Computer system

and I/O devices

 Concept of computer architecture

 The computer is a device that operated upon information or data. It is an electronic

device which accepts inputs data, stores the data, does arithmetic and logic
operations and provides the outputs in the desired format.
 The computer receives data, process it, produces output and stores it for further
references. So, a computer should have at least four major components to perform
these tasks. They are input, processor, memory and output.
 The design, arrangement, construction or organization of the different part of the
computer system is known as computer architecture.
 Computer organization refers to the operational unit and their interconnections that
realizes the architecture specification.
 A block diagram of the basic computer
organization has the following functional units.

Block diagram of computer architecture

Component of computer system

 A computer system consists of the following components:

 Input unit
 Processing unit
 Memory unit
 Output unit
Input Unit
 The input unit is formed by the input devices attached to the computer. Input devices are used to interact
with a computer system or used enter data and instructions to the computer.
 These devices convert input data and instructions into a suitable binary form such as ASCII, which can be
acceptable by the computer.
 In brief, an input unit performs the following function:
 It accepts data and instruction from the outside worlds.
 It converts these data and instruction into computer understandable from a binary form.
 It supplied the converted data and instruction to the computer system for further processing.
 E.g of input devices are keyboard, mouse, scanner etc.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 CPU is the component that actually responsible for interpreting and executing commands from the
computer hardware and software.
 it controls the operation of all other components such as memory unit, input and output devices.
 It simply accepts binary data as input and processes data according to those instructions and provides the
result as output.
 It is the logic machine. So, its main function is run the program by fetching instructions from the RAM,
evaluating and executing them in sequence. In summary, the function of CPU are as follow:
 Read instruction from memory
 Communicate with all peripherals using the system bus.
 It controls the sequence of instructions.
 It controls the flow of data from one component to another component.
 Performs the computing task specified in the program.
 The CPU has three components responsible for different function, these components are Control units,
arithmetic-logical unit (ALU) and Register.
 Control Unit
 The control unit provides the necessary timing and control signals to all the operations on the computer.
 It controls the flow of data between the CPU, memory and peripherals. It also controls the entire operation
of a computer.
 It obtains the instructions from the program stored in the main memory, interprets the instructions and
issues the signals, which cause the other units of the system to execute them.
 So, it is considered as a central nervous system of a computer that provides status, control and timing signals
necessary for the operation of other parts of CPU, memory and I/O devices.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit
 This is the area of CPU where various computing functions are performed on data.
 The ALU performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and
logical operation such as comparison AND, OR and Exclusive OR.
 The result of an operation is stored in Accumulator or in some register. The main functions of ALU are
as follow:
 It accepts operands from registers.
 It performs arithmetic and logic operations.
 It returns a result to register or a memory.
 The logical operations of ALU give the computer the decision-making ability.
 Registers
 Registers are the high-speed temporary storage locations in the CPU made from electronic devices such as
transistors, flip-flops, etc. So, registers can be thought as CPU’s working memory.
 Register are primarily used to store data temporarily during the execution of a program. These are the part
of Control unit and ALU rather than of memory. Hence, their contents can be handled much faster than the
contents of memory.
 Although the number of registers varies from computer to computer.
 Memory Unit
 This unit is also called storage unit. The data and instructions, which are entered through an input
unit must be stored on the computer before the actual processing starts.
 The result produces by the computer after processing is also kept somewhere before passed to the
output units.
 If intermediate results are produced during processing, it should be stored in somewhere in memory.
 In brief, the specific functions performed by the storage unit are as follow:
 It stored data and instructions, which are entered through input devices.
 It stores an intermediate result of processing.
 It stores the final result of processing before these results are passed to an output device.
 The storage unit of computers consists of two types of memory or storage: primary and secondary
storage:
i. Primary Storage
 Memory storage that communicates directly with CPU is called main memory.
 It is mainly used to hold data and instructions and as well as the intermediate result of processing which the
computer system is currently working on.
 Primary memory is volatile, that is, it lose its content when power supply is off.
 The Random access memory (RAM) is an example of a primary to main memory.
ii. Secondary Storage
 It is the memory that supplements the main memory.
 These are a non-volatile memory. It is mainly used to transfer data to program from one computer to another
computer.
 There is high capacity storage devices used to store data and program permanently.
 These are also used as backup devices which allows to store the valuable information as backup on which you are
working on.
 The examples of secondary memory are Magnetic Disk, Optical disk, etc.
 Output unit
 An output unit is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to
communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information
processing system (such as computer).
 Output unit converts the electronically generated information into human
readable form.
 In brief, an input unit performs the following function:
 It accepts data from the computer.
 It converts these data into human understandable form.
 It supplied the converted data to human.

 Examples of Output Unit

 Monitor
 Printer
 Plotter
 Speaker
 Some other topics on computer system are:
1. Hardware
 Hardware refers to the part of the computer which we can touch. It is the physical devices of the computer. It
consists of interconnected electronic equipment that controls everything the computer does.
 It includes input devices, input devices, output devices, processing devices and storage devices. Example of
hardware are keyboard, monitor, CPU, hard disk and RAM.
2. Software
 The software is the term used to describe the instruction that tells the hardware, what and how to perform a
task. Without software, the hardware is useless. Examples of software are Window 7, MS office, Internet
explorer, etc.
3. Data/Information
 The function of a computer system is to convert data into information. Data can be considered as the raw
facts whether in a paper, electronic or the other form that is processed by the computer. Information is
summarized data or manipulated or processed data.
Microprocessor

 A Microprocessor is a multipurpose programmable, clock driven,

register based electronic device that reads binary instructions from
a storage device called memory, accepts binary data as input,
processes data according to those instructions and provide results
as output.
 Every Microprocessor contains three essential parts or units. They are:
1. Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
2. Control unit (CU)
3. Registers
Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)

 The ALU is the area of the Microprocessor8e in which arithmetic and logic
operations are performed on data.
 The type of operation that is to be performed is determined by signals from
the control unit.
 The data that are to be operated on by the ALU can come from either the
memory unit or the input unit.
 Results of operations performed in the ALU can be transferred to either the
memory unit for storage or the output unit.
 Control Unit (CU)
• The control unit (CU) is a component of a processing unit
that directs the operation of the processor. It tells the
computer's memory, arithmetic/logic unit and input and
output devices on how to respond to a program's
instructions.
• This unit contains logic and timing circuits that generate
the proper signals necessary to execute each instruction
in a program.
REGISTER
A register is a quickly accessible location available
to a ALU and Control Unit. Registers usually consist
of a small amount of fast storage, although some
registers have specific hardware functions, and may
be read-only.
 Registers are normally measured by the number of
bits they can hold, for example, an "8-bit register",
"32-bit register" or a "64-bit register" or even more.
 General purpose of registers is to store data and
intermediate results during program execution.
There are several classes of registers
 Accumulator: It is most frequently used register used to store data taken
from memory. Its number varies from microprocessor to microprocessor.
 Memory Address Register (MAR): It stores address of data or instructions
to be fetched from memory.
 Memory Buffer Register (MBR): It stores instruction and data received
from the memory and sent from the memory.
 Instruction Register (IR): Instructions are stored in instruction register.
When one instruction is completed, next instruction is fetched in memory for
processing.
 Program Counter (PC): It counts instructions.
 I/O Register: It is used to communicate the input output devices.
Clock Speed:
 Every Microprocessor or CPU contains a clock along with Control unit(CU). The
Microprocessor execute the instructions and synchronize all the component of the
computer with the reference of clock signal. The frequency of the pulses is known
as clock speed.
 The Clock or System Clock is an electronic pulse generator that sends out an
electronic pulse in regular interval. The electronic component of needs these
electronic pulses in order to perform the task. And then, clock speed determine
the number of operations per second the microprocessor can perform.
 The clock speed is measured in Megahertz or Gigahertz.

 Word Length
 The number of bits that can be processed by a processor in a single instruction is
called Word Length. The word length depends upon the width of the internal data
bus, Register , ALU.
 The first commercial microprocessor Intel 4004 was 4-bit processor. 8-bit
microprocessor can process 8-bit data at a time.
 Currently most microprocessor used 32-bits or 64-bits Word length.
 Bus System
 A bus is a collection of wires, chips and slots inside the computer through
which data are transmitted from one part of the computer to another from
peripheral devices.
 It is also called a pathway in the computer on which data travels. It is a set of
parallel distinct wires, serving different purposes, which allow devices
attached to it to communicate with the CPU.
 The function of BUS are:
 It carries information from one component to another.

 It carries data, address or control signal.

 There are three main part of bus. They are

a) Control Bus b) Data Bus c) Address Bus
1. Control Bus:
 It carries the control signal. The control signal is used for controlling and coordinating the various
activities of the computer. It is generated from the control unit of the CPU.
 The control unit generates a specific control signal for every operation, such as memory read or
input/output operation or any Arithmetic and logical operation .
 This signal is also used to identify a device type, with which the microprocessor wants to
communicate.
 These are not a group of lines like address bus and data bus, but individual lines that provide a
pulse to control different operations.
2. Address Bus:
 Address bus carries memory address within the device. It allows the CPU to reference memory
locations within the device. It connects the CPU and other peripherals and carries only memory
address.
 In a computer system, each peripheral or memory location is identified by a numerical value,
called an address and the address bus is used to carry this numerical value as well as it also
contains a few control lines to carry control commands.
 The address bus is unidirectional, bits flow in one direction from the processor to peripherals.
 The processor uses the address bus to perform the first function of identifying a peripheral or a
memory location.
 3. Data Bus
 Data bus transfer data from one location to another across the computer. On
these lines, the meaningful data which is to be sent or received from a device is
placed.
 Data bus is used by CPU to transfer data. It may be 16-bit or 32-bit data bus. It is
an electrical path that connects the CPU, memory and other hardware devices
on the motherboard.
 These lines are bidirectional in which the data flows in both directions between
the processor and memory and peripheral devices.
 The number of wires in the bus affects the speed at which data can be travel
between hardware components. Each wire can transfer 1 bit of data at a time
and 8 wire bus can move 8 bit at a time, which is 1-byte data at a time. A 16-bit
bus can transfer 2 bytes. 32 bits can transfer 4 bytes and so on.
 MEMORY
 Memory is the part of the computer system that is used to store data or instruction
temporarily and permanently. The memory can be assumed as the set of boxes and
the boxes are numbered from zero upwards so that each box can be identified.
 Once data is stored in the memory of memory box, it holds there till it is replaced
by other data in the computer system. The computer cannot function without the
memory. So, memory is the key factor of the computer to run smoothly and nicely
and it is used to store data.
 On the basis of technological point of view, memory can be classified as below:
 Semiconductor Memory
 Magnetic Memory
 Optical Memory
1. Semiconductor memory
It is the memory that is built by using transistor and IC. It is faster, lighter, has smaller storage
capacity and consumes less power. It is used as the main memory of the computer. It has an
access time of about 50ns. Examples: ROM, RAM, Cache memory, etc.

2. Magnetic memory
It is the memory that consists of magnetic property for storing data. It stores data in the
form of magnetized dots. It is slower for read / write and cheaper than semiconductor. It is
used as the secondary or backup memory of the computer. Examples: Hard disk, Floppy disk,
Tape drive, etc.

3. Optical memory
It is the memory that uses optical property (light) to the read-write operation of the data. It
is slower and cheaper than semiconductor memory and used for mass storage and backup.
Example: CD, DVD, BD, etc.
 On the basis of function, memory can be classified as Primary Memory and Secondary
Memory.
❖ Primary Memory:
 Primary memory is also known as system memory or main memory or primary storage or
internal memory. Primary memory is the working area for the computer's processor.
 It holds data for processing. It holds instructions for processing data. It holds data after it is
processed waiting to be sent to an output or storage device.
 Features of Primary memory
1. It is used for storing data and programs for temporary.
2. It is normally used for smaller storages.
3. It is expensive and faster for read / write operations than secondary memory.
 Here are some of them that comes under the primary memory
1. RAM (Random Access Memory)
2. ROM(Read Only Memory)
 RAM (Random Access Memory)
 RAM is the read/write memory of the computer. It is used for both purpose read and write. It
possesses random access property that means CPU can access any memory location in a
random sequence form.
 It is a volatile memory. It stores data or information as long as power supply is on. But ,after
power supply is off, data will be gone.
 Ram is used to store:
1. Instruction waiting to be executed by CPU
2. Instruction currently being executed by CPU
3. Data Waiting Processing
4. Data Waiting output
 There are two types of RAM.
1. Static RAM(SRAM)
2. Dynamic RAM(DRAM)
 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
chips use a matrix of 6-transistors.
 It is expensive but faster for read/write than DRAM.it is typically used for CPU cache while
DRAM is used for a computer's main memory.
 Characteristic of Static RAM
• Long life
• No need to refresh
• Faster
• Used as cache memory
• Large size
• Expensive
• High power consumption
 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
 DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed 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 as it is cheap and small.
 All DRAMs are made up of memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor and one
transistor.
 Characteristics of Dynamic RAM
• Short data lifetime
• Needs to be refreshed continuously
• Slower as compared to SRAM
• Used as RAM
• Smaller in size
• Less expensive
• Less power consumption
 Read Only Memory (ROM)
 ROM stands for Read only memory. It can be used only to perform
the read operations. It does not have write access. It is non-volatile
memory i.e, the information stored in it is permanent and is not lost
even if the power supply is cut down.
 It is used for permanent storage of programs. The capacity of ROM is
comparatively smaller than RAM, it slower and cheaper than RAM.
 ROM stores “firmware,” which is permanent software. The
manufacturer fits a specifically designed ROM chip into a device
during the building process.
 There many kinds of ROM that are as follow:

• PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)

 It is a programmable memory that users can write data at once only. The user can store
permanent programs, data or any kind of information in PROM.
• EPROM ( Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)
 It is an erasable memory. Data stored on it can be erasable via passing the Ultra-Violet
light so that entire data will be erased.
• EEPROM ( Electrical erasable programmable read only memory)
 It is a memory that can also be erasable via electric signal. It can be erased and
reprogrammed on the byte by byte basis single data or the entire chip can be erased.
 Cache Memory
 Cache memory pronounced as cash, is a special high speed and expensive memory used in
CPU, so that CPU doesn`t have to wait for data to be delivered. The most frequently used
instructions are kept in the cache memory.
 Cache memory computer runs fast and smoothly. The cache memory is placed in between
CPU and RAM so that the speed of operation of main memory and cache memory together
can meet speed requirements.
 There are usually two levels of cache memory. They are:
 Level 1 (L1)
 L1 is smaller and the faster. Multi-level caches generally operate by checking the L1 cache first If it hits
the processor proceeds at high speed.
 Level 2 (L2)
 L2 is larger and the slower. If the smaller cache misses the next larger cache L2 is checked and so on.
Buffer
 It is a temporary holding area for data; unlike register it stores more
than one piece of data. It is normally used between the CPU and the
input/output devices. The purpose of a buffer is to hold data for short
period of time.
 Secondary Memory
 Secondary memory is non-volatile and has a lower cost per bit. It generally has an
operating speed far slower than that of primary memory. Secondary memory is also
called as "Auxiliary Memory".
 It is basically used to store a large volume of data on the permanent basis that can be
partially transferred to primary storage.
 Secondary storage is the storage device that is designed to store data and instructions
(programs) in a computer relatively in permanent form.
 It is non-volatile storage.ie. stored data and instructions can be retained even if the
power supply is cut off. It is also known as backup memory.
 Features of secondary memory
1. It is not directly accessible to CPU; it requires primary memory for its operation.
2. It is usually non-volatile memory.
3. It is usually cheaper and slower for read /write operation than primary memory.
 MAGNETIC MEMORY
 Floppy Disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape use similar technology for reading
and writing data.
 The surface of these devices is coated with iron oxide which reacts to the
magnetic field.
 The orientation of a magnetic field is used to represent data.
 To write data, the head is magnetized by passing current through a coil which
generates the magnetic field in the iron as the head passes over the disk or
tape. The head alters the polarity of an iron oxide particle to encode the bit.
 To read data from a magnetic surface the head passes over the disk, the
storage medium charges the magnet in the head which causes a small current
flow through the head in one direction of flow and data is sent from
READ/WRITE head.
 MAGNETIC DISK
 The Magnetic disk is the most common secondary storage
devices in a computer system. Generally, it is a random
access device.
 It contains circular disks, which is made of metal or a thin
plastic coated with iron oxide on both sides. It allows the
recording of data in the form of magnetized spots.
 The data are stored on the disks in a number of a concentric
circle called tracks. Tracks are divided into sectors. All the
tracks have the same number of sectors. The most common
magnetic disks are floppy disk and hard disk.
Flash memory
 Flash memory is used in small portable computers. Flash memory, or
flash RAM cards, consists of circuitry on credit-card-size cards that
can be inserted into slot connecting to the motherboard.
 Unlike standard RAM chips, flash memory is nonvolatile. That is, it
retains data even when the power is turned off.
 Flash memory can be used as not only to main memory but also to
supplement or replace hard disk drives for permanent storage.
 Optical Disk
 It is a removable disk on which data is written and read through the use of laser beams. A laser beam
is a concentrated narrow beam of light focused and directed on a particular location to read or write
data.
 It is used as backup memory.
 It has very high storage capacity and is relatively cheaper.
 It does not have any mechanical read/ write heads to rub against or crash into the disk surface. This
makes optical disk more reliable storage medium than magnetic tape or magnetic disk.
 Due to its compact size and lightweight, it is easy to handle, store and carry from one place to
another.
 Data access speed for the optical disk is slower than magnetic disk.
 There are three main types of optical media: CD, DVD, and Blu-ray disc. CDs can store up to 700
megabytes (MB) of data, and DVDs can store up to 8.4 GB of data. Blu-ray discs, which are the
newest type of optical media, can store up to 50 GB of data.
 External storage device

 An external storage device, also referred to as auxiliary storage and secondary

storage, is a device that contains data storage that is not inside a computer's
main storage or memory.
 An external storage device can be removable or non-removable, temporary
or permanent, and accessible over a wired or wireless network.
 External storage is often used to store information that's less frequently require.
 A external storage device consists of portable hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state
drives (SSDs) , Pendrives etc.
 Pendrive and Solid-state drive are similar to the flash memory technology
 Portable hard drive is similar to internal hard drive.
Input Devices

 The devices that are used to receive the data and instructions are called input devices. These
devices are used to input program and data to the computer.
 These input devices converts input data and instructions into a suitable binary form which can be
accepted by the computer.
 For ex: keyboard, mouse, scanner, MICR, Touch screen, etc.
 COMMONLY USED INPUT DEVICES
• Keyboard
 A keyboard is the primary input device through which instructions and data are entered into the computer.
 A keyboard is connected to the CPU with a cable. When a key is pressed, an electronic signal is produced which is
then detected by an electronic circuit called keyboard encoder. The main function of an encoder is to detect
which key has been pressed and to send a binary code to CPU.
 Most key board have following keys
 Alphanumeric keys(letters and numbers)
 Punctuation keys(comma, semicolon and so on)
 Special Keys(function keys, control keys, arrow keys, caps lock key etc)
➢ Some types of standard keyboards
➢ XT(Extended Technology): 83 keys
➢ AT(Advanced Technology): 101 Keys
➢ Enhanced Technology: 103 keys or more(multimedia)
• Mouse
 A mouse is a small input device which is used to point, draw and select items
that are displayed on the computer screen.
 The pointer of the mouse is called a cursor. As we move the mouse across the
screen, the cursor moves according to the movement of the mouse.
 Types of mouse are
 Mechanical Mouse
 Opto-mechanical Mouse
 Optical Mouse
• Scanner
 The scanner is an input device that needs images or text and converts the
data into digital signals. The image is scanned and converted into a format
that the PC can interpret.
 A scanner works by digitizing an image, dividing it into a grid of small dots
called pixel and representing each dot with RGB value for that pixel value by
binary bits which can be stored in a file and can be displayed on a screen.
• Bar Code Reader
 The Bar Code Reader is a device which is used to read a barcode field.
 Bar Code is a technology that uses white spaces and black bars to represent
encoded information. This encoded information can be read with an optical
device that converts the bars and spaces into an electrical signal which is
then decoded into the original characters.
 The bar code reader is used in labeling consumer products and books.

• Light Pen
 A light pen is a pencil shaped device which is used to select screen positions
by detecting the light coming from points on a screen.
 The light pens are still in use, they are not as popular as they used to be as
they have several disadvantages comparing to other input devices.
• OCR (Optical Character Reader)
 Optical Character Reader (OCR) is the device that helps in the recognition of printed or
written text characters by a computer.
 OCR is used for reading text from paper and translating it into a form that the
computer can manipulate.
 An OCR reader scans the document using the photoelectric device(camera) to convert
it into electric signals. These patterns are then compared with the stored patterns of
the characters which the reader can recognize. If a match is found, the character
scanned is identified otherwise, it is rejected by the reader.
 This device is widely used in airlines, banks, postal offices (for reading postal code),
etc.
• OMR (Optical Mark Reader)
 Optical Mark Reader is widely used device for scoring answers for multiple choice
questions.
 It can sense the presence of a pen or pencil mark. Special marks such as squares or
bubbles are prepared on examination answer sheets or questionnaires .
 The user fills in these squares or bubbles with soft pencil or ink to indicate their
choice. These marks are detected by the Optical Mark Reader and the corresponding
signals are sent to the processor.
• MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader)
 Magnetic Ink Character Reader has been used to read
documents that are written by a special ink made of a
magnetic material called magnetic ink.
 MICR is capable of reading characters on a paper written
with the magnetic ink which is magnetized during the input
process. The MICR reads the magnetic pattern of the
written characters.
 To identify the characters, these patterns are compared
with a special pattern stored in the memory. It is mostly
used in banks and postal services.
• Touch Screen
 Touch screen is a kind of screen which is sensitive to user’s
touch. One can use a finger to point the command or menu
displayed on the screen. It is widely popular on smart
phones and laptops.
o Microphone
 Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then stored in a
digital form.
 The microphone is used for various applications such as adding
sound to a multimedia presentation or for mixing music

o Digital Camera
 Digital camera is a camera that takes video or still photographs, or both,
digitally by recording images on a light-sensitive sensor. Many compact
digital still cameras can record sound and moving video as well as still
photographs.
 Output Devices
 Output devices are those devices which display the required result in simple words to the
users. The output device provides the output of data or information.
 The purpose of the output devices is to translate data and information from electrical
impulses to a human-readable format.
 There are two principal kinds of output. They are described below:
• Soft copy output
 It refers to data that is shown on a display screen or sound produced by a speaker. It is present in a digital
form on a computer. This kind of output is untouchable. It is temporary in nature. For example, content
displayed on a screen.
• Hardcopy output
 It refers to printed output printed on the paper or some material that can be touched and carried for being
shown to others. It is permanent in nature and can keep in paper files or can be looked later when a person
is not using the computer. For example, outputs produced on paper by printer or plotter in the form of text
or graphics, etc.
 COMMONLY USED OUTPUT DEVICES
 Monitor
 The monitor is display screen that is used to display text and graphics, allowing users to view
the result of the processing. It is the most common and popularly used output device for
producing soft copy output. It displays the generated output on a television-like a screen.
Monitor is classified on the following basis:-
 Classification of monitor on the basis of the colors displayed:
 Monochrome monitor: It basically processes only two colors, one for foreground and one for the background.
 Grayscale monitor: The grayscale monitor is a special monochrome monitor such that it can show the varying
intensity of gray against a white background.
 Color monitor: This monitor can display several million colors.
 Classification of monitor on the basis of their display technique:
 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor
 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitor
 Light Emitting Diode (LED) Monitor
 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitor
 A liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor is a computer monitor or
display that uses LCD technology to show clear images and is
found mostly on laptop computers and flat panel monitors.
 This technology has replaced the traditional cathode ray tube
(CRT) monitors.
 The liquid crystalline material is sandwiched between two glass or
plastic plates. The front plate is transparent and the back is
reflective.
 LCD is lighter in weight, not bulky but expensive compared to CRT
monitors. It consumes low voltage and power consumption.
 Light Emitting Diode (LED) Monitor

 LED monitor contains an array of light emitting diodes as a video

display. These diodes are turned on or off to display the output.
 Initially, it was used only for simple digital display like calculator,
digital watch. At present, it is the popular monitor for a television
set, desktop PC, laptop, mobile phones, tablet PC.
 Printer
 The printer is a peripheral device used to print text, picture, illustration, figure and image. It
is used to produce hard copy output i.e. in the permanent readable form. There are two
types of printers. They are Impact printer and Non-impact printer.
 An impact printer has mechanism resembling that of a typewriter. The efficiency of impact
printer is less as compared to the non-impact printer because it uses electrical energy
which is further converted into heat and sound. It is slow while printing. It uses ink ribbon
for printing.
 A non-impact printer is faster and quieter than impact printer because they have fewer
moving parts. It is faster than an impact printer. It produces low noise compared to impact
printer. It can not produce multiple copies at the same time. It uses liquid or powder ink for
printing.
 The examples of printers are described below:
 DOT MATRIX PRINTER
 It is an impact type character printer. It prints character by the combination of dots where each dot
is printed when the hammer strikes the printing material. It can print both image and text of
different font and size. It is appropriate for low volume printing. It is usually available in three
operating modes: fast, medium and slow. Faster speed will have low printing quality.
 Merits:
• It can print both image and text of different font and size.
• Its operating cost is low.
• It can print multiple copies at the same time using carbon paper.
 Demerits:
• It is noisy, slower.
• It has low printing quality.
• It can print single color only.
• It is not appropriate for large volume printing.
 Laser Printer
 A laser printer is a Non-impact page printer. An entire page is printed at a
time.
 It produces a high-quality print. This printer has print resolution range
from 300 to more than 2400 dpi.
 It is expensive than other printers. A laser printer also uses the principle of
dot-matrix printers in creating dot-like images.
 They produce high quality print of both text and graphics. They can print
4-20 pages per minute for individual microcomputers.
 Inkjet Printer
 Inkjet printers are Non-impact printer that spray microscopic droplets of
ink onto paper. Inkjet printers are generally cheaper, smaller, and can be
used to print both text documents and high quality colored images,
especially photos.
 Inkjet printers have many advantages. Compared to most printers, they are
affordable and easy to use. Similar to laser printers, inkjet printers are quiet.
They are great image printers and are quick starters.
 There are certain disadvantages for inkjet printers. The print head is less
durable in most cases. Inkjet printer ink is expensive . Also, compared to
laser printers, they are slow to work and thus are not considered suitable for
high-volume printing.
 Speaker
 Speakers are one of the most common output devices used with computer
systems.
 Speakers are transducers that convert Electric signal into sound waves.
 The multimedia system without speaker is incomplete. The audio
output of the computer system comes through the speakers.
 This enables audible alerts to be given to the user, as well as the
playback of other sounds and music.
 INTERFACES AND PORTS

 A special piece of circuitry that is fitted inside a computer and

sits between the computer and the port is called interface.
 The purpose of an interface is to provide a meaningful
connection between computer and port where the peripheral
devices are connected.
 TYPES OF INTERFACES
 There are two types of interfaces. They are:
• Serial interface
• Parallel interface
 Serial Interface
 The serial interface is an interface which transfers one bit of
data at a time. In a serial interface, only one line or a pair of
lines are used to transmit a data. It is used for low-speed
peripherals. Normally, serial interface is found in 9 pins. In the
serial interface, data is transferred serially. So, the speed is
slow.
 Parallel Interface
 The interface which transfers set of a bit at a time is called
parallel interface. In a parallel interface, there are multiple
lines to connect the peripheral to the port. A parallel interface
is used to transfer data at a faster rate for high-speed
peripherals such as a printer; disk and tape.
 Port
 A port is a socket on the outside of the system unit that is connected to an expansion board on the inside of
the system unit. A port allows connecting a peripheral device such as a monitor, printer, or modem so that it
can communicate with the computer system.
 Port is defined as a connection point on a computer where we can connect a device that passes data in and
out of a computer. For example- a printer is typically connected to a parallel port (also called LPT port),
and a modem is typically connected to a serial port (also called a COM port (COM1, COM2)).
 FUNCTIONSOF PORTS
 Ports are the connecting peripheral devices.
 Ports are used to transmit data to and from peripheral devices.
 It provides electrical power to those devices having low power requirement such as a mouse, keyboard, pen
drive, etc.
 Some of the popular communication ports are given
below:
 Parallel port
 A parallel port allows lines to be connected that will enable 8 bits to be
transferred simultaneously, like cars on an eight lane highway. It moves
information faster than the serial lines.
 It can be used to transfer data efficiently only up to 15 feet. Thus, parallel ports
are used principally for faster speed devices such as connecting printers.

 Serial Port
 A serial port enables a line to be connected that will send bits one after the other
on the single line, like cars on a one lane highway. Serial lines are used to link
slow speed devices and equipment that is not close by.
 Serial ports are used principally for communications lines, modems and mice.
They are frequently labeled COM for communications purpose.
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)
 Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial bus standard to connect
devices to a host computer.
 It was designed to allow many peripherals to be connected
using a single standardized interfaces socket, to improve plug
and play capabilities that allows devices to get connected and
disconnected without powering off the computer.
 It includes providing power to low-consumption devices
eliminating the need for an external power supply and
allowing many devices to be used without requiring
manufacture-specific drivers to be installed.
 HDMI
 HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and
is the most frequently used HD signal for transferring both
high definition audio and video over a single cable.
 It is used both in the commercial sector and is the most used
cable in homes connecting devices such as digital TV, DVD
player, Blue Ray player, Play station with the television or
projector .
 Expansion slot
 An expansion slot refers to any of the slots on a
motherboard that can hold an expansion card to expand
the computer's functionality, like a video card, network
card, or sound card.
 The expansion card is plugged directly into
the expansion port so that the motherboard has direct
access to the hardware.