Contents

Chapter 1 Types and components of a computer system

Chapter 2 Input and output devices
Chapter 3 Storage devices and media
Chapter 4 Networks and effects of using them
Chapter 5 Systems life cycle
Chapter 6 The effects of using ICT
Chapter 7 Safety and security
Chapter 8 Audiences
Chapter 9 ICT applications
Chapter 10 Communication
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1.1 Hardware:
Hardware is a general term for the physical components that make up a computer system, for
example keyboard, mouse, etc. Hardware can be either external or internal.
Peripheral devices: devices other than the CPU.

Internal Computer Hardware:

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU interprets and executes the commands from the
computer hardware and software. It is part of the motherboard.
A microprocessor is a single integrated circuit found in PCs and many household devices.
The CPU is made up of:
• a Control Unit: controls the input and output devices
• an Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): carries out calculations and make logic decisions 
Immediate Access Store (RAM)

Motherboard:
The motherboard is a printed circuit board found in all computers. The motherboard
allows the processor and other computer hardware to function and communicate with
each other. It acts as a kind of ‘hub’ that other computer devices connect to. It
contains several sockets and slots to connect the other components.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

1. Data can be written to and read from at high speed.
2. RAM is a volatile store (Information is lost when the power is switched off).
Uses: Stores programs and data in current use.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

1. ROM can be read at high speeds but nothing can be written on it.
2. ROM is non-volatile.
Uses: Used to store programs essential for the running of the computer. Programs that might be
stored on ROM include:
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• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) which carries out a hardware check when the computer
is turned on then loads the operating system into the RAM.
• Program cycles in a washing machine.
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor): battery powered non-volatile chips used
by the BIOS to store date and time.

Video Card
Video cards are usually made up of:
• a processing unit
• memory unit (usually RAM)  a cooling mechanism
• connections to a display unit

Sound Card
Sound cards use two basic methods to translate digital data into analogue signals needed for
speakers:
• FM synthesis mimics different musical instruments according to built-in formulas 
wavetable synthesis relies on recordings of actual instruments to produce sound.

1.2 Software:
Software is a general term for the programs that control the computer system. There are two types
of software: application and system.
a) Application Software: Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks. For example:
• Word processor is used to manipulate text documents.
• Spreadsheet is used to organise and manipulate numerical data.
• Database management system is used to organise, manipulate and analyse data.
• Control and measuring software
• Apps (short for Applications) refers to the type of software that runs on mobile phones or
tablets.
• Photo editing software
• Video editing software
• Graphics manipulation software

b) System Software: Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to
communicate with the computer. For example:
• Operating systems

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• Utilities help to manage, maintain and control computer resources. Examples:
o antivirus o anti
spyware o backup
of files o disk
repair o
screensavers

• Device drivers allow hardware devices to communicate with the operating system.

• Compiler translates a program written in high-level language into machine code to be

understood by the computer.

• Linkers are used to put all the modules together to form a final program.

1.3 Operating systems:

Tasks for a typical operating system:
• control the operation of the input, output and backing storage devices
• supervising the loading, running and storage of application programs
• maintaining security of the whole computer system
• maintaining a computer log (which details computer usage)
• allowing communication between the user and the computer system (user interface)

1.3.1 User interfaces:

Command line interfaces (CLIs):
CLIs require a user to type in instructions in order to choose option, open software, etc.

CLI is used by programmes, analysts and technicians to have direct communication with a computer
to develop new software, locate and remove errors, and so on.

Graphical User Interface (GUIs):

One of the most common GUIs is windows icons menu and pointing device (WIMP). Windows
create a border to the information. Icons represent files. Menus allow users to make choices and a
pointer to select choices.

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Touch screen phones use post-WIMP interaction, where fingers are in contact with the screen
allowing actions such as rotating.

GUI is used by the end-user who doesn’t have great knowledge of how a computer works.

Interface Advantages Disadvantages

CLI 1. The user is in direct communication 1. The user has to learn the commands.
with the computer. 2. All commands need to be typed in which
2. The user is not restricted to a number takes time and can be error-prone.
of predetermined options. 3. Each command must be typed using the
3. It is possible to alter computer correct format.
configuration settings. 4. It is more difficult to edit once commands
are entered.

GUI 1. The user doesn’t need to learn any 1. It uses up more computer memory
commands. than a CLI interface.
2. It is more user-friendly; icons are 2. The user is limited to the icons
used to represent applications. provided on the screen.
3. A pointing device is used to click on
an icon to launch the application – this is
simpler than typing.

1.4 Types of Computers:

1.4.1 Personal Computers (PCs) / Desktop Computers:
They are general purpose computers made up of separate components. Spare
parts are often cheap because they are standardised.

Advantages of desktop computers compared to laptop computers:

1. Spare parts are cheaper.
2. The desktop tends to have a better specification for a given price.
3. Power consumption is not critical since they plug straight into a wall socket and the larger
casings allow a better dissipation of heat.
4. Being fixed in one location, there is less likelihood of them being damaged.
5. Internet access is more stable since they are not moved around.

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Disadvantages of desktop computers compared to laptop computers:
1. They are not portable since they are made of separate components.
2. It is necessary to copy files when you want to do some work elsewhere.
3. Many components so clutters up the desk space.

1.4.2 Laptops / Notebook Computers:

The key features in a laptop are:
• low weight (to aid portability)
• low power consumption (and also long battery life)
• a processor that does not generate too much heat (cooling is very
important).

Advantages of laptop computers compared to desktop computers:

1. They can be taken anywhere since all the components are all together in one single unit.
2. Because everything is in one single unit, there are no trailing cables.
3. They can take full advantage of Wi-Fi.
4. Since they are portable, they can link into any multimedia system.

Disadvantages of laptop computers compared to desktop computers:

1. Since they are portable, they are easier to steal.
2. They have a limited battery life, so the user may need to carry a heavy adaptor.
3. The keyboards and pointing devices can sometimes be awkward to use.

1.4.3 Tablets
Internet access is usually through Wi-Fi or 3G/4G (mobile phone) connectivity.
Features of tablets:
• high-definition, anti-glare displays
• front- and back-facing cameras
• lower weight and longer battery life than laptops
• Bluetooth connection to printers and other devices
• flash (solid state) memory and cloud storage facilities to backup and synchronise data
sources
• sensors to carry out the following functions:
o proximity sensors to detect if a device is close to the ear to block unintended touches
o accelerometer, which detects movement and orientation of the device o can use
speech-recognitions systems.

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Phablet: A hybrid between tablet and smartphone.

Advantages of tablets compared to laptops:

1. very fast to switch on.
2. fully portable.
3. touch-screen technology means they are simple to use and don’t need any other input device.
4. don’t generate any heat - they use solid state technology.
5. 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 are received

Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops:

1. They often have limited memory or storage compared to a laptop.
2. They can be expensive to run if the internet is being accessed frequently via 3G/4G mobile phone
networks.
3. Typing on a touch screen can be slow and error-prone compared to a standard keyboard.
4. Transferring of files often has to be done through an ‘Apps store’.
5. Laptops support more types of file format than tablets, and also run more types of software.

1.4.4 Smartphones
Internet access is either by using Wi-Fi or 3G/4G (mobile phone) connectivity.

Advantages of smart phones:

1. They are very small in size and light in weight.
2. Can use them to make phone calls as well as connect 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 hundreds of Apps – this is similar to tablets but it is an advantage over compared to
laptops.
5. They have a reasonable battery life compared to laptops.

Disadvantages of smart phones:

1. Small screens make pages difficult to read and small keyboards make typing difficult and slow.
2. Web browsing and photography can drain the battery quickly.

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3. Memory size in most phones isn’t very large when compared to laptops and PCs – although it is
comparable to tablets.
4. Not all website features are compatible with smartphone operating systems.
5. Because of its small size it is much easier to lose (or for it to be stolen) a smartphone than laptops
or PCs.
6. The data transfer rate using mobile phone networks is slower than with Wi-Fi.

1.4.5 Smartwatches
Whatever is available on a smartphone is available on a smart watch.

Advantages of a smartwatch over a smartphone:

1. notifications are delivered straight to the user’s wrist
2. easy to use for monitoring fitness and health regimes

Disadvantages of a smartwatch over a smartphone:

1. large and bulky which can make them uncomfortable to wear
2. unattractive in design

1.4.6 Mainframe Computers:

The main features of mainframe computers are:
• they can have several CPUs
• they have very fast processor speeds
• they can support multiple operating systems
• they have huge amounts of storage capacity
• they have huge internal memories (several hundred gigabytes of RAM)  they often operate
using time sharing or batch processing

Uses of mainframe computers:

• banking
• insurance companies
• government departments

1.5 Impact of emerging technologies:

1.5.1 Artificial intelligence (AI) biometrics:

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AI biometrics uses dynamic profiling so a person doesn’t have to worry about getting their finger in
exactly the right place every time on the scanner. The system learns from the different alignments
and is therefore still able to match the fingerprints to those stored on a database.
Computerised facial-recognition systems are confused by soft biometric changes like growing facial
hair or wearing glasses. New systems use AI to learn from scanning a number of faces and pick out
these soft biometric features.

1.5.2 Vision enhancement:

Low-vision enhancement systems (LVES) use video technology through a headset connected to a
computers. The system allows images to be projected inside the headset in front of the eyes. This
brings the objects closer for examination by the user of the system.

Night vision enhancement (NVE) amplifies infrared light and visible light so that an image can
still be seen in apparent darkness. The military use this technology to carry out surveillance at
night.

1.5.3 Robotics:
They are used in car factories to weld cars bodies, spray body panels and fit items
such as windscreens.

Drones are unmanned flying devices that are used by both military and civilians.
The military have used drones in reconnaissance missions for a number of years.
Civilians use include surveying the landscape in 3-D for use with GPS, investigating
weather phenomena or search and rescue /fire fighting in natural disasters.

Robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with more precision.
With this technique, surgeons use robotics equipped with a camera arm and several
interactive mechanical arms.

1.5.4 Quantum cryptography:

Cryptography (encryption) is the science of making a message not understood by
hackers.
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Quantum cryptography is based on the use of photons (light) and their physical
quantum properties to produce a virtually unbreakable cryptography system. This
helps protect the security of data being transmitted over fibre-optic cables. It is based
on the laws of physics rather than mathematics.

1.5.5 Computer-assisted translation (CAT):

CAT uses two tools:
• terminology databases – linguistic databases that grow and ‘learn’ from translations being
carried out.
• translation memories – these automatically insert known translations for certain words,
phrases or sentences.
While not perfect, they are certainly more accurate than existing free online translators.

1.5.6 3-D and holographic imaging:

Holography is a technology that allows 3-D images (known as holograms to be produced).
The technology involves the use of:
• a source of laser light
• interference of light  light diffraction, and
• light intensity recording.

As a holographic image is rotated, it appears to move in the same way as the original object, thus
appearing to be in three dimensions (3-D).

Holograms have the following applications:

• engineering design (CAD)
• architecture (ability to rotate design through 360 degrees)
• simulations
• cinema (special effects)
• gaming (special effects)
• advertising
• holographic televisions (expected by around 2025, these should give a full 3-D experience
without the need of special glasses)

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• optical computers (these will operate at speeds that are trillions of times faster than current
technology computers).

1.5.7 Virtual reality:

Virtual reality is an artificial environment created by software. The user makes use of data goggles,
sensor suits, data gloves or helmets to get a feeling of reality.
Virtual is used in:
• military applications (e.g. training to use a new tank)
• education (e.g. looking inside an ancient building as part of a history lesson)
• entertainment (e.g. games where gloves, goggles or helmets are worn to give realism to the
scenario)
• engineering (e.g. seeing how new designs will look)
• media (e.g. special effects in films)
• scientific visualisation (e.g. looking at molecular structures in chemistry).

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2.1 Input devices and their uses

An Input device is a peripheral device which accepts data and sends it to the central processing
unit.

2.1.1 Keyboards:
Most data for computers is still typed on keyboards. Most keyboards use the QWERTY layout.
Typing data takes a long time and prone to mistakes (transcription errors).

Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce the health-related problems associated with standard
keyboards, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI).

The Concept Keyboard use icons or phrases instead of standard letters. They are
often used in fast food restaurants to make ordering easier.

Numeric keypads are used with applications where only numeric data is to be entered.
Uses:
1. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to key in PIN, amount of money, etc.
2. Mobile phones
3. Point-of-sale (POS) terminals in case the barcode reader fails to read the barcode 4. Chip and PIN
devices when paying by credit/debit cards

2.1.2 Pointing Devices:

Mouse:
The scroll button speeds up the process of moving through a document.
Optical mouse: The movement is detected by reflected light rather than the position of a moving
ball. It is robust because it has no moving parts and it doesn’t pick up any dirt.
Cordless or wireless mouse: transmits signals to a USB wireless receiver plugged into the
computer.

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Uses of a Mouse:
1. Opening, closing and minimising software.
2. Moving and deleting files.
3. Image editing, for example, controlling the size and position of a drawing pasted into a document.
4. Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection from a menu or an icon.

Touch Pad:
Touch pads are common with laptop computers.

Advantages:

1. Faster than a keyboard for choosing options.

2. No need for a separate mouse which aids portability and removes the need for a flat surface.

Disadvantages:

1. People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to use.

2. Controlling the pointer with a mouse is easier.

3. Operations like drag and drop are not easy with a touch pad.

Tracker ball:

It is like an upside down mouse. The ball is rotated by the user but in this case the
‘mouse’ stays still.

Uses of a Tracker ball:

1. people with limited motor skills, e.g. young children or people with disabilities.
2. much less space is needed than the mouse so often seen with laptops.
3. used in some luxury cars to select functions such as radio.

Advantages:
1. Doesn’t need the same fine control as a mouse.
2. Easier to use than a mouse if the operator is disabled.
3. More accurate positioning of the pointer than a mouse.
4. More robust than a mouse.
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5. Need less desk space than a mouse or keyboard.

Disadvantages:
1. Not supplied with computers as standard, therefore more costly.
2. User may need training since it isn’t standard equipment.

2.1.3 Remote Control:

Uses:
1. Remote controls are used to operate TVs, video players/recorders, DVD players/recorders,
satellite receivers, HIFI music systems, data or multimedia projectors.
2. They are used in industrial applications to remotely control processes, e.g. stop and start
machines.

Advantages:
1. Remote controls enable devices to be operated from a distance, which is useful for people with
disabilities.
2. Some chemical processes are hazardous, so it is safer to operate equipment from a distance.

Disadvantages:
1. People with limited hand/wrist movement can find them hard to use.
2. The signal between the control and the device can be easily blocked.

2.1.4 Joysticks:
A joystick is similar to a mouse and a tracker ball. Whenever the stick is moved, the
cursor moves in a similar direction on the screen.
Uses of a joystick:
1. Used in video/computer games
2. Used in simulators (for example, flight simulators) to mimic actual controls.

Advantages:
1. It is easier to navigate round a screen using a joystick rather than a keyboard.
2. Control is in three dimensions.

Disadvantage:
It is more difficult to control the on-screen pointer with a joystick than with a mouse.
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Driving wheel
Uses of a driving wheel:
1. Used in video/computer games (for example, car racing games)
2. Used in simulators (for example, car-driving simulators) to mimic actual controls.

Advantages:
1. Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements; it is more natural
2. The driving experience is nearer to how an actual steering wheel operates in real life.

Disadvantage:
1. more expensive than a mouse or joystick.
2. movements in the steering can be too sensitive, giving an unrealistic feel.

2.1.5 Touch screens:

A selection is made from a menu with limited options on the screen by touching part of it.
They are useful for users not used to keyboards.

Uses of a Touch screen:

1. Interactive white boards used for education are large touch screens.
2. Touch screens are used where selections are made on screen, for example ATMs, point of sale
terminals (e.g. at restaurants), public information systems at airports, railway stations, tourist
offices.
3. Personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, tablet PCs and satellite navigation systems use
touch screens.
4. Touch screens are used in computer base training (CBT) where selections are made in answering
on screen testing.

Advantages:
1. Touch screens enable fast entry of options.
2. It is user friendly method of inputting data, so no training is necessary.
3. Touch screens are tamper proof, preventing people from keying in information which could
corrupt the computer system.

Disadvantages:
1. There is a limited number of options to choose from.
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2. Using touch screens frequently can lead to RSI.
3. The screen can get very dirty with constant touching.

2.1.6 Scanners:
Uses:
1. Scan photographs and pictures for use in desktop publishing.
2. Scan part of a design to be used with CAD.
3. Used with OCR software to recognize different characters to be used with a word processor.
4. Scan in barcodes at POS terminals.

Advantages:
1. Images can be stored for editing at a later date.
2. Much faster than typing in documents again and no typing errors.
3. It is possible to recover damaged documents and photographs using appropriate software.

Disadvantages:
1. Quality can be limited depending on the resolution of the scanner.
2. They can be fairly slow at scanning.

2.1.7 Digital Cameras:

The images are stored on a memory card (solid state memory) and can be transferred to a
computer by:
• directly reading the memory card be a card reader attached to a computer or printer
• connecting the camera to the computer using a USB port
• using wireless data transfer (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth)

Uses:
1. Digital cameras produce photographs for transfer to a computer directly or to print out by
connecting directly to a printer.
2. Many digital cameras also allow short video clips to be produced.
3. Photographs can be uploaded directly into applications software such as desktop publishers.

Advantages:
1. Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a traditional camera.
2. Easier and faster to upload photographs to a computer.
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3. There are no expensive developing costs.
4. The memory cards can store several hundred photographs.

Disadvantages:
1. The higher the resolution the more memory is needed to store it.
2. Some cameras compress the images, reducing quality.
3. The camera user needs to be computer literate.

Video Cameras:
They are used to input moving pictures, often pre-recorded, into a computer. A video digitiser
converts an analogue video signal into a digital signal in the computer’s memory.

2.1.8 Microphone:
The input sound is converted to an analogue signal and then converted into a digital signal. The
computer’s sound card acts as an analogue to digital converter.

Uses:
1. Microphones are used to input speech for multimedia presentation software and web pages.
2. Input in voice recognition software. The software converts the speech into text that can be used
in a word processor or to input commands into a computer
3. Used as sensors to pick up sound in a burglar alarm system.
4. Used in video conferencing or Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)

Advantages:
1. Faster to read text than to type it using a keyboard.
2. If used in a voice-activation system, like in a car, it improves safety.

Disadvantage:
1. Voice recognition software is not as accurate as using a keyboard.
2. Sound files can use up a lot of computer memory.

2.1.9 Sensors:
A sensor is a device which inputs continuously changing physical measurements to a computer.
The information from analogue sensors needs to be converted into a digital form so computers can
understand. This is done using an analogue to digital converter (ADC).
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Sensors are used in monitoring and control applications. When monitoring, the data sent to the
computer is often transferred directly to a spreadsheet package (for example, taking measurements
in a scientific experiment, measuring atmospheric pollution, etc.).

Type of sensor Applications

Temperature Automatic washing machines, central heating systems, automatic
greenhouses, ovens

Pressure Burglar alarm systems, washing machines, robotics, environmental monitoring

Light Automatic greenhouses, automatic doors, burglar alarm systems,
street light control

Sound Burglar alarm systems, monitoring liquid and powder flow in pipes
Humidity/moisture Automatic greenhouses, environmental monitoring, factories where moisture
levels are crucial (e.g. manufacture of microchips, paint spraying)

pH Automatic green houses, chemical processes, environmental monitoring

Advantages:
1. More accurate readings taken when compared to human operators.
2. Readings are continuous – no break in monitoring.
3. Because it is a continuous process, any necessary action (control system) or warning (monitoring
system) will be initiated immediately.
4. Some processes are dangerous so it helps in preventing accidents.

Disadvantage:
Faulty sensors can give wrong results.

2.1.10 Graphics Tablet (digitisers):

A graphics tablet is used with a stylus to produce freehand drawing.
Uses:
1. Input freehand drawings.
2. In countries where the written language uses complex characters.
3. Used in CAD work.

Advantages:
1. It is possible to modify drawings before they are input.
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2. They offer a very accurate method of drawing.
3. The can record levels of pressure.
Disadvantages:
1. They are more expensive than other pointing devices such as a mouse.
2. It takes longer to produce a drawing than doing it with pen and paper.
3. Menus are often not very user-friendly.
4. Larger drawings are expensive to produce.
5. The touch screens are damaged easily.

2.1.11 Web Cameras (web cams):

A web camera is simply a digital camera that is used to capture still images and video
images. These images can then be transmitted to a computer where they are stored in a
suitable graphics format. If required, pictures can be used on a website.

Uses:
1. Chatting online.
2. Video conferencing.

Advantages:
1. They can be left on constantly, only being activated as required.
2. They allow people to keep in contact with each other without the need to travel.

Disadvantages:
1. They are often with poor quality.
2. They need to be connected to the computer.

2.1.12 Light Pens:

A light pen is a pen-shaped input device, held in the hand, which can detect the
presence or absence of light. A cursor can be moved by touching the screen with a
light pen.

Uses:
1. Light pens are used for selecting objects on CRT screens.
2. Drawing applications where a graphics tablet might be too big.

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Advantages:
1. Greater accuracy than touch screens.
2. Small so can be used where space is an issue.
3. Easy-to-use technology.

Disadvantages:
1. Problems with lag when drawing on screen.
2. Only work with CRT monitors.
3. Not that accurate when drawing.

2.2 Direct data entry (DDE) Devices

2.2.1 Devices for reading information from cards
Magnetic Strip(e) readers:
The stripe contains useful information, for example: account number, sort code, expiry
date and start date.

Uses:
1. Credit and debit cards have magnetic stripes that are used by ATMs or EFTPOS (electronic funds
transfer point of sale) terminals.
2. Security cards for entry to buildings, hotel rooms, etc.
3. Train and underground tickets use magnetic stripes.

Advantages:
1. Information can be input into the system quicker than typing.
2. More accurate than typing data manually.
3. Data is hidden from sight with a stripe, so is more secure than a printout.
4. Prevents access to restricted/secure areas.
5. Magnetic stripes are unaffected by oil, water, moisture, etc.
6. No moving parts – so physically very robust.

Disadvantages:
1. If the magnetic stripe get damaged (e.g. due to exposure to a strong magnetic field or excessive
use) the data is lost.
2. The card needs to be in close contact with the reader.
3. The information is not human readable.

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Contactless card readers:

Contactless debit or credit cards allow customers to pay for items worth up to $25 without entering
their PIN.

Advantages:
1. Faster transaction
2. Customers do not have to worry about incorrectly typing the PIN.
3. Retailers no longer have access to the customer’s credit/debit card information.

Disadvantages:
1. They are more expensive than normal credit/debit cards.
2. Can take money twice if the customer uses it as a chip and PIN card.
3. Transactions are usually limited to a small maximum value.
4. Transactions have been carried out without the card holder being aware of this while they were
just standing in the payment queue.

Chip and PIN reader:

These are a type of smart card readers, but tend to be used at EFTPOS terminals. They are
similar to the contactless system, except for two points:
1. The customer has to key in their PIN to make a transaction.
2. The cards do not make use of RF technology.

Uses:
Chip and PIN readers are used where payments are made using cards.

Advantages:
1. They allow secure transactions to take place, as without the PIN the transaction cannot proceed.
2. Chips are more robust than magnetic strips since the chip does not need to be in contact with the
reader.

Disadvantages:
1. If the customer forgets their PIN, the transaction has to be cancelled.
2. The card holder can be seen entering the PIN code.

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2.2.2 Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers

The RFID tag is made up of two components:
• A microchip that stores and processes information
• An antenna that is used to receive and transmit data.

Uses:
1. Livestock tracking
2. Retail – several tags can be read at the same time, thus speeding up the checkout process.
3. Admission passes
4. Libraries – books can be tracked in and out automatically by readers at the library entrance.

Advantages:
1. The tags can be read from a distance.
2. It is a very robust and reliable technology.
3. Very fast read rate.
4. Bidirectional data transfer.
5. Bulk detection is possible.

Disadvantages:
1. Tag collision
2. Radio waves are easy to jam or interrupt.
3. It is easy to hack into the data.
4. RFID is more expensive than barcode system.

2.2.3 Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

MICR is a system that can read characters oriented in a special ink.

Uses of MICR:
MICRs are used to process cheques in banking operations. The cheques are
gathered together and then read using a batch processing method.

Advantages of MICR:
1. Cheques are difficult to forge.
2. Cheques can be read even if they have been overwritten.
3. There is no manual input, thus errors are reduced.
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Disadvantages of MICR:
1. The equipment needed is very expensive.
2. Only certain fonts are accepted.

2.2.4 Optical Mark Recognition/Reader (OMR):

An OMR is used to input pen or pencil marks on a form. The position of the mark is stored in the
computer’s memory after being read by the OMR device.

Uses of OMR:
1. Multiple choice examination papers correction.
2. School registration forms.

Advantages:
1. No time wasted in typing.
2. More accurate than keying in the data.
3. OMR is more accurate than OCR.

Disadvantages:
1. The forms need to be carefully designed.
2. Forms are sometimes difficult to be filled.

2.2.5 Optical Character Recognition/Reader (OCR)

Optical character recognition (OCR) is the name given to software that takes scanned
text and converts it into a computer readable form.
Uses:
1. processing of passports and identity cards.
2. scanning in documents so that they can be modified using a word processor package.

Advantages:
1. No time wasted in typing.
2. More accurate than keying in the data.

Disadvantages:
1. The system still has difficulty reading handwriting.
2. It is still not a very accurate technique.
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2.2.6 Bar code readers:
The bar code readers are usually in the form of a barcode scanner and are often
built into POS terminals in supermarkets. Hand-held scanners or wands are used
if portability is required.

Uses of bar codes:

1. Printed on goods in supermarkets.
2. To identify library books.
3. Luggage handling systems in airports.

Advantages of using bar codes:

1. No repeated typing of prices so eliminates typing errors and wrong pricing.
2. No time wasted in typing so no long queues.
3. An itemized receipt is produced without having to type item description.

Disadvantages of using bar codes:

1. Relatively expensive system to administer.
2. Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic strips.
3. Only numbers can be coded in this way.

Quick Response (QR) codes

Normal bar codes can hold up to 30 digits, QR codes can hold over 7000 digits.
Advantages:
1. There is no need for a user to write down or key in a website address.
2. QR codes can store URLs that appear in magazines, trains, buses or even business
cards, providing a very effective method of advertising.

2.3 Output Devices and their uses

Output devices provide results in a suitable form after data processing. In many cases this will be
in the form of a hard copy (e.g. printed paper from a printer) or soft copy (e.g. output on a screen).

2.3.1 Monitors:
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Monitors:

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CRT monitors use an electron gun to fire against a phosphor screen, which creates a picture that is
made up of tiny dots. Each dot is coloured red, green or blue - the intensity of each coloured dot
makes up the vast range of colours interpreted by the eye.

Uses:
1. Where space is not a problem.
2. They are used with light pens to allow designs to be created on screen.
3. Where more than one user may need to view screen simultaneously such as in design use, e.g.
when several designers may need to offer suggestions on a prototype.

Advantages:
1. The angle of viewing is still better than with most TFT monitors.
2. They work with light pens in CAD/CAM applications.

Disadvantages:
1. They are heavy and present a safety hazard if not supported properly.
2. They run very hot and can cause fires.
3. They consume more power than modern TFT monitors.
4. They can flicker, which can lead to headache and eyesight problems with prolonged use.

TFT (Thin Film Transistor) Monitors:

The screen is made up of thousands of tiny pixels, which are made up of transistors controlled by a
microprocessor. Each pixel has three transistors, coloured red, green or blue.

Uses of TFT monitors:

1. laptops.
2. small offices where space is limited.

Advantages:
1. TFT monitors are lighter in weight.
2. They produce less glare and also emit less radiation.
3. They consume much less power and do no generate as much heat.
4. TFT monitors saves a lot of desk space.

Disadvantage of TFT over CRT:

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1. The image appears unclear when viewed from the side.
2. The definition is sometimes not as good as CRT monitors.

IPS (In-Plane Switching)/LCD monitors:

IPS technology is the highest performance panel technology available for LCD displays. The
specifications and details of IPS panel technology are considered best for high accuracy in colour,
contrast, and wide viewing angles.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Diode) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) monitors:
Modern LCD monitors are backlit using LED technology. This gives the image better contrast and
brightness.
LEDs have become popular because:
1. LEDs reach their maximum brightness almost immediately.
2. LEDs give a whiter light, which sharpens the image and makes the colours appear more vivid.
3. Monitors using LED technology are very thin.
4. LEDs last almost indefinitely.
5. LEDs consume very little power.

2.3.2 Multimedia Projector:

It displays data from computers, pictures from televisions and video/DVD
recorders. Multimedia projectors usually work with a remote control, but can
also use a cordless mouse.

Uses:
1. training presentations,
2. advertising presentations,
3. home cinema systems.

Advantages:
1. They enable many people to see a presentation rather than all of them crowding round a small
computer screen.
2. They avoid the need for several networked computers.

Disadvantages:
1. Images can sometimes be fuzzy.
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2. They are expensive to buy.
3. Setting up projectors can be little difficult.

2.3.3 Printers:
Laser Printer:
They rely on large buffer memories where the data for the whole document is stored
before the pages can be printed out,

Uses:
1. Most networked systems: low noise.
2. Most offices and schools: rapid, high quality and high volume of output.

Advantages of Laser printers:

1. They are very fast.
2. They give very high quality output.
3. They can handle very large print jobs.
4. Toner cartridges last for a long time, so laser printers can be a cost effective option if colour
outputs are not required.

Disadvantages of Laser printers:

1. Only really fast if several copies are being made.
2. Colour laser printers are expensive to run.
3. They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds that have been linked to health hazards in
the office.

Inkjet Printer:
Inkjet printers don’t have large buffers, therefore printing is done bit by bit.

Uses of Inkjet printers:

1. They are used in applications which require portability and low volume output and changing
cartridges is not an issue, e.g. small offices.
2. They are used in applications which requires very high quality output and where speed is not an
issue, e.g. Digital camera applications.
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3. 3-D inkjet printers are used in industry to produce prototypes.

Advantages of Inkjet printers:

1. They are cheaper to buy than laser printers.
2. The output is of high quality.
3. They are lightweight and take up little space.
4. They do not produce ozone and volatile organic compounds, unlike laser printers.

Disadvantages of Inkjet printers:

1. They are quite expensive to run, because the ink cartridges are expensive to buy.
2. The output is slow if several copies are needed, as there is a little buffer capacity to store the
pages.
3. Can’t do large print jobs because ink cartridges run out too quickly.

Dot matrix Printer:

They are impact where a print head presses against an inked ribbon.

Uses:
1. in noisy environments and in applications where print quality is not that important.
2. where multi-part stationery is used. For example, wage slips.

Advantages:
1. They are robust printers so can be used in dusty, dirty or moist atmospheres.
2. Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
3. They are very cheap to run and maintain.
4. They are easy to use if continuous stationery is required such as wage slips.

Disadvantages:
1. They are very noisy and so not good in an office environment.
2. They cost more than an inkjet to buy.
3. They are very slow and the printing is of poor quality.

3-D Printers:
3-D printers are primarily used in CAD applications. 3D printing is regarded as being possibly the
next ‘industrial revolution’ since it will change the manufacturing methods in many industries.

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They are based on inkjet and laser technology and can produce solid objects which actually work.
The solid object is built up layer by layer using materials such as powdered resin, powdered metal,
paper or ceramic powder.

The following describes some of the features of 3D printing:

• Various types of 3D printers exist; they range from the size of a microwave oven up to the size of
a small car.
• 3D printers use addidtive manufacturing (i.e. the object is built up layer by layer.
• Direct 3D printing uses inkjet technology; a print head can move left to right as in a normal
printer. However, the print head can also move up and down to build up the layers of an object.
• Binder 3D printing is similar to direct 3D printing. However, this method uses two passes for
each of the layers; the first pass sprays dry powder and then on the second pass a binder (a type
of glue) is sprayed to form a solid layer.
• Newer technologies are using lasers and UV light to harden liquid polymers; this further
increases the diversity of products which can be made.

Uses:
1. prosthetic limbs made to exactly fit the recipient
2. items to allow precision reconstructive surgery (e.g. facial reconstruction following an accident);
the parts made by this technique are more precise in their design since they are made from exact
scanning of the skull
3. in aerospace, manufacturers are looking at making wings and other parts using 3D technology;
the bonus will be lightweight precision parts
4. in fashion and art – 3D printing allows new creative ideas to be developed
5. making parts for items no longer in production, e.g. suspension parts for a vintage car.

2.3.4 Speakers:
Speakers can be connected directly to a computer or are built into the monitor or
casing (as in a laptop computer). They output sounds that are produced by, or
have been stored on, the computer. Digital data from the computer is converted
into analogue form using a digital to analogue converter (DAC). The signal is then amplified
through the speakers.

Uses:
1. Speakers are required to play sound files attached to multimedia presentations and websites.
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2. Speakers are used with home entertainment systems.
3. They can help blind people (together with speech generation software) through audio output of
text on the screen.
4. They are used to play downloaded sound files.

2.3.5 Control applications:

Control devices are used to control processes in conjunction with sensor input devices.
Actuators
Actuators are transducers and are used to take signals from a computer and convert them into some
form of motion, for example operating motors. Conversion of the digital signals form the computer
to analogue is required (using a DAC).

Motors
The motor is turned on or off by the actuator.
Uses:
1. Motors are used in many domestic appliances, such as automatic washing machines, cookers,
water pumps in central heating systems and automatic greenhouses to open windows and switch
on fans.
2. In industry, they are used to control robot arms.
3. In computers, they operate fans, disk drives and DVD drives.

Buzzers:
The buzzers are switched on or off by the actuator.
Uses:
1. Buzzers are used in cookers and microwave ovens to tell the operator when the cooking process
is complete.
2. They are used in burglar alarm systems to warn if intruders are present.
Lights:
The actuator is connected to the switch that turns the lights on or off.
Uses:
1. They are used for security lights.
2. Lights are used in greenhouses to control the lighting conditions.

Heaters:
Actuators are connected to switches which turn the heater on or off.
Uses:
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1. Automatic washing machines to heat up water.
2. Automatically control the temperature in an oven.
3. Control the heating in a central heating system.
4. Temperature control in an automatic glasshouse.

3.1 Backing up data:

3.1.1 What is a Backing up of data?
Backing up refers to the copying of data to a different medium. Backing up data should be regular.
Many computer systems can be set to backup files automatically on a regular basis.
Cloud storage companies use magnetic tapes or hard disk drives to backup clients’ data on a regular
basis.
The backups are often stored in a different place to the main storage.

3.1.2 Why Back up data?

• To safeguard against loss of data due to failure of the original secondary storage device due to
hardware failure, problems caused by files being overwritten accidentally or possible corruption
of files.
• To safeguard against damage caused by hackers.
• Backups are also made in case the files need to be used elsewhere; this protects the originals
against possible corruption or loss.
• Backups don’t guard against the effect of a virus.

3.2 Types of access:

3.2.1 Serial access: The process of locating a record by reading through all the previous
records so slow.
It is used in applications where speed of access isn’t important. For example, in utility biling,
clearing bank cheques or producing pay slips.

3.2.2 Direct access (Random access): Storing or retrieving data items without the need to
read through any other stored data items so fast.
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It used in applications where data access is vital. For example, in real-time operations such as
controlling a chemical plant or online systems such as booking air tickets.

3.3 Secondary storage media:

Secondary storage devices ensure that data is stored permanently so that it can be used again at a
later date.
Storage sizes or file sizes are measured in kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes and terabytes.

1KB = 103 bytes 1MB = 106 bytes 1GB = 109 bytes 1TB = 1012 bytes

3.3.1 Magnetic Storage Media Fixed/internal Hard disk drive

(HDD):
Uses:
1. Storing operating system.
2. Storing application software, e.g., spreadsheets.
3. On-line and real time processes requiring direct access, e.g., booking air-line tickets, robots, etc.
4. Used in file servers with computer networks.

Advantages:
1. They have very fast data transfer rate and fast access times to data.
2. They have very large memory capacities.

Disadvantages:
1. They can be easily damaged if he correct shut down procedure is not carried out.
2. Their read/write operation can be quite noisy compared to SSDs. 2. They lack
portability

Portable Hard discs:

Uses:
1. Portable hard disks can be used as back-up systems to prevent loss of data.
2. They can be used to transfer data, files and software between computers.

Advantages:
1. They have very fast data transfer rate and fast access times to data.
2. They have very large memory capacities.

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3. They can be used as a method of transferring information between computers.

Disadvantages:
They can be easily damaged if dropped. Also, incorrect shut-down procedure could lead to loss of
data.

Magnetic Tapes:
Uses:
1. Tapes are used in a variety of batch processing applications such as clearing bank cheques, utility
billing and producing payslips.
2. Tapes are used for backups of file servers for computer networks.
3. Used in long term archiving of data.

Advantages:
1. They are less expensive than the equivalent-capacity hard disk.
2. It is a very robust technology.
3. They have a huge data storage capacity.
3. The data transfer rate is fast.

Disadvantages:
1. Access time is very slow.
2. When updating another tape is needed.
3. They are affected by magnetic fields.

3.3.2 Optical storage media:

a) CD/DVD disks:
CDs (Compact Discs) are used for files smaller than1Gb such as music and general animation.
DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) are used to hold very large files (several Gb) such as movie films.
Both CDs and DVDs are portable and can store computer data. They have high storage capacity so
produce high quality pictures and sound needed with multimedia applications.
DVDs have higher storage capacity than CDs.

CD ROM / DVD ROM:

Data can only be read from the discs.

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Uses:
1. CD-ROMs are used to store music files, software, computer games and encyclopaedias
2. DVD-ROMs have much larger storage and are used to store films and arcade games.
3. CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs are used in applications where there is a real need to prevent the
deletion or overwriting of important data.

CD R / DVD R:
Disks can be written to only once.

Uses:
1. They are used for home recordings of music (CD-Rs) and films (DVD-Rs).
2. They are used to store data to be kept for later use or to be transferred to another computer.
3. They are used in applications where it is necessary to prevent the deletion or overwriting of
important data.

Advantages:
1. Cheaper than RW disks.
2. Once burned they are like a ROM.

Disadvantages:
1. Disks can only be recorded once, so if an error occurs then the disk has to be thrown away.
2. Not all CD/DVD players can read CD-R/DVD-R.

CD RW / DVD RW:
Disks can be updated.

Uses:
1. They are used to record radio and television programmes, but can be recorded over time and time
again.
2. They are used in closed circuit television (CCTV) systems.

Advantage:
Can be written over many times.

Disadvantages:
1. Can be relatively expensive.

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2. It is possible to accidently overwrite data.

b) DVD RAM:
Same properties as DVD RW but quicker access and data can be overwritten more easily.

Uses:
1. Recording devices such as satellite receivers.
2. In some camcorders to record movies

Advantages:
1. They have a greater capacity than CD/DVDs.
2. Writing and reading can occur at the same time.
3. They can be overwritten more times compared with the RW format.
4. Long life – about 30 years.
5. No need to finalise the disk.

Disadvantages:
1. They are not compatible with most DVD players.
2. They are more expensive than other types of DVD media.
3. They have been superseded by newer technologies such as solid state memories.

c) Blu-ray:
Blu-rays are used for storing films (movies). 25Gb equates to 2 hrs HDTV, 13hrs standard
definition TV. It is possible to playback video on a disc while simultaneously recording HD video.

Uses:
1. Home video consoles
2. Storing and playing HD movies
3. Used in many camcorders
4. Will be used for storage of PC data or backing up hard drives.

Advantages:
1. Largest storage capacity of optical media (25 Gb, 50 Gb, 100 Gb).
2. Data transfer rates are high.
3. Access speeds are higher with blu-ray players than with other optical devices.

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4. Blu-ray discs automatically come with a secure encryption system, which helps to prevent piracy.

Disadvantage:
1. Relatively expensive.
2. There are fewer movie titles on blu-ray format.

3.3 Solid state storage media:

Solid State Drives (SSD)
Solid state drives (SSD) are rapidly taking over from HDDs.

Advantages:
1. They are more reliable (no moving parts to go wrong) 2.
They are lighter (which makes them suitable for laptops)
3. They have a lower power consumption.
4. They run much cooler than HDD
5. They are very thin.
6. Data access is faster than HDD.

Disadvantage:
Most solid state storage devices are rated at only 20GB write operations per day over a three-year-
period – this is known as SSD endurance.

Memory Sticks/ Pen drives:

They can store up to several gigabytes of data. They are connected to a
computer through the USB port and power to operate them is drawn from
the host computer.

Uses:
1. They are used to transport files from computer to computer. USB Pen drive
2. They are used to take backups of data.
3. They are used as a security device - a dongle - to prevent software piracy.

Advantages:
1. Very compact and portable media.
2. Very robust.
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3. Doesn’t need additional software to work on most computers.
4. They are not affected by magnetic media.

Disadvantages:
1. Can’t write protect the data.
2. Easy to lose.
3. The user needs to be very careful when removing a memory stick from a computer.

Flash memory cards:

Uses:
1. Storing photos on digital cameras.
2. Used in mobile phones to store phone numbers, photographs, etc.
3. They are used in MP3 players to store music. Digital camera Flash memory card
4. Used as a backup store in hand-held computer devices.

Advantages:
1. Very compact and portable media.
2. Very robust.

Disadvantages:
1. Expensive per gigabyte of memory compared to hard disk drives.
2. Have a finite life regarding the number of times they can be read from or written to.
3. Have a lower storage capacity than hard disks.

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