Hardware

Memory &
Input Output Processing
Storage
devices devices devices
devices
• Keyboard
• Numeric keypad
• Pointing devices
• mouse
• touch pad
• tracker ball (for people with limited motor skills)
• remote control
• joystick / driving wheel
• touch screen (input & output)
• light pen (to select or draw on CRT screens)
 • no text
• if mark is not dark enough / filling the box it might not be read
• if a mark is not erased properly it might be detected
• Magnetic stripe reader
• No pin so fast payment but not secured
• easily damaged by scratching / magnetic fields
• Chip reader
• uses PIN code to authorise transaction
• shoulder surfing
• RFID (radio frequency identification)
• contains microchip to store data and antenna to transfer data to reader
• No line of sight or contact is necessary; the tag can be read from a distance
• Data stored on chip (reduces need to retrieve information from database)
 • direct line of sight necessary
• if scratched / dirty will not be read
• QR (quick response)
• store URL, contact information
• most smart phones have QR readers
• Biometric readers
• unique as no two people have the same fingerprint
• difficult to be copied/stolen
• impossible to be lost or forgotten
• expensive equipment
Monitor Projector Speaker Printer

TFT touch screen Laser Inkjet Dot matrix

 low medium
high speed
of paper medium speed

high high
highest (changing cartridges
Lowest (toner)
frequently)
high lowest
medium most suitable
ent not suitable not suitable
separate sheets separate sheets
no no
Toner Droplets
ain memory provide permanence and are used to store data for later use
backup data
transfer data from computer to another

e ROM
ity Read only magnetic optical s
Non-Volatile
Used to store me
Fixed hard disk
e start-up fast access
CD ROM / DVD ROM
prevent deleting / editing of data SD
instructions high capacity CD ROM used by companies to sell most c
not portable books / software / music
compa
use Small capacity Portable hard disk DVD ROM used by companies to
sell movies xD
large capacity
n the cloud can be accessed from any
lace with internet access
o pay for large computer/mobile storage If the internet connection is
be a problem accessing/dow
cloud
the storage you use as much of the space
disk may be wasted Cloud storage can be expens
capacity is required
storage capacity on the cloud (unlimited
city) Easier to hack the cloud as th
long period of time on serve
chronize files across multiple devices
ly if requested) easily Data is controlled by the stor
customers should choose a t
on
System software
e

ng
compiler linker devic
Operating
system Translate a program Link more than one It en
written by a object file and hardwa
n Provides user interface commu
programmer (High combine them into
Loads & runs Level Language; single program the o
application software syste
HLL)
Manages error device
messages to a U
hing
2) Icons for programs and files 2) The user types a command commands
3) Menus to select options (using keyboard), followed by
4) Pointers to make selections enter, if it is typed
accurately, it is executed
(performed).
✓ It is easier to learn and use ✓ Doesn’t take up a lot of ✓ Hand free commands
(no need for experienced RAM/memory space  May lead to errors due t
users). ✓ Faster to run (no graphics to different vocal accents
✓ GUI is more user friendly; load)  Expensive to develop
with CLI the commands have ✓ Flexible; no pre-defined  Affected by background
to be memorized functions (the user can type noise
✓ Allows scrolling & zooming any command)
✓ Clicking icons is faster than ✓ More control over the
typing commands computer; no commands are
✓ Variety of input devices protected
 Commands have to be
memorized