1. Define peripheral devices of computer. Discuss the uses of peripheral devices in information technology. Explain its advantages and disadvantages in detail
Definition: A peripheral
device is “an ancillary device used to put information into get information out
the computer. Peripheral devices are
hardware items devices that connected to a computer but are not part of the
core computer architecture are called peripheral devices. The core elements of
a computer are the central processing unit, mother board power supply and the
computer case that contains those three components. Usually, the word peripheral is used to refer
to a device external to the computer case. But Peripheral device can be external
or internal like external device monitor, external Zip drive or canner, mouse,
keyboard, and internal device like CD-r drive or internal modem CD-ROM. There
are many different peripheral devices but generally they fall into three
categories which are:
·
Input device,
Auxiliary equipment such as a scanner, a mouse and keyboard, touchpad,
touchscreen monitor, joystick are used to interact with, or send data to the
computer.
·
Output devices,
such as a monitor (LCD, CRT etc.) and printer, projector, headphone, plotter, speaker
are which provides output to the user form the computer.
·
Storage devices,
such as a hard drive, flash drive, floppy drive, hard disk, Recording tape, CD
drive are used to stores data processed by the computer.
And
Communication such as microphone, modem, router or other functions under the
direct control of a computer consider are also peripheral device. Now day’s new device, such as tablets,
smartphone and wearable computing device are considered peripherals as they can
be connected and used on a computer system.
Part
B) Some important,
computer peripheral devices and their uses:-
1.
Pointing Devices:
are the most commonly use input devices today. A Pointing Device is any human
interface device that allows a use to input spatial data to a computer. In the case of touchpads and mice, this is usually
achieved by detecting movement across a physical surface. Analog device, such
as 3D mice, joysticks, or pointing sticks, function by reporting their angle of
deflection. Movements of the pointing device are echoed one the screen by
movements of the pointer, creating a simple, intuitive way to navigate a
computer’s graphical user interface (GUI).
2.
Scanners: A
Scanner is a device that captures images from photographic prints, posters,
magazine pages, and similar sources for computer editing and display. Scanners
come in hand, feed-in, and flatbed types and for scanning black- and-white
only, or color. Very high resolution scanners are used for scanning for
high-resolution but resolution scanners are adequate for capturing images for
display. Scanners usually come with
software, such as Adobe’s Photoshop product, that lets you resize and otherwise
modify a captured image. A scanner uses a lighting system to
capture images and documents.
3.
Keyboards:
Is the most effective way to enter information on the computer screen. On most computers, a key board is the primary
text input device. A keyboard on a computer is almost identical to a keyboard
on a typewriter. Keyboard made up of push button switches which send a signal
to the CPU each we press them. Keyboard can be used for shortcut, helpful in
DOS command (where mouse doesn’t work). Since a keyboard inputs information base
on an individual binary code, it efficiently inputs word and number. A
keyboard is generally part of a computer purchase, whether in desktop or laptop
form. Keyboards can be ergonomically unsafe, however, and can cause carpal
tunnel syndrome.
|
Name
|
Advantage
|
Disadvantage
|
|
Joystick
|
Easy
to learn to use
|
Directions
in simple joysticks are limited
|
|
Remote
control
|
Each
function can have its own button making them very simple to use.
|
They
cannot be used to control anything other than the device they were designed
for.
|
|
Digital
Camera
|
No
film is needed and unwanted image can be deleted straight away
|
Images
often have to be compressed to avoid using up too much expensive.
|
|
Head
phone
|
Easy
to use and keep
|
It
required digital sound signal to convert.
|
|
Storage
Device
|
Very
fast to access the data and cheap to buy.
|
Saved
data are deleted, if device fails.
|
|
Scanners
|
.
Scanners can capture Clear and concise image, with better defined pixels than
a digital camera.
|
On the other hand Scanners also
use a huge amount of memory space and though scanners capture a detailed
image. It is not always at the right angle or position, which in turn calls
for more review and editing.
|
|
Pointing Devices
|
1.
Easy to use as compare to keyboard. 2. Mover cursor around the screen faster
than using keystrokes.
3.
Take less space as compare to non-pointing input device like keyboard.
|
1.
Data insertion through pointing device is not possible or very difficult.
2. They are useless on command driven
interfaces.
|
|
Printer
|
One
advantage includes speedy rate. It is also possible to share a printer among
different users.
|
On
the other hand included cost of maintenance printing ink is cumulatively
high.
|
1.
Define software. Discuss the different types and
utilization of software in information technology. Explain in detail the
functioning and application of at least two software which are used to deliver the content
to distance learners. (10)
Answer:
Part A)
Definition of Software: the set of instructions that operates various parts
of the hardware, also termed as “computer programs”. The hardware needs
software to be useful; the software needs hardware to be useful. In Computer
Science and Software Engineering,
computer software is all information processed by computer system, programs and
data. When the user needs something done by the computer, she/he gives
instructions in the form of software to computer she/he gives instructions in
the form of Software to computer hardware. These instruction need to be written
in a language that is readily understood by computer. Computer software includes computer program,
libraries and related non-executable data, such as online documentation or
digital media.
Part B)
Major types of software:
Computer
software is typically classified into two major types of programs: system
software and application software.
A) System Software:
System
software is responsible for controlling, integrating and managing the
individual hardware components of a computer system. These are the programs
that manage the resources of the computer system and simplify application
programming. System software includes the operating system and all the
utilities that enable the computer to function. System software performs task
like transferring data from memory to disk, or rendering text onto a display
specific kinds of system software include loading programs, operating system, device
drivers, compliers, assemblers, linkers, and utilities.
Software
libraries that perform generic functions also tend to be regarded as system
software. System software stored on non-volatile storage on integrated circuits
is usually termed firmware. These generally perform the background task in a
computer. These programs, many time, talk directly to the hardware. They include software such as the operating
system, database management systems, networking software, translators, and
software utilities.
System software’s are programs
that:
Control
the overall operation of the computer
1.
OS:
An OS is the first program that runs when a typical computer is tuned ON, and
the last one to finish running when the computer is tuned OFF. It manages the
hardware and Software resources of the computer system, often invisibly. These
include the processor, memory, disk drivers, etc. It provides a simple,
consistent way for applications to interact with the HW without having to know
all the details of the HW. Core task of
operating system is processor management, memory management, device management,
storage management, storage manage, application interface, user interface. As the
operating system is the software that Interact directly with Hardware and
controls all the resource of a computer system.
For example it:
·
Maintains files
directories and provide access to the data in the files
·
Interacts with
the user, Assigns the needed hardware to program
·
Schedules
programs for execution on the processor , Allocates the memory required for
each program , Assigns the necessary input and output devices
·
Manages the data
and program files stored in secondary storage
2.
Device Driver:
Perform system management and maintenance. Device drivers are software which
operate or control a particular type of device that is attached to a computer.
Each device needs at least one corresponding device driver; because a computer
typically has at minimum at least one input device and at least one output
device, a computer typically needs more than one device driver.
3.
Utilities:
Are used to develop or maintain other programs. It is a small program that
provides an addition to the capabilities provided by the operating system. In
some usages, a utility is a special and nonessential part of the operating system.
These are the computer programs that perform a particular function related to
computer system management and maintenance. Examples: 1. Anti-virus Software,
2. Data compression software, 3.Disk optimization software, 4. Disk backup
Software
4.
Language translators: Programs that take code written in a HLL and
translate it into a low-level language that is easily understood by the user
program.
B)
Application
Software:
Programs
that generally interact with the user to perform work that is useful to the
use. They generally do not talk directly to the hardware. These programs
generally talk to the hardware through the assistance of system software. These
programs direct the performance of a particular use, or application, of
computers to meet the information processing need of end user. They include the
software such as spreadsheets/ spread sheet package, word processors/ word
processing, and database management systems fall under the category of
application software, as well as internally or externally developed software
that is designed to meet the specific need of a user or an organization.
Application Software: Application software’s are programs that interact
directly with the user for the performance of a certain type of work.
·
Scientific/
engineering/ graphics SW
·
Mathematic; Auto
Cad; Corel Draw
·
Business software
·
The billing
system for the mobile phone company
·
Online banking
software
·
Word processor;
Spreadsheets
·
Entertainment SW
·
Games
·
Education
software
·
Electronic
encyclopedias; the VU web site.
Word processors: Probably the most popular productivity app.
Initially designed as a replacement for the typewriter, word processing
packages are programs that computerize the creation, edition, and printing of
documents by electronically processing text data. Word processing is an
important application of office automation. Word processing is the most popular
authoring and presentation activity. In fact, it is the most common personal
computing application.
Spreadsheet Software: Electronic replacement for ledgers is used for
automating engineering, scientific, but in majority of case, business
calculation. A spreadsheet – Visi Cale – was the first popular application on
PC’s. It helped in popularizing PC’s by making the task of
financial-forecasting much simpler, allowing individuals to do forecasts which
previously were performed by a whole team of financial wizard.
Personal Productive:
is most common
applications software. Run on personal computers, these programs assist the
user in a certain range of tasks. Taken together with professional support
systems and systems supporting group work, personal productivity software is
potent enabler of today’s knowledge work. Functions:
It enhances its user’s performance on a specific rang of common. It supports
database management and analysis, authoring and presentation, activity and
notes tracking. All these are software application. Spreadsheet software
assists in data analysis while data management is supported by database
management system. Personal information management software is used to tract
activities and personal notes. For the needs of authoring and presentation,
users employ the applications software for word processing, desktop publishing,
presentation, and multimedia authoring. Communications software enables the
user to connect to a telecommunications network in order to exchange
information with other user or system. Web browsers are used to access the
resources of the Internet’s World Wide Web.
And
another type of software is malicious software or malware: which is software that is developed to harm and
disrupt computers. As such, malware is undesirable. Malware is closely
associated with computer- related crimes, though some malicious programs may
have been designed as practical jokes.
Part C)
1)
ezTalks Cloud
Meeting: This is a video communication platform for the distance learning and
training software. The software is in
line with the needs of institutions of higher learning to ensure students meet
acceptable level of quality. The system use cloud technology to create new
conference communication mode for the software user to make online learning
smoother and easier. Effective communication is important as it reduce
operating costs. It is easy to use and
free access for non-member via web browsers. It is easy to connect from
anywhere. ezTalks cloud meeting increased productivity, flexibility and
efficiency through participation.
2)
VULMS on- Line distance learning software: The virtual
university of Pakistan is online distance learning university and they introduce
learning software for their students. The virtual university learning
management systems (VULMS) is a comprehensive software platform that the
students’ first class educations at their door step for distance learner. The
software allows the students to manage their educational experience while
studying at the university. The VU web site is becoming more and more focused
on interactive online learning day by day. Key features of good online learning
software: The student can learns at his
or her own pace, the student can select his or her own hours. Recently VULMS
mobile APP software developed to facilitate the students, to receive push notifications, fee alerts, course
announcements, videos and discussion. This App enable the students to remain updated
and synchronized with their day to day learning and academic activities with
ease and mobility. While the VU-LMS allows
university students /distance learner to:
·
Maintain and
update their personal information the their students account
·
Maintain a
personal diary and notes
·
View lecture
notes, View lecture schedule,
·
Receive
important announcements from the university
·
Download
assignments and submit their assignments solution for grading
·
Participate in
online quizzes and class discussion
·
Ask question
through email, MDB from their tutors and receives replies to the same time,
·
View their
results and monitor their academic progress through their grade book
·
View their fee
status and download their fee vouchers for payment at the bank
·
And access a
host of students’ services such as requesting for lost ID Cards etc.
3)
Scrible: This
is software that uses various tools to allow students to share notes, compare
ideas and share project notes. This tool provides an opportunity to bring
together the best resource in one community and develop grate plans.
.
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