Internet Skills and Computer Basics

UNIT SPECIFICS

This unit provides a foundational understanding of the internet and computer basics, focusing on browsers, search engines, and digital India initiatives. It covers the interface and features of typical browsers, search engine functionalities, efficient search query writing, and the pillars and vision of digital India. Additionally, it discusses computer architecture, including the central processing unit, control unit, memories, and peripherals like keyboards, mice, and printers.

RATIONALE

The increasing importance of computers and the internet in daily life is evident in various activities such as paying bills, booking travel, and accessing government services. The online medium offers convenience, saves labor, money, and time, and ensures universal accessibility. Basic knowledge of computer hardware, software, and the Internet is essential for accessing these online services.

PRE-REQUISITES

  • Basic understanding of computer technology.

  • Keen interest in learning computer basics.

UNIT OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • U1-O1: Identify and connect peripheral devices (printers, scanners, etc.) to a computer.

  • U1-O2: Use different types of browsers and their key features (bookmarking, private browsing, tabbed browsing, synchronization, etc.).

  • U1-O3: Write efficient search queries for precise information retrieval from the web.

  • U1-O4: Browse various digital India portals, state portals, and college portals and analyze various available services.

Table 1.1: Mapping of Unit Outcomes with the Course Outcomes

The unit outcomes are mapped with course outcomes, indicating the correlation strength (1- Weak, 2- Medium, 3- Strong) across various courses.

1.1 BASIC INTERNET SKILLS

Internet skills are essential for accessing digital information and services globally. The internet facilitates exchanging information and services using digital devices and network devices. These skills encompass accessing the internet via web browsers and using search engines to find relevant information.

1.1.1 What is the Internet?

The internet is a collection of interconnected networks of heterogeneous types globally. It comprises devices, specifications for hardware and software, and protocols that enable common understanding among countries, universities, companies, and global agencies. It is a "network of networks" that allows the sharing of resources such as webpages, network printers, and digitally accessible services like email, e-commerce, and real-time streaming. It uses physical cables and wireless mediums.

1.1.2 Common Applications of the Internet

The internet is utilized in various applications, including:

  1. Communication: Exchanging information via email and online messengers, using VoIP for audio and video conversations.

  2. E-Commerce: Online platforms for buying and selling products and services globally, operating round the clock.

  3. Storage & File Transfer: Sending and storing files of different types, using cloud computing to share files among users.

  4. Live Streaming & Podcasts: Real-time broadcasting of live videos and audios to large groups of people.

  5. News, Entertainment: Providing breaking news, entertainment, election results, and sports updates.

  6. Collaborative Tasks: Online meetings, discussions, and collaborative work using specialized applications.

  7. Research & Learning Activities: Access to information and online resources for researchers and learners.

  8. Interactive Gaming: Playing and interacting online with others or computer programs in real-time.

  9. Social Networking: Connecting with colleagues, family members, and new people on various platforms.

  10. Job Hunting: Posting vacancies and searching for jobs on portals, newspapers, and social media.

  11. Navigation & Tracking: Location-based services such as digital maps and live status tracking of trains, cars, and parcels.

Additional applications include real-time updates, cashless transactions, online booking, live trading, and advertisements.

1.1.3 Glossary for the Internet Basics

  • WWW (World Wide Web): An information system where files or resources are hosted and accessed via URL addresses, interlinked with hyperlinks.

  • Domain Name: A human-understandable unique name to identify a computer system or resource on the internet.

    Fig. 1.1: Structure of a URL
    The structure includes scheme, subdomain, subdirectories, second-level domain, top-level domain, and country code.

  • URL (Uniform Resource Locator): A unique identifier of a web resource with a specification of how to access and from where to access it.

  • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): A set of rules (protocol) that defines how data is transferred over the web; used to access websites.

  • HTTPS: The secure version of HTTP using SSL (secure socket layer) encryption.

  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A set of rules that defines how data is transferred over the internet, used for transferring large files.

  • Hyperlink: A word, phrase, or image that refers to another data, which can be followed by clicking or tapping.

  • Browser: An application program with a user interface to display and navigate webpages over WWW.

  • Webpage: A hypertext document designed to view on the web browser.

  • Website: A collection of web pages and related resources identified by a common domain name and hosted on a web server.

  • Search Engine: A web-based complex software that provides information searching services using various algorithms to search its database.

  • ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides internet access to other companies or individuals.

  • Email (Electronic Mail): A method of exchanging digital messages from one electronic device to another via a network.

  • Podcast: A web resource available on the internet that contains audio information.

  • Filetype: The format and type of information available on the internet.

  • Download: The process of copying data over the internet from a server to a client machine.

  • Upload: The process of transferring data from a client to a server-side machine.

  • DNS (Domain Name System): Translates human-understandable domain names to machine-readable IP addresses.

  • TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): A set of rules that govern the linking of a computer system to the internet.

  • Modem (Modulator-Demodulator): A hardware device that converts digital data to an analog signal and vice-versa.

  • Network Equipment: Networking hardware required for interconnection and communication in a computer network.

  • Cloud Computing: Provides computer resources over the internet as per the demand of the user.

TYPE: A Webpage

Title: Internet Basics

1.2 Understanding a Browser

Internet services follow the client-server model. When a client seeks a service, it sends a request message (HTTP Request) to the server. The server, in turn, responds with a response message (HTTP Response). A browser is a client-side application program used to search and retrieve information from web pages and display it on the client's machine.

Fig.1.2: HTTP Request and Response

The diagram illustrates the process of sending and receiving messages between a client with a browser and a web server via the internet.

Various trending browsers include:

  • Google Chrome: A widely used cross-platform web browser known for its speed and security.

  • Microsoft Edge: Developed by Microsoft as the successor to Internet Explorer, integrated with Microsoft's online platforms.

  • Mozilla Firefox: A free and open-source browser with an extensive library of extensions and add-ons.

  • Opera: A multi-platform browser with AI-based features, available for mobile devices as Opera Mini and Opera Mobile.

  • Safari: Developed by Apple Inc., known for its speed and high privacy features.

Fig. 1.3: Web Browser Market Share Percentage

The market share data (as of June 2021) shows the percentage distribution of web browser usage.

Interesting Facts

Mosaic, released in early 1993, was the first web browser capable of displaying graphics content in line with text, rather than in a separate window.

1.2.1 Elements of a Chrome Browser Window

Most computers have a default web browser, but users can switch between or add other browsers. Google Chrome, with the highest market share as of June 2021, will be used to demonstrate the various parts of a browser window.

  • To start a web browser, click on its icon on the desktop or taskbar.

  • To access a website, type its URL into the address bar of the browser window.

  • When a webpage loads, it displays the title of the webpage.

  • Navigation buttons (forward and backward) allow movement between webpages.

  • The refresh button reloads the webpage to update information.

Interesting Facts

Chrome's address bar area is known as the OmniBox, used for entering URIs, search terms, bookmarking, and browsing history.

Fig. 1.4: Elements of Chrome Web Browser

The figure identifies various elements of the Chrome web browser, including the address bar, title of the webpage, navigation buttons, refresh button, tabbed browsing, bookmarking, extensions, and controls.

  • Hyperlinks can be opened in the same window or a new tab.

  • New tabs can be opened using the '+' control.

  • The 'star' control allows bookmarking webpages for future reference.

  • Extensions and add-ons can be installed to customize the browser's functionality.

Every Chrome browser window has controls for search tabs, minimize, restore down, and close. The search tab feature provides a list of opened and recently closed tabs and allows searching for a tab by title.

Fig. 1.5: Chrome Search tab

Shows the Chrome search tab, which provides a list of currently opened tabs and recently closed tabs.

Chrome's synchronization feature allows users to synchronize settings across different machines. The browser customize and control section, accessible via an ellipsis, shows various options. Right-clicking on the webpage offers various commands.

Fig. 1.6: Chrome Window (a) Synchronization (b) Customize & Control (c) Right-click Options

The figure shows the synchronization options, customize and control options, and right-click options within the Chrome browser.

TYPE: A Webpage

Title: Using a web browser

1.2.2 Common Browser Features

  1. Bookmarking: Storing URIs for future retrieval.

  2. Download Management: Managing downloaded files, displaying them in chronological order.

  3. Password Management: Storing usernames and passwords of websites for authentication.

  4. Tabbed Browsing: Simultaneously browsing different websites on different tab windows.

  5. Browser History: Storing visited webpages with associated data for revisiting.

  6. Form Management: Auto-filling web form entries from locally saved browser data (auto-complete).

  7. Spell Checking: Correcting misspelled words.

  8. Privacy Mode: Surfing the web without recording browsing history, cookies, and form data.

  9. Auto Update: Automatically updating the browser.

  10. Ad Blocking: Blocking or altering online advertising.

  11. Incremental Search: Finding matches on a webpage incrementally as search terms are typed.

  12. Page Zooming: Zooming in or out of the web content.

TYPE: Use of ICT (A Webpage)

Title: Bookmarks in chrome

1.2.3 Constituent of a Web Browser

A browser consists of a user interface, browser engine, rendering engine, and other components.

Fig.1.7: Web Browser Architecture

The architecture includes User Interface, Browser Engine, Rendering Engine, Networking, JS interpreter, UI Backend, Data storage and persistence.

  • User Interface: Enables users to interact with visual controls on the webpage.

  • Browser Engine: Acts as a bridge between the user interface and the rendering engine.

  • Rendering Engine: Parses HTML documents and images formatted with CSS to generate a final layout.

  • Networking: Manages the connection with HTTP and FTP protocols and addresses security issues.

  • JS Interpreter: Handles parsing and executing JS code.

  • UI Backend: Draws widgets like windows and combo boxes using the underlying OS.

  • Data Storage and Persistence: Saves data like cookies on the client’s local hard disk.

1.3 Efficient Use of Search Engines

Search engines are essential for finding precise data on the internet. They systematically search web pages against search terms and present the results in search engine results pages (SERP). Finding desired information in minimal time is critical.

1.3.1 What is a Search Engine?

A search engine is a software system that searches web pages against supplied search terms (keywords, search query, or search phrase). It indexes, organizes, rates, and reviews websites. Different search engines provide different results for the same search query.

fig. 1.8: Search Engine Market Share

Depicts the market share of popular search engines as of June 2021.

Fig. 1.9: Different Search Engines

Examples include Google, Bing, Yahoo!, Yandex, Baidu, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, AOL, Ask.

1.3.2 Some Popular Search Engine Variants

  • Google: Developed by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, uses AI and ML to provide better results.

  • Microsoft Bing: Successor of MSN Search & Windows Live Search, offers web, image, video, and map search services.

  • Yahoo: Founded by Jerry Yang and David Filo, one of the oldest search engines.

  • Baidu: A Chinese search engine holding a significant market share in China.

  • Yandex: Prevalently used in Russia, offers services like online text and website translator, maps, and email.

  • Duckduckgo: Focuses on user privacy and does not record search history.

1.3.3 Types of Web Searches

  1. Navigational: Intended to navigate to a specific website.

  2. Informational: Intended to find related information about a search term.

  3. Transactional: Intended to reach a website where further interaction or web-mediated activity is performed.

1.3.4 How do Search Engines Work?

Search engines aim to provide the most relevant search results in minimal time by searching databases of metadata and indexes of selected web pages. The ranking module displays the most relevant webpages. Search engines perform three functions:

  1. Crawling: Using automated software (spiders, crawlers) to traverse and scan the web for publicly available information.

  2. Indexing: Organizing and storing the results such that they can be further processed by search engine algorithms.

  3. Ranking: Showing results in order of their relevance using ranking algorithms.

TYPE: Video Resources

Title: Basic Search Strategies

Fig. 1.10: Searching with Search Engines

Illustrates the process of how a search engine works.

Table 1.2: Google Search Symbols, Operators & Commands

This table outlines various Google search symbols, operators, and commands with examples, providing descriptions for informational search queries and basic search symbols.

1.3.5 How to Search the Web?

To perform a search, open a search engine in the web browser, input keywords in the search box, and click the search button or press Enter. Search results relevant to the search phrase will be displayed. Searching can be enhanced using operators and capabilities of the search engine’s user interface, like advanced search options.

Google Advanced Search

Google also provides filters to refine search results within the user interface.

  1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Google search engine.

  2. Type the search term in the search box.

  3. View scrutinized results based on categories like news, images, books, videos, maps, flight, finance, etc.

  4. Additional filters are associated with each category, visible after clicking on the Tools button.

Advanced search can be accessed from the user interface or directly by URL: google.com/advanced_search

TYPE: Video Resources

Title: How Google Search Works?

Fig. 1.11: Advanced Filters for Search

A screenshot of advanced filters for a search query.

Fig. 1.12: User interface for Google Advanced Search

Graphical user interface of Google advanced search, which provides equivalent functionality to Google operators.

1.4 Awareness About Digital India Portals

The government of India has developed many portals and IT-based infrastructures to empower its citizens. National Portals are those in which services and information are presented and updated by the central government.

1.4.1 What is Digital India?

The Digital India program aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It was launched in July 2015 with a budget of rupees 1.13 lakh crore. The program includes a plan to connect rural areas with high-speed internet highways and is coordinated by MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology).

Fig. 1.13: Digital India Focus

Focuses on transforming India with IT, Indian Talent, and India Tomorrow.

Digital India Program is centered on three key vision areas:

  1. Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen

    • Availability of high-speed internet

    • Unique digital identity

    • Mobile phone & bank account

    • Easy access to a Common Service Centre

    • Shareable private space on a public cloud

    • Safe and secure cyber-space

  2. Governance and services on demand

    • Seamlessly integrated services

    • Availability of services in real-time

    • Portable citizen entitlements

    • Digitally transformed services

    • Electronic & cashless transactions

    • Leveraging Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)

  3. Digital empowerment of citizens

    • Universal digital literacy

    • Universally accessible digital resources

    • Availability of digital resources/services in Indian languages

    • Collaborative digital platforms

    • Reduction in physical submission of Govt. documents/certificates

TYPE: Video Resources

Title: What is Digital India?

1.4.2 Pillars of Digital India Program

Digital India program spans several ministries and departments and aims to reinforce nine pillars of growth areas.

Fig. 1.14: Digital India Pillars

Depicts the nine pillars of growth areas under the Digital India initiative.

Portals are classified into three categories based on the vision areas. The commonly used portals and their brief descriptions are outlined in Tables 1.3 to 1.5.

Table 1.3: Digital India Portals (Infrastructure)

Lists various digital India initiative websites with descriptions such as AADHAAR, CERT-IN, CSC, DIGILOCKER, DIGITIZE INDIA PLATFORM, ESIGN, GEM, IRCTC CONNECT, JEEVAN PRAMAAN, MEGHRAJ, MOBILE SEVA APP STORE, NSM, RAS, and SWIFT.

Table 1.4: Digital India Portals (Service Based)

Describes various service-based portal websites including SUGAMYA BHARAT ABHIYAAN, BHIM, AIIMS DIGITAL, E-PANCHAYAT, EGREETINGS, e-Hospital, ENAM, E-PATHISHALA, GSTN, KHOYA-PAYA, KISAN SUVIDHA, NCS and more.

Table 1.5: Digital India Portals (Empowerment)

Details websites aimed at empowerment including AEPS, BPO SCHEME, MYGOV, NMEICT.

Interesting Facts

  • Aadhar Enabled Banking Transactions are growing continuously.

  • DIGILocker has millions of registered users and has issued billions of authenticated documents.

1.5 State Portal

State portals provide digital services to citizens at the state level, acting as a nodal source of information about a particular state and its various departments.

1.5.1 Features of State Portals

  1. Single point information access to schemes and services.

  2. Transparency and reduced corruption.

  3. Part of e-governance, reducing paperwork and time.

  4. Increased accountability of government departments.

1.5.2 How to Navigate a State Portal?

  1. Open a state portal by typing its URL into the browser's address bar.

  2. If the URL is not memorized, find an authenticated URI:

    • Search on search engines.

    • Use hyperlinks from validated social media.

    • Find a valid URL on physical posters.

    • Open a website with hyperlinks to the state portal.

Fig. 1.15: A National Portal with Hyperlinks to State Portals

Shows a national portal with states listed, each with a hyperlink to their respective state portal.

Fig. 1.16: A State Portal with Hyperlinks to Various Department

An example state portal with links to various government departments specific to that state.

1.6 College Portal

A college portal provides information related to stakeholders, including students, alumni, faculty, and staff. It maintains student records and a management information system (MIS). The portal can be static or dynamic, depending on its updating frequency.

How to Navigate a College Portal?

  1. Open a college portal by typing its URL into the browser's address bar.

  2. If the URL is not memorized, find an authenticated URL:

    • Find a valid URL on college posters.

    • Search on search engines.

    • Use hyperlinks from validated social media.

    • Search the national or state portal for the desired college.

Fig. 1.17: A College Portal

A typical college portal interface showcasing the various sections and information it provides.

To visit the official website of Government Polytechnic College, Barmer, follow these steps:

  1. Open the state portal of the higher and technical education department of Government of Rajasthan.

  2. Click on “Department Of Technical Education”.

  3. Click on the “College” menu tab.

  4. Click on the college name hyperlink.

COMPUTER SYSTEM

Computers are used in various fields and are available in different sizes with varying processing capabilities. Computer hardware includes tangible components, each with a specific function. A typical block diagram of a computer system is shown below:

Fig.1.18: Computer System Block Diagram

Input unit, output unit, central processing unit (CPU) and memory unit.

TYPE: Video Resources

Title: Inside a Computer

1.7 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU consists of an arithmetic and logical unit (ALU), control unit (CU), and memory storage unit. It is the brain of the computer, where the actual processing of data takes place. CPU is one of the main components that will improve the performance of your computer.

1.7.1 Microprocessor

It is a silicon chip with ALU, register circuits, and control circuits. The microprocessor performs ALU operations and controls connected components. A conventional microprocessor chip with pins is shown in Fig. 1.19.

Fig. 1.19: A Microprocessor Chip

1.7.2 Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU)

An ALU performs all arithmetic and logical operations for the computer system, including addition, subtraction, compare, complement, and shift. It is a Major comp of the CPU made up of

a. Adder where the actual calculations task place.
b. Register which stores the information temporarily.
c. Accumulator in which the intermittent results of the calculations are kept.

1.7.3 Control Unit (CU)

The CU supervises operations, sends and receives control signals, and facilitates the smooth execution of instructions. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and sends control signals.

1.7.4 Memory Unit

The memory unit stores instructions and data used by the CU and ALU. The smallest unit of memory is called a ‘Bit’. A bit can have the value 1 or 0 which is known as binary values. Groups of eight bits form a Byte.

Table 1.6: Measurement units for digital data

Outlines measurement units for digital data with symbols and corresponding capacity, including Bit, Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte, Petabyte, Exabyte, Zettabyte, and Yottabyte.

TYPE: Video Resources

Title: Basic Computer parts

1.8 Types of Computer Memory

Different types of memory are used depending on the functional requirement. Memories are classified as primary and secondary, based on direct accessibility by the CPU. Main memory is divided into volatile and non-volatile types.

1.8.1 Primary Memory

Primary memory (main memory or internal storage) is directly accessible by the CPU. It stores program instructions, data, and intermittent results. It is made of semiconductor devices. RAM, ROM, and Cache Memory are primary memory examples.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Access time is independent of the physical location of data. RAM is temporary or volatile memory; data is stored until the computer is switched off. RAM is classified into static RAM (SRAM) and dynamic RAM (DRAM).

  • Static Random Access Memory (SRAM): Retains contents as long as power is supplied but loses data when power is down. Faster and more expensive than DRAM.

  • Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM): Constructed of tiny capacitors that leak electricity. Denser, uses less power, and generates less heat than SRAM.

Read-only Memory (ROM)

Stored programs are permanent and not lost when the current is switched off (nonvolatile). ROM programs are generally critical, given by the manufacturer, and include operating system programs and booting programs. ROM is available in different types: PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.

  • Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM): Can be modified only once by a user.

  • Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM): Reprogrammable with ultraviolet light.

  • Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM): Programmed and erased electrically. Locations can be selectively erased and programmed.

  • Flash memory: EEPROM with data can be written or erased in blocks, making it faster than EEPROM.

1.8.2 Secondary memory

Used to store data permanently when the main/primary storage is insufficient. It is a nonvolatile memory; data retains even after the computer system is switched off.

Fig. 1.20: Classification of Memories

Classifies computer memory according to direct CPU accessibility, data retention, read-write technology, and storage media type, including:
Primary Memory Magnetic Tape,
Secondary Memory Magnetic Disk,
Non Volatile and Volatile Memory and different types of read only memory.

1.9 Display

A display is an output device to present information in visual form, such as an external monitor or built-in screen. A computer monitor works with the video card to display images and text.

Fig. 1.21: Types of Display

Types include:
Electronic Display, CRT, Emissive Display, Flat Panel Display, Plasma Display,
Non Emissive Display, LCD Display, LED Display etc.

  • CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors: Older monitors using cathode ray tubes, heavy and take up a lot of desk space.

  • LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors: Modern flat-screen displays, thin, light-weighted, and energy-efficient. TFT monitors use thin-film transistor technology in LCDs.

  • LED (light-emitting diodes) monitors: Flat panel displays using light-emitting diodes, higher contrast, and less environmental impact when disposed of.

  • DLP Monitors: DLP stands for Digital Light Processing, developed by Texas Instruments presenting images from a monitor onto a big screen.

  • Plasma Monitors: Wide flat screen with small fluorescent lights with colour that are lit up to form images on the screen.

  • OLED Monitors:: Stands for organic light-emitting diode. Thinner and lighter monitors without a backlight, offering incredible contrast and colour.

  • Touch Screen Monitors:: Perform both input and output functions, enabling users to interact using finger or stylus.

Figures:
Fig. 1.22: Display Devices
(a) CRT Monitor, (b) LED Monitor, (c) DLP Projector

1.10 Keyboards

A keyboard is the primary input device used with the computer, used to input data and instructions. It is connected to a computer system using a cable or wireless connection. Keyboard has various keys and they are logically groped in QWERTY layout

Fig. 1.23: Keys on Keyboard
Escape Key, Functional Key, Print Screen,
Status Indicator, Navigation Keys, Numeric Keypad.

  • Function keys: Topmost row, F1 to F12, used for a special purpose and assigns some system commands to them.

  • Character keys: Type letters, punctuation, and other characters.

  • Modifier keys: Ctrl, Alt, Shift, AltGr modify the functions of other keys.

  • Navigation keys: Cursor control keys, navigate cursor in any direction.

  • Numeric keypad: Numeric keys of keypad forms this group

  • System command keys: Have important functions other than printing characters:

    • PrtSc:

    • Break/Pause:

    • Esc:

    • Enter:

    • Shift:

    • Window:

    • Space Bar:

    • Backspace:

Interesting Facts

On most widely used QWERTY keyboard, the word "Typewriter' is the longest word which can be typed by pressing letters of same row i.e., top row.

1.11 Mouse

A mouse is a handheld input device that controls the pointer in a GUI, used to move and select text, icons, files, and folders. Some Mouse basic functions are as below

  1. Point

  2. Click

  3. Right Click

  4. Double Click

  5. Drag & Drop

  6. Scrolling

Fig. 1.24: Common Parts of Computer Mice
(a) Mechanical (b) Wireless

A traditional mechanical mouse and wireless mouse.

  • Mechanical mouse: Have a hard rubber ball to detect the motion of the mouse. Sensors interpret the ball movement into an electronic signal.

  • Optical and laser mouse: Uses an LED sensor and imaging arrays of photodiodes to detect the relative movement on the underlying surface. Laser mouse uses laser light for sensing mouse movement.

TYPE: Use of ICt (A Webpage)
Title: Mouse tutorial

Interesting Facts

The first computer Mouse which was constructed in the year 1964 was made out of wood and developed by Doug Engelbart.

1.12 Hard Disk Drive

A hard disk drive stores operating systems files, application problems, media and other documents. A hard drive uses a disk and magnets to write data on the disk permanently, even in the event of a power failure.
The hard disk drives are consists of four key components inside the casing:

  1. Platters

  2. Spindle

  3. Read/Write arm

  4. Actuator

  5. HDD Size:

  6. Advantages of HDD:

  7. Solid State Drives (SSDs):

Comparison between HDD and SSD

  1. SSD and HDD both are Hard Disk Drive

  2. SSD has high read/write performance for random and sequential data retrieval as compared
    to HDD.

  3. SSD is now more popular as compared to HDD in desktops and Laptops.

  4. SSD uses the newest way to read/write data using tacking chips in a grid whereas HDD uses
    magnetic properties to read/write data. Thus HDD has a frequent mechanical breakdown as
    compare to SSD.

  5. SSD generates little to no noise and HDD can sometimes be one of the loudest components
    in a computer,

Fig. 1.25: Parts of HDDs and SSDs

various components of HDDs and SSDs

1.13 Other Peripheral Devices

A peripheral device also called an auxiliary device is any connected device that provides a computer
with additional features.

1.13.1 Input Devices

Mose keyboard scanner bar code reader web cam microphone
Fig. 1.26: Input Devices
(a) Scanner (b) Barcode Reader (c) Webcam digital camera ,light pen graphic tablet stylus

Fig. 1.27: Input Devices
(a) Microphone (b) Digital Camera (c) Joystick touch Screen .touchpen

TYPE: Use of ICT (A Webpage)

Title: Pointing Device Gesture

1.13.2 Output Devices

monitor printer speaker,Braille readers plotter graphics cards sound cards
Fig. 1.28: Classification of Printers
printer-inkjet laser thermal - Impact Printer,Non-impact Printer
Dot-Matrix Printers Thermal Printers,
Line Printers:
Drum Printers Chain Printers Band Printers
1.13.3 Storage Devices Hard Disk Drives, FLASH Drives,

SUMMARY

  • Browsers are user agents to send and receive information on the internet.

  • The CPU consists of ALU, Control Unit and Memory storage unit.

  • 6 7 8 9 peripheral devices

EXERCISES

Objective Questions
Answers
Q.N . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Option A B B D C A C

Practical Statement

Browsing and Searching. Browser features internet portals

Observations

Browsing Results. Browse a web