Lesson 2: Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Let's start at computers by discussing what computer does and how its functions make it such
a useful machine.

2.1 Computers Are Data Processing Devices

Strictly defined, a computer is a data processing device that performs four major functions:

1. Input: It gathers data, or allows users to enter data.

2. Process: It manipulates, calculates, or organizes that data into information.
3. Output: It displays data and information in a form suitable for the user.
4. Storage: It saves data and information for later use.
What's the difference between data and information? People often use the terms data
and information interchangeably. Although they may mean the same thing in a simple conversation,
the distinction between data and information is an important one.

In computer terms, data is a representation of a fact, a figure, or an idea. Data can be a

number, a word, a picture, or even a recording of sound. For example, the number 7135553297 and
the names Zoe and Richardson are pieces of data. Alone, these pieces of data probably mean little
to you.

Information is data that has been organized or presented in a meaningful fashion. When
your computer provides you with a contact listing that indicates that Zoe Richardson can be reached
at (713) 555-3297, the data becomes useful-that is, it becomes information.

How do computers interact with data and information? Computers are excellent at
processing (manipulating, calculating, or organizing) data into information. When you first arrived on
campus, you probably were directed to a place where you could get an ID card. You most likely
provided a clerk with personal data that was entered into a computer. The clerk then took your
picture with a digital camera (collecting more data). All of the data was then processed appropriately
so that it could be printed on your ID card (see Figure 2.1). This organized output of data on your ID
card is useful information.

Figure 2.1: Computers process data into information

2.2 Bits and Bytes: The Language of Computers
How do computers process data into information? Unlike humans, computers work
exclusively with numbers (not words). To process data into information, computers need to work in
a language they understand. This language, called binary language, consists of just two digits: 0
and 1. Everything a computer does, such as processing data, printing a report, or editing a photo,
is broken down into a series of Os and 1s. Each 0 and 1 is a binary digit, or bit for short. Eight binary
digits (or bits) combine to create one byte. In computers, each letter of the alphabet, each number,
and each special character (such as @, pronounced "at") consists of a unique combination of eight
bits, or a string of eight Os and 1s. So, for example; in binary language, the letter K is represented
as 01001011. This is eight bits, or one byte.

What else can bits and bytes be used for? Bits and bytes not only are used as the language
that tells the computer what to do, they are also used to represent the quantity of data and
information that the computer inputs and outputs.Word processing files, digital pictures, and even
software are represented inside computing devices as a series of bits and bytes. These files and
applications can be quite large, containing thousands or millions of bytes. To make it easier to
measure the size of such files, we need units of measure larger than a byte. Kilobytes, megabytes,
and gigabytes are therefore simply larger amounts of bytes. A kilobyte (KB) is approximately 1,000
bytes, a megabyte (MB) is about 1 million bytes, and a gigabyte (GB) is around 1 billion bytes.
Today, personal computers are capable of storing terabytes (TB) of data (around 1 trillion bytes),
and many business computers can store up to a petabyte (PB) (1,000 terabytes) of data. The
Google search engine processes more than 1 PB of user generated data per hour!

How does your computer process bits and bytes? Your computer uses hardware and
software to process data into information that lets you complete tasks such as writing a letter or
playing a game. Hardware is any part of the computer you can physically touch, However, a
computer needs more than just hardware to work. Software is the set of computer programs that
enables the hardware to perform different tasks.

There are two broad categories of software: application software and system software.
Application software is the set of programs you use on a computer to help you carry out tasks
such as writing a research paper, If you've ever typed a document, created a spreadsheet, or edited
a digital photo, for example, you've used application software.

System software is the set of programs that enables your computer's hardware devices and
application software to work together. The most common type of system software is the operating
system (OS)-the program that controls how your computer system functions. It manages the
hardware, such as the monitor and printer, and provides a means by which users can interact with
the computer. Most likely, the computer you own or use at school runs a version of Windows as the
system software. However, if you're working on an Appie computer, you're probably running OS X.

2.3 Types of Computers

What types of computers are popular for personal use? There are two basic designs of
computers: portable and stationary. For portable computers, a number of options exist:

 In 2010, Apple introduced the iPad, which created a new class of portable computers. A
tablet computer, such as the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab, is a portable computer
integrated into a flat multi-touch-sensitive screen. It uses an onscreen virtual keyboard, but
you can connect separate keyboards to it via Bluetooth or wires.
 A laptop or notebook computer is a portable computer that has a keyboard, monitor, and
other devices integrated into a single compact case.
 A netbook is a small, lightweight laptop computer that is generally 7 to 10 inches wide and
has a longer battery life than a laptop. They usually sacrifice performance for portability.
 An ultrabook is a full-featured but lightweight laptop computer designed to compete with the
MacBook Air. Ultrabook features low-power processors and solid-state drives and try to
reduce their size and weight to extend battery life without sacrificing performance.
 A tablet (or convertible) PC is similar to a laptop computer, but the monitor swivels and
folds flat. This allows it to function both as a conventional laptop and as a tablet computer
using its touchscreen.
 A desktop computer is intended for use at a single location, so it’s stationary. Most desktop
computers consist of a separate case or tower (called the system unit) that houses the main
components of the computer plus peripheral devices. A peripheral device is a component,
such as a monitor or keyboard that connects to the computer. An all-in-one computer, such
as the Apple iMac or HP TouchSmart, eliminates the need for a separate tower because
these computers house the computer's processor and memory in the monitor. Many all-in-
one models, such as the TouchSmart, also incorporate touch-screen technology.

2.2.1 Are there other types of computers?

Although you may never come into direct contact with the following types of computers, they are
still very important and do a lot of work behind the scenes of daily life:

 A mainframe is a large, expensive computer that supports many users simultaneously.

Mainframes are often used in businesses that manage large amounts of data, such as
insurance companies, where many people are working at the same time on similar
operations, such as claims processing. Mainframes excel at executing many computer
programs at the same time.
  A supercomputer is a specially designed computer that can perform complex calculations
extremely rapidly. Supercomputers are used when complex models requiring intensive
mathematical calculations are needed (such as weather forecasting or atomic energy
research). Supercomputers are designed to execute a few programs as quickly as possible,
whereas mainframes are designed to handle many programs running at the same time but
at a slower раce.
 An embedded computer is a specially designed computer chip that resides in another
device, such as your car or the electronic thermostat in your home. Embedded computers
are self-contained computer devices that have their own programming and that typically don't
receive input from you or interact with other systems.

Even your smartphone is a computer. Today's smartphones offer many features you probably
use day to day, including a wide assortment of media players, high-quality cameras, and web
connectivity. And just like your laptop computer, your smartphone has a CPU, memory, and storage.
Examples of smartphones include the iPhone and the Galaxy S5.

Each part of your computer has a specific purpose that coordinates with one of the functions
of the computer-input, processing, output, or storage Additional devices, such as modems and
routers, help a computer communicate with the Internet and other computers to facilitate the sharing
of documents and other resources.

2.4: Check your understanding // review and practice

Instruction: Answer the following questions and submit your answer in schoology.

1. What exactly is a computer, and what are its four main functions?
2. What is the difference between data and information?
3. What are bits and bytes, and how are they measured?
4. Describe how computer process data into information.
5. Differentiate Software and Hardware. Provide at least 5 examples.

Lesson 3: Input Devices

An input device lets you enter data (text, images, and sounds) and instructions (user
responses and commands) into your computer. A keyboard is an input device you use to enter
typed data and commands, and a mouse is used to enter user responses and commands.

There are other input devices as well. Microphones input sounds, scanners input non digital
data (such as magazine articles and old photographs) by turning it into a digital form, and digital
cameras input digital images. A stylus is an input device that looks like a pen, which you use to tap
commands or draw on a screen. We'll explore these and other input devices next.
3.1 Keyboards

What is the most common way to input data and commands? Most computing devices,
such as smart phones and tablets, now respond to touch. Touch screens are display screens that
respond to commands initiated by touching them with your finger or a stylus. Touch-screen
devices use a virtual keyboard (see Figure 3.1) that displays on screen when text input is required.

These keyboards show basic keyboard configurations and use special keys to switch to
numeric, punctuation, and other special keys.

Figure 3.1: Virtual keyboards are found on

tablets and other touch-screen devices.

Are all keyboards the same?

Whether onscreen touch keyboards or
physical keyboards, the most common
keyboard layout is a standard QWERTY
keyboard. This keyboard layout gets its
name from the first six letters in the top-left
row of alphabetic keys and is the standard
English-language keyboard layout. The
QWERTY layout was originally designed for typewriters and was meant to slow typists down and
prevent typewriter keys from jamming. Although the QWERTY layout IS considered inefficient
because it slows typing speeds, efforts to change to more efficient layouts.

What alternatives are there to an onscreen touch keyboard? Touchscreen keyboards are
not always convenient when a great deal of typing is required. Most computing devices can accept
physical keyboards as an add-on accessory. Wired keyboards plug into a data port on the computing
device. Wireless keyboards send data to the computer using a form of wireless technology that uses
radio frequency (RF). A radio transmitter in the keyboard sends out signals that are received either
by receiving device plugged into a port on the device or by a Bluetooth receiving device located in
the device. You’ve probably heard of Bluetooth technology if you use a headset or earpiece with
your cell phone. Bluetooth is a wireless transmission standard that lets you connect devices such
as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to peripheral devices such as keyboards and headsets. Often,
wireless keyboards for tablets are integrated with a case to protect your tablet. (see figure 4.2).
 Figure 3.2: Cases with integrated
physical keyboards make more typing
friendly. Sensors detect typing motions,
and data is transmitted to a computing
device via Bluetooth technology.

3.2 Mice and Other Pointing Devices

What kinds of mice are there? The mouse type you’re probably most familiar with is the
Optical mouse. An optical mouse uses an internal sensor or laser to detect the mouse’s movement.
The sensor sends signals to the computer, telling it where to move the pointer on the screen. Optical
mice don’t require a mouse pad, though you can use one to enhance the movement of the mouse
on an uneven surface or to protect your work surface from being scratched.
If you have special ergonomic needs or want to customize the functionality of your mouse,
there are plenty of options (see Figure 3.3). Most mice have two or three buttons that let you execute
commands and open shortcut menus. (Mice for Macs sometimes have only one button.) Many mice,
such as the Cyborg R.A.T, 9 Gaming Mouse, have additional programmable buttons and wheels
that let you quickly maneuver through web pages or games. In addition, the R.A.T 9 is customizable
tofit any size hand and grip style by allowing for length and width adjustments. Aside from gamers,
many people use customizable mice to reduce susceptibility to repetitive strain injuries.

Figure 3.3: Customizable mice offer programmable

buttons and adjustable fittings to meet most any need.

How do wireless mice work? Wireless mice

usually connect the same way that wireless
keyboards do – either through Bluetooth or through
a receiver that plugs into a USB port. Wireless mice
have receivers that often clip into the bottom of the
mouse for easy storage when not in use.
Why would I want to use a mouse with a touch
screen device? If you’re using a conventional
keyboard with your touch screen device, it’s often
easier to perform actions with a mouse rather than
taking your hands off the keyboard and reaching to touch the screen. In addition, there are new
kinds of mice that are designed with touch screen computers in mind.
What input devices do laptops use? Most laptops have an integrated pointing device, such
as a touch pad (or trackpad), a small, touch-sensitive area at the base of the keyboard. Mac
laptops include multi touch trackpads, which don’t have buttons but are controlled by various one-,
two-, three-, and four-finger actions. For example, scrolling is controlled by brushing two fingers
along the trackpad in any direction. Most touch pads are sensitive to taps, interpreting them as
mouse clicks. Most laptops also have buttons under or near the pad to record mouse clicks.

What input devices are used with games? Game controllers such as joysticks, game pads,
and steering wheels are also considered input devices because they send data to the computer.
Game controllers, which are similar to the devices used on gaming consoles such as the Xbox
One and the PlayStation, are also available for use with computers. They have buttons and miniature
pointing devices that provide input to the computer. Most game controllers, such as those for Rock
Band and the Wii system, are wireless to provide extra mobility.

3.3 Image Input

What are popular input devices for images? Digital cameras, camcorders, and cell phones
are common devices for capturing pictures and video and are all considered input devices. These
devices can connect to your computer with a cable, transmit data wirelessly, or transfer data
automatically through the Internet. Scanners can also input images. They work similarly to a
photocopy machine; however, instead of generating the image on paper, they create a digital image,
which you can then print, save, or email.

How do I capture live video from my computing device? A webcam is a small camera
that sits on top of your computer monitor (connected to your computer by a cable) or is built into a
laptop, tablet, or 'smartphone. Although webcams are able to capture still images, they’re used
mostly for capturing and transmitting live video. Videoconferencing technology lets a person using
a device equipped with a webcam and a microphone transmit video and audio across the Internet.
Video call sites such as Skype make it easy for video conference with as many as 12 people. You
can also exchange files, swap control of
computers, and text message during the call.
There is also a mobile application to make it
easy to conference on the go.

Figure 3.4: Videoconferencing is simplified with

software from ooVoo.com

Touch-screen technology was developed in

1971 and used primarily With ATMs and
fast-food order displays. The technology for
monitors and other displays was made popular by the iPod Touch in 2007 and is now in many
smartphones, tablets, and laptop and desktop monitors. Windows 8 finally brought the touchscreen
interface to Windows users. But how do touchscreen monitors know Where you’ re touching? How
do they know what you want them to do?

The basic idea behind touch screens is pretty straight forward when you place your finger or
stylus on a screen, it changes the physical state of the screen and registers your touch. The location
of your touch is then translated into a command. Three basic systems ‘are used to recognize a
person’s touch: resistive, capacitive, and surface acoustic wave. All of these systems require the
basic components of a touch-responsive glass panel controller, and software driver, combined with
a display and computer processor.

The resistive system maps the exact location of the pressure point created when a user
touches the screen. The capacitive system (see figure 3.5) uses the change in the electrical charge
on the glass panel of the monitor, which is created by the user’s touch, to generate a location. The
third technology, surface acoustic wave system, uses two transducers (electrical devices that
convert energy from one form to another) that are placed along the x and y axes of the monitor’s
glass plate. Reflectors, which are also placed on the glass, are used to reflect an electric signal sent
from the sending transducer to the receiving transducer. The receiving transducer determines
whether the signal has been disturbed by a touch event and locates the touch instantly. With all
three systems, the display’s software driver then translates the touch into something the operating
system can understand, similar to how a mouse driver translates a mouse’s movement into a click
or drag.

Figure 3.5 Some basic touch screens use a

capacitive system to detect touches and translates
them into meaningful commands that are
understood by the computer’s operating system.
3.4 Types of Microphones

MICROPHONE TYPE ATTRIBUTES BEST USED FOR

Close Talk - Attached to a headset - Video conferencing
(allows for listening) -Phone calls
- Leaves hands free -Speech recognition software

Omnidirectional - Picks up sounds equally -Conference calls in meeting

well from all directions rooms

Unidirectional -Picks up sounds from only -Recordings with one

one direction voice(podcasts)

Clip-on (Lavalier) -Clips to clothing -Presentations requiring

-Available as wireless freedom of movement
-Leaves hands free for
writing on whiteboards

3.5 Ethical Computing Guidelines

You’ve probably heard news stories about people using computers to unleash viruses or
commit identity theft. You may also have read about students who were prosecuted for illegally
sharing copyrighted material, such as songs and videos. These are both examples of unethical
behavior while using a computer. However, what constitutes ethical behavior while using a
computer?

Loosely defined, ethics is a system of moral principles, rules, and accepted standards of
conduct (see Figure 3.6). So what are the accepted standards of conduct 'when using computers?
The Computer Ethics Institute has developed the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics, which
is widely cited as a benchmark for companies developing computer usage and compliance policies
for employees. These guidelines are applicable for schools and students, as well. The ethical
computing guidelines listed below are based on the Computer Ethics Institute’s work:

Ethical Computing Guidelines

1. Avoid causing harm to others when using computers.

2. Do not interfere with other people’s efforts at accomplishing work with computers.
3. Resist the temptation to snoop in other people’s computer files.
4. Do not use computers to commit theft.
5. Agree not to use computers to promote lies.
6. Do not use software (or make illegal copies for others) without paying the creator for it.
7. Avoid using other people’s computer resources without appropriate authorization or proper
compensation.
8. Do not claim other people’s intellectual output as your own.
9. Consider the social consequences of the products of your computer labor.
10. Only use computers in ways that show consideration and respect for others.

Figure 3.6: Strive to take the “high road” and

behave ethically by not claiming others’ work as
your own intellectual output. (Andy Dean
Photography/Shutterstock)

3.6: Check your understanding // review and practice

Part 1. Instruction: Complete the crossword puzzle. Refer your answer on the given questions
below. You may print or draw the puzzle for you to answer the questions.
Across
7 Used on gaming consoles such as the Xbox One and the PlayStation, are also available for
use with computers.
9 A small, touch-sensitive area at the base of the keyboard.
10 It uses an internal sensor or laser to detect the mouse’s movement.
11 It tracks the movement of the pressure point created when a user touches the screen.
12 An input device you use to enter typed data and commands.
14 This commonly used as virtual keyboard.
15 Picks up sounds equally well from all directions.

Down

1 It is used to enter user responses and commands.

2 This device is applicable for presentations which allows the user to move without handling it.
3 It was originally design for typewriters and was meant to slow typists down and prevent
typewriter keys from jamming.
4 An input device used to tap commands or draw on a screen.
5 A wireless transmission standard that lets you connect devices such as smartphones, tablets,
and laptops to peripheral devices such as keyboards and headsets.
6 It uses the change in the electrical charge on the glass panel of the monitor, which is created
by the user’s touch, to generate a location.
8 It is used to create a digital image, which you can then print, save, or email.
13 A small camera that sits on top of your computer monitor or built into a laptop or tablet.
Part 2: Select True or False
True False
1. Magnetic ink character readers recognize information on cheques
2. Digital cameras do not require film
3. OMR is used to read cheques
4. A smart card contains a microchip embedded in the card
5. A microphone is an output device
6. A touch pad is not a pointing device
7. A voice recognition system does not require the use of a microphone
8. Barcodes are found on most items at the supermarket
9. Trackballs and pointing sticks are both found on portable computers
10. The most popular input device is the light pen

Lesson 4: Output Devices

An output device lets you send processed data out of your computer in the form of text,
pictures (graphics), sounds (audio), or video. The most common output device is a monitor
(sometimes referred to as a display screen), which displays text, graphics, and video as soft copies
(copies you can see only on screen). Another common output device is the printer, which creates
hard copies (copies you can touch) of text and graphics. Speakers and earphones (or earbuds) are
the output devices for sound.

4.1 Monitors

What are the different types of monitors? The most common type of monitor is a liquid
crystal display (LCD). An LCD monitor, also called a flat-panel monitor, is
light and energy efficient. Some newer monitors use light-emitting diode (LED) technology, which
is more energy efficient and may have better color accuracy and thinner panels than LCD monitors.
LCD flat-panel monitors have replaced cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. CRT monitors are
considered legacy technology, or computing devices that use techniques, parts, and methods that
are no longer popular. Although legacy technology may still be functional, it has been replaced by
newer technological advances.
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays use organic compounds that produce light
when exposed to an electric current. Unlike LCDs and LEDs, OLEDs do not require a backlight to
function and therefore draw less power and have a much thinner display, sometimes as thin as 3
mm. They are also brighter and more environmentally friendly than LCDs. Because of their lower
power needs, OLED displays run longer on a single battery charge than do LEDs, which is why
OLED technology is probably the technology used in your cell phone, iPod, and digital camera.

Companies like LG are now working on transparent and , flexible OLED display screens.
These screens allow YOU to see what is behind the screen while still being able to display
information on the screen. These types of screens present interesting possibilities for augmented
reality. Augmented reality (AR) is a view of real world environment whose elements are augmented
(or supplemented) by some type of computer generated sensory input such as video, graphics, or
GPS data. For instance, if you had a transparent screen on your smartphone and held it up to view
street signs that were in English, you could possibly have your phone display the signs in another
language. Currently, applications like this exist but require the use of a camera as well as your
screen. But transparent screens will eliminate the need for the camera.

How do LCD monitors work? Monitor screens are grids made up of millions of tiny dots,
called pixels. When these pixels are illuminated by the light waves generated by a fluorescent panel
at the back of your screen, they create the images you see on the screen or monitor. Each pixel is
actually made up of four yellow, red, blue, and green subpixels; some newer TVs further split the
subpixels into upper and lower, which can brighten and darken independently. LCD monitors are
made of two or more sheets of material filled with a liquid crystal solution (see Figure 5.1). A
fluorescent panel at the back of the LCD monitor generates light waves. When electric current
passes through the liquid crystal solution, the crystals move around and either block the fluorescent
light or let the light shine through. This blocking or passing of light by the crystals causes images to
form on the screen. The various combinations of yellow, red, blue, and green make up the
components of color we see on our monitors.

Figure 4.1: A magnification of a single pixel

in a conventional LCD monitor. (The
newest 4K resolution TVs and monitors
also have a yellow subpixel.)

What factors affect the quality of an

LCD monitor? When choosing. an
LCD monitor, the most important
factors to consider are aspect ratio and
resolution. The aspect ratio is the
width-to-height proportion of a monitor.
Traditionally, aspect ratios have been
4:3, but newer monitors are available
with an aspect ratio of 16:9 to accommodate HD format video. The screen resolution, or the
clearness or sharpness of the image, refiects the number of pixels on the screen. An LCD monitor
may have a native (or maximum) resolution of 1600 x 1200, meaning it contains 1,600 vertical
columns with 1,200 pixels in each column. The higher resolution, the sharper and clearer the image
will be, but generally, the resolution of an LCD monitor is dictated by the screen size and aspect
ratio. Although you can change the resolution of an LCD monitor beyond its native resolution, the
images will become distorted. Generally, you should buy a monitor with the highest resolution
available for the screen size (measured in inches). Figure 5.2) lists these and other factors to
consider when judging the quality of an LCD monitor.
 Figure 4.2: Factors to consider when shopping for a Monitor

FACTOR POSSIBLE PROBLEMS LOOK FOR

Aspect ratio- Width-to-height -An odd aspect ratio may -Ratios of 4:3 or 16:9(HDTV)
proportion of a screen. make images look distorted.

Screen resolution: Number -Low screen resolution = -Highest resolution monitor is

of pixels displayed on the unclear image capable of displaying (make
screen -High resolution on a small sure you are comfortable
size monitor results in image viewing that size image)
being too small
Contrast ratio: Difference in -Ratio too low results in colors -Ratios between 400:1 and
light intensity between fading when adjusting 1,000:1
brightest white and darkest brightness
black a monitor can produce

Viewing angle: Distance in -Angle too low means people -150 degrees or more is
degrees from which you can not sitting directly in front of preferable
move to the side of (or above the monitor will see a poor
or below) a monitor before the image.
image degrades
Brightness: Greatest amount -Image will be hard to see in -300 cd/m2 or greater
of light showing when the bright rooms if brightness
monitor is displaying pure level is too low
while (measured in candelas
per square meter {cd/m2} or
nits

Response time: Time it takes -High response time results in -Seek lowest possible
for a pixel to change color (in images appearing jerky response time if viewing live
milliseconds) action sports

Is a bigger screen size always better? The bigger the monitor, the more you can display,
and depending on what you want to display, size may matter. In general, the larger the panel, the
larger number of pixels it can display. For example, a 27-inch monitor can display 2560 x 1440
pixels, whereas a 21 .5inch monitor may only be able to display 1680 x 1050 pixels. However, most
new monitors have at least the 1920 x 1080 resolution required to display Blu-ray movies.

Larger screens can also allow you to view multiple documents or web pages at the same
time, creating the effect of using two separate monitors side by side' However, buying two smaller
monitors might be cheaper than buying one large monitor. For either option – a big screen or two
separate screens – check that your computer has the appropriate video hardware to support these
display devices.

What other features should I look for in an LCD monitor? Some monitors, especially
those on laptop computers come with built-in features such as speakers, webcams, and
microphones. A built-in multi-format memory card reader is convenient for displaying images directly
on memory or for downloading pictures quickly from a camera memory card to your PC. Another
nice feature to look for in a desktop LCD monitor is a built-in USB port. This feature let you connect
extra peripherals easily without reaching around the back of the PC.

How do I show output to a large group of people? A Projector lets you project images
from your computing device onto a wall or viewing screen. Projectors are commonly used in
business and education settings such as conference rooms and classrooms. Many projectors are
small and lightweight (see figure 4.3) and some, such as the AAXA P3X Pico, are small enough to
fit in the palm of your hand. These portable projectors are ideal for businesspeople who have to
make presentations at client locations. Entertainment projectors, such as Epson Home cinema
5030UB, include stereo speakers and an array of multimedia connections, making them a good
option for use in the home to display TV programs, DVDs, digital images, or video games in a large
format. If your computing device is equipped with an HDMI port, you can also choose to connect
your computer directly to an HDTV.

Figure 4.3: Small projectors provide portability as well

as connectivity to your devices.

4.2 Printers
What are the different types of printers? There are two primary categories of printers:
inkjet and laser, both of which are considered nonimpact printers. A nonimpact printer such as an
inkjet printer sprays ink or uses laser beams to transfer marks onto the paper. An impact printer
has tiny hammer-Iike keys that strike the paper through an inked ribbon to make marks on the paper.
For most users, impact printers are legacy technology.

What are the advantages of inkjet printers? An inkjet printer (see Figure 4.4) is the type
of printer found in many homes. These printers are popular because they’re affordable and produce
high-quality printouts quickly and quietly. lnkjet printers work by spraying tiny drops of ink onto paper
and are great for printing bIack-and-white text as well as color images. In fact, when loaded with the
right paper, higher-end inkjet printers can print images that look like professional quality photos. One
thing to consider when buying an inkjet printer is the type and cost of the ink cartridges the printer
needs. Some printers use two cartridges: black and color. Others use four or more cartridges:
typically, black, magenta, cyan, and yellow.
 Figure 4.4: Inkjet printer are so popular among home users,
especially with the rise of digital photography. Many inkjet
printers are optimized for printing photos from digital
cameras.

Why would I want a laser printer? A laser

printer uses laser beams and static electricity to deliver
toner (similar to ink) onto the correct areas of the page
(see Figure 4.5). Heat is used to fuse the toner to the
page, making the image permanent. Laser printers are
often used in office or classroom settings because they print faster than inkjet printers and produce
higher-quality printouts. BIack-and-white laser printers have also been common in homes for a
decade. Over the past few years, the price of color laser printers has fallen dramatically, making
them price competitive with high-end inkjet printers. Thus, color laser printers are a viable option for
the home. If you print a high volume of pages, consider a laser printer. When you include the price
of ink or toner in the overall cost, color laser printers can be more economical than inkjets.

Figure 4.5: Laser printers print quickly and offer high-quality

printouts. (Xeros Corporation)

What’s the best way to print from portable

devices such as tablets and smartphones? Wireless
printers are a good Option for home networks as they
let several people print to the same printer from
different devices and any location in the home. There
are two types of wireless printers: WiFi and Bluetooth.
Both WiFi and Bluetooth printers have a range of up to
approximately 300 feet. WiFi, however, sends data
more quickly than Bluetooth.

Wireless printers are also great for printing from portable devices. If you’re using a device running
Apple’s iOS (such as an iPhone), AirPrint makes printing easy. AirPrint is a feature of iOS that
facilitates printing to AirPrint-compatible wireless printers, and many printers produced today are
AirPrint compatible.

For non-Apple mobile devices (or if your printer isn’t compatible with AirPrint), you should try
other solutions. such as Presto by Collobos Software and ThinPrint Cloud Printer by Cortado. Once
you install one of these apps on your portable device, you can send documents to printers that are
connected to PCs and Macs on your home network. It makes printing from mobile devices as simple
as hitting print on your laptop.
 Can I carry my printer with me? Although some inkjet printers are small enough to be
considered portable, you may want to consider a printer designed for portability. These compact
printers can connect to your computer, tablet, or smartphone via Bluetooth technology or through a
USB port. Portable printers are often compact enough to fit in a briefcase or backpack, are
lightweight, and can run on batteries as well as
AC power.
Are there any other types of specialty printers? Although you’ll probably use laser or inkjet
printers most often, you might also encounter several other
types of printers (shown in Figure 4.6):

Figure 4.6: Specialty printers (a) all-in-one

printer, (b) plotter, (c) thermal printer

 An all-in-one printer combines the

functions of a printer, scanner,
copier, and fax into one machine.
Popular for their space-saving
convenience, alI-in-one printers
may use either inkjet or laser technology.
 A plotter prints oversize pictures that require the drawing of precise and continuous lines,
such as maps and architectural plans. Plotters use a computer-controlled pen that provides
a greater level of precision than the series of dots that laser or inkjet printers make.
 A thermal printer works either by melting wax based ink onto ordinary paper (a process
called thermal wax transfer printing) or by burning dots onto specially coated paper (a process
called direct thermal printing). Thermal printers are used in stores to print receipts and in
airports for electronic ticketing, and many models feature wireless technology. Thermal
printers are also popular for mobile printing in conjunction with smartphones and tablets.

4.3 Sound Output

What are the output devices for sound? Most computers include inexpensive speakers,
which are the output devices for sound. These speakers are sufficient to play
the standard audio clips you find on the web and usually for letting you participate in
videoconferencing or phone calls over the internet. However, if you plan to digitally edit audio files
or are particular about how your music sounds, you may want a more sophisticated speaker system,
such as one that includes subwoofers (special speakers that produce only low bass sounds) and
surround sound speakers. A surround sound speaker is a system of speakers and audio
processing that envelops the listener in a 360 degree field of sound. In addition, wireless speaker
systems are available to help you avoid cluttering up your rooms with speaker wires.
4.4: Check your understanding // review and practice
Part 1: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Write the letter of your answer on the space provided before the number.
______1. Which of the four major functions of a computer is responsible for manipulating,
calculating, and organizing data into information?
a. Input c. Storage
b. Processing d. Output
______2. The system unit is a component of which type of computer?
a. A tablet computer c. An embedded computer
b. An ultrabook d. A desktop computer
______3. Which of the following display screens does not require a backlight to function?
a. An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display
b. A liquid crystal display (LCD)
c. A light-emitting diode (LED) display
d. A cathode ray tube (CRT)
______4. The print speed of a printer is measured by
a. Dots per inch (dpi) c. Pages per minute (PPM)
b. Candelas per square meter (cd/m2) d. Megabyte (MB)
______5. When buying a monitor, which factor determines the difference in light intensity?
a. Screen resolution c. Color depth
b. Contrast ratio d. Aspect ratio
Part 2: Identification
Instruction: Identify if the given item is INPUT or OUTPUT device. Write your answer before the number.
_______________1. Keyboard _______________6. Webcam
_______________2.Joystick _______________7. Microphone
_______________3. Fax Machine _______________8. Projector
_______________4. Barcode reader _______________9. Optical mar reader
_______________5. Digital camera _______________10. Sensors

Part 3: Classification
Instruction: Give at least 3 samples of output devices available in the market nowadays.
Laser Printer Inkjet Printer

Monitor Projector

Speaker Headset