ZNOTES.

ORG

UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS

CAIE IGCSE
ICT
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
Prepared for Divy Tibrewala for personal use only.
CAIE IGCSE ICT

4. Utilities: A system software that provides the

necessary facilities (Antivirus, Scan Disk, Disk
1. Types and Components of Defragmentation, etc.)
5. Operating systems: To enable computer
Computer Systems systems to function and allow users to
communicate with computer systems, special
1.1. Hardware & Software software, known as operating systems (OS),
have been developed.
Hardware
Analogue and Digital Data
the electronic, physical components that make up a
Computers can only understand data in the form of binary
typical computer system. These may include input and
digits (0,1); this is commonly known as digital data. However,
output devices as well.
data in the real world is analogue, not limited to two specific
Internal Hardware Devices:
values.
Central processing unit
Processor
Motherboard
Internal memory consisting of RAM & ROM
Graphics & Sound Cards
Internal Storage devices like Hard disk drives (HDD)
and solid-state drives (SSD)
Network interface card (NIC)
External Hardware Devices:
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
External Storage Devices

Software

The techniques, methods, commands, and instructions tell

the device what to do and how to do it.
They are the programs which control the computer
system and process data.
Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical objects. The figures show how data changes in analogue and
digital forms; analogue data forms smooth curves,
Two types of software: whereas digital data changes in discrete steps.
So, for a computer to process real-world data, it first
Application software:
needs to convert the received data into digital form. This
Provides services that allow the user to do specific
is done by hardware known as ADC (analogue to digital
tasks.
converter), and its output is given back in analogue form
It can be general-purpose software or custom-made
using DAC (digital to analogue converter).
software. (Specialist software)
E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, and word processors.
System Software: 1.2. The Main Components of Computer
The software is designed to provide a platform all Systems
other software can run. For example:
1. Compilers: The software translates the High-
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
level language into Machine code (Language
Processor). The component of the computer that understands and
2. Linkers: A Software that creates the links executes hardware and software operations. Nowadays,
between Language processors into workable it’s also known as a microprocessor. It is a single
solutions (Data definition language). integrated circuit at the core of most PCs and is also
3. Device drivers: A software that enables the present in many household gadgets and equipment
device to work with another, externally where some control or monitoring is required.
connected device.

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It consists of a control unit (CU) that manages the input Backing and Secondary Storage
and output devices, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) that
performs computations and makes logical judgments, and Required to store significant amounts of data
tiny memory regions known as registers. permanently.
It processes the input and produces the outcome of the Most commonly in the form of Hard disk drives and Solid-
processing in the form of output. state drives.

Internal Memory Differentiating between internal memory and backing

storage:
1. Random access memory (RAM): temporary memory
1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is
storage, lost after power is shut down, performs read
read-only, and backing storage is permanent even
and write functions, is used to store data that are
without power.
currently in use, and can be increased in size to
2. RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing
improve operational speed.
2. Read-only memory (ROM): permanent memory storage.
3. RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing
storage, non-volatile, can only be read from, used to
data than backing storage.
store computer’s configuration data, such as BIOS.
4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal
N.B: The BIOS (basic input/output memory.
system) stores the date, time and 5. Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage can
system configuration on a non-volatile be fixed or portable.
chip called a CMOS (complementary 6. Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU,
metal oxide semiconductor) – this is while backing storage needs to be moved into the
usually battery powered. RAM before being read by the CPU.

Differentiating between Internal memories:

1.3. Operating Systems
1. RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is
a permanent one. Controls operation of input, output & backing storage
2. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile. Supervises loading, running & storage of application
3. RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only be programs.
read from. Deals with errors in application programs.
4. RAM is used to store data, files, programs, and parts Maintains security of the whole computer system
of OS that are currently in use. However, ROM is used Maintains a computer log.
in storing start-up data,
Operating systems offer various types of user interfaces, for
example:
Input & Output Devices
1. Command line interface: user needs to type in
Input devices are pieces of hardware that allow users to commands to communicate with the computer. The
enter data into computers.
user is in direct communication with the computer.
An output device displays the computer's output in a Not restricted to pre-defined options. Possible to alter
human-readable format. For example, words on a printer computer configuration settings. Needs to learn many
or moving graphics on a monitor. commands for basic operations. All commands need
to be typed in, which is time-consuming. Very error
Input devices Output devices
prone, as commands must have correct format,
An input device is any An output shows the result or spelling etc.
hardware that enables data solution of the input after it N.B: Mainly used by programmers who need to have
entry. has been processed. direct communication with the computer.
An input device can only send An output device can only 2. Graphical user interface: Uses WIMP (windows icons
data. receive data. menu and pointing device). The user does not need to
Input devices are necessary Output devices are needed in learn any commands. It is more user-friendly; icons
for a computer to receive order to display the outcome are used to represent applications. A pointing device
commands from the user for of the processing that took is used to click on an icon to launch the application,
processing to be permitted. place to the user. this is simpler than typing in commands. This type of
interface uses up considerably more computer
Input devices are complex as
Output devices are simpler as memory than a CLI interface. The user is limited to the
they must ensure proper
they only need to display the icons provided on the screen. Needs a more complex
communication between the
finale. operating system.
computer and the user.

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N.B: Mainly used by end-users who don’t have great up the desk space.
knowledge of how the computer works. 3. Because they aren’t portable, files must be copied
3. Dialogue-based user interface: use the human voice to another portable storage device to take work
to give commands to a computer system. no need for elsewhere.
a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. In a
home, it is especially useful for people with disabilities Mobile Computers
because many tasks can be carried out by the spoken
word only. Possible to use it as a security feature 1. Laptop computer:
because voice recognition could be used to identify a
person. Still unreliable, with many commands not (Or notebook) refers to a type of computer where the
being recognized or needing to be repeated several monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are all
times (especially if there is background noise). Can be together in one unit. This makes them extremely portable.
quite complex to setup. User needs to know which lightweight (to aid portability). Low power consumption
commands can be used. (and also long battery life). Low heat output (cooling is
4. Gesture-based user interface: relies on human very important).
interaction by the moving of hands, head or even feet. Uses:
Replaces mechanical input devices. No physical 1. office and business work
contact is required. Very natural interface for a human 2. educational use
operator. No training is needed to interface with the 3. used as a gaming device.
computer. It is possible for unintentional movement to 4. general entertainment
be picked up. Only works near the camera or sensor Advantages:
(maximum of 1.5 meters). May only accept a limited 1. Portability: all components are in a single unit, so
number of movements (for example, it may take they can be taken anywhere.
several attempts to determine exactly what finger 2. Because of one single unit, there are no trailing
movements are recognized). wires and desk clutter.
3. take up much less room on a desk, so they can be
easily used in public spaces.
1.4. Types of Computers 4. portability allows them to take full advantage of
Wi-Fi features.
Desktop Computers
Disadvantages:
1. portability makes it easier for them to be stolen.
Desktop usually refers to a general-purpose computer
2. limited battery life means the user needs to carry
that is made up of a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse,
a charger at all times.
and processor unit. It is distinguished from, for example, a
3. keyboards and pointing devices may be awkward
laptop computer by the fact that it is made up of several
to use.
separate components, which makes it not very portable.
4. not easy to upgrade, like adding more RAM.
Uses:
1. office and business work
2. Smartphones:
2. educational use
3. general entertainment
Allow normal phone calls to be made, but also have an
4. gaming device
operating system (such as iOS, Android, or Windows),
Advantages: allowing them to run a number of computer applications
1. They are easier and less costly to upgrade and
(known as apps or applets). Smartphones communicate
expand.
with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by
2. Spare parts are standardized, which makes them
using 3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks.
cheaper.
Uses:
3. They tend to have better specifications for a given
1. They allow users to send/receive emails.
price.
2. They allow users to use a number of apps.
4. No critical power consumption because they plug
3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take
into a wall socket.
photos or videos).
5. Due to fixed positions, they are less likely to be
4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for music
damaged or stolen. and videos).
6. As they usually have wired connections, they have
Advantages:
more stable internet access.
1. very small in size and lightweight, makes them
Disadvantages:
portable.
1. They are not particularly portable because they
2. connecting to the internet while on the move.
are made up of separate components. 3. because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone
2. More complicated because all the components
networks, they can be used almost anywhere.
need to be hooked up by wiring, which also clutters

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4. they have apps which can tell instant location, Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a
which is a feature that isn’t available in either hybrid between a tablet and a smartphone, referred to as
desktops or laptops. a phablet. They have much larger screens than a
5. they have reasonable battery life. smartphone but are smaller than a tablet.
Disadvantages:
1. small screens and keyboards make pages difficult
to read.
2. more difficult and slower when typing things in.
3. Web browsing and photography can quickly drain
the battery.
4. Memory size in most phones is not very large
when compared to laptops and desktops.
5. Not all website features are compatible with
smartphone operating systems.
6. Because of their small size, it is much easier to
lose a smartphone or for it to be stolen compared
to laptops or desktops.
7. The data transfer rate using mobile phone Uses:
networks can be slower than with Wi-Fi. Entertainment (streaming of music, videos, and
television programs).
3. Tablets: Gaming (including group games).
As a camera or video camera.
They work similarly to a smartphone. The only main Internet use (online sales, social networks, using QR
difference is that they are somewhat bigger in size as codes, and so on).
compared to a smartphone. Sending/receiving emails.
Uses: Global positioning system (use of maps to navigate to
1. They allow users to send/receive emails. a location).
2. They allow users to use a number of apps. Calendar functions.
3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take Telephone banking (sending and receiving money
photos or videos). using banking apps).
4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for music Voice over Internet Protocol: telephone network using
and videos). the internet, which also allows video calling.
Advantages of tablets compared to laptops: Instant access to social networks (social contact with
1. very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting for the friends no matter where you are in the world).
operating system to load up). Instant messaging.
2. fully portable – they are so lightweight that they Office and business management (allows rapid voice
can be carried anywhere. and video communication).
3. touch screen technology means they are simple to Education use (using interactive software to teach or
use and don’t need any other input devices. learn from).
4. not much heat, they use solid-state technology. Remotely control devices.
5. The battery life of a tablet is a lot longer.
6. when the power button is pressed, it goes into Laptops are the most expandable of these devices, while
standby but remains connected to the internet so smartphones are the most portable. Tablets and phablets fall
the user still hears alerts when emails or other somewhere in between, offering a balance of portability and
‘events’ are received. expandability. The choice of device will depend on your
Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops: specific needs and use case.
1. tend to be rather expensive when compared to
laptops. 1.5. Impact of Emerging Technologies
2. they often have limited memory/storage when
compared to a laptop. Artificial Intelligence (AI): There are many definitions of
3. typing on a touch screen can be slow and error- artificial intelligence (AI). Essentially, AI is a machine or
prone compared to a standard keyboard. application which carries out a task that requires some
4. laptops tend to support more file formats than degree of intelligence.
tablets. The use of language
recognizing a person’s face, the ability to operate
4. Phablets: machinery, such as a car, aeroplane, train, and so on,
and analyzing data to predict the outcome of a future
event, such as weather forecasting. Impact:

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Whenever AI is mentioned, people usually think of Input devices can be complicated because they must ensure
science fiction fantasies and think of robots. The the user can interact with the computer correctly.
science fiction writer Isaac Asimov even went as far as
producing his three laws of robotics: » Robots may not 1. Keyboards:
injure a human through action or inaction. » Robots
must obey orders given by humans without question. » Uses:
A robot must protect itself unless it conflicts with the
Input of data into applications software
two laws above. Everyday uses:
Typing in commands to the computer
An autonomous (driverless) vehicle – we already have
driverless trains and autopilots on aeroplanes, but Advantages:
future developments include driverless cars.
Robotic research is leading to improvements in Fast entry of new text into a document.
technology to help amputees and people with Well-known method.
disabilities. Easy to use for most people.
Robots are used to help people carry out dangerous or Easier to do verification checks as data is entered (can
unpleasant tasks – for example, bomb disposal. immediately compare the source document with typed
data on the screen).
Negative impacts of AI
Disadvantages:
Unemployment, robots are capable of doing tedious
human tasks with much more efficiency and excellence It can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist
than humans. use.
Dependency on technology could lead to problems in the Slow method when compared to direct data entry.
future. It is a fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space.
De-skilling: Tasks that used to be considered a talent are
now part of general, tedious processes that are done on a
regular basis by machines.
Extended Reality refers to combined real and virtual
environments. The two most common examples at the
moment are:
Augmented reality (AR) is a merger between the
virtual and physical (real) world; it lays objects onto
pre-existing objects. e.g., Pokémon GO! Impact: safety
and rescue operations’ training, shopping and retail 2. Numeric keypads:
(getting a better look at a car before the purchase),
healthcare (better understanding of a patient’s body) Uses:
Virtual reality (VR) enables an entirely new world to be
created, unlike AR, which has no link to the actual Automatic teller machines (ATMs), where the customer
surroundings of the user. It requires the user to be can key in their PIN, amount of money, etc.
specially equipped with a VR headset, joystick, and Mobile phones allow phone numbers, etc., to be keyed in.
headphones. Point of sale terminals (POS) in case the barcode reader
Impact: Military applications, educational purposes fails to read the barcode – the number has to be keyed in
(looking at ancient buildings), healthcare, media manually by the operator.
(interactive special effects in a movie), scientific Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards.
visualization (part of molecular structures/cells). Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.

Advantages:
2. Input & Output Devices Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric
data.
2.1. Input Devices and Their Uses Because many are small devices, they are very easy to
carry around.
An input device is any hardware device that allows a user
to enter data or instructions into a computer directly. Disadvantages:
An input device can send data to another device, but it
Sometimes, they have small keys, which can make input
cannot receive data from another device. more difficult.
Input devices are necessary for a computer to receive
commands from its users and data to process; they are
under the user's control or can be direct data entry.

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Sometimes, the order of the numbers on the keypad is not Because the touchpad is integrated into the laptop
computer, there is no need for a separate mouse; this
aids the portability and is a big advantage if no flat
surfaces are available.

Disadvantages:
intuitive. People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device
difficult to use.
3. Mouse: It can be more difficult to control the pointer when
compared to a normal mouse.
Uses:
Drag and drop operations are more complicated using a
Opening, closing and minimizing software
Grouping, moving and deleting files.
Image editing, for example, controls the size and position
of a drawing pasted into a document.
Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow
selection.

Advantages:

It is a faster method for choosing an option than a

keyboard. touchpad.
It's a very quick way of navigating through applications
and the internet. 5. Tracker ball:
Does not need a large desk area when compared to a
keyboard. Uses:

Disadvantages: A good alternative to a mouse for people with conditions

such as RSI.
It can be more difficult for people with restricted Used in an industrial control room environment.
hand/wrist movement than using a keyboard for data Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as
entry. radio.
Easy to damage, the older type of mouse quickly becomes
clogged up with dirt. Advantages:
Difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available.
Does not need the same fine control as a mouse.
It is easier to use than a mouse if the operator has
problems with their wrist.
More accurately position the pointer on the screen.
They are more robust than a mouse.
Needs less desk space than a mouse or keyboard.

Disadvantages:

4. Touchpad: It is not supplied with the computer as a standard;

therefore, it is more costly.
Uses: Users may need training because it is not standard
equipment.
Opening, closing and minimizing software
Grouping, moving and deleting files.
Image editing, for example, controls the size and position
of a drawing pasted into a document.
Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow
selection.

Advantages:

Faster than a keyboard for choosing options.

Used to navigate applications and the internet.

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Uses:

Used in video games.

Used in simulators to mimic the actual controls.

Advantages:

It is easier than keyboards for screen navigation.

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

Disadvantages:

The on-screen pointer is more difficult to use.

6. Remote Control:

Uses:

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

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

Advantages:

It can be operated from any reasonable distance.

In some conditions, e.g., in chemically hazardous
environments, we can control and measure from safe
distances.
8. Driving wheel:
Disadvantages:
Uses:
Difficult to use for people with limited hand/wrist
movements. Used in video games, especially car racing games.
Physical obstacles can easily block the signal. Used in simulators to mimic actual vehicle controls.

Advantages:

It's a more realistic experience than both mouse and

joystick.
Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering
movements.

Disadvantages:

It is a rather expensive input device as compared to a

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

7. Joysticks:

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9. Touch screen (as an input device): Limited quality, depending on how good the scanner’s
resolution is.
Uses: Fairly slow input method, especially if color mode is

Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to choose from on-

screen options.
Point of sale terminals such as in restaurants.
Interactive whiteboards in education.
Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are
selected during on-screen testing.

Advantages:
selected.
Faster entry of options than using a keyboard or mouse.
Very easy method for choosing options. 11. Digital Cameras:
User-friendly method – no training necessary in its use.
Uses:
Option to expand the size of the display if necessary.
Taking photographs is still better than using smartphones
Disadvantages:
and tablets.
A limited number of input options are available. Data-capture device, e.g., as a reversing aid in cars.
This can lead to problems if an operator uses the system Dentistry, to help capture pictures for better diagnosis.
frequently (straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc., are all The creation of virtual reality tours around houses,
possible). buildings, etc.
The screen can get very dirty with constant touching.
Advantages:

Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a

traditional camera.
Uploading photographs to a computer is faster than
scanning hard copies.
Memory cards can store many thousands of photographs.
There is no need to develop film and printouts; it saves
money and is more environmentally friendly.
Unwanted images can quickly be deleted from a memory
card.

Disadvantages:

Need to be computer literate to know proper use.

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

Scanning documents and converting them into different

formats
Scanning in old documents to protect them in case the
original is lost/damaged.
Scanning in photographs for storage
Scanning in barcodes at POS terminals.

Advantages:

Images can be stored for editing at a later date.

When used with OCR, they are much faster and more
12. Microphones:
accurate than typing the documents in.
It is possible to recover damaged documents by scanning Uses:
and producing an acceptable copy.
To input speech to be used in various applications.
Disadvantages: Input in voice recognition software for authentication.
As a sensor to pick up sound in an intruder alarm system.

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Used in audio conferencing or VoIP applications. Selecting objects on CRT screens

Drawing on screens
Advantages:
Advantages:
It is faster to read text than it is to type it in.
It is possible to manipulate sound in real time rather than Greater accuracy than touch screens
working on a completed recording. Small makes them portable and capable of being used in
It improves security if used as an authentication system. small spaces.
Easy-to-use technology.
Disadvantages:
Disadvantages:
Sound files use up a lot of computer memory.
Reading data is more error-prone than typing in. Lagging problems while drawing on the screen.
It only works with CRT monitors.
Rather dated technology.

13. Sensors:

Uses: 2.2. Direct Data Entry & Associated

Temperature sensors are used in automatic washing Devices
machines, central heating systems, ovens, and
glasshouses. 1. Magnetic Stripe Readers:
Pressure sensors are used in intruder alarm systems and
Uses:
washing machines.
Light sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, doors, On credit/debit card for use at ATMs
and street lighting control. Security device to allow entry to buildings, hotels, etc.
Sound/acoustic sensors are used in intruder alarm
systems, monitoring liquid and powder flow in pipes. Advantages:
Humidity/moisture sensors are used in automatic
glasshouses, environmental monitoring, and in factories Faster than keying in data manually.
where moisture levels are crucial. Error-free, no human intervention needed.
pH sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, chemical Secure information isn’t in human-readable form.
processes and environmental monitoring. Robust, there are no moving parts.

Advantages: Disadvantages:

Readings are more accurate as compared to human If the card is damaged, the data is lost.
operators. Doesn’t work at a distance.
Readers are continuous, with no breaks in the monitoring. As the information isn’t human-readable, this can be a
Because it is a continuous process, any action or warnings disadvantage in some cases.
needed will be initiated immediately.
Automatic systems don’t need human intervention.

Disadvantages:

Faulty sensors can give spurious results.

Most sensors are analogue; therefore, they require
conversion using Analogue to Digital Convertors.

14. Light pens:

2. Chip and PIN reader:
Uses:

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Uses: Advantages:

Where payments are made using cards Very fast way of inputting survey results.
It is more accurate because there is no human
Advantages: intervention.
More accurate than OCR methods.
It is more secure than contactless cards as the PIN acts as
a second security layer. Disadvantages:
More robust system than Magnetic Stripe Cards
Designing the forms can be complicated to ensure the
Disadvantages: marks are correctly positioned.
If there are problems, they need to be manually checked,
Be very careful so the PIN isn’t seen by anyone while
which can be time-consuming.
being typed in.

5. Optical Character Recognition/Reader:

Uses:

Processing passports and identity cards.

3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader: Converting hard copy documents into electronic form.
Used in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
Uses: systems.
Digitizing historic hard copies for archiving.
Livestock tracking
Retail, instead of barcodes, as they don’t need to be Advantages:
scanned in.
Admission passes. It is a much faster data entry system than manual typing.
Library books, to acknowledge the books which have been No human intervention, its error free.
borrowed.
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
System has difficulty in reading different handwritings.
No line-of-sight contact is needed. Still not a very accurate technique.
Very robust and reliable technology.
Very fast read rate.
Bidirectional data transfer.
Bulk detection is possible.

Disadvantages:

Tag collision
As they use radio waves, they are easy to jam/interrupt.
Easy to hack into the signal.
RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode 6. Barcode readers:
system.
Uses:
4. Optical Mark Reader/Recognition (OMR):
Used in supermarkets for stock control.
Uses: In libraries, to keep track of books.
As a safety function to ensure checking of electrical
Used in MCQs checking. equipment on a daily basis.
Used in reading voting papers.
Advantages:

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Much faster than manually keying in data. QR codes can be used to transmit malicious data.
Allow automatic stock control.
They are a tried and trusted technology.

Disadvantages:

Relatively expensive system to administer.

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

stripes.

7. Quick response (QR) code scanner:

Uses:

used in advertising to contain information about the

advertising company.
Wi-Fi authentication 2.3. Output Devices and Their Uses
Used in restaurants, you can see the menu by scanning.
1. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors:
Advantages:
Uses:
hold much more information than normal barcode.
fewer errors than with barcodes. Their large screens allow complex diagrams to be created
QR codes are easier to read because the cameras can in Computer-aided design.
even read them on a smartphone. Used with light pens to allow designs to be created.
It is possible to encrypt QR codes.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Can be seen at a wider range of angles, unlike LCDs.
More than one QR format is available. Allow the use of light pens.

Disadvantages:

They are very heavy and bulky.

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

2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens:

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Uses:

Main output device for modern computers.

Mobile phones, laptops, video games use LCD screens.

Advantages:

Very efficient, low power consumption.

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

Disadvantages:

Colour and contrast from different angles are

4. Multimedia projectors:
inconsistent.
Motion blur is a common issue. Uses:
Lower contrast than CRT monitors.
Training presentations to allow the whole audience to see
images.
Advertising presentations.
Home cinema systems.

Advantages:

More people can watch as they don’t have to crowd

around a laptop.
Avoids the need for several networked computers.

Disadvantages:

Images can be fuzzy.

Expensive to buy.
Set-up can be complicated.

3. Touch screen (as an output devices):

Uses:

ATMs
POS terminals
Information kiosks.

Advantages:

Don’t need additional input devices. 5. Laser printers:

They are very interactive, and many functions, such as
Uses:
swiping, can be done.
They add a high-tech feel to devices and interfaces.
In uses where low noise is required.
If fast, high quality, high-volume printing is required.
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
They tend to get dirty with frequent use.
Frequent use results in straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc. Printing is fast.
If large amounts of data are input/output, they aren’t very
They can handle very large print jobs.
accurate, and the interface isn’t very fast. Quality is consistently high.
Toner cartridges last for a long time.

Disadvantages:

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They are only considerably fast if several copies are being Advantages:
made.
Color laser printers are expensive to run. Can be used in varying environments unlike laser/inkjet
They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds printers.
because of their printing method and toner. Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
Very cheap to run and maintain.
Good for continuous printing.

Disadvantages:

Very noisy
Initial cost is more than an inkjet printer.
Very slow, poor-quality printing.

6. Inkjet printers:

Uses:

Where low-output volumes are required.

Where high-quality printing is required for single pages.

Advantages:
8. (Graph) Plotters:

High-quality output Uses:

Cheaper than laser printers.
Producing architectural drawings
Very lightweight
Producing engineering drawings
Don’t produce ozone and volatile organic compounds.
Drawing animation characters.
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Slow output if many copies are needed.
Very high-quality output.
Can’t do large print jobs.
can produce large, monochrome and color drawings very
Printing can smudge if user isn’t careful.
accurately.
Can be expensive if used a lot.
Can print on a variety on materials.

Disadvantages:

Very slow printing.

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

7. Dot matrix printers:

Uses:

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

Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
Widely used in till receipts. 9. 3D printers:

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Uses: They take up a lot of desk space.

Custom-made prosthetic limbs.

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

Advantages:

Manufacturing objects has become much easier.

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

Disadvantages:

Potential to make counterfeit items.

Could lead to manufacture of dangerous items by almost
11. Actuators:
anyone.
Uses:

Used to turn on motors, buzzers, and switches.

Allow a computer to control physical devices,

Advantages:

Allow remote operation of many devices.

Relatively inexpensive devices.

Disadvantages:

They are an additional device in the system that could go

wrong.
Job loss potential. As analogue devices, signals need to be converted using a
DAC.
10. Speaker:

Uses: 3. Storage Devices and Media

Used in all phones and most computers.
Helps visually impaired people. 3.1. Backing-Up Data
Plays downloaded sound files.
Backing up refers to copying files or data into a different
Advantages: medium in case of damage or loss of original copy.
Amplified sounds can be much louder than the original
sound.
Why do we back up data?
Amplified sounds can be enough to be heard by a huge
To safeguard against loss of data.
crowd.
To safeguard against damages caused by hackers.
Very simple technology.
In case files need to be sent elsewhere, to protect the
They are especially useful for blind people, for instance,
original format of files.
reading e-books.

Disadvantages: 3.2. Magnetic Backing Storage Media

Speaker output can disturb irrelevant people in the same Holds data magnetically.
area, e.g., an office. The surface area of the media is magnetised so that it can
Sound quality is high only expensive speakers. hold bits of data.
The device that reads media can also read the bits held
on the surface area

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Magnetic tape drives Disadvantages:

Uses: They can be easily damaged if user accidentally drops it

or doesn’t correctly shut down the drive after use.
used in applications where batch processing is used. The data transfer rate is not as fast as for fixed hard disk
used as a backup media where vast amounts of data need drives.
to be stored.
used in long-term archiving of data, they have huge data 3.3. Optical Media and Optical Storage
storage capacities and are known to be very stable.
Devices
Advantages:
Holds data by burning ‘dots’ onto the surface with a high-
They are generally less expensive than hard disk drives. powered laser.
It is a very robust technology.
The data that reads the media can read the data by
They have a huge data storage capacity. shining a lower-powered laser over the dots.
The data transfer rate is fast.

Disadvantages:
CD-R/DVD-R ~ Write Once Only

Prolonged data access times (uses serial access). Uses:

When updating, another tape is needed to store the final
Home recordings of music and (CD-R) and films (DVD-R).
updated version.
Used to store data to be kept for later use to be
They are affected by magnetic fields, a strong field can
transferred to another computer.
corrupt data stored on the tape.
Advantages:
Fixed Hard Disks/Drives
Cheaper medium than RW disks.
Uses: Once burned (and finalised), they behave like a ROM.

To store the OS, systems software and working data/files. Disadvantages:

Storing applications files.
Used in real-time systems and in online systems. It can only be recorded once; if an error occurs, then the
Used in file servers for computer networks. disk has to be thrown away.
Not all CD/DVD players can read CD-R/DVD-R.
Advantages:
CD-RW/DVD-RW ~ Read and Write
They have a very fast data transfer rate and fast access
times to data. Uses:
They have a very large memory capacity.
Used to record television programs which can be
Disadvantages: recorded over, time and time again.
Used in CCTV systems.
It can be fairly easily damaged.
It can be used as a backup device for files and data.
They have many moving parts which affect overall
reliability. Advantages:
Their read/write operation can be quite noisy when
compared to solid-state drives. It can be written over many times.
You can use different file formats each time it is used.
Portable Hard Disk Drives It is not as wasteful as the R format because the files/data
can be added later.
Uses:
Disadvantages:
Can be used as a backup system to prevent data loss.
It can be used to transfer data/files/software between It can be relatively expensive media.
computers. Possible to accidentally overwrite data.

Advantages: CD-ROM/DVD-ROM ~ Read Only

Data access time and data transfer rate are very fast. Uses:
It has a very large memory capacity.
It can be used as a method of transferring information These are read-only memory (ROM), which means they
between computers. can’t be written over and can only be read. Permanent

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storage method.
3.4. Solid State Backing Storage
CD-ROM is used to store music files and to store software,
computer games and reference software. Holds data on devices that don’t have any moving parts.
DVD-ROM has much larger storage and is used to store
films. Solid-state drives (SSD)
Used in applications where there is a real need to prevent
deletion or overwriting of important data. Uses:

Advantages: Storage device to store files, applications, OSs, and so on.

They are less expensive than hard disk drive systems. Advantages:
They are very portable as they are small and light.
Data stored on them is read-only, so it cannot be They are more reliable as they have no moving parts.
accidentally overwritten. They are considerably lighter and suitable for laptops.
They do not have to ‘get up to speed’ before they work
Disadvantages: correctly.
They have lower power consumption.
Hold far less data than hard disk drives or memory sticks.
They run much cooler than HDDs.
Very slow data transfer rate and data access times, as
Because they have no moving parts, they are very thin.
compared to hard disk drives.
SSD data access time is only 0.1 milliseconds compared
You cannot add your files to the disks because they are
to 10 milliseconds for HDD.
both read-only.
Data transfer speed for SSDs is also much faster than for
HDDs.
Blu-Ray Discs
Disadvantages:
The main differences between DVD and Blu-ray are:
SSD endurance - SSDs are conservatively rated at only
1. Blu-ray uses a blue laser rather than a red laser. (The
20GB write operations per day over three years.
wavelength of blue light is 405nm, much smaller than More expensive than magnetic hard disks.
the 650nm red laser) This makes pits and lands much
Smaller storage capacity than magnetic hard disks.
smaller, so they store five times more data than DVDs.
2. Blu-ray disks automatically come with a secure Pen drives (Memory sticks)
encryption system, which helps to prevent piracy and
copyright infringement. Uses:
3. The data transfer rate for a DVD is 10 Mbps, and for a
Blu-ray disc, it is 36 Mbps. Transporting files between computers or using them as a
backing store.
Uses: Used as a security device to prevent software piracy
(known as a dongle).
Home video consoles.
Storing and playing back movies. Advantages:
Computers can use this technology for data storage or
backing hard drives. Very compact and portable media.
Camcorders can use this media to store movies. Very robust.
Does not need additional software to work on most
Advantages: computers.
They are not affected by magnetic fields.
Very large storage capacity.
Very fast data transfer rate. Disadvantages:
The data access speed is also greater than with other
optical media. Cannot protect the data/files by making it ‘read-only’.
Blu-ray discs automatically come with a secure encryption Easy to lose (due to the small physical size).
system. The user needs to be very careful when removing a
memory stick from a computer - incorrect removal will
Disadvantages: corrupt the data on the memory stick and make it useless.

Relatively expensive discs.

Flash Memory cards
Encryption problems when used to store videos.
The introduction of HD (high definition) DVD players has Different types of memory cards:
reduced the advantages of using Blu-ray technology.
» SD cards (secure digital card)
» XD cards (extreme digital card)

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» CFast card (compact, fast card). Disadvantages:

Uses:
Expensive per gigabyte of memory when compared to
Storing photos on digital cameras. HDDs.
Used as mobile phone memory cards. Have a lower storage capacity than hard disks.
Used in MP3 players to store music files. Have a finite life regarding the number of times they can
Used as a backing store in hand-held computer devices. be read from or written to.
Memory cards, specifically the micro SD card, are the
Advantages: smallest sized devices available, making them more likely
to be lost, stolen or damaged. The storage should be
Very compact.
sized cause the amount of storage does not prevent the
Because they have no moving parts, they are very
drive from being stolen
durable.
Users must often purchase a card reader or USB
They can hold large amounts of data.
converter to view the data.
Compact cameras and smartphones can read and write
memory cards, allowing users to transport extensive
collections of photographs, songs, etc.

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ICT

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