on-screen options.

● Point of sale terminals such as in restaurants.
● Interactive white boards in education.
● Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are selected during
on-screen testing.
Advantages:

● Faster entry of options than using keyboard or mouse.

● Very easy method for choosing options.
● User-friendly method – no training necessary in its use.
● Option to expand the size of the display if necessary.
Disadvantages:

● Limited number of input options available.

● Can lead to problems if an operator has to use the system frequently
(straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc. are all possible).
● The screen can get very dirty with constant touching.

10. Scanners:

Uses:

● Scanning in documents and converting into different formats

 ● Scanning in old documents to protect them, in case original is
lost/damaged.
● Scanning in photographs for storage
● Scanning in barcodes at POS terminals.
Advantages:

● Images can be stored for editing at a later date.

● When used with OCR, they are much faster and more accurate than typing
the documents in.
● Possible to recover damaged documents by scanning in and producing an
acceptable copy.
Disadvantages:

● Limited quality, depending on how good the scanner’s resolution is.

● Fairly slow input method, especially if color mode is selected.

11. Digital Cameras:

Uses:

● Taking photographs, still better than smartphones and tablets.

● Data-capture device, e.g., as a reversing aid in cars.
● Dentistry, to help capturing pictures for better diagnosis.
● The creation of virtual reality tours around houses, buildings etc.
Advantages:

● Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a traditional

camera.
● Faster to upload photographs to a computer than scanning in hard copies.
● Memory cards can store many thousands of photographs.
● No need to develop film and make printouts, saves money and is more
environmentally friendly.
● Unwanted images can easily be deleted from memory card.
Disadvantages:

● Need to be computer literate to know proper use.

● Loss of artistry due to clever software doing all the work.
● Images need to be compressed to reduce amount of memory used.

12. Microphones:
Uses:

● To input speech to be used in various applications.

● Input in voice recognition software for authentication.
● As a sensor, to pick up sound, in an intruder alarm system.
● Used in audio conferencing or VoIP applications.
Advantages:

● Faster to read in text than it is to type it in.

● Possible to manipulate sound in real time rather than working on a
completed recording.
● Improves security, if used as an authentication system.
Disadvantages:

● Sound files use up a lot of computer memory.

● Reading in data is more error prone than typing in.

13. Sensors:

Uses:

● Temperature sensors are used in automatic washing machines, central

heating systems, ovens, automatic glasshouses.
● Pressure sensors are used in intruder alarm systems, washing machines.
● Light sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, automatic doors, street
lighting control.
● Sound/acoustic sensors are used in intruder alarm systems, monitoring
liquid and powder flow in pipes.
● Humidity/moisture sensors are used in automatic glasshouses,
environmental monitoring, in factories where moisture levels are crucial.
● pH sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, chemical processes and
environmental monitoring.
Advantages:

● Readings are more accurate as compared to human operators.

● Readers are continuous, no breaks in the monitoring.
● Because it is a continuous process, any action or warnings needed will be
initiated immediately.
● Automatic systems don’t need human intervention.
Disadvantages:
 ● Faulty sensors can give spurious results.
● Most sensors are analogue; therefore, they require conversion using
Analogue to Digital Convertors.
14. Light pens:

Uses:

● Selecting object on CRT screens

● Drawing on screens
Advantages:

● Greater accuracy than touch screens

● Small, makes them portable as well as capable of being used in small
spaces.
● Easy-to-use technology.
Disadvantages:

● Lagging problems while drawing on screen.

● Only works with CRT monitors.
● Rather dated technology.

Direct Data Entry & Associated Devices

1. Magnetic Stripe Readers:

Uses:

● On credit/debit card for use at ATMs

● Security device to allow entry to buildings, hotels, etc.
Advantages:

● Faster than keying in data manually.

● Error-free, no human intervention needed.
● Secure information isn’t in human-readable form.
● Robust, there are no moving parts.
Disadvantages:

● If the card is damaged, the data is lost.

 ● Doesn’t work at a distance.
● As the information isn’t human-readable, this can be a disadvantage in
some cases.

2. Chip and PIN reader:

Uses:

● Where payments are made using cards

Advantages:

● It is more secure than contactless cards as the PIN acts as a second

security layer.
● More robust system than Magnetic Stripe Cards
Disadvantages:

● Be very careful so the PIN isn’t seen by anyone while being typed in.

3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader:

Uses:

● Livestock tracking
● Retail, instead of barcodes, as they don’t need to be scanned in.
● Admission passes.
● Library books, to acknowledge the books which have been borrowed.
Advantages:

● No line-of-sight contact is needed.

● Very robust and reliable technology.
● Very fast read rate.
● Bidirectional data transfer.
● Bulk detection is possible.
Disadvantages:

● Tag collision
● As they use radio waves, they are easy to jam/interrupt.
● Easy to hack into the signal.
● RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode system.
4. Optical Mark Reader/Recognition (OMR):

Uses:

● Used in MCQs checking.

● Used in reading voting papers.
Advantages:

● Very fast way of inputting survey results.

● It is more accurate because there is no human intervention.
● More accurate than OCR methods.
Disadvantages:

● Designing the forms can be complicated to ensure the marks are correctly
positioned.
● If there are problems, they need to be manually checked, which can be
time-consuming.

5. Optical Character Recognition/Reader:

Uses:

● Processing passports and identity cards.

● Converting hard copy documents into electronic form.
● Used in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.
● Digitizing historic hard copies for archiving.
Advantages:

● It is a much faster data entry system than manual typing.

● No human intervention, its error free.
Disadvantages:

● System has difficulty in reading different handwritings.

● Still not a very accurate technique.

6. Barcode readers:

Uses:

● Used in supermarkets for stock control.

 ● In libraries, to keep track of books.
● As a safety function to ensure checking of electrical equipment on a daily
basis.
Advantages:

● Much faster than manually keying in data.

● Allow automatic stock control.
● They are a tried and trusted technology.
Disadvantages:

● Relatively expensive system to administer.

● Not fool-proof, barcodes can be swapped between items.
● Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic stripes.

7. Quick response (QR) code scanner:

Uses:

● used in advertising to contain information about the advertising company.

● Wi-Fi authentication
● Used in restaurants, you can see the menu by scanning.
Advantages:

● hold much more information than normal barcode.

● fewer errors than with barcodes.
● QR codes are easier to read because the cameras can even read them on a
smartphone.
● It is possible to encrypt QR codes.
Disadvantages:

● More than one QR format is available.

● QR codes can be used to transmit malicious data.

Output Devices and Their Uses

1. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors:

Uses:
 ● Their large screens allow complex diagrams to be created in
Computer-aided design.
● Used with light pens to allow designs to be created.
Advantages:

● Can be seen at a wider range of angles, unlike LCDs.

● Allow the use of light pens.
Disadvantages:

● They are very heavy and bulky.

● They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended.
● They use a lot more power than LCDs.
● Their flickering can lead to headaches.
● Image burn-in is a common issue.

2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens:

Uses:

● Main output device for modern computers.

● Mobile phones, laptops, video games use LCD screens.
Advantages:

● Very efficient, low power consumption.

● Lightweight devices.
● Screens can made in various sizes.
● No flickering images.
● Very sharp image resolution.
Disadvantages:

● Colour and contrast from different angles are inconsistent.

● Motion blur is a common issue.
● Lower contrast than CRT monitors.

3. Touch screen (as an output devices):

Uses:

● ATMs
● POS terminals
 ● Information kiosks.
Advantages:

● Don’t need additional input devices.

● They are very interactive, and many functions, such as swiping, can be
done.
● They add a high-tech feel to devices and interfaces.
Disadvantages:

● They tend to get dirty with frequent use.

● Frequent use results in straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc.
● If large amounts of data are input/output, they aren’t very accurate, and the
interface isn’t very fast.

4. Multimedia projectors:

Uses:

● Training presentations to allow the whole audience to see images.

● Advertising presentations.
● Home cinema systems.
Advantages:

● More people can watch as they don’t have to crowd around a laptop.
● Avoids the need for several networked computers.
Disadvantages:

● Images can be fuzzy.

● Expensive to buy.
● Set-up can be complicated.

5. Laser printers:

Uses:

● In uses where low noise is required.

● If fast, high quality, high-volume printing is required.
Advantages:

● Printing is fast.
 ● They can handle very large print jobs.
● Quality is consistently high.
● Toner cartridges last for a long time.
Disadvantages:

● They are only considerably fast if several copies are being made.
● Color laser printers are expensive to run.
● They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds because of their

printing method and toner.

6. Inkjet printers:

Uses:

● Where low-output volumes are required.

● Where high-quality printing is required for single pages.
Advantages:

● High-quality output
● Cheaper than laser printers.
● Very lightweight
● Don’t produce ozone and volatile organic compounds.
Disadvantages:

● Slow output if many copies are needed.

● Can’t do large print jobs.
● Printing can smudge if user isn’t careful.
● Can be expensive if used a lot.

7. Dot matrix printers:

Uses:

● Used in environments where noise isn’t a major issue.

● Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
● Widely used in till receipts.
Advantages:

● Can be used in varying environments unlike laser/inkjet printers.

● Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
● Very cheap to run and maintain.
● Good for continuous printing.
Disadvantages:

● Very noisy
● Initial cost is more than an inkjet printer.
● Very slow, poor-quality printing.
8. (Graph) Plotters:

Uses:

● Producing architectural drawings

● Producing engineering drawings
● Drawing animation characters.
Advantages:

● Very high-quality output.

● can produce large, monochrome and color drawings very accurately.
● Can print on a variety on materials.
Disadvantages:

● Very slow printing.

● Expensive equipment to purchase initially.
● Have a very large physical footprint compared to a printer.

9. 3D printers:

Uses:

● Custom-made prosthetic limbs.

 ● In aerospace, if parts of the aircraft are made using 3d printers they can be
very lightweight.
● Making spare parts for items that aren’t now manufactured, e.g., parts of a
vintage car.
Advantages:

● Manufacturing objects has become much easier.

● Even though the initial cost is high, it is still cheaper than the more
conventional way.
● Parts for machinery that aren’t available can be made.
Disadvantages:

● Potential to make counterfeit items.

● Could lead to manufacture of dangerous items by almost anyone.
● Job loss potential.

10. Speaker:

Uses:

● Used in all phones and most computers.

● Helps visually impaired people.
● Plays downloaded sound files.
Advantages:

● Amplified sounds can be much louder than the original sound.

● Amplified sounds can be enough to be heard by a huge crowd.
● Very simple technology.
● They are especially useful for blind people, for instance, reading e-books.
Disadvantages:

● Speaker output can disturb irrelevant people in the same area, e.g., an
office.
● Sound quality is high only expensive speakers.
● They take up a lot of desk space.
11. Actuators:

Uses:

● Used to turn on motors, buzzers, and switches.

 ● Allow a computer to control physical devices,
Advantages:

● Allow remote operation of many devices.

● Relatively inexpensive devices.
Disadvantages:

● They are an additional device in the system that could go wrong.

● As analogue devices, signals need to be converted using a DAC.