Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

Midterm Syllabus
Week 3
Types of Computers, their characteristics and applications
Computers can be classified by size (e.g., supercomputers, mainframes,
workstations, minicomputers, microcomputers/personal computers), by their
data handling capacity (digital, analog, or hybrid), and by their purpose (e.g.,
servers, laptops, desktops, handhelds).
Based on Size:
 Supercomputers:
Designed for high-performance, complex tasks, often used in scientific
research and simulations.
 Mainframe Computers:
Large, powerful computers that can handle multiple users and tasks
simultaneously, commonly used in large organizations.
 Workstations:
High-performance computers designed for a single user, often used in fields
requiring advanced graphics or processing power.
 Minicomputers:
A type of multi-user computer that falls between mainframes and
microcomputers.
 Microcomputers/Personal Computers (PCs):
General-purpose computers designed for individual use, including desktops,
laptops, and handheld devices.
Based on Data Handling Capacity:
 Digital Computers: Process information in discrete binary form (0s and 1s).
 Analog Computers: Process information using continuous physical
quantities, like voltage or current.
 Hybrid Computers: Combine the features of both analog and digital
computers.
Based on Purpose:
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

 Servers: Computers dedicated to providing services to other computers on a

network, such as web hosting, email, or file storage.
 Laptops: Portable, battery-powered personal computers.
 Desktops: Personal computers designed for stationary use.
 Handheld Computers: Small, portable computers designed to be held and
operated in the hand, such as smartphones or tablets.

Week 4

Introductions to Computer Based Information System, Benefits and applications

CBIS is an organized integration of hardware and software technologies and

human elements designed to produce timely, integrated, accurate and useful
information for decision making purposes.
For any given application the following features must be present: -

Easy to use interactive (two way) interfaces

 Touch screen
 GUI
 Menu Driven Interface
 Color Screen
 Buttons
 Labels
 Voice Activated
 Tones, on phones
Use of advanced technologies

 Phone
 digital television
 Teleconferencing (audio, video and computer)
 Integration of voice, data and images through ISDN’s (integrated services
digital networks)
 Image transfer systems through facsimile
Fast processing

 Searching (Google gives you search times)

 Looking up name in a database
Rapid responses

 To input
 To requests
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

What is COMPUTER BASED INFORMATION SYSTEM (CBIS)?

Computer(-Based) Information System is essentially an IS using computer technology to
carry out some or all of its planned tasks. The basic components of computer based
information system are:

 Hardware– these are the devices like the monitor, processor, printer and
keyboard, all of which work together to accept, process, show data and
information.

 Software– are the programs that allow the hardware to process the data.
 Databases– are the gathering of associated files or tables containing
related data.
 Networks– are a connecting system that allows diverse computers to
distribute resources.
 Procedures– are the commands for combining the components above to
process information and produce the preferred output.
The first four components (hardware, software, database and network) make up what

is k
nown as the information technology platform. Information technology workers could then
use these components to
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

create information systems that watch over safety measures, risk and the management of
data. These actions are known as information technology services.

Advantages of Utilizing Modern Technology for Given Applications

Need to consider 5 points

 Internet
 Up to date and accessible from different sources
 Interactivity – Easy to interact with the internet
 Mobile Communications via satellites
 Global coverage
 Irrelevant location of either party – WAP phones
A WAP enabled mobile can use its WAP browser to access pages coded in WML (Wireless
Markup Language) – a language designed to take account of the limitations of mobile
networks and phones.

 Video Conferencing
 Distance, time, jet lag – all irrelevant
 E-mail
 Global, not dependent on location
 Attachments
 Group Working i.e. Office Suite. Each application works easily within the
same suite due to the engine that’s employed.
 Software – editing changes, combined with other technologies – e-
mail, WAP, digital TV

Week 5
Input Devices
 Keyboards and its types
Keyboards come in various types, including mechanical, membrane,
ergonomic, gaming, virtual, and flexible, each designed for different needs
and preferences, such as typing comfort, durability, or gaming performance.
Here's a breakdown of some common keyboard types:
Based on Technology:
 Mechanical Keyboards:
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

These use individual mechanical switches under each key, offering tactile
and auditory feedback, known for durability and responsiveness.
 Membrane Keyboards:
These use a thin membrane layer beneath the keys to register keystrokes,
are typically more affordable, lightweight, and quieter than mechanical
keyboards.
 Virtual Keyboards:
These are software-based interfaces that appear on touchscreens or other
non-physical input devices, commonly used on mobile devices or as an
alternative to physical keyboards.
Based on Design and Features:
 Ergonomic Keyboards:
Designed to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, often featuring split
layouts, adjustable angles, or contoured keycaps.
 Gaming Keyboards:
Designed for gaming, often with features like programmable keys, quick
actuation, and backlit keys.
 Flexible Keyboards:
Made from silicon and designed for portability, these keyboards can be
folded or rolled up.
 Multimedia Keyboards:
Include extra keys for controlling media playback, such as volume control or
media player buttons.
 Backlit Keyboards:
Have illuminated keys, making them easier to use in low-light conditions.
 Chiclet Keyboards:
Characterized by flat, square keys with some space in between, commonly
found on laptops.
 QWERTY Keyboards:
The most common keyboard layout for Latin-script alphabets, named after
the first six keys on the top row.
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

 Voice Input
 Voice input devices are hardware or software that enables users to interact with a
computer or device using their voice, rather than traditional input methods like keyboards
or mice.
 How they work:
These devices utilize speech recognition technology, which converts spoken words
into digital commands or data that the system can understand and process.
 Examples:
 Microphones: The primary hardware component for capturing audio input.
 Voice Recognition Software: Programs that analyze and interpret spoken commands,
such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking or Apple Dictation.
 Virtual Assistants: AI-powered assistants like Siri (Apple), Alexa (Amazon), and Google
Assistant, which respond to voice commands and provide information or perform actions.
 Automated Phone Systems: Systems that use voice recognition to route calls or provide
information based on spoken input.
 Scanner Keyboard: Some keyboards have built-in speech recognition capabilities.

 Pointing Devices
1. Mouse
2. A computer mouse is a handheld hardware input device that
controls a cursor in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for pointing,
moving and selecting text, icons, files, and folders on your
computer. In addition to these functions, a mouse can also be
used to drag-and-drop objects and give you access to the right-
click menu.
3. For desktop computers, the mouse is placed on a flat surface
(e.g., mouse pad or desk) in front of your computer. The picture
shows a Logitech desktop computer mouse with two primary
buttons and a wheel.

What are the uses of a mouse?

Below lists of all the computer mouse functions and options to give you an
idea of all the mouse capabilities.
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

1. Move the mouse cursor - The primary function is to

move the mouse pointer on the screen.

2. Point - Once the mouse is moved, you can point

something out for another user or point a digital object.
For example, in a game you can use the mouse to point
a gun in the direction to shoot.

3. Open or execute a program - Once you've moved the

pointer to an icon, folder, or another
object clicking or double-clicking that object opens
the document or executes the program. Some programs
even support tripple-clicking. See our click page for
further information on mouse clicking.

4. Select - A mouse also lets you select text or a file

or highlight and select multiple files at once.

 How to select or highlight multiple files and folders.

4. Drag-and-drop - Once something is selected, it can

also be moved using the drag-and-drop method.

5. Hover - Moving the mouse cursor over objects

with hover information helps discover each object's
function. For example, hover the mouse over the
"hover" link to see an example.

6. Scroll - When working with a long document or viewing

a long web page, you may need to scroll up or down. To
scroll, rotate the mouse wheel, or click-and-
drag the scroll bar. The mouse wheel can also be used
as a button. See the IntelliMouse page for further
information and functions of the mouse wheel.

7. Perform other functions - Many desktop mice also

have buttons that can be programmed to perform any
function. For example, many mice have two side buttons
on the thumb portion of the mouse. The button closest
to the palm can be programmed to go back to the
previously viewed web page in a browser.
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

4. Touchpad
Also called a glide pad, glide point, pressure-sensitive
tablet, or trackpad, a touchpad is
an input device on laptops and some keyboards. It allows the
user to move a cursor with their finger. It can be used in place of
an external mouse.
5. Trackball
A trackball is a computer input device where a ball is mounted in a socket,
and rotating the ball moves the cursor on the screen, similar to an upside-
down mouse.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
 Function:
Trackballs allow users to control cursor movement on a screen by
manipulating a ball with their fingers or thumb, without needing to move the
entire device.
 Design:
The trackball consists of a ball housed in a socket containing sensors that
detect the ball's rotation.
 Usage:
You can use a trackball to move the pointer on the screen, select items by
clicking, and perform other tasks.
 Benefits:
Trackballs can be a good option for users with limited desk space or who
prefer a more ergonomic setup, as they reduce wrist movement.

Week 6

Output Devices

 Monitor
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

A monitor is a type of external hardware that is used to display visual

information generated by a computer. It is an output device that allows users
to view images, text, videos, and graphics produced by the computer’s central
processing unit (CPU) and graphics card.
Monitors typically consist of a visual display, circuitry, casing, and a power
supply. The display itself is usually a thin and flat screen that utilizes various
technologies such as liquid crystal display (LCD) or light-emitting diode (LED)
to produce the visual output. The casing holds all the components together
and often includes buttons or controls to adjust screen settings.
One common type of monitor connection is High Definition Multimedia
Interface (HDMI), which enables the transmission of high-quality audio and
video streams between the computer and the monitor. Other connection
options include DisplayPort, VGA, and DVI.
Monitors are an essential component of a computer system, allowing users to
interact with the computer’s user interface, desktop, and open programs. They
provide a visual representation of the data and information processed by the
computer, making them crucial for tasks such as web browsing, content
creation, gaming, and multimedia consumption.
In summary, a monitor is an external hardware device that displays visual
information generated by a computer. It is a vital component of a computer
system, enabling users to view and interact with the output produced by the
computer’s CPU and graphics card.

What are the types of monitors?

The types of monitors are:
1. LCD monitor: LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display and is the most widely
used monitor in the world. It uses a liquid crystal solution sandwiched
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

between two glass plates to display images. LCD monitors are available in
various sizes and resolutions.
2. LED monitor: LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. LED monitors are a type
of LCD monitor that use LED backlighting instead of traditional fluorescent
lights. This technology offers better energy efficiency, higher contrast ratios,
and thinner designs.
3. OLED monitor: OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. OLED
monitors use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is
applied. They offer superior color reproduction, high contrast ratios, and
faster response times compared to LCD and LED monitors.
4. CRT monitor: CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube. CRT monitors are the
older, bulkier monitors that were commonly used before LCD technology
became popular. They use a vacuum tube to display images and are less
common nowadays.
5. Plasma monitor: Plasma monitors use small cells filled with ionized gas to
display images. They were popular for large-sized displays and offered good
color reproduction and wide viewing angles. However, plasma monitors are
no longer widely available in the market.
These different types of monitors have their own advantages and
disadvantages in terms of image quality, energy efficiency, response time,
and cost. It is important to consider these factors when choosing a monitor
that best suits your needs and complements your computer hardware assets.

 Printers and their types

A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers
it to a medium like paper, usually for a hard copy.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

 Function: Printers are output devices that create physical copies of digital information.
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

 Common Usage: They are used to print documents, images, and other data from a
computer.

 Types: There are various types of printers, including inkjet, laser, thermal, and 3D
printers.

 Connection: Printers can be connected directly to a computer or indirectly via a

network.

 Output: The output from a printer is often referred to as a "hard copy"

 Plotters

 A plotter is a computer output device used to produce high-quality, large-scale

graphics and drawings. It works by precisely positioning a pen or other drawing
tool to create lines, curves, and shapes on paper or other media. Unlike printers
that produce raster images, plotters generate vector-based output, resulting in
sharp and accurate drawings.
 What are the main types of plotters?
 There are mainly two types of plotters: pen plotters and electrostatic plotters.
 Pen Plotters: Pen plotters use a pen or a set of pens to draw continuous lines
on paper. The plotter mechanism moves the pen along the x and y axes to create
precise shapes and curves. These plotters are known for their accuracy and the
ability to produce detailed drawings.
 Electrostatic Plotters: Electrostatic plotters, also known as drum plotters, use
charged toner particles to create images on paper. A charged drum attracts the
toner particles, which are then transferred onto the paper. These plotters can
produce high-speed output and are commonly used for architectural and
engineering drawings.
What are the advantages of using a plotter?
Using a plotter offers several advantages over other printing methods:
Precision: Plotters can produce highly accurate and detailed drawings with precise line
weights, making them ideal for technical and engineering applications.
Large-format capability: Plotters are designed to handle large paper sizes, allowing
you to create drawings and graphics on a larger scale.
Versatility: Plotters can work with various media types, including paper, vellum, film,
and even fabrics, providing flexibility for different design requirements.
Longevity: Plotters typically use high-quality pens or toner that can withstand fading
and maintain their integrity over time, ensuring the longevity of your drawings.

 Voice Output
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

Voice output devices are tools used to help individuals who have difficulties in
speech or communication. These devices provide a synthesized voice output
that conveys messages or information comprehensively.

 Speech Generation: Voice output devices generate speech from text

inputs, making them essential for those who cannot vocalize words.
 Assistive Technology: These are categorized under assistive
technology, helping patients convey their needs and thoughts.
 Wide Application: They are used in various medical settings, from
personal communication aids to complex systems in healthcare facilities.
 Functionality: A core functionality of these devices includes converting
written input into spoken words, which is pivotal in patient care and
medical communication.

Week 7
Storage Units
 Primary Memory
Primary memory, also known as main memory, is the internal memory within a
computer system that the CPU can directly access for storing data and
instructions, and it includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-
Only Memory).
Here's a more detailed explanation:
 Definition:
Primary memory is the computer's internal memory that the CPU uses to
store data and instructions that are actively being used or processed.
 Direct Access:
The CPU can directly access primary memory, meaning it can quickly read
from and write to it.
 Volatile:
Primary memory is volatile, meaning that its contents are lost when the
power to the computer is turned off.
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

 Types:
 RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is a volatile type of primary memory
used to store data and instructions that the CPU is currently using.
 ROM (Read-Only Memory): ROM is a non-volatile type of primary memory that
stores permanent instructions, such as the boot-up instructions.
 Function:
Primary memory holds the operating system, running applications, and the
data that the CPU needs to access quickly during program execution.
 Speed:
Primary memory has faster access times than secondary memory (like hard
drives or SSDs).
 Other names
Primary memory can also be referred to as main memory or primary
storage.

 Secondary Memory
Secondary memory, also known as auxiliary or external memory, is storage
used for long-term data and program storage, unlike primary memory (RAM)
which is volatile and temporary.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
 Purpose:
Secondary memory provides a non-volatile and permanent storage solution
for data and programs, meaning that the information is retained even when
the computer is turned off.
 Examples:
Common examples of secondary storage devices include hard disk drives
(HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, optical discs (CDs,
DVDs), and magnetic tapes.
 Characteristics:
 Non-volatile: Data is retained even without power.
 High storage capacity: Designed to store large amounts of data.
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

 Less expensive than primary memory: Offers a cost-effective way to store

large amounts of data.

 Function:
Data and programs in secondary memory must be loaded into the
computer's primary memory (RAM) for processing by the CPU.
 Types:
 Fixed storage: Devices like hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives
(SSDs) that are permanently installed in the computer.
 Removable storage: Devices like USB flash drives, optical discs, and magnetic
tapes that can be easily removed and used on different computers.

Week 8
RAM and its Types
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that stores data and
instructions currently being used by the CPU, and it comes in two main types: Dynamic RAM
(DRAM) and Static RAM (SRAM).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
 What is RAM?
 RAM is a volatile type of memory, meaning data stored in it is lost when the power is
turned off.
 It's used for storing data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly.
 Think of it as the computer's short-term memory.
 Types of RAM:
 Dynamic RAM (DRAM):
 The most common type of RAM used in modern computers.
 Requires constant power to refresh the data stored in its memory cells.
 Less expensive and has lower power consumption than SRAM.
 Static RAM (SRAM):
 More expensive and has higher power consumption than DRAM.
 Does not require constant refreshing to retain data.
 Used in applications where speed and reliability are critical, such as cache memory.
 Government Graduate College Lahore, Gulberg

AICT –GEDU 104 Farah Aziz

Final Term