Fundamentals of ICT

Ashansa Udani
Lecturer
IMBS Green Campus
 Module 01 FIT

2 Contents
2 Input & Output Devices 4
2.1 Input Device 4
2.1. 1 Keyboard 4
2.1.1.1 Types of keyboard 5
2.1. 2 Pointing Devices 7
2.1.2.1 Mouse 7
2.2.1.1 Types of mouse 8
2.1.2.2 Touch screen 8
2.1.2.3 Joy Stick 8
2.1.2.4 Light pen 9
2.1. 3 Imaging and Video Input Devices 9
2.1.3.1 Digital Camera 9
2.1.3.2 Web Camera 9
2.1.3.3 Closed Circuit TV CCTV 10
2.1. 4 Scanners 10
2.1.4.1 Flatbed Scanners 10
2.1.4.2 Bar Code Reader 10
2.1.4.3 Magnetic Ink Character Reader – MICR 11
2.1.4.4 Optical Character Recognition – OCR 11
2.1.4.5 Optical Mark Recognition – OMR 11
2.1. 5 Audio input device 12
2.1.5.1 Microphone 12
2.1 Output Devices 12
2.1. 1 Soft Copy 12
2.1.1.1 Monitor/ Screen 12
2.1.1.1 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor 13
2.1.1.2 Liquid Crystal Display – LCD 13
2.1.1.3 Light Emitting Diode – LED 13
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2.1.1.2 Multimedia Projector 14

2.1. 2 Hard Copy 14
2.1.2.1 Printers 14
2.2.1.1 Impact Printers 14
2..2.1.1.1 Dot Matrix Printer 15
2..2.1.1.2 Line Printer 15
2.2.1.2 Non-Impact Printers 15
2..2.1.2.1 Laser Printers 15
2..2.1.2.2 Bubble/Ink Jet Printer 16
2..2.1.2.3 Thermal printers 16
2..2.1.2.4 Plotter 16
2.1. 3 Sound 17
2.1.3.1 Speaker 17

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Images
Figure 2.1 1Keyboard parts ........................................................................................... 4
Figure 2.1.1. 1 QWERTY Keyboard ............................................................................. 5
Figure 2.1.1. 2 Ergonomic Keyboard ............................................................................ 6
Figure 2.1.1. 3 Virtual Keyboard ................................................................................... 6
Figure 2.1.1. 4 AZERTY Keyboard .............................................................................. 6
Figure 2.1.1. 5 Apple Keyboard .................................................................................... 7
Figure 2.1.1. 6 Dvorak Keyboards ................................................................................ 7

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2 Input & Output Devices

2.1 Input Device

Input devices help the user to provide commands to the processor and also for the processor to
receive data and information from its environment. The user can use devices like the keyboard,
mouse or trackball and joystick to provide commands and data into the computer. Device like,
microphone, scanner and digital cameras help the processor to receive data from its environment.
Any device that can feed data or information to a computer is referred to as an input device.

2.1. 1 Keyboard
A keyboard is a device or input peripheral that is used to enter data, commands, and text into
a computer or other electronic device. It typically consists of a set of keys, each representing a
specific character or function, arranged in a standardized layout. Keyboards can be physical, such as
those found on desktop computers, laptops, or standalone devices, or they can be virtual, displayed
on touchscreens or other interactive surfaces. By pressing the keys, users can input text, control
software applications, navigate menus, and perform various other tasks.

The number of keys on a keyboard can vary depending on the type and layout of the keyboard.
However, a standard full-sized keyboard typically has 104 keys. This includes alphanumeric keys
(letters and numbers), modifier keys (Shift, Control, Alt, etc.), function keys (F1-F12), navigation
keys (arrow keys, Home, End, etc.), special keys (Enter, Backspace, Caps Lock, etc.), and a numeric
keypad on the right side.

It's important to note that there are various keyboard layouts used in different regions and languages,
which may have additional or modified keys to accommodate specific characters or symbols. Some
keyboards, particularly compact or specialized ones, may have fewer keys than the standard full-
sized keyboard.

Figure 2.1 1Keyboard parts

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• Alphanumeric Keys: These keys represent letters of the alphabet (A-Z) and numbers (0-9).
They are used to input text and numbers.

• Modifier Keys: These keys include Shift, Control (Ctrl), Alt, and the Windows or Command
key. When pressed in combination with other keys, they modify their functions or trigger
specific commands.

• Function Keys: Located at the top row of the keyboard (F1-F12), function keys have various
functions depending on the software or operating system being used. They can perform tasks
such as opening help menus, adjusting volume, or activating specific features.

• Navigation Keys: These keys help navigate within documents or interfaces. They include the
arrow keys (Up, Down, Left, Right), Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, and Delete. They are
useful for moving the cursor, scrolling through text or webpages, and editing documents.

• Special Keys: Keyboards may have additional keys with specific functions. Examples include
the Escape key (Esc), Enter or Return key, Tab key, Backspace key, Caps Lock, Num Lock,
and Scroll Lock. These keys serve various purposes depending on the context.

• Media Keys: Some keyboards have dedicated media keys for controlling multimedia
functions such as volume adjustment, play/pause, next/previous track, and mute.

• Numeric Keypad: Typically found on the right side of a full-sized keyboard, the numeric
keypad includes numeric keys (0-9) and mathematical operators (+, -, *, /). It allows for quick
numerical input and calculations.

2.1.1.1 Types of keyboard

Figure 2.1.1. 1 QWERTY Keyboard

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Figure 2.1.1. 2 Ergonomic Keyboard

Figure 2.1.1. 3 Virtual Keyboard

Figure 2.1.1. 4 AZERTY Keyboard

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Figure 2.1.1. 5 Apple Keyboard

Figure 2.1.1. 6 Dvorak Keyboards

2.1. 2 Pointing Devices

2.1.2.1 Mouse

This is the most popular pointing device used. Mouse provides input via buttons. The mouse
contains a left button and a right button. Mouse has a wheel to roll up and down in the screen.
Laptop computers use, a touch pad or a mouse is as the pointing device.

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2.2.1.1 Types of mouse

2.1.2.2 Touch screen

This is the input and output device in the modern computers and mobile phones. Data is fed
by touching the screen. It also acts as a pointing device.

2.1.2.3 Joy Stick

This is also a pointing device used in computer games which can move the cursor.

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2.1.2.4 Light pen

Light pen is used to select menu items on the screen or to draw/write on the screen.
The appearance is similar to a normal pen. This is used in Computer Aided Designs (CAD).

2.1. 3 Imaging and Video Input Devices

2.1.3.1 Digital Camera

This is the input device used to input photographs and videos to the computer.
Display screen serves as the output device of the camera.

2.1.3.2 Web Camera

The webcam is used to view a user connected to the computer through internet or to capture
videos.
It is positioned on top of the laptop monitor, and for desktop computers, can be connected
externally.

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2.1.3.3 Closed Circuit TV CCTV

The images or videos captured by cameras are fed as input to the computers. CCTVs are
commonly used to maintain road safety and the security of premises.

2.1. 4 Scanners

2.1.4.1 Flatbed Scanners

This is an input device which functions like a photocopying machine. The scanned image or
document is captured by the laser beams and converted to digital data. The scanned picture /
document can be saved in the computer.

2.1.4.2 Bar Code Reader

This device is used to read the bar codes. The bar code is converted to an alphanumeric value
by the bar code reader and is fed to the computer connected to it.

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2.1.4.3 Magnetic Ink Character Reader – MICR

This is available in banks. It is used to check the accuracy of a cheque. This device reads
numbers printed at the bottom of the cheque, its data such as bank code, bank account number
and feed them to the computer.

2.1.4.4 Optical Character Recognition – OCR

This is used to capture text in a document and to edit that captured text in the document. This
is commonly used in libraries and in government institutes.

2.1.4.5 Optical Mark Recognition – OMR

This is an input device which recognizes marks made using a pencil or a pen. It is
commonly used to check forms filled in pen or pencil, correct MCQs of exam papers. It can
read the marks and feed that data to the computer.

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2.1. 5 Audio input device

2.1.5.1 Microphone

Microphone is used to feed sound to a computer.

2.1 Output Devices

• The computer uses output devices to output information to the user. All information
which is output by the processor through the output devices can either be seen, heard or
felt. Devices like the Monitor or LCD panel and projectors display information whereas
a speaker would provide audible output. A feedback joystick would provide an output
which can be felt by the user. Any device that can be used to output information from
a computer is known as an output device. It is also important to note that certain devices
have functionality that fall into both input and output categories. For example, a touch-
screen display and a feedback joystick function as both input devices and output
devices.
• There are several methods of producing the processed information by a computer
system. Some of them are,
▪ Soft copy
▪ Hard copy
▪ Sound
2.1. 1 Soft Copy
The output on the screen is called a soft copy.

2.1.1.1 Monitor/ Screen

This is also called Visual Display Unit (VDU). There are several types of monitors available
today.

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2.1.1.1 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

This type of monitor, is large in size and consumes more electricity.

2.1.1.2 Liquid Crystal Display – LCD

This is a flat screen type technology. LCD displays utilize two sheets of polarizing material
with a liquid crystal solution between them. LED consumes less electricity.

2.1.1.3 Light Emitting Diode – LED

LED screens are designed using light emitting diodes. LED displays have better brightness
and they are used for symbols, billboards and name boards in common places and roads. This
has become a popular medium today due to its low electricity consumption.

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2.1.1.2 Multimedia Projector

This is the device used to get information output to a wide screen so that several people can
view it at the same time. This can be used as a visual aid by a teacher to display presentations,
to conduct business meetings or to watch videos for entertainment.

2.1. 2 Hard Copy

Hard copies are tangible computer outputs. The following are devices which provide hard
copy output.

2.1.2.1 Printers
There are two main types of printers. These are,

2.2.1.1 Impact Printers

Impact printers are a primary level device in the printing technology. Impact printer refers to
a class of printers that have a head or needle which strike against an ink ribbon to make a
mark on the paper. Its function it is noisy. However, since the ink ribbon used is not expensive,
this is used in banks and shops for printing receipts etc. The following are some of the impact
printers.

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2..2.1.1.1 Dot Matrix Printer

Letters are printed on the paper as small dots here when the printer’s head strikes on the inked
ribbon with needle like tips.

2..2.1.1.2 Line Printer

This is a fast printer which prints one row at a time. This can print about 3000 lines per minute.

2.2.1.2 Non-Impact Printers

Non-impact printers does not operate by striking a head against a ribbon. Hence, it is not
noisy. The printouts are better quickly. Running cost of these printers are more expensive
than impact printers. The following are some of the non-impact printers.

2..2.1.2.1 Laser Printers

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Laser printer utilizes a laser beam to produce an image (through a mirror) on a drum. The
light of the laser alters the electrical charge on the drum and apply toner (dried ink) in the
cartridge. There are laser printers which print about four A4 size papers per minute. Both
black and white, as well as colour laser printers are available. The laser printer produces clear
and quality printouts.

2..2.1.2.2 Bubble/Ink Jet Printer

Liquid ink stored in tanks is kept in the cartridge and ink is deposited on paper through
small nozzles and produce the print.

2..2.1.2.3 Thermal printers

Heat is used to print the document. It is commonly used in businesses to print receipts in
devices such as like ATM, and in printing labels.
2..2.1.2.4 Plotter

This is commonly used in computer based planning (architectural designs, town planning,
designing sailing boats etc). A plan is drawn by moving a pen on the paper.

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2.1. 3 Sound
2.1.3.1 Speaker

The device which gives a sound output is called speaker. Speaker devices are designed for
personal and common purpose.

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