A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs

operations, displays results, and stores the data or results as needed.

It is a combination of hardware and software resources that
integrate and provide various functionalities to the user. Hardware is
the physical components of a computer, such as a processor, memory
devices, monitor, keyboard, etc., while software is a set of programs
or instructions that are required by the hardware resources to
function properly.

Hardware and Software

Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements
that constitute a computer system.
Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or
components of a computer such as monitor,
keyboard, Computer data storage, hard drive disk, mouse,
system unit (graphic cards, sound
cards, memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which
are physical objects that you can
actually touch.
Computer Hardware are broadly divided into four types
 Input Devices :
Hardware used to input data into computer system like
keyboard, mouse
 Output Devices
Hardware used to output processed data from computer
system like Monitor, printer
 Storage Devices
Hardware used to store the data like hard disk ,Pen, Drive,
CD
 System Unit: Hardware present in System Unit Like
CPU , Motherboard, Graphics Card, Data Bus, System
Cables, Ports etc.
Computer software is a set of programs, procedures, code and related
data that provide the instructions for telling computer hardware what to do and how to do it
Software are broadly divided into two types
o System Software: System software is any computer software which manages and
controls computer hardware so that application software can perform a task. Operating
systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or Linux, are prominent examples of
system software
o Application Software application software are programs that enable the end-user to
perform specific, productive tasks, such as MS Word for word processing or Photoshop
for image manipulation.
Office
Windows XP
Windows. 2002
Windows

Hardware and Software have a symbiotic relationship, this means that without software
hardware is very limited; and without hardware, software wouldn't be able to run at all. They
need each other to fulfill their potential.

Table of Content
 Components of a Computer
o 1. Input Unit
o 2. Central Processing Unit
o 3. Output Unit
  Characteristics of a Computer

Components of a Computer
There are basically three important components of a computer:
1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit(CPU)
3. Output Unit

1. Input Unit:
The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the
computer. These devices take input and convert it into binary
language that the computer understands. Some of the common input
devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc.
 The Input Unit is formed by attaching one or more input
devices to a computer.
 A user input data and instructions through input devices such
as a keyboard, mouse, etc.
 The input unit is used to provide data to the processor for
further processing.

Different Types of Input Devices

Various types of Input Devices are,
Keyboard
For entering data into a computer, the keyboard is the most common
and commonly used input device. It contains various keys for entering
letters, numbers, and characters. Although there are some additional
keys for completing various activities, the keyboard layout is identical
to that of a standard typewriter. It is generally available in two
different sizes 84 keys or 101/102 keys and for Windows and the
Internet, it is also available with 104 keys or 108 keys. It is connected
to a computer system with the help of a USB or a Bluetooth device.
The keys on the keyboard are
  Numeric Keys: These keys are used to enter numeric data
and move the cursor. It is typically made up of 17 keys.
 Keyboard Shortcuts: These keys include the letter keys (A-
Z) and the number keys (09).
 Control Keys: The pointer and the screen are controlled by
these keys. It comes with four directional arrow keys. Control
keys include Home, End, Insert, Alternate(Alt), Delete,
Control(Ctrl), and Escape.
 Special Keys: Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, NumLk, Tab, and Print
Screen are some of the special function keys on the keyboard.
 Function Keys: The 12 keys from F1 to F12 are on the
topmost row of the keyboard.

Characteristics of Keyboard
 The keyboard has various functions keys for a different
purpose
 Instead of using the mouse, we can utilize the arrow keys on
the keyboard to do the same purpose as the mouse.
 The main keyboard, cursor keys, numeric keypad, and
function keys are the four primary components of a keyboard.
 Keyboards are more affordable.
Mouse
The mouse is the most used pointing device. While clicking and
dragging, the mouse moves a little cursor across the screen. If you let
off of the mouse, the cursor will come to a halt. You must move the
mouse for the computer to move; it will not move on its own. As a
result, it’s a device that accepts input. Or we can say that a mouse is
an input device that allows you to control the coordinates and
movement of the on-screen cursor/pointer by moving the mouse on a
flat surface. The left mouse button can be used to pick or move items,
while the right mouse button displays additional menus when clicked.
It was invented in 1963 by Douglas C. Engelbart.
Generally, the mouse is of four types
 Trackball Mouse
 Mechanical Mouse
 Optical Mouse
 Wireless Mouse
Characteristics of Mouse
 A mouse is used to move the cursor on the screen in the
desired direction.
 A mouse allows users to choose files, folders, or multiple files
or text or, all at once.
 Hover over any object with the mouse pointer.
 A mouse can be used to open a file, folder, etc. You must first
move your pointer to a file, folder, and then double-click on it
to open or execute.

Joystick
A pointing device used to move the cursor around the screen is the
joystick. Both the bottom and top ends of the stick have a spherical
ball affixed to them. A socket contains the lower spherical ball. You
can adjust the joystick in all directions. Trackballs became quite
popular in laptops and PCs since they fit neatly inside the case and
take up less room when in use. They are more precise and long-
lasting than a mouse, which is why they are still utilized. It is invented
by C.B.Mirick.
Characteristics of Joystick
 It’s utilized to regulate the cursor’s position across a display
screen.
  It’s utilized in computer games to move the characters and
symbols around.
 It commonly features one or more push buttons, the condition
of which can be controlled by the computer as well.

Light Pen
A light pen is a pointing device that has the appearance of a pen. It
can be used to draw on the monitor screen or to pick a menu item. In
a small tube, a photocell and an optical system are housed. The
photocell sensor element determines the screen location and sends a
signal to the CPU when the tip of a light pen is moved across a
monitor screen while the pen button is pressed.
Characteristics of Light Pen
 When drawing graphics, a light pen comes in very handy.
 Objects on the display screen are selected with a light pen.
Scanner
A scanner is a type of input device that works in the same way as a
photocopier. It’s used when there’s data on paper that needs to be
transferred to the computer’s hard disc for further processing. The
scanner collects images from the source and translates them to a
digital version that can be saved on the hard disks. These graphics
can be changed before they are printed.
Generally, the scanner is of five types:
 Flatbed Scanner
 Handheld Scanner
 Sheetfed Scanner
 Drum Scanner
 Photo Scanner
Characteristics of Scanner
 You can scan film negatives via a scanner if there is a
transparent media adaptor.
  A scanner may also scan low-quality or non-standard-weight
paper.
 The scanners are adaptable, allowing you to scan a wide
range of items regardless of their size. You can scan small
items as well as large documents if you can locate them.

OCR
OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition in its full form. OCR is a
computer reading technique that reads numbers, characters, and
symbols. OCR is a technique for recognizing text in documents that
have been scanned into digital form. Optical character recognition
(OCR) refers to a device that reads printed text. Character by
character, OCR scans the text, converts it to a machine-readable
code, and saves it into the memory of the system. OCR also functions
as a scanner, scanning documents, photos, images, and handwritten
text and storing the information in memory, which may then be
compared to previously stored data.
Characteristics of OCR
 The technology offers a complete solution for form processing
and document capture.
 It has capabilities for defining shapes, scanning, image pre-
processing, and identification.
Barcode Reader
A bar code reader is a device that reads bar-coded data (data that is
represented by light and dark lines). To label things, number books,
and so on, bar-coded data is often utilized. It could be a standalone
scanner or a component of one. A barcode reader is a device that
reads barcodes and extracts data from them. The code bar is used to
read the bar code printed on any goods. By impacting light beams on
barcode lines, a barcode reader identifies existing data in barcodes.
Characteristics of Barcode Reader
 When a card is inserted, auto-start barcode scanners begin
scanning immediately.
 Reading indicators give the user confirms that the card has
been swiped correctly.
 It’s simple to use, simply hold your phone up to the code and
scan it.

Web Camera
A webcam is an input device since it records a video image of the
scene in front of it. It can either be incorporated inside the computer
(for example, a laptop) or connected via USB. A webcam is a small
digital video camera that is connected to a computer. Because it can
capture pictures and record video, it’s also known as a web camera.
Characteristics of Web Camera
 Webcams are used to allow individuals to see one other while
chatting online. This is formally referred to as
‘teleconferencing’.
 Because webcams can take a picture only if movement is
detected in the scene in front of them, they are commonly
utilized in burglar alarms and other security systems.
 Hundreds of webcams can be found all around the world,
each pointing to a fascinating scene such as the exterior view
of a facility in the Arctic or Niagara Falls. The webcam is
connected to a computer that regularly sends an image to an
internet server. After that, people connect to the server to
view the most recent image.

Graphic Tablets
A graphics tablet, also known as a digitizing tablet, is a computer
input device that allows users to draw drawings and graphics by hand,
much like they would with a pencil and paper. A graphics tablet is a
flat surface on which the user can draw a picture with the help of an
attached stylus, which is a pen-like drawing device.
Characteristics of a Graphics Tablets
 The graphics tablet is a pressure-sensitive tablet that is
controlled by a pen.
  Drawing, writing, inserting, etc. can be done with the pen.
 It provides more precision and the ability to monitor (than a
touchscreen).

Digital Cameras
Digital camera is a device that takes photographs as input. Images
are saved on memory cards as data. It comes with an LCD display
that allows users to view and review photographs. A digital camera
contains photosensors that record the light that enters into the
camera lens. So, when the light strikes the photosensors, they return
the electric current and this electric current is used to create images.
Characteristics of Digital Camera
 Users can immediately examine images and movies on the
LCD screen.
 All the photos can be stored in the storage device.
 Users can select and choose the images they want to
develop.
 Easily portable & takes less space.
Touchscreen
A touchscreen is a type of input device that allows users to interact
with a digital display by directly touching the screen’s surface. It
enables the user to perform various actions, such as selecting
options, typing on a virtual keyboard, drawing, or manipulating
objects, by physically touching the screen.
Characteristics of Touchscreen
 With a touchscreen, users can directly interact with the
content displayed on the screen, eliminating the need for
additional input devices like a mouse or keyboard.
 Touchscreens use various technologies to detect and respond
to touch inputs, including capacitive, resistive, infrared, and
surface acoustic wave (SAW) technologies.
 Many modern touchscreens support multi-touch gestures,
allowing users to use multiple fingers or gestures for more
advanced interactions, such as pinch-to-zoom and rotating
objects.
 Touchscreens often support various gestures, including
tapping, swiping, pinching, and rotating, to control and
manipulate on-screen elements.
2. Central Processing Unit:
Once the information is entered into the computer by the input
device, the processor processes it. The CPU is called the brain of the
computer because it is the control centre of the computer. It first
fetches instructions from memory and then interprets them so as to
know what is to be done. If required, data is fetched from memory or
input device. Thereafter CPU executes or performs the required
computation, and then either stores the output or displays it on the
output device. The CPU has three main components, which are
responsible for different functions: Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU),
Control Unit (CU) and Memory registers
A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) : The ALU, as its name
suggests performs mathematical calculations and takes logical
decisions. Arithmetic calculations include addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. Logical decisions involve the comparison
of two data items to see which one is larger or smaller or equal.
 Arithmetic Logical Unit is the main component of the CPU
 It is the fundamental building block of the CPU.
 Arithmetic and Logical Unit is a digital circuit that is used to
perform arithmetic and logical operations.
B. Control Unit: The Control unit coordinates and controls the data
flow in and out of the CPU, and also controls all the operations of ALU,
memory registers and also input/output units. It is also responsible for
carrying out all the instructions stored in the program. It decodes the
fetched instruction, interprets it and sends control signals to
input/output devices until the required operation is done properly by
ALU and memory.
 The Control Unit is a component of the central processing unit
of a computer that directs the operation of the processor.
 It instructs the computer’s memory, arithmetic and logic unit,
and input and output devices on how to respond to the
processor’s instructions.
 In order to execute the instructions, the components of a
computer receive signals from the control unit.
 It is also called the central nervous system or brain of the
computer.
C. Memory Registers: A register is a temporary unit of memory in
the CPU. These are used to store the data, which is directly used by
the processor. Registers can be of different sizes(16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit
and so on) and each register inside the CPU has a specific function,
like storing data, storing an instruction, storing address of a location
in memory etc. The user registers can be used by an assembly
language programmer for storing operands, intermediate results etc.
Accumulator (ACC) is the main register in the ALU and contains one of
the operands of an operation to be performed in the ALU.
Memory attached to the CPU is used for the storage of data and
instructions, and is called internal memory The internal memory is
divided into many storage locations, each of which can store data or
instructions. Each memory location is of the same size and has an
address. With the help of the address, the computer can read any
memory location easily without having to search the entire memory.
When a program is executed, its data is copied to the internal
memory and stored in the memory till the end of the execution. The
internal memory is also called the Primary memory or Main memory.
This memory is also called RAM, i.e., Random Access Memory. The
time of access of data is independent of its location in memory,
therefore, this memory is also called Random Access memory (RAM).
 Memory Unit is the primary storage of the computer.
 It stores both data and instructions.
 Data and instructions are stored permanently in this unit so
that they are available whenever required.
3. Output Unit :
The output unit consists of output devices that are attached to the
computer. It converts the binary data coming from the CPU to human
understandable form. The common output devices are monitor,
printer, plotter, etc.
  The output unit displays or prints the processed data in a
user-friendly format.
 The output unit is formed by attaching the output devices of a
computer.
 The output unit accepts the information from the CPU and
displays it in a user-readable form.

Different Types of Output Devices

The various output devices are as below:
1. Monitor
A computer’s principal output device is a monitor, often known as
a visual display unit (VDU) . It displays the processed data like text,
images, videos, audios, etc. It makes images by arranging
microscopic dots in a rectangular pattern, known as pixels. The
sharpness of an image is determined by the number of pixels. There
are two types of monitor viewing screens:
 Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): This type of monitor is based on
a cathode ray tube. In which the cathode ray tube generates
a beam of electrons with the help of electron guns they strike
on the inner surface of phosphorescent of the screen to
generate images. The CRT monitorholds millions of
phosphorus dotes in three different colors, i.e., red, blue, and
green. These dots glow when the beam struck on them and
create an image. The main parts of the CRT monitor are the
electron gun, fluorescent screen, glass envelope, deflection
plate assembly, and base.
 Display on a Flat Panel Monitor with a Cathode-Ray
Tube (CRT): A flat-panel display is a type of video display
with less volume, weight, and power consumption than a CRT.
They can be put on the wrist or hang on the wall. Calculators,
video games, monitors, laptop, and graphical displays all use
flat-panel displays.
 Plasma Monitor: It is also a flat panel display but it is based
on plasma display technology. In a plasma monitor, a small
cell is present in between two glass surfaces and these cells
contain a solution of noble gases and mercury. So when the
electricity supply on the gas present in the cell converts into
 plasma and produces UV light that creates an image. It is
much better than an LCDmonitor. The resolution of this
monitor is also high up to 1920 x 1920. It has a good contrast
ratio, high refresh rate, etc.
Characteristics of Monitor:
 Resolution pixels: Pixels are the smallest element of any
image
 Size: The size of the monitor is diagonal measurement of a
desktop screen is typically 14 to 25 inches.
 Refresh Rate: Total number of times per second that an
image on a display is repainted or refreshed.

Monitor

2. Printer
Printers are information output devices that allow you to print data on
paper. Or in other words, it is an output device that creates a hard
copy of the processed data or information. Printers are divided into
two categories:
 Impact Printer: In impact printers, characters are printed on
the ribbon, which is then smashed on the paper. Or we can
 say that such type of printer uses a print head or hammer to
print the data on the paper. Here to print the paper the
hammer or print head strikes an ink ribbon against the paper
and the character starts printing. Some of the types of impact
printers are:
o Dot matrix printer
o Daisy wheel printer
o Line printer
o Chain printer
 Impact printers have the following characteristics:
o Extremely low consumable costs.
o Fairly noisy
o It’s perfect for large-scale printing because of
its inexpensive cost.
o Physical contact with the paper is required to
form an image.
 Non-Impact Printers: Non-impact printers print characters
without the use of a ribbon. These printers are often known as
page printers because they print a full page at a time. Some
of the types of non-impact printers are:
o Laser printer
o Inkjet printer
 Non-impact printers have the following
characteristics:
o Quicker.
o They don’t produce much noise.
o Superior quality.
o Supports a wide range of fonts and character
sizes.
 Printer

3. Plotter
A plotter is a device that prints high-quality graphics in a variety of
color formats. It works in a similar way to a printer, although it has
more advanced features. It is used to print large maps, architectural
drawings, large-format printing, and create pictures, 3D postcards,
advertising signs, charts, and various designs of the internal structure
of building machines, as well as create pictures, 3D postcards,
advertising signs, charts, and various designs of the internal structure
of building machines.
Characteristics of Plotter:
 Large size prints can be taken via plotters.
 It is slow and expensive.
 Plotter

4. Projector
A projector is a device that allows users to project their output onto a
large area, such as a screen or a wall. It can be used to project the
output of a computer and other devices onto a screen. It magnifies
texts, photos, and movies using light and lenses. As a result, it’s an
excellent output device for giving presentations or teaching big
groups of people.
Characteristics of Projector:
 They are lightweight, and one person can easily take them
out of the box, connect them, and hang an image on the wall.
 Projectors can be the most cost-effective option for large-
screen video in your home.
 A small projector mounted on a back shelf or bookcase, or
mounted on the ceiling, takes up no area on the floor. It is
barely visible when it is not in use.

Projector

5. Speakers
Speakers are connected to computers to allow sound to be output. For
the working of speakers, sound cards are required. From simple two-
speaker output devices to surround-sound multi-channel sets,
speakers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They take audio input
from the computer’s sound card and output sound waves as audio
output.
Characteristics of Speakers:
 Speakers are available in a wide range of qualities and prices.
 Small, plastic computer speakers with low sound quality are
often included with computer systems.

Speaker

6. Headphones
To hear the sound, use earbuds with your computer, laptop,
or smartphone. It enables you to hear the sound without causing any
inconvenience to others. To translate electronic signals into sounds
without causing inconvenience to others. They can be wired or
wireless and can be connected to computers, laptops, mobile phones,
etc. They are connected with the devices via Bluetooth.
Characteristics of Headphones:
 Stereo phones and headsets are other names for them.
 Earphones or earbuds are the names for the in-ear variants.
  The term headset denotes a combination of headphones and
a microphone used for two-way communication, such as using
a telephone.

Heaphone

7. Sound Card
Sound cards are computer output devices that are inserted into the
computer. A sound card, either external or internal, is required to
produce sound on any computer (built-in). An external sound card
enables for better overall sound generation and is required for wide
and clear sound recording, as well as sound without noise and
interference.
Characteristics of Sound Card:
 To listen speakers or headphones, to play games, watch
movies, listen to music, or use audio and video conferencing,
we use an internal sound card.
 Frequency is a sound card parameter that represents the
number of signals the card processes per unit of time. The
frequency is expressed in hertz. The frequency of most sound
cards is 96 or 192 kHz.
  Synthesizers and a variety of electronic musical instruments,
such as drums and keyboards, can be connected to your
computer using a sound card with standard musical
instrument digital interface (MIDI) connections.

Sound Card

8. Video Card
An extension card via which a computer can transfer graphical data to
a video display device like a TV, or monitor. It processes photos and
video, as well as other functions that the CPU generally does. As they
have a good processing capability and video RAM, Gamers utilize
video cards.
Characteristics of Video Card:
 Heat sinks are required for video cards with high performance
as they generate a lot of heat.
 Also known as graphics card and require softwareinstallation
in addition to the hardware.
 When working with huge files, video cards supply a significant
quantity of video-only memory that frees up CPU resources,
allowing the system to run more effectively.
 Video Card

9. Speech Synthesizer
A speech synthesizer is a computerized device that takes in data,
interprets it, and generates audible words. It might be a computer
card, a box connected by a cable, or software that works with the
computer’s sound card.
Characteristics of speech synthesizer:
 Any text, predetermined input can be translated into audible
speech.
 For people who are unable to talk or have impaired vision, it
can provide digital verbal communication.
 It takes in data, interprets it, and generates sound output.

Characteristics of a Computer
1. Speed: Computers can perform millions of calculations per
second. The computation speed is extremely fast.
2. Accuracy: Because computers operate on pre-programmed
software, there is no space for human error.
3. Diligence: They can perform complex and long calculations
at the same time and with the same accuracy.
4. Versatile: Computers are designed to be versatile. They can
carry out multiple operations at the same time.
5. Storage: Computers can store a large amount of data/
instructions in its memory, which can be retrieved at any
point of time.