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com

1. Types and components of computer system

Hardware and Software:

 Hardware : is a Physical Components that makes a computer system
 Software : is a general term of Programs that control the computer system
and processing data, there are two types

Internal Hardware:
 Motherboard
 Random access memory (Ram) RAM
 Read only memory (Rom)
 Video Cards
 Sound Cards
 Internal Hard storage devices ROM
(HDD & SSD) Video Card

External Hardware:
 Monitor
 Keyboard Sound Card Solid State Drive
 Mouse
 Printer
 Storage

Hard Disk Drive Motherboard

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Internal hardware:
Motherboard:
 Printed circuit board in all computers.
 It allow the processor and other hardware to function and communicate with
each other
 It is central to any computer system
 All components plug into the motherboard

(CPU) Central Processing Unit or (Microprocessor):

 CPU is brain / heart of the computer and consists of :
o Control unit – Coordinates input and output devices and carries out
program instructions
o Arithmetic and logical Unit ( ALU) – performs calculations and logical
comparison
o Immediate access store ( IAS) – Holds data and program instructions in
current use
 CPU Interprets , execute the commands and handle calculations, data
processing and movement data to and from system memory

Random Access Memory (RAM):

 Data stored temporarily
 This memory can be Written and Read
 Content lost when computer is turned off
 Volatile memory

Read only memory (ROM):

 To store permanent information
 Only read
 Data cannot be changed or lost when the power off
 Non-volatile memory
 Used to store BIOS instructions

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Video card:
 Allow the computer to send graphical information to video display like monitor
or television, made of memory unit, cooling mechanism and connection to
display unit.

Sound card :
 Integrated circuit to board to provide a computer with ability to produce
sounds

Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD) / Solid State Drive (SSD):

 Main internal storage
 The main advantage is fast data transfer
 Magnetic in nature and one from the methods to store the information

Software: there are two types of software (application & system)

Application software: Program that allow the user to do specific task:

• Word processor: software to manipulate text documents, the user can

create, save, edit the documents, copy and paste, importing photos, translate
etc…

• Spreadsheet: software to manipulate numerical data in columns and rows,

use formula to carry out calculations, create graph and modeling the
calculations.

• Database: software to organize, manipulate, analyze data, each database

consists of one or more tables, and can carry out query, add modify data
and create report.

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• Control and measuring software: designed to allow a computer or

microprocessor to interface with sensors to measuring temperature ,
control application like chemical process (pH)

• Apps ( applications) software: it is applications which run on mobile phones

or tablet

• Photo editing software : software allow editing digital photo stored in the
computer

• Video editing software: software allow to manipulate videos and can do

editing, rearrange, adding, removing section, do color correction and
transition

• Graphics manipulate software : software allows bitmap and vector images

to be changed

• System software : Program that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the
user to communicate with the computer
• Compiler : computer program that translate program written in high level
language as a whole into machine code, the original program called the
Source Code and the program after compilation called the Object code,
Examples of high level language is Java, Python, C++ , Fortran .

• Interpreter: computer program that translate program written in high level

language , translation as one statement at a time ( step by step )

• Linkers: computer program that takes one or more object files produced by
compiler and combine them into a single program. Different pieces of code
called module and the linker put all together.

• Device driver: the name of software that enable one or more hardware
device to communicate with the operating system and without driver the
device unable to work.

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• Operating systems (OS): software running in the background of a computer

system , without operating system the computer will not user friendly, OS
allow:
• Input / Output operation
• User communicate with the computer
• Error handling
• Managing of security ( log in – password – user account )

• Utilities : software to carry out specific tasks on a computer, and to help to

maintain and control computer recourses include :

• Antivirus, Anti-spyware, Backup files, Disk repair, File management,

Security , Screensavers, Disk defragmentation

Main components of computer system

Computer system consists of:

1. Input devices
2. Output devices
3. Secondary storage devices

Internal hardware devices:

1. The central processing unit (CPU)
2. Internal hard disk drive
3. Random access memory ( RAM)
4. Read only memory ( ROM) :

 Boot files: Code tells the computer what to do when the first
start up referred as BIOS (Basic input/output system.
 CMOS : Chip that BIOS stored the data ( date & time and
system configuration) in non-volatile chip called CMOS
(complementary metal oxide semiconductor) this is battery
powered

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Operating systems:

Operating systems: to enable computer system to function and allow users to

communicate with computer systems
General tasks for Operating systems:
1. Controls operation of input & output & backing storage devices
2. Supervising running , loading, running and storage applications programs
3. Deals with errors may occur in applications programs
4. Maintain security of computer system
5. Maintain computer log
6. Allow to communicate between the user and computer system

User Interfaces (2 types):

• User Interface (2 types):
1. Command line interface (CLI) – used by programmers, analyst,
somebody need direct communication with the computer for
development. as MSDOS
2. Graphical User Interface ( GUI) – used by end-user who doesn’t need
to know the computer works or who need to play games, handle the
pointing device .. as Windows

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GUI

CLI
Types of computers

1- PC ( personal computer /desktop computers)

Advantages Disadvantages
• Lower cost because spare parts and • Not portable.
connections tend to be standard • You need to copy files if you
• Better specification (fast processor..) do some work outside.
• No much heating • More complicated than
• Less damaged can be happened laptop
because fixed in one location
• Internet access is also stable because
not moved around

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2- Laptop / Notebook computer

Advantages Disadvantages
• Laptop in single unit then no trilling • Easier to steal.
wires • Battery is limited life.
• Can take full advantage of Wi-Fi. • Keyboard and pointing devices
• Lightweight. can sometimes be not suitable
• Low power consumption. to use.
• Portable, can be taken anywhere and
can connect with multimedia system

3- Tablets

Advantages compared to laptops Disadvantages compared to

laptops:
• Very fast to switch on • Less storage space and memory
• Fully portable, small, light can be • Typing in touch screen can be
carried any where slow and can have some errors
• Built in camera & video • Transferring files has to be done
• Touchscreen , no need input device through App store
• Long battery life • Laptops support type file format
• Can use several Apps as standard more than tablets
(example : MP4 player)
• Don’t generate any heat
• When power button is pressed it
will be standby but remain
connected to the internet

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4- Smartphone
Allow normal phone calls and also have OS ( iOS, Android, Windows)

functions of smartphone :

 Send/receive email
 Surf internet
 Global positioning system GPS
 Calendar functions
 Telephone banking using banking Apps
 VIOP – voice over internet protocol using internet
 Streaming of video
 Streaming of music
 Social networking
 Instant message
Advantages Disadvantages
 Easy to carry (very small in size  The small screen make pages
and lightweight difficult to read
 Used to make phone calls and also  Small keyboard make difficult to
connect to internet while on move type things and slow also, but this
 Used anywhere sine have Wi-Fi solved in large screen
 Have hundreds of Apps  Web browsing can consume
 Have reasonable battery life battery quickly
compared to laptop  Memory is not large when you
compare with laptop
 Not all websites compatible with
smartphone operating system
 Easier to lose or stolen since
small size
 The data transfer rate using
mobile phone networks is slower
with Wi-Fi

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4- Smartwatches
Allow users to wear a mini computer in their writs and have the functions of
smartphone
Some functions of smartwatches :
 Internet connectivity , can browse& search ,
send email
 Ability to make and take phone calls
 Messaging using text or video
 Weather forecasting
 Fitness and health monitoring capability
 GPS , find location , using satnav , direction to
other location

Advantages Disadvantages
 Same advantages of  Same disadvantages of smartphone
smartphone  Smartphones are large and bulky.
 It can wear in wrists  Problem with battery failure or
 Monitoring fitness and health empty battery.
regimes  Unattractive design
 The software for GPS needs to kept
up to date update
 During running loss of satellite can
make an issue
 During running sunlight can make it
unreadable

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Mainframe computer
Is used for large and very powerful computer system, and the main purpose
to run commercial applications such as banking, insurance where huge
amount of data.

Main features of Mainframe computer:

 They can have several CPUs.
 They have very fast processor speeds.
 The can have support multiple operating
systems.
 They can have huge amounts storage capacity.
 They can have huge internal memories.
 They often operate using time sharing or batch processing

Impacts of Emerging Technologies:

 Artificial Intelligence (AI)
 Vision enhancement
 Robotics
 Quantum cryptography
 Computer assisted translation ( CAT )
 3-D and holographic imaging
 Virtual reality

Artificial intelligence AI biometrics:

 Biometric technology use unique characteristic of particular part of
the body comprising facial recognition, iris scan, retina scan,
fingerprint scan, etc
 The problem with biometric technology that many fingerprint
identification systems falsely reject a person's fingerprints , when
scan checked in database no matched found

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 Artificial intelligence (AI) biometric overcome this problem using

dynamic profiling , this is mean the person no worry to get his
fingerprint in exactly right place every time on the scanner
 Facial-recognition system has the same problem ( wear glasses –
grown hair – has aged ) AI can overcome this problem

Vision enhancement
 Low vision enhancement system ( LVES ) use video technology through
a headset connected to a computer, the system allow images to be
projected in from of the eyes, this bring the things closer by the user of
the system
 Night vision enhancement ( NVE ) amplifies infrared light and visible light
so that the image can still be seen in the darkness ( military use this
technology
Robotics
 Robotics mostly used in manufacturing industry, like weld car bodies ,
spray body panels, fit items
 Robots appearing in many areas in our lives
 One application used in drones (flying devices) used by military and
civilians.
 Robots can perform many tasks:
 Dangerous jobs ( bomb disposal )
 Exploring (Volcanos)
 Repetitive manufacturing job ( Cars )
 Moving heavy objects
 Surgical procedure

Impacts of Robots on everyday life

 Increased personnel time
 Increased manufacturing efficiency
 Much faster than human and less expensive
 Robotics replace human in some auto jobs
 Safer since robots can work in dangerous places

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Quantum cryptography
 Cryptography is the science of making a message unintelligible to any
unauthorized user (hacker).
 Quantum cryptography is based on the use of photons (light) and their
physical quantum properties
 Send a message with complete privacy (encryption)
 Make it much more complex to decrypt, ( enable secure
communication
Computer-assisted translation ( CAT )
• When human translators use computer software to help in translation
process
• Reduce translation time but may be not 100% accurate
Impacts on everyday life
 More accurate
 Multilingual
 Quick translator

3-D and holographic imaging

• Holography is a technology makes images appear as 3D ( known as
hologram )
• Hologram use 2 regular 2D images to manipulate to produce 3d images
• Hologram have the following application:
 Engineering design CAD
 Architecture , ability to rotate design 360 degrees
 Simulations
 Medical imaging ( see inside organs as 3D )
 Cinema ( special effects)
 Gaming ( special effects)
 Advertising
 Holographic television expecting in 2025 without special glasses
 Holographic computer memories ( new options of optical storage

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 Optical computers ( speed will be faster )

Holography involves to use:

 A source of laser light
 Interference of light
 Light diffraction
 Light intensity recording

Virtual reality
Artificial environment that users can interact with
General equipment to use Virtual Reality
Eye goggles – gloves – headphones – sensor - powerful computer

Used in the following areas/ uses:

 Military applications – training pilots

 Education – training surgeons
 Healthcare ( as diagnostic tool )
 Entertainment ( games when wear gloves with helmet , with sound to
make very real
 Fashion show to see the clothes on people

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 Heritage ( to see the mountains)

 Business ( Training course )
 Real state ( people can look around the house )
 Engineering ( to show how design of the building will look )
 Media ( special effects of movies( The matrix ) )
 Scientific visualization ( to see molecular structure in chemistry

Impacts on everyday life:

 Improved medical surgeons
 Stronger building
 More realistic education ( interactive learning environment)

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2- Input and output devices

Input devices and their used:

1- Keyboards :
Uses :
 Input of data (text, number,..) into applications software
 Typing commands to the computer ( Ctrl P + Ctrl S … )
 Mostly QWERTY keyboard is used
 Ergonomic keyboard is used to reduce the health-related problems
like ( carpal tunnel syndrome – RSI )
Advantages Disadvantages
• Fast text entry into the document • Can be difficult to use if the user
• Easy to use has limited arm/wrist use.
• Easier to do verification checks as • Slow method when compared
the data is entered. with direct data entry
• Large device.

2-Concept Keyboard
 Uses icons instead of standard letters ,
 Often used in fast food restaurants one
item (example ice cream)
 Fast data entry.
 The keyboards are waterproof.
 Certain applications.
 Tamper resistant

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2. Numeric keypads
Used to enter number only

USES:
 Automatic teller machines (ATMs).
 Mobile phones.
 Point-of-sale (POS)
 Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards
 Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet

Advantages Disadvantages
• Faster than standard keyboard • Sometimes have small keys, input
• Very easy to carry around more difficult.
• Sometimes the order of the
numbers on the keypad isn’t
intuitive.

Pointing devices:
1- Mouse
By moving mouse around, you can control the
position of the pointer on the screen

USES:
 Opening, closing and minimizing software.
 Grouping, moving and deleting files.
 Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen

Advantages Disadvantages
• Faster way than using a keyboard. • More difficult for people with
• Very quick way to navigate restricted hand
applications and internet • Easy to damage
• No need large desk area. • Difficult to use if no flat surface

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2- Touchpad
Used in many laptop as a pointing device

Advantages Disadvantages
• Faster than a keyboard • People with limited hand/wrist
• No need for a separate mouse. movement find the device difficult
to use.
• Difficult to control when compared
to a mouse.
• Difficult in certain operations such
as drag and drop.

3-Tracker ball
Uses
 Used in applications where the user has disability
(RSI)
 Used in a control room /faster than a mouse
 Used in some luxury cars to select functions such
as radio, telephone, music

Advantages Disadvantages
• Easier than a mouse. • Not supplied with computers as
• More accurate positioning. standard.
• More robust than a mouse. • User may need training
• Needs less desk space than a mouse

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4-Remote Control
Uses :
 Televisions, satellite systems, most of systems
use remote controls.
 Control multimedia systems.
 Used in industrial applications to remotely
control processes.
Advantages Disadvantages
• Operated from any reasonable • Difficult to use if the operator has
distance. limited hand/wrist movement.
• Some chemical processes are • It is easier to block the signal.
hazardous, can select operation
from distance

5-Joystick
Uses :
 Used in video/computer games.
 Used in simulators

Advantages Disadvantages
• Easier than a keyboard to • More difficult to control the on-
navigate the screen screen pointer
• Control is more realistic than
using a mouse

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5-Driving wheel
Uses :
 Used in video/computer games.
 Used in simulators (car-driving
simulators)
Advantages Disadvantages
• Easier than a keyboard or • Expensive input device.
joystick. • Movements too sensitive.
• Actual steering wheel and other
controls operate in real life.

6- Touchscreens
Uses :
 Self-service
 ATMs
 Point-of-sale terminals
 Airports, railway stations, tourist
offices
 Personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones and satellite
navigation systems
 Interactive white boards in education.
 Computer-based training (CBT) - on-screen testing.
 Used as an output device

Advantages Disadvantages
• Faster entry. • Limited number of options
• Very easy method. available.
• User-friendly. • Can lead to problems.
• The screen can get very dirty,
reduce its responsiveness

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7- Scanners:
There are two types of scanner, The most common is
flatbed scanner, also barcode scanner is another type
Uses
• Scan documents.
• Scan in old/valuable documents/books.
• Scan in photographs.
• Scan in barcodes at POS terminals.
Advantages Disadvantages
• Images can be stored for editing • Quality can be limited depend on
at a later date. resolution of the scanner.
• Much faster and more accurate. • Slow at scanning if color scanning
• Recovery damaged documents selected
and photographs.

8- Digital Camera
Digital cameras replaced with traditional based film ,
now the images stored digitally on solid state
memory , and can be transferred to computer by:

 Directly reading the memory card.

 Connecting to the computer using a USB port.
 Using wireless data transfer (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).

Advantages Disadvantages
• Easier to produce better-quality • The quality of photographs
photographs. depends on the number of pixels.
• Easier and faster to upload • Images compressed to reduce
photographs to a computer reader. the memory used.
• No need to print out photographs.
• Can store several hundred
photographs.

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9- Video Cameras
DV (digital video) cameras, store
compressed photo frames at speed of 25
MB per second this is known as (MOTION
JPEG)

Advantages of using DV cameras compared to traditional cameras

• Much easier to manipulate video.

• DV format gives a very high quality of image

10- Microphone
Microphone connected directly with the computer,
Sounds converted to an analogue signal then converted
into a digital signal
Uses :
 Presentations.
 Input in voice-recognition software
 As a sensor to pick up sound.
 Used in video conferencing or Voice over Internet Protocol
Advantages Disadvantages
• Faster to read text instead using • Sound files is big.
keyboard • Voice-recognition software not
• Manipulate sound. accurate
• Voice-activation system, Advantage
of improving safety. – driving cars

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11-Sensors
 Sensor is a device to input data into a computer, the data is physical
quantity like temperature, light, moister, this data is analogue in nature
 Computer can read only digital data , then the data from sensor should
be converted to digital using an analogue digital converter ADC

Type of sensors:

Advantages Disadvantages
• More accurate than human • Faulty sensors can give spurious
operators. results
• Readings are continuous - no break
• Any necessary action or warning will
be initiated immediately
• Systems can be automatic, removing
the need for human intervention.

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12- Graphic Tablet

Used with stylus to produce freehand drawing

Uses
 produce freehand drawings
 Used in computer-aided design (CAD)
work

Advantages Disadvantages
• Modify drawings before they are • More expensive than other
input. pointing devices.
• Very accurate method of drawing. • Takes time to produce a drawing
• Can record levels of pressure. • Menus not very user-friendly.
• Larger drawings (such as A4) are
expensive to produce.
• The touch screens are damaged
easily.

13- Webcams
Uses
 Conversation while chatting online.
 Video conferencing

Advantages Disadvantages
 Immediate face-to-face video chat  Very limited features and often
 Contact with each other without poor quality.
traveling  Need to be connected to the
computer.

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14- Light pens

Light pens contain sensors that send signals to a
computer whenever light changes are detected,
and only work with CRT monitor

Uses :
• Selecting objects on CRT screens
• Drawing on screen ( as example CAD Package)

Advantages Disadvantages
 Greater accuracy than touch screen  Problems with delay when
 Small drawing on screen.
 Easy-to-use  Only works with CRT monitors.
 Not accurate when drawing.

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Direct data entry ( DDE ) devices:

Devices for reading information from cards
Magnetic stripe readers
Used to read information on the magnetic stripe
founded in back of credit/debit card
Uses:
 On credit/debit cards for use at ATMs or EFTPOS
(Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale)
terminals
 Security devices to allow entry to buildings,
(as in hotel rooms)

Advantages Disadvantages
• Fast data entry • If the magnetic stripe gets
• Error free damaged the data is lost.
• Secure • Doesn’t work at a distance.
• Prevents access to restricted areas • Not human readable.
• Not affected by oil, water, moisture
• Very robust.

Contactless card readers

Contactless debit or credit cards allow customers to pay
for items worth up to $25 without entering their PIN
The steps are taken to pay :
 Costumers look out for the contactless symbol on
the payment terminal
 The shop assistant enter the amount
 The reader inform the customer to present contactless card
 The customer hold the card in front of the reader
 The terminal display the card has been read
Advantages Disadvantages
• Faster transaction. • More expensive than normal cards.
• Encryption. • A thief with a suitable reader could
• No typing errors. monitor contactless card transaction

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• Retailers will not access to the • Can take money twice.

customer’s card. • Transactions are a small
• The chip in the contactless
credit card responds with a
unique number used for that
transaction only.

Chip and PIN readers

Similar to smart card reader but used in EFTPOS terminal
Uses:
 Payments using card in (restaurants, supermarkets,
travel, etc.).

Advantages Disadvantages
• More secure • Need to be careful to ensure PIN
• More robust isn’t read by somebody else while
typing it in.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers

Use radio waves to read and capture information stored on tag
RFID tag is made up of two components:
 A microchip stores and processes information
 An antenna receive and transmit data
Uses:
 Livestock tracking ( each animal in farm will be known)
 Retail ( like barcode but without scanning )
 Admission passes (parks RFID cards )
 Libraries ( book can tracked )
Advantages Disadvantages
• No direct line • Tag collision.
• Very robust, • Easy to jam or interrupt.
• Very fast read rate and reuse. • Easy to hack.
• Bulk detection is possible • More expensive than barcode
(hundred tags/s . system

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Magnetic ink character recognition/reader (MICR)

Is as system to read characters printed in a special ink

Uses:
 Used to process bank cheque in banking operation
using system called batch processing

Advantages Disadvantages
• Offer greater security than OCR • Only certain characters can be read
• No manual input, so errors are and the number of different
reduced characters is very limited.
• The magnetic ink characters can • More expensive
still be read even if somebody
writes over them

Optical Mark recognition / Reader (OMR) Read

Read marks written in pen or pencil
Uses:
 Read questionnaires, multiple-choice examination papers
and other forms
Advantages Disadvantages
• Very fast way of inputting the • The forms need to be carefully
results of a survey. designed and correctly positioned
• More accurate. which can make problem for result.

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Optical character recognition/reader (OCR)

The new system in processing of passport and id cards
Uses:
 Processing of passports and identity cards
 Converting printed documents to an editable
electronic format
 Read car number plate
Advantages Disadvantages
• Much faster data-entry system • Difficulty reading handwriting
• The number of errors is reduced • Not very accurate
• Can read handwriting

Comparison between OCR and OMR

OCR OMR
Because this method reads handwriting, it Since use shading to answer, the
is possible for customers to extend their information obtained is limited to the
answers to questions choices offered in each question
poor handwriting may cause reading OMR relies on simply detecting where
errors marks have been made on a page; the
position of the marks is compared to
a template stored in memory
OCR is used for converting printed OMR simply reads the position of marks,
documents to an editable electronic so it is ideal for multiple-choice exam
format papers
OCR requires a complex recognition This method requires complex (and
system expensive) forms to be
completed; but the recognition system is
simpler than OCR
Fewer 'how to fill in' instructions are While this method requires more 'how to
needed for forms designed to be fill in' instructions, it is easier and faster
completed and then read by OCR for customers to complete OMR forms
than to complete OCR forms
While OCR is more accurate than data OMR is essentially a more accurate
entered into a computer by keyboard, method for reading data than OCR
there are still problems recognizing
all types of handwriting, leading to
inaccuracies

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Barcodes readers ( hand scanner )

Uses:
 Supermarkets and shops
 Libraries to keep track of books
 Safety function - electrical equipment checking
regular basis.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Much faster • Expensive system to administer.
• Way of recording data • Not foolproof.
• Allow automatic stock control. • Easily damaged than RFID tags or
• Trusted technology. magnetic strips.

Quick response (QR) code

• Is made of matrix of filled in dark square on light
background, normal barcode can have 30 digits but
QR can hold over 7000 digits.
• Smartphone with camera can read QR code which
can be website link or advertising

Advantages
• No need to write down a key or
website
• QR can store the website address
on business card or on the
magazine, train, bus

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Output devices and their uses

CRT monitors
Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors
Uses:
 Output device
 Used with light pens

Advantages Disadvantages
• The angle of viewing is still better • Present a safety hazard if not
than with most TFT monitors supported properly
• They work with light pens in • Run very hot and can cause fires
CAD/CAM applications • They consume more power than
modern TFT
• They can flicker, can lead to
headaches and eyesight problems

Thin film transistor (TFT) monitors

Made up of thousands of tiny pixels.
Uses :
 Output device
 Laptop computers.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Lightweight • The angle of viewing a TFT is
• Produce less glare than CRT monitors fairly critical.
• Less radiation • Definition is sometimes not as
• Consume less power / don’t generate good as a CRT monitor.
much heat

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LCD and LED monitors

• CRT monitor almost gone
• Most monitors become LCD ( Crystal Liquid display / diode
technology
• Modern monitors are backlight using light emitting diode LED
which give the monitor better contrast and brightness
• LED no need warm up to reach to full efficiency
• LED produce brighter light
• LED consume very little power / produce less heat
• OLED is new technology , which is very thin, flexible, lighter

Multimedia projectors
Uses :
 Training presentations
 Advertising presentations
 Home cinema systems
Advantages Disadvantages
• Many people can see a presentation • Images can sometimes be fuzzy
without crowding • Expensive
• No networked computers • Setting little difficult to setup

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