UNIT 1

What is Computer ?
Computer is an electronic device that takes data as an input and processes it
under the control of a set of instructions (called program) and then produces a
result (output), and all the set is called as computer system. It can store, retrieve,
and process data according to internal instructions. A computer may be either
digital, analog, or hybrid, although most in operation today are digital.
Four primary operations of a computer can be defined as follows:
Input: entering data into computer
Processing: performing operations on the data
Output: presenting the results
Storage: saving data, programs or output for future use.
Different Computer Systems
1. Mainframe Computer

Mainframes are designed to process large volumes of data at high speed. They are
used by large businesses such as

 banks and mail-order

 companies as well as by large
 organisations such as universities.

Mainframe computers can also multi-task by running more

than one program at the same time time. This is known as multi-programming and
with more memory has become possible on desktop and laptop computers.
2. Desktop Computer
A desktop computer is the most common kind of PC. It is a collection of a number of
different hardware devices. This type of computer is sited permanently on a desk
because its design means it cannot be easily moved. The common components of a
desktop PC are:

 the system unit containing the processor and main memory

 monitor
 keyboard
 mouse
 hard disk drive
 floppy disk drive
 CD/DVD drive
 speakers.
3.Laptop or Notebook Computer

A laptop computer is a small, light computer that you can easily carry about with you. It
can be powered by battery or mains power. A laptop computer has a keyboard, and
comes with specialized input devices, for example trackballs, touch pads or track
points.
They are needed because laptop computers are often operated in places where it is
impracticable to use a mouse.
For output the laptop has an LCD or TFT screen and a set of small speakers.

‘Laptops’ are often as powerful as desktop computers and run the same range and type
of software.
People use laptops for working when they are on the move, going to meetings or
attending courses.
Many businesses are replacing desktop PCs with special plug-in workstations designed
round laptop computers because of the flexibility they offer.
4 . Palmtop Computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

This type of computer is increasing in popularity, and is often called a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA). A palmtop computer is small enough to fit in your pocket.

It combines a lot of capabilities, including organizer features (such as storing contact

numbers, names and addresses, etc.), e-mail and wireless internet access.
Palmtop's have small keyboards and most let you open menus and select icons by
using a special pen or stylus. Most let you enter data by writing with the stylus. They are
powered by batteries and store their data on removable memory units called flash
cards.

You can run a wide range of software on palmtop's, for example simple word
processing, database and spreadsheet software as well as useful applications such as
electronic diaries. Many modern palmtop's:

 are converging with mobile phones to let you access the internet
 have wireless communications to let you access your local area network.

Types of computer Onbasis of data handling capabilities

Analog Computers
Analog computers are used to process analog data. Analog data is of continuous nature and
which is not discrete or separate. Such type of data includes temperature, pressure, speed weight,
voltage, depth etc. These quantities are continuous and having an infinite variety of values.

Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data. Analogue data is continuous data
that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values. We can say that analogue computers
are used where we don't need exact values always such as speed, temperature, pressure and
current.

It measures continuous changes in some physical quantity e.g. The Speedometer of a car
measures speed, the change of temperature is measured by a Thermometer, the weight is
measured by Weights machine. These computers are ideal in situations where data can be
accepted directly from measuring instrument without having to convert it into numbers or
codes.

Digital Computer
Digital Computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It
accepts the raw data as digits or numbers(0 or1) and processes it with programs stored in its
memory to produce output. All modern computers like laptops and desktops that we use at home
or office are digital computers.
Advantages of digital computers:

 It allows you to store a large amount of information and to retrieve it easily

whenever you need it.
 You can easily add new features to digital systems more easily.
 Different applications can be used in digital systems just by changing the
program without making any changes in hardware
 It offers high speed as the data is processed digitally.
 It is highly reliable as it uses error correction codes.

Hybrid Computers

A hybrid is a combination of digital and analog computers. It combines the best features of both
types of computers, i-e. It has the speed of analog computer and the memory and accuracy of
digital computer.
For example, a petrol pump contains a processor that converts fuel flow measurements into
quantity and price values. In hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an analog device is used which
measures patient’s blood pressure and temperature etc, which are then converted and
displayed in the form of digits. Hybrid computers for example are used for scientific
calculations, in defence and radar systems.
Advantages

 It produces precise and quick results that are more accurate and useful.
 It has the ability to solve and manage big equation in real-time.
 It helps in the on-line data processing.

Types of Computer On the basis of size

1) Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to
process huge amount of data. A supercomputer can process trillions of instructions
in a second. It has thousands of interconnected processors.
Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and engineering
applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations and nuclear energy
research. The first supercomputer was developed by Roger Cray in 1976.

Characteristics or applications of supercomputers:

 It has played a vital role in managing the online currency world such as stock
market and bitcoin.
 It helps in the diagnosis of various critical diseases and in producing accurate
results in brain injuries, strokes, etc.
 It helps in scientific research areas by accurately analysing data obtained from
exploring the solar system, satellites, and movement of Earth.
 It also used in a smog control system where it predicts the level of fog and other
pollutants in the atmosphere.
 It can study and understand climate patterns and forecast weather conditions.

2) Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users
simultaneously. They can support multiple programs at the same time. It means
they can execute different processes simultaneously. These features of mainframe
computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom sectors,
which need to manage and process a high volume of data that requires integer
operations such as indexing, comparisons, etc.
Characteristics of Mainframe Computers:
 It can process huge amount of data, e.g. millions of transactions in a second in
the banking sector.
 It has a very long life. It can run smoothly for up to 50 years after proper
installation.
 It gives excellent performance with large scale memory management.

Applications of mainframe computers:

 In health care, it enabled hospitals to maintain a record of their millions of
patients in order to contact them for treatment or related to their appointment,
medicine updates or disease updates.
 In the field of defence, it allows the defence departments to share a large
amount of sensitive information with other branches of defence.
 In the field of education, it helps big universities to store, manage and retrieve
data related to their courses, admissions, students, teachers, employees and
affiliated schools and colleges.
 In the retail sector, the retail companies that have a huge customer base and
branches use mainframe computers to handle and execute information related to
their inventory management, customer management, and huge transactions in a
short duration.
3) Minicomputer
It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more processors and
can support 4 to 200 users at one time. Miniframe computers are used in institutes
and departments for tasks such as billing, accounting and inventory management. A
minicomputer lies between the mainframe and microcomputer as it is smaller than
mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.
Characteristics of miniframe or minicomputer:
 It is light weight that makes it easy to carry and fit anywhere.
 It is less expensive than mainframe computers.
 It is very fast compared to its size.
 It remains charged for a long time.

4) Microcomputer
Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer
that is designed for individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit,
memory, storage area, input unit and output unit. Laptops and desktop computers are
examples of microcomputers. They are suitable for personal work that may be making
an assignment, watching a movie, or at office for office work.
Characteristics of a microcomputer:
 It is the smallest in size among all types of computers.
 It is designed for personal work and applications. Only one user can work at a
time.
 It is less expansive and easy to use.
 It does not require the user to have special skills or training to use it.
 It is capable of multitasking such as printing, scanning, browsing, watching
videos, etc.

Basic organization of a computer system

Mainly computer system consists of three parts that are central processing unit (CPU), Input
Devices, and Output Devices. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is divided into two parts
again: arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit (CU).
CPU – central processing unit

CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data
processing operations. It stores data, intermediate results and instructions (program).It
controls the operation of all parts of computer. The computer CPU is responsible for
handling all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the
computer.

Arithmetic logic unit

The ALU is an electronic circuit used to carry out the arithmetic operations like
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The data and instructions stored
in the RAM are transferred to the ALU for processing.

The ALU performs the logical and the arithmetic operations on the data and the
results are temporarily stored in the RAM. After the processing, the final results
are stored in the secondary memory, i.e., the storage unit, and are released
through an output device.

Control Unit

 The control unit (CU) controls all the activities or operations which are
performed inside the computer system. It receives instructions or
information directly from the main memory of the computer.
 It helps in maintaining order and directs the operations of the entire system.
Memory Unit
The main memory is also called primary memory, is used to store data temporarily.
Once the CPU has carried out an instruction, it needs the result to be stored. This
storage space is provided by the computer’s memory. Data provided by the input
device, and the result of that processed data is also stored in the memory unit.
 RAM (Random Access Memory) – It stands for Random Access Memory.
RAM is known as read /writes memory. It generally refereed as main memory of the
computer system. It is a temporary memory. The information stored in this memory is
lost as the power supply to the computer is switched off. That’s why RAM is also
called “Volatile Memory”

 ROM (Read Only Memory)– It stands for Read Only Memory. ROM is a
Permanent Type memory. Its content are not lost when power supply is switched off.
Content of ROM is decided by the computer manufacturer and permanently stored at
the time of manufacturing. ROM cannot be overwritten by the computer. It is also
called “Non-Volatile Memory”.

Secondary Memory
 On the contrary, secondary memory is the external memory of the computer
which can be used to store data and information on a long-term basis.

 All secondary storage devices which are capable of storing high volume data is
referred to secondary memory. It's slower than primary memory.

 Secondary Memory is external memory of the computer. It is also known as

Auxiliary memory and permanent memory. It is used to store the different
programs and the information permanently. Secondary Memory is nature non
volatile. It means data is stored permanently even if power is switched off.
The secondary storage devices are:
 Floppy Disks
 Magnetic (Hard) Disk
 Magnetic Tapes
 Pen Drive
 Optical Disk (CD,DVd)

Input Devices
 The Input Unit perform transferring the data from outside the world into the system and
later this data is processed and the system produces instruction through output unit
such as Printer, monitors, etc.
  An input device is any hardware device that sends data to the computer, without any
input devices, a computer would only be a display device and not allow users to interact
with it, much like a TV.
 Keyboard and mouse are the prime examples of input devices.
 They act like a connection between outside the world and our own computer system
 It converts the data or instruction or information into machine readable form for further
processing.

Output Devices
 A device which is used to display result from a computer is called as output device. It
Allows people to receive information from computers. An output device is any
peripheral that receives or displays output from a computer. The picture shows an inkjet
printer, an output device that can make a hard copy of anything being displayed on a
monitor.
 Examples of output devices include Printer, Scanner, Monitor, etc.

Characteristics of Computer System

1. Speed of Computer
 Computers are much faster to perform mathematical calculations than human. The
computer is capable of performing millions of tasks per second.
  It takes an hour or a day for a person to do a mathematical calculation or any work, to
do the same calculation or work to a computer do in microseconds or nanoseconds.
2. Accuracy of Computer
 A computer is very accurate. It does not make any kind of mistake in calculating. Sometimes we
get some error but these are because of the mistake performed by us.
 The Accuracy Of the computer is constantly high and it can perform hundred of operation with
the carry-out calculation and analysis accurately and speedily.

3. Diligence of Computer
 A person gets tired of doing some work in a few hours and a computer has the ability to
do any work continuously for many hours, days, months.
 Even after the computer has worked for such a long time, there is no decrease in its
ability to work and the accuracy of the result.
 The computer does work without any discrimination. A computer is free from monetary
and tiredness.
4. Reliability of Computer
 Reliability is a very big characteristics of computer. Today almost all the big industries or
big e-Commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart, and big search engine companies
like - Google and Bing, all these companies are dependent on computers.
 Today every major industry and companies in the world have full confidence in their
computers, and their entire business is running from computers.
5.Versatility of Computer
 Versatility is the Characteristics of a computer. Its means is that the computer is capable
of working in almost every field.
 Today computers are being used almost everywhere like schools, colleges, hospitals,
offices, railway stations, hotels etc.
 A computer system is multitasking so that you can do two tasks very easily at the same
time.

6. Storage Capacity of Computer

 Computer systems have a very large capacity to store any type of data. A computer can
store and resell any information due to its storage capacity.
 Computers have the ability to store all types of data such as data, pictures, files,
programs, games, and sound for many years and later we can get any data in a few
seconds at any time for taking that information and for future retrieval.
7. Automatic
 A computer is an automatic machine because once started on a job they carry on until
the job is finished without any human assistance.
8. Quick Decision
 The computer takes the decision very quickly, given by the user which is the instruction
arithmetic data or logic data.
 All Mathematical data is called arithmetic data.
  Copy Document, Delete file, open camera etc this type of data is called Logical data.

9. No Feeling
 In computers, like humans, there is no feeling and emotion, nor does the computer have
any knowledge and experience, because a computer is a machine which works
continuously on the instruction of humans without any selfishness and without
tiredness.
10. Power of Remembering
 Power of remembering is also very special Characteristics of the computer.
 You can store many types of information and data on your computer in very large
quantities. Whenever you need this data in future, you can get that data in a few
seconds matter why.
 You can get the data even after a long time. It depends on you, after how long or after
how many years you need the data.
11. No IQ
 A computer is a dumb machine, without a user, a computer is a useless machine and
device.
 Until a user does not give any instruction, it cannot do any work and only after
completing the instruction, he completes that work very fast.
 A computer system is completely dependent on us humans how to work.

Basic Applications of Computer

Home
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment, watching
movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet
access, etc. They provide communication through electronic mail. They help to avail
work from home facility for corporate employees. Computers help the student
community to avail online educational support.

Medical Field
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history, diagnosis,
X-rays, live monitoring of patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays use robotic surgical
devices to perform delicate operations, and conduct surgeries remotely. Virtual reality
technologies are also used for training purposes. It also helps to monitor the fetus
inside the mother’s womb.

Entertainment
Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a virtual entertainer
in playing games, listening to music, etc. MIDI instruments greatly help people in the
entertainment industry in recording music with artificial instruments. Videos can be fed
from computers to full screen televisions. Photo editors are available with fabulous
features.
Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing inventory,
designing purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior designing, video
conferencing, etc. Online marketing has seen a great revolution in its ability to sell
various products to inaccessible corners like interior or rural areas. Stock markets have
seen phenomenal participation from different levels of people through the use of
computers.

Education
Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online examinations,
referring e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help in increased use of audio-visual aids
in the education field.

Government
In government sectors, computers are used in data processing, maintaining a database
of citizens and supporting a paperless environment. The country’s defense
organizations have greatly benefitted from computers in their use for missile
development, satellites, rocket launches, etc.

Banking
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and conduct
transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs. Banks have
reduced manual errors and expenses to a great extent through extensive use of
computers.

Business
Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into business. The main objective of
business is transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers,
employees or customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and accurate.
People can analyze investments, sales, expenses, markets and other aspects of
business using computers.

Training
Many organizations use computer-based training to train their employees, to save
money and improve performance. Video conferencing through computers allows
saving of time and travelling costs by being able to connect people in various locations.

Arts
Computers are extensively used in dance, photography, arts and culture. The fluid
movement of dance can be shown live via animation. Photos can be digitized using
computers.

Science and Engineering

Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic process in Science
and Engineering. Supercomputers have numerous applications in area of Research
and Development (R&D). Topographic images can be created through computers.
Scientists use computers to plot and analyze data to have a better understanding of
earthquakes.

Limitations of Computer
 Depend on users input.
 Computer have no imagination.
 Only expert user can work on it.
 Cannot take its own decisions.
 Zero IQ
 Lack of Decision making
 Computer cannot express their ideas

Various Fields of Computer

Humanware
 A computer system is made up of three major components—hardware, software, and
humanware. While software and hardware make up an actual computer, humanware is
necessary for enhancing user experience by making improvements in the system’s user
interface (UI).
 Humanware is the combination of hardware and software elements that make human
interaction with a device as good as possible. Often, developing humanware begins by
defining who the computer’s potential users are, what they are interested in, and what
they need before designing the infrastructure.
 Humanware is hardware and software that emphasizes user capability and empowerment
and the design of the user interface. The process of building humanware generally
consists of these steps: ... Get feedback from users and continually improve the product.

Firmware
In electronic systems and computing, firmware is a tangible electronic component with
embedded software instructions, such as a BIOS. Typically, those software instructions are
used to tell an electronic device how to operate. some firmware memory devices are
permanently installed and cannot be changed after manufacture.
It is programmed to give permanent instructions to communicate with other devices and
perform functions like basic input/output tasks. Firmware is typically stored in the flash ROM
(read only memory) of a hardware device. It can be erased and rewritten.
Computer Hardware:

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. Computer Hardware is any part of the
computer that we can touch these parts. These are the primary electronic devices used to build up the
computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are the Processor, Memory Devices, Monitor, Printer,
Keyboard, Mouse, and the Central Processing Unit.

Computer Software:

Software is a collection of instructions, procedures, documentation that performs different tasks on a

computer system. we can say also Computer Software is a programming code executed on a computer
processor. The code can be machine-level code or the code written for an operating system. Examples
of software are Ms Word, Excel, Power Point, Google Chrome, Photoshop, MySQL etc.

Differences between Hardware and Software

Hardware Software

Hardware is further divided into four main Software is further divided into two main
categories: categories:

 Input Devices  Application Software

 Output Devices  System Software
 Secondary Storage Devices
 Internal Components

Developed using electronic and other materials Developed writing using instructions using a
programming language

When damaged, it can be replaced with a new When damaged it can be installed once more
component using a backup copy

Hardware is physical in nature and hence one The software cannot be physically touched but
can touch and see hardware still can be used and seen

Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses The software can be infected by Viruses

Hardware will physically wear out over time Software does not wear out but it can be affected
by bugs and glitches

An example of Hardware is hard drives, An example of software is Windows 10, Adobe

monitors, CPU, scanners, printers etc. Photoshop, Google Chrome etc.

What is Data?
Data is a raw and unorganized fact that required to be processed to make it meaningful.
Data can be simple at the same time unorganized unless it is organized. Generally, data
comprises facts, observations, perceptions numbers, characters, symbols, image, etc.
Data is always interpreted, by a human or machine, to derive meaning. So, data is
meaningless. Data contains numbers, statements, and characters in a raw form.

Data Information

Data is unorganised raw facts that need Information is a processed, organised

processing without which it is seemingly data presented in a given context and is
random and useless to humans useful to humans.

Data is an individual unit that contains raw Information is a group of data that
material which does not carry any specific collectively carry a logical meaning.
meaning.

Data doesn’t depend on information. Information depends on data.

What is Information?
Information is a set of data which is processed in a meaningful way according to the
given requirement. Information is processed, structured, or presented in a given context
to make it meaningful and useful.
It is processed data which includes data that possess context, relevance, and purpose.
It also involves manipulation of raw data.

Input Devices
1. Keyboard
Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device which helps to input data
to the computer. The layout of the keyboard is like that of traditional typewriter,
although there are some additional keys provided for performing additional functions.
Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or 101/102 keys, but now keyboards with 104 keys
or 108 keys are also available for Windows and Internet.

2. Mouse
Mouse is the most popular pointing device. It is a very famous cursor-control device
having a small palm size box with a round ball at its base, which senses the movement
of the mouse and sends corresponding signals to the CPU when the mouse buttons
are pressed.

Advantages

 Easy to use
 Not very expensive
 Moves the cursor faster than the arrow keys of the keyboard

3. Joystick
Joystick is also a pointing device, which is used to move the cursor position on a
monitor screen. It is a stick having a spherical ball at its both lower and upper ends.
The lower spherical ball moves in a socket. The joystick can be moved in all four
directions.

4. Light Pen
Light pen is a pointing device similar to a pen. It is used to select a displayed menu
item or draw pictures on the monitor screen. It consists of a photocell and an optical
system placed in a small tube.
5) Scanner
A scanner is an input device that captures documents such as photographs and text. Scanners are
of many types according to their design, scanning mechanisms etc. When a document is to be
scanned, firstly a documents is converted into digital signal and then scanning is performed on
this electronic version of document.

A scanner can be connected to computer using different interface such as SCSI, TWAIN etc, but
today the most common method is USB cable.

TYPES OF SCANNER
FLATBED SCANNER
Flatbed scanners will take up some desktop space but provide a lot of bang for the
buck. They look like miniature printers with a flip-up cover protecting the glass
platen. Flatbed scanners are some of the most commonly used scanners as it has both
home and office functions. The way they scan documents is that a mechanism rolls
under the document to obtain the image. For a businesses that have a need for high
processing abilities, the flatbed scanner can scan any number of documents with a click
of a button.

SHEET-FED SCANNER
Sheet-fed scanner is smaller in size than flatbed scanner. This type of scanner works
like a flatbed scanner except that the document is fed through the scanner and moves
along the beam to be read rather than the beam moving along document. This type is
not useful for books, but only single sheets.
A small size is its advantage but improper mechanism can skew the paper.

DRUM SCANNER
Drum scanner is used for scanning a document and produce at very high resolution
rate. There is no any type of scanner that will give you the kind of resolution, detail,
sharpness, dynamic range, and color rendition that drum scanning can give you. There
are only a few companies that make these scanners, considering the high cost of
producing a scanner such as this. It is considered as a tremendous upgrade to a regular
flatbed scanner.

HANDHELD SCANNER
Handheld scanner is much like a flatbed scanner. Handheld scanners are small helpful
electronic devices that are widely used for digitizing printed documents. Handheld
scanner provides lower quality scanners, they are still very popular because they are
small and less expensive than their flatbed. They are able to scan items that could not
fit in a flatbed scanner due to size or location. Their function includes moving them over
the material being captured with the aid of a tray to keep it in a straight line.
Experience is required to operate and handle the device since it is very important to
keep the scanner straight so that a distortion-free scan is possible.

6)Barcode readers

 A BCR (barcode reader) or scanner, also known as a POS (point of sale) scanner is a
hardware input device capable of reading a barcode using a laser. It can also load the
details of the product or log information about that product into a database. An example
of a barcode reader is a supermarket barcode scanner that reads and logs the price of a
product. The picture is an example of a barcode reader from HP.
 After capturing an image, barcode scanners link to a host computer to pass along the
scanned information. This automates the data collection process so organizations can
reduce human error

7) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

The term magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) refers to the line of numbers that
appears at the bottom of a check. The MICR line is a group of three numbers, which are
the check number, account number, and bank routing number. The MICR number
includes the magnetic ink character recognition line printed using technology that allows
certain computers to read and process the printed information.
It is largely used in banks and other organizations where security is a high priority.
Important documents such as checks and vouchers are printed using magnetic ink. A
laser printer with MICR toner can print magnetic ink.
The information found at the bottom of the checks containing the check number, sort
number and account number is usually printed in magnetic ink. When a document (such
as bank checks and drafts) containing this magnetic ink is to be processed, it is passed
through a machine which magnetizes the ink, and then special character information is
extracted and translated in the form of characters. MICR provides a protected and fast
technique of scanning and processing information. The use of MICR can increase
security and protection as well as reduce the risk of loss due to identity theft crimes.
8) OMR (Optical Mark Recognition)
OMR stands for Optical Mark Recognition. This popular recognition technology is used
for collecting data from “fill-in-the-bubble” forms such as educational tests, surveys,
assessments, evaluations, and many other multiple choice forms.

Usually the optical mark recognition process is achieved with the aid of a scanner that
checks the transmission or reflection of light through the paper; places having markings
will reflect less light than the blank paper, resulting in less contrasting reflectivity. Optical
mark recognition technology extracts useful data from marked fields such as fill-in fields
and checkboxes very quickly and with great accuracy.
The most common use of OMR is in offices, academics and research departments
where large numbers of hand-filled documents must be processed such as surveys,
questionnaires, exams, reply cards and ballots. OMR can handle hundreds of
thousands of physical documents per hour
9) OCR
Literally, OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It is a widespread technology
to recognise text inside images, such as scanned documents and photos. OCR
technology is used to convert virtually any kind of images containing written text (typed,
handwritten or printed) into machine-readable text data.
10) Magnetic Stripe Reader
A magnetic stripe reader is a device designed to read the information stored within the
magnetic stripe of special cards such as credit cards and ATM cards. The magnetic
stripe is usually located on the back of the card or badge and contains the account
details of the person who owns the card. This information is then verified in real time
with the issuer of the card.
Magnetic stripe readers are also known as magstripe readers and credit card readers.

OUTPUT DEVICES
 An output device is a piece of computer hardware that receives data from a computer
and then translates that data into another form. That form may be audio, visual, textual,
or hard copy such as a printed document.
 The key distinction between an input device and an output device is that an input
device sends data to the computer, whereas an output device receives data from the
computer.
 There are a number of output devices that display output in different ways such
as text, images, hard copies, and audio or video.

Some of the popular output devices are:

1. Monitor
 CRT Monitor
 LCD Monitor
 LED Monitor
 Plasma Monitor
Printer
 Impact Printers
 Non-impact printers
a. Laser printers
b. Inkjet printers
Projector
Headphones
Computer Speakers
GPS
Sound Card
1) Monitor
The monitor is the display unit or screen of the computer. It is the main output device
that displays the processed data or information as text, images, audio or video.
The types of monitors are given below.
i) CRT Monitor

CRT monitors are based on the cathode ray tubes. They are like vacuum tubes which
produce images in the form of video signals.
ii) LCD Monitor
The LCD monitor is a flat panel screen that is compact and light-weight as
compared to CRT monitors. It is based on liquid crystal display technology which is
used in the screens of laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc.

iii) LED monitor

The LED monitor is an improved version of an LCD monitor. It also has a flat panel
display and uses liquid crystal display technology like the LCD monitors.

iv) Plasma Monitor

The plasma monitor is also a flat panel display that is based on plasma display
technology.
2) What is Printer?
A printer is a hardware output device that is used to generate hard copy and print
any document. A document can be of any type such as a text file, image, or the
combination of both. It accepts input command by users on a computer or on other
devices to print the documents. For example, if you have to submit a project report
at your college, you need to create a soft copy of your report and print it with the
help of the printer.

Impact Printers
It is a type of printer that works by direct contact of an ink ribbon with paper. These printers
are typically loud but remain in use today because of their unique ability to function with
multipart forms. An impact printer has mechanisms resembling those of a typewriter.
Example of Impact Printers, Dot-matrix printers, Daisy-wheel printers, and line printers.
Common examples of impact printers include:

Dot Matrix Printers

The dot matrix printers are also known as a pin printer that was released by IBM in
1957. Although, in 1970, Centronics created the first dot-matrix impact printer. It
strikes an ink ribbon using print heads that place thousands of little dots to form
images and text. Nowadays, as compared to laser and inkjet printers, it is less
used, as its printing speed slow and generates lower quality images. However, dot
matrix printers are still in use in some sectors like package delivery companies and
auto part stores.
Advantages of Dot matrix printer:
 A dot matrix printer is less expensive as compared to most of the printers, and it
is easily available in the market.
 It has the ability to print carbon copies of a particular print out, unlike non-
impact printers.
 Its printing cost is lowest than the other printers.
 Furthermore, its maintenance cost is less expensive than the other printers.

Disadvantages of Dot matrix printer:

 The speed of the dot matrix printer is slow as compared to non-impact printers,
and its output is also not of high resolution.
 It creates high noise when the pins hit the ribbon to the paper.
 It may be a time-consuming printer as it requires a single paper to wound up
and aligned manually.

 Daisy wheel printers: Daisy wheel printer, in order to print each character,
the wheel spins to the appropriate petal and a hammer strikes the petal
against the ribbon and the page.

Non-Impact Printers:
It is a type of printer that does not hit or impact a ribbon to print. They used laser,
xerographic, electrostatic, chemical and inkjet technologies. Non-impact printers are
generally much quieter. They are less likely to need maintenance or repairs than earlier
impact printers.

Example of Non-Impact Printers is Inkjet printers and Laser printers.

Inkjet Printers
It is widely used by home and business computer users that prints characters by
spraying the ink using magnetic plates on the paper. It contains a paper feed
assembly, ink cartridge, print head, stabilizer bar, and belt.
It stores the ink in cartridges, and uses separate cartridge to print several types of
color documents. These colors are a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and
black color. These types of printers have the ability to create high-quality pictures
with the help of vivid colors. Furthermore, the inkjet printers are more affordable
and easier to use as compared to other printers.

Advantages of Inkjet Printers:

 The Inkjet printers have the ability to produce high-quality output.
 These printers are reasonably fast and easy to use.
 Additionally, these types of printers do not take warm up time.

Disadvantages of Inkjet Printer:

 It may take more time to print.
 Its running cost is high.
 It does not allow the highlighter marker.
 Sometimes, it can produce a wrong warning of an empty cartridge.

Laser printers
The laser printer is one of the common personal computer printers. It was
introduced in 1971, and after that it was developed at Xerox PARC by Gary
Starkweather. It uses the laser or non-impact photocopier technology to print the
text and images on the paper. Whenever it gets input to print any document, a
laser beam draws the document on the selenium-coated drum with the help of
electric charges.
 When the drum is charged, it is rolled in toner (dry ink powder). The ink
follows the image, which has charged on the drum. The ink is combined with
the paper, including heat and pressure, then transferred on a chunk (piece)
of paper.

When the document is printed, the excess toner is collected, and an electric charge
is removed from the drum. Most of the laser printers are capable of printing only in
monochrome. The monochrome laser printer is around ten times cheaper than a
color laser printer.
There are many differences between a laser printer and inkjet printer, such as:
 The laser printer contains dry ink, while an inkjet contains wet ink.
 An inkjet printer is approximately ten times more expensive than the laser
printer as it requires replacing the ink very frequently.
 If a paper is wet, the inkjet printer will print the document with blur, but the
laser printer will print clear. The inkjet printer is suitable for printing fewer
documents, while the laser printer has the ability to print more documents.

Advantages of a Laser printer:

 These types of printers have a higher paper capacity.
 It is less expensive than the inkjet printer.
 It has the ability to print documents speedily.
 Furthermore, it is able to increase productivity.

Disadvantages of a Laser printer:

 Laser printers may need warm up time.
 Laser printers are bulky as they required the laser technology and imaging drum.
 It requires high voltage leads to small carbon emissions.

Thermal printer
The thermal printer is invented by Jack Kilby that is also known as an electrothermal
printer, thermal transfer printer, or thermal wax-transfer printer. It utilizes heated pins
in order to produce the image on paper.
These types of printers are widely used in banking, airline, grocery, entertainment,
retail, healthcare industries, fax, and calculator machines. These printers are low-cost
and print fast, and do not use ink like other printers. They primarily depend on the
thermal paper to produce the images.
This technology is useful for an organization as it is reliable as well as cost-effective.
Employees can work continuously without getting interrupted because they do not need
to change the cartridges or ribbons in this printer.
Advantages of Thermal printer:
 One of the main advantages of a thermal printer, it does not need any ribbons or
cartridges. Thus, the companies can save the time by using it.
 These types of printers are easy to use as they have fewer buttons, including the
use of software.
 These are beneficial for offices as they provide noise-free environments.
 These printers are cheaper and available in several models and sizes.
 These printers are faster and more efficient in printing monochromic ones than
the other printers.

Disadvantages of Thermal printer:

 Generally, a thermal printer does not produce colors print out well, like standard
printers.
 At the time of printing, the high heat can be harmful to the printhead.
Consequently, if the printhead breaks down, you have to pay for a repair or buy
a new one.

3) Projector

A projector is an output device that enables the user to project the output onto a large
surface such as a big screen or wall. It can be connected to a computer and similar
devices to project their output onto a screen. It uses light and lenses to produce
magnified texts, images, and videos. So, it is an ideal output device to give
presentations or to teach a large number of people.

Storage Devices
Primary storage
 Primary storage (also known as main memory) is the component of the computer that
holds data, programs and instructions that are currently in use.
 Primary storage is located on the motherboard. As a result, data can be read from and
written to primary storage extremely quickly. This gives the processor fast access to the
data and instructions that the primary storage holds.
 Primary memory is known as “Main Memory” or “Internal Memory” or “Primary
Storage Device” or “Internal Storage Device” as well as they play vital role in computer,
because those memories are capable to access all data directly from CPU with the help of
various buses.
 Primary storage devices are available in two variance such as volatile and non volatile.
Volatile memory is called temporary memory because all data deleted when power get
turn off mode but its access time and response time much fine to secondary memory. Non
volatile memory is permanent memory in which nothing data erase when system is turn
off.

RAM
RAM is primary memory and RAM stands for “Random Access Memory“. Ram is capable to
access any data randomly any time as well as from any location to computer. This is volatile
storage memory means to temporary memory in nature, because entire data goes delete while
computer get turn off mode.
ROM
ROM is primary memory and ROM stands for “Read Only Memory”. This memory is able to
store data in permanently means to have non-volatile in nature. ROM is programmable chip
because in which stored all instructions that are most required when to start computer. This
process is known as “Bootstrap”. ROM is not limited for computer because these chips use in
other equipment like as washing machine and microwave as well.

There are Three types of ROM such as:

PROM
PROM Stands for “Programmable Read Only Memory“. Users can store any data as per their
requirement because these ROM is available in market in blank. But in which store instructions
(programs) only one time because after filling programs it cannot delete. It is a memory chip on
which data can be written only once. Once a program has been written onto a PROM, it remains
there forever. Unlike main memory, PROMs retain their contents when the computer is turned
off.

EPROM
IT is a special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light. Once it is
erased, it can be reprogrammed. An EEPROM is similar to a PROM, but requires only electricity
to be erased.
EPROM Stands for “Erasable and Programmable“. In these types of ROM, users have power to
editing (erase) the stored instruction (program) in EPROM. EPROM is erasable by ultra-violet
light.

EEPROM
EEPROM Stands for “Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory“. In
EEPROM, all activities such as programming and erasing are performed by electrically. This
EEPROM is able to reprogrammed and erased in more than ten thousand time. Entire chip
cannot be erased one time, only erase one byte at once.
 What is Secondary Memory
 Secondary Memory is also called “storage device” and “auxiliary memory“, “external
memory“. Secondary storage devices are volatile in nature, it means that data does not
discard while power turn-off, in which all data store for long time.
 Secondary memory has the speed of access of data is very slow compare to primary
memory, and cheaper as well.
 Without primary memory, those secondary storage devices are useless because for
processing the secondary memory must be needed the primary memory, first of all data
are transferred into primary memory then these data make for executable.
 Examples Are:
 Floppy diskette
 Hard drive
 Magnetic strip
 Tape cassette
 Optical disk

Direct Access Storage Device (DASD)

A direct-access storage device (DASD) is another name for secondary storage devices
that store data in discrete locations with a unique address, such as hard disk drives,
optical drives. Generally synonymous with "random access."

Hard drive
A hard disk drive (sometimes abbreviated as a hard drive, HD, or HDD) is a non-
volatile data storage device. It is usually installed internally in a computer, attached directly to
the disk controller of the computer's motherboard. It contains one or more platters, housed inside
of an air-sealed casing. Data is written to the platters using a magnetic head, which moves
rapidly over them as they spin.

When you save data or install programs on your computer, the information is typically written to
your hard disk. The hard disk is a spindle of magnetic disks, called platters, that record and store
information. Because the data is stored magnetically, information recorded to the hard disk
remains intact after you turn your computer off. Examples of data stored on a computer's hard
drive include the operating system, installed software, and the user's personal files.
Why does a computer need a hard drive?
A computer requires an operating system to allow users to interact with and use it. The
operating system interprets keyboard and mouse movements and allows for the use of
software, like an Internet browser, word processor, and video games. To install a computer
operating system, a hard drive (or another storage device) is required. The storage device
provides the storage medium where the operating system is installed and stored.
A hard drive is also required for the installation of any programs or other files you want to keep
on your computer. When downloading files to your computer, they are permanently stored on
your hard drive or another storage medium until they are moved or uninstalled.

Optical Disk
An optical disk is any computer disk that uses optical storage techniques and technology to read
and write data. It is a computer storage disk that stores data digitally and uses laser beams
(transmitted from a laser head mounted on an optical disk drive) to read and write data.
Compact disks (CD), digital versatile/video disks (DVD) and Blu-ray disks are currently
the most commonly used forms of optical disks. These disks are generally used to:

 Distribute software to customers

 Store large amounts of data such as music, images and videos
 Transfer data to different computers or devices
 Back up data from a local machine

Pen Drive
A pen drive, or a USB flash drive, is a portable data-storage device. Pen drives have replaced the
floppy drives of old and have become the most popular data-storage devices among consumers.
A pen drive plugged into a USB port can be used as an interfacing device to transfer files,
documents and photos to a PC. Similarly, select files can be transferred from a pen drive to any
workstation. As long as the desktop or laptop has a USB port, and the pen drive is compatible
with the operating system, it should be easy to move the data from the hard drive to the device
— and to another computer — in a matter of minutes.

Sequential access storage device

The Sequential Access Storage Device (SASD) is a computer storage device whose content is
accessed sequentially, as opposed to directly.For example, a tape drive is a SASD.
Magnetic Tape memory
In magnetic tape only one side of the ribbon is used for storing data. It is
sequential memory which contains thin plastic ribbon to store data and coated by
magnetic oxide. Data read/write speed is slower because of sequential access. It
is highly reliable which requires magnetic tape drive writing and reading data.

Originally, magnetic tape was designed to record sound. In computing, it holds binary
data. In recent years, magnetic tape devices have become more scarce with the
emergence of digital imaging and audio-visual media storage.

Advantages :
1. These are inexpensive, i.e., low cost memories.
2. It provides backup.
3. It can be used for large files.
4. It can be used for copying from disk files.
5. It is a reusable memory.
6. It is compact and easy to store on racks.

Disadvantages :
1. Sequential access is the disadvantage, means it does not allow access
randomly or directly.
2. It requires caring to store, i.e., vulnerable humidity, dust free, and suitable
environment.
3. It stored data cannot be easily updated or modified, i.e., difficult to make
updates on data.

The five generations of computers

First Generation – Vacuum Tubes
The first electronic computer used vacuum tubes as a serious piece of technology that was
ENIAC, which stands for Electronic Numeric Integrated And Calculator, invented by J.W.Mauchy
and J.P.Eckert.
The period of first generation was from 1946-1959. The computers of first generation used
vacuum tubes as the basic components for memory and circuitry for CPU (Central Processing
Unit). These tubes, like electric bulbs, produced a lot of heat and the installations used to fuse
frequently. Therefore, they were very expensive and only large organizations were able to
afford it.
These first generation computers relied on ‘machine language’ (which is the most basic
programming language that can be understood by computers). These computers were limited
to solving one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape. Output
came out on print-outs.
Some samples of the primary generation of computers are given below:

 UNIVAC
 IBM-701
 ENIAC
 EDVAC
 IBM-650
Advantages of the first-generation computer
1. These computers were in no time in terms of calculating. They might calculate in
milliseconds.
2. Vacuum tubes are the electronic components available at that time, which were
used by these computers.

Disadvantages of the first-generation computer

1. These were very big in size, weight was about 30 tones.
2. These computers were based on vacuum tubes.
3. These computers were very costly.
4. It could store only a small amount of information due to the presence of
magnetic drums.
5. As the invention of first generation computers involves vacuum tubes, so
another disadvantage of these computers was, vacuum tubes require a large
cooling system.
6. Very less work efficiency.

Second Generation – Transistors

The period of second generation was from 1959-1965. The replacement of vacuum tubes by
transistors saw the advent of the second generation of computing. Transistors were used that
were cheaper, consumed less power, more compact in size, more reliable and faster than the
first-generation machines made of vacuum tubes. In this generation, magnetic cores were used
as the primary memory and magnetic tape and magnetic disks as secondary storage devices.
As compared to the primary generation of computers, these computers were small in size
because they used transistors in these generations of computers that were smaller than
vacuum tubes. Also, in terms of speed, the second generation of computers was faster. And
they were cheaper to create.
Some samples of the second generation of computers are given below:

 CDC 3600
 Honeywell 400
 UNIVAC 1108
 IBM 7094
 CDC 1604, and many more

Advantages of the second generation of computers

 These computers consumed less energy and did not produce the maximum amount of
heat because of the first generation of computers.
 Less energy and not produce as much heat as the first genration.
 Low cost than first generation computers.
 Better speed, calculate data in microseconds.
 Better portability as compared to first generation

Disadvantages of the second generation of computers

1. It required a cooling system and constant maintenance.
2. Also, these computers were used only for a particular objective.

Third Generation – Integrated Circuits

The period of third generation was from 1965-1971. The computers of third generation used
Integrated Circuits (ICs) in place of transistors. In 1958-1959, Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce
invented the IC (Integrated circuit), which was a signal component that could have a number of
transistors. The utilization of Integrated circuits within the computers made them faster and
helped reduce the scale of computers as compared to second-generation computers.
Some examples of the third generation of computers are given:

 IBM 370
 PDP-8
 ICL 2900
 IBM 360
 PDP-11, and many more

Advantages of the third generation of computers

1. As compared to the second-generation computer, these computers were cheaper
in cost.
2. This generation's computers used Integrated circuits that made them small in
size. Also, they were reliable and faster in speed.
3. The use of an Integrated circuit was not only beneficial for reducing the size of
the computer; it also enhances the performance of the computer comparing the
second-generation computer.
4. The third generation of computers introduced a big storage capacity.
5. In these computers, keyboard and mouse were used to give the input
6. These generation computers were much fast in terms of calculation; they
decrease the computational time from microseconds to nanoseconds.
7. Furthermore, for better performance, these computers used operating systems
and used multiple programming and the concept of time-sharing.

Disadvantages of the third generation of computers

1. Air conditioning was required by these computers.
2. The manufacturing of IC chips required a highly sophisticated technology; also,
IC chips are not easy to maintain.
Fourth Generation – Microprocessors
The period of fourth generation was from 1971-1980. A microprocessor is used in a computer
that led to makes a computer more powerful and small in size as well as fits easily on a desk.
Also, microprocessors, along with integrated circuits, helped to introduce the laptop.
Fourth generation computers became more powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable. As a
result, it gave rise to Personal Computer (PC) revolution. In this generation, time sharing, real
time networks, distributed operating system were used. All the high-level languages like C, C++,
DBASE etc., were used in this generation.
Some examples of the fourth-generation computers are given below:

 STAR 1000
 PUP 11
 IBM 4341
 DEC 10

Advantages of the fourth generation of computers

1. The first advantage of this generation computer is that the size gets reduced and
fastest in computation, comparing to the previous generation of computer.
2. Its heat generated is negligible and required less maintenance.
3. In these types of computers, all kinds of high-level language can be used.

Disadvantages of the fourth generation of computers

1. The fabrication and design of the microprocessor are not simple.
2. In many cases, air conditioning is needed due to the occurrence of Integrated
circuits.
3. For making the Integrated circuit, advanced technology is required.

Fifth Generation – Artificial Intelligence(2010)

Computer devices with artificial intelligence are still in development, but some of these
technologies are beginning to emerge and be used such as voice recognition. AI is an emerging
branch in computer science, which interprets the means and method of making computers
think like human beings. All the high-level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in
this generation.
Leaning to the future, computers will be radically transformed again by quantum computation,
molecular and nano technology.
Some more examples are:

 UltraBook
 Chromebook
 Desktop
 Laptop
  NoteBook

Advantages of the fifth generation of computers

1. It has unique features and is available in several sizes.
2. It is more reliable and has the ability to work much faster.
3. It offers computers that have a more friendly UI (User Interface), including
multimedia features.

Disadvantages of the fifth generation of computers

1. In these computers, very low-level languages are required.
2. They may be harmful in terms of making human brains doomed and dull.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of different services through the Internet. These
resources include tools and applications like data storage, servers, databases,
networking, and software.

Rather than keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud-
based storage makes it possible to save them to a remote database. As long as an
electronic device has access to the web, it has access to the data and the software
programs to run it.

Cloud computing is a popular option for people and businesses for a number of
reasons including cost savings, increased productivity, speed and efficiency,
performance, and security.

Cloud computing is named as such because the information being accessed

is found remotely in the cloud or a virtual space. Companies that provide
cloud services enable users to store files and applications on remote servers
and then access all the data via the Internet. This means the user is not
required to be in a specific place to gain access to it, allowing the user to
work remotely.

Cloud computing can be both public and private. Public cloud services
provide their services over the Internet for a fee. Private cloud services, on
the other hand, only provide services to a certain number of people. These
services are a system of networks that supply hosted services. There is also
a hybrid option, which combines elements of both the public and private
services.
Types of Cloud Services
Regardless of the kind of service, cloud computing services provide users with a series
of functions including:

 Email
 Storage, backup, and data retrieval
 Creating and testing apps
 Analyzing data
 Audio and video streaming
 Delivering software on demand

Cloud computing is still a fairly new service but is being used by a number of different
organizations from big corporations to small businesses, nonprofits to government
agencies, and even individual consumers.

Types of Cloud

Public Cloud
Public clouds are managed by third parties which provide cloud services over
the internet to the public, these services are available as pay-as-you-go billing
models.
They offer solutions for minimizing IT infrastructure costs and become a good
option for handling peak loads on the local infrastructure. Public clouds are the
go-to option for small enterprises, which are able to start their businesses
without large upfront investments by completely relying on public infrastructure
for their IT needs.
The fundamental characteristics of public clouds are multitenancy. A public
cloud is meant to serve multiple users, not a single customer. A user requires a
virtual computing environment that is separated, and most likely isolated, from
other users.

Private cloud
Private clouds are distributed systems that work on private infrastructure and
provide the users with dynamic provisioning of computing resources. Instead of
a pay-as-you-go model in private clouds, there could be other schemes that
manage the usage of the cloud and proportionally billing of the different
departments or sections of an enterprise.

Hybrid cloud:
A hybrid cloud is a heterogeneous distributed system formed by combining
facilities of public cloud and private cloud. For this reason, they are also
called heterogeneous clouds.

A major drawback of private deployments is the inability to scale on-demand

and efficiently address peak loads. Here public clouds are needed. Hence, a
hybrid cloud takes advantage of both public and private clouds.

Community cloud:
Community clouds are distributed systems created by integrating the services
of different clouds to address the specific needs of an industry, a community, or
a business sector.
In the community cloud, the infrastructure is shared between organizations that
have shared concerns or tasks. The cloud may be managed by an organization
or a third party.
Sectors that use community clouds are:
1. Media industry: Media companies are looking for quick, simple, low-cost
ways for increasing the efficiency of content generation. Most media
productions involve an extended ecosystem of partners. In particular, the
creation of digital content is the outcome of a collaborative process that
includes the movement of large data, massive compute-intensive rendering
tasks, and complex workflow executions.
2. Healthcare industry: In the healthcare industry community clouds are used
to share information and knowledge on the global level with sensitive data in the
private infrastructure.
3. Energy and core industry: In these sectors, the community cloud is used to
cluster a set of solution which collectively addresses management, deployment,
and orchestration of services and operations.
4. Scientific research: In this organization with common interests in science
share a large distributed infrastructure for scientific computing.

Cloud Service Models

There are the following three types of cloud service models -

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

3. Software as a Service (SaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS is also known as Hardware as a Service (HaaS). It is a computing infrastructure managed
over the internet. The main advantage of using IaaS is that it helps users to avoid the cost and
complexity of purchasing and managing the physical servers. . Instead of an organization
purchasing hardware, companies purchase IaaS based on a consumption model. It is like buying
electricity. You only pay for what you use. This model enables companies to add, delete or
reconfigure IT infrastructure on-demand.

Example: DigitalOcean, Linode, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google
Compute Engine.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS cloud computing platform is created for the programmer to develop, test, run, and
manage the applications. Platform as a Service (PaaS) allows organizations to build, run and
manage applications without the IT infrastructure. This makes it easier and faster to develop,
test and deploy applications. Developers can focus on writing code and create applications
without worrying about time-consuming IT infrastructure activities such as provisioning servers,
storage and backup.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is also known as "on-demand software". It is a software in which the applications
are hosted by a cloud service provider. Users can access these applications with the help
of internet connection and web browser.Example: BigCommerce, Google Apps,
Salesforce, Dropbox, ZenDesk, Cisco WebEx, ZenDesk, Slack, and GoToMeeting.