CHAPTER TWO: COMPUTER SYSTEMS

CHAPTER OUTLINE:
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Input devices
2.3 Central processing unit
2.4 Output devices
2.5 Secondary storage devices and media

2.1INTRODUCTION
The term system refers to a collection of entities that collectively work together to achieve a
stated goal. An entity can be a person, a place, or an object.

DESCRIPTION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

A computer system is a collection of three entities namely hardware, software and liveware
that work together to receive, process, manage and present information in a meaningful
format.

HARDWARE

These are the physical or tangible components that make up a computer system. They are
classified into four common categories namely: Input devices, Central processing unit, Output
devices and Storage devices.

SOFTWARE

This refers to a set of instructions that direct a computer on what to do. They are mainly
classified into two categories namely:

(i) System software

(ii) Application software

LIVEWARE

This is an informal term that refers to the human beings attachment to computers. Other terms
used are wetware and grayware.These may include users, people who make computer
programs (programmers) and computer engineers. This term refers to the user who commands
a computer to perform a certain task.

2.2INPUT DEVICES
Input devices convert user input which is in human readable form to machine language that a
computer can process. These devices can be classified according to the methods that they use
to enter data namely:

(a) Keying devices

(b) Pointing devices
(c) Scanning devices
(d) Other technologies used to capture data

2.2.1 KEYING DEVICES

Typing is the most common way to input data. A keying device converts typed numbers, letters
and special characters into machine readable form before processing takes place. The following
are types of keying devices:

(i) TRADITIONAL KEYBOARDS

The traditional keyboard is the most common type of keying device. It is a full sized rigid
keyboard.

(ii) FLEXIBLE KEYBOARD

A flexible keyboard is a more portable keyboard that can be folded and packed into a bag.

(iii) ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD

An ergonomic keyboard is specially designed to provide comfort and alleviate wrist strain.

(iv) KEYPAD

A keypad is a miniature keyboard used on portable devices such as PDAs, laptops and mobile
phones.

(v) BRAILLE KEYBOARD

Braille keyboard is a keyboard designed for use by the blind. It consists of keys identified by
raised dots.

2.2.2 POINTING DEVICES

Pointing devices are used for controlling a pointer cursor on the screen. Apart from mouse
other pointing devices include the trackball, joystick and light pens.

(a) STANDARD MOUSE

The standard mouse or traditional mouse has a ball underneath, two buttons and an optional
scroll button located between the left and right buttons.

(b) OPTICAL MOUSE

An optical mouse does not have any moving parts. It works by using tiny digital camera to take
1500 pictures every second of the surface on which it is resting. Interpreting the pictures
indicates the direction of the mouse movement hence the pointer’s position on the screen.

(c) CORDLESS MOUSE

Cordless mouse or wireless mouse is a battery powered mouse that uses radio or infrared
waves instead of being physically connected to the system unit.

(d) TRACKBALL

A trackball works just like a mouse only that its ball is located at the top. Instead of moving the
device on a flat surface, the user rotates the ball using a finger. Some computer keyboards
come with an integrated trackball hence no need for a mouse.

(e) JOYSTICK

A joystick is an input device that looks like lever used to control a pointer on the screen. It is
purposely used for playing computer games. The user controls game actions by varying the
pressure, speed and direction of the joystick. Command buttons and triggers are used to issue
commands or actions in the software being controlled by the joystick user.

(f) LIGHT PEN AND STYLUS

A light pen operates by detecting the command or item being illuminated by it. A stylus on the
other hand is used on devices such as PDAs that recognize commands or hand written data.

2.2.3 SCANNING DEVICES

Scanning means capturing data from an object and converting it into digital format. Scanning
devices can be classified according to technology used to capture data. These are optical
scanners and magnetic scanners.

1.1 OPTICAL SCANNERS

Optical scanners capture data using optical or light technology. A light beam passes over an
object and the image is analyzed by specialized software. Some examples of optical scanners
include:

(a) OPTICAL MARK RECOGNITION SCANNERS

Optical mark recognition (OMR) scanners detect marks made on a piece of paper using ink or
on a soft pencil by passing an infrared beam over them. OMRs are used to mark choice
questions, analyzing responses to structured questionnaires and selecting correct number
combinations from lottery tickets.

(b) OPTICAL BAR RECOGNITION

The optical bar recognition scanners are used to capture data coded as lines of varying
thickness known as barcodes or Universal Product Code (UPC). Barcodes hold manufacturer’s
details and the product code but not price details because prices vary from one place to
another.

(c) OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION

An optical character recognition (OCR) scanner is used to read typewritten; computer printed or
handwritten characters and transforms the images into a softcopy that can be manipulated
using a word processor. Today, a more advanced OCR scanner called flatbed scanner is used to
capture pictures and real objects.

(d) MAGNETIC INK CHARACTER RECOGNITION

Magnetic scanners are used to capture data written using magnetic ink or coded onto a
magnetic strip. Common examples of magnetic scanners are Magnetic Character Recognition
(MICR) and card readers. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) scanners are used to read
characters written using magnetic ink. An example of an MICR is the cheque reader used in
banks.

2.2.4 OTHER INPUT TECHNOLOGIES

DIGITIZERS

A digitizer also known as graphic tablet allows user to draw an image using a stylus. The image
drawn does not appear on the tablet but on the computer screen. The digitizer is used for
tracing highly detailed engineering and architectural drawings and designs.

DIGITAL CAMERAS

Digital cameras capture images the same way other cameras do, only that the image is stored in
digital form. Pictures are mostly stored on a memory card instead of a film. The stored images
can then be edited, printed or uploaded to the internet.

TOUCH SCREEN

Touch screen terminology lets the user to touch the screen using a finger or a stylus in order to
write or select an item. The screen consists of infrared light crisscrossing behind it. When the
user touches a location on the screen, the finger interrupts the infrared light and the output is
displayed on the screen. A touch screen is mostly used in retail stores’, airports, on smart
phones and PDAs.

VOICE INPUT

Voice input is an input technology where a microphone is used to enter data in form of speech
into the computer. This method is mostly suitable for the physically challenged users. Voice
input has limitations in that it does not fully support speech related aspects such as accents,
inflections and tones. However, the system can be trained to overcome some of these
problems.

INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD
An interactive whiteboard also known as smart board is a large interactive display that connects
to a computer. The computer display is projected onto the board‘s surface where users control
the computer and write using a pen or a finger. The board is typically mounted to a wall or on a
floor stand.

2.3 THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit also known as the processor is the most important component of
the computer. It is actually regarded as the brain of the computer because all processing
activities are carried out inside the processor. In microcomputers, the CPU is housed inside the
system unit. It is mounted on a circuit board as the motherboard or the system unit.

The CPU consists of three functional elements namely the:

(a) Control Unit

(b) Arithmetic and Logic Unit
(c) Main memory

ARITHMETIC
ARITHMETIC AND
AND LOGIC
LOGIC
UNIT
UNIT

INPUT DEVICES CONTROL UNIT OUTPUT DEVICES

Ex: keyboard/mouse Ex: Monitor/Printer

MAIN MEMORY UNIT

FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

 (a) It carries out processing of the data.

(b) It controls the system and the sequence of operations within the computer.

(c) It gives commands to all parts of the computer.

(d) It controls the use of main memory in storing of data and instructions.

(e) It provides temporary storage (RAM) and permanent storage (ROM).

2.3.1 THE CONTROL UNIT

The control Unit coordinates all processing activities in the CPU as well as input, storage and output
operations. It determines which operation or instruction is to be executed next. To coordinate these
activities, the control unit uses a system clock. The system clock sends electric signals as its means of
communication, just like what traffic signals or a traffic officer does in a round about or junction to direct
motorists and other road users. The number pulses per second determines the speed of a
microprocessor. The faster the clock pulses, the faster the CPU, hence the faster the computer can
process data.

FUNCTIONS OF THE CONTROL UNIT

(i) Coordinating and controlling various parts of the computer system namely main memory, arithmetic
unit and peripheral devices.
(ii) Controlling transfer of data to, from and within the working storage area.
(iii) Retrieving and decoding program instructions from internal storage in their correct sequences,
interprets these instructions and makes the computer execute these instructions.
(iv) Connecting the required circuits to enable the arithmetic unit to process the data in storage as
specified by the program.
(v) Connecting activities of all the other units of the computer by using appropriate control signals.
(vi) Automatically repeat this cycle of operations until either it is instructed to stop or the last
instruction has been executed.
(vii) Store results in the CPU memory.
(viii) Determine the location of the CPU memory of the next instruction to be retrieved.

The working speed of the CU is controlled by a timing clock which is attached to the CPU. The
CU performs one step of the instruction in one clock pulse.

FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE SPEED OF PROCESSING

  Frequency i.e. time duration of one clock pulse known as the CPU frequency.

 The number of steps involved in executing on full instructions.

 Time required accessing any one memory address known as access time of the computer.

REGISTERS THAT ENABLE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CONTROL UNIT

(a) SEQUENCE CONTROL REGISTER

It sequentially selects from the program the instructions to be carried out.
(b) INSTRUCTION REGISTER
It separates instructions in operation part and addresses part and sends them to decoder.
(c) DECODER
Interprets instructions received from the instruction register.
(d) ADDRESS REGISTER
The address part of the instruction goes to the address register which retrieves the required
data item in the address indicated and copies to the ALU.
(e) INSTRUCTION ADDRESS REGISTER
It holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched from the main memory.

2.3.2 THE ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC UNIT

The arithmetic and logic unit is a unit of central processing unit where all arithmetic and logical
operations are carried out under the direction and command of the control unit. It can be taken
as consisting of two sections.
(a) Arithmetic Section
(b) Logic Section

ALU units are concerned with all arithmetic and logical operations. ALU forms the calculating
device for the computer. The arithmetic operations such as addition, multiplication etc are all
carried out at this unit. The logical operations that are arrangements and rearrangements e.g.
sorting, matching, comparing etc. are all carried out at this unit.

FUNCTIONS OF THE ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC UNIT

(i) Performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
(ii) Performs the logical functions such as comparisons and rearrangements.
(iii) Addresses data and instructions from main memory under control unit command.
(iv) Seeks the data from main memory to work on and instructions of how to work it.
(v) Contains counters to keep record of arithmetic and logical functions if performs.
(vi) Temporarily stores data and results of processing in temporary storage locations called registers.

2.3.4 THE MAIN MEMORY

The main memory also known as primary storage is a type of storage that is directly accessible by the
processor. It can also be described as the internal memory, immediate access storage or core memory.

FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF THE MAIN MEMORY

(a) PROGRAM STORAGE AREA

It holds instructions from programs which enter the processor from an input device.
(b) WORKING STORAGE AREA
It holds the data being processed as well as the intermediate results of such processing.
(c) INPUT STORAGE AREA
Temporarily holds data that been read from an input device.
(d) OUTPUT STORAGE AREA
It holds the finished results of processing until released to the user.

TYPES OF MEMORY
(a) BUBBLE MEMORY
This memory represents data and instructions in terms of magnetic principles. These memories are
situated where the internal memory is to be expanded limitlessly. They are very expensive with
limited capacity.
(b) HOLOGRAPHIC MEMORY
It uses the principle of light to store data, instructions and information hence also called optical
memory. This memory is non-volatile and has a vast storage capacity.
(c) CORE MEMORY
This is an internal store made of small magnetic rings which are magnetized by the wires threaded on
them.
(d) SEMI-CONDUCTOR MEMORY
 This is a modern type of memory used by modern computers. It is faster and cheaper than magnetic
core memory. It consists of electronic circuits and is volatile.

MAIN MEMORY CLASSIFICATION

The main memory can be classified into two memory sections:

(a) RAM (Read Access Memory)
(b) ROM (Read Only Memory)

READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)

ROM designates the Read Only Memory implying that the contents of this memory section can only be
retrieved (read) but not writing into it. It is used to store programmed instructions and data permanently
or semi-permanently. Data and instructions stored in ROM are those which remain unchanged for long
periods e.g. POST instructions. The contents of this section of internal memory cannot be altered. Unlike
RAM, the ROM is therefore non-volatile meaning that its contents remain intact even if power is
switched off. The contents of ROM are therefore permanent unlike the temporary of RAM contents. The
ROM section contributes to about 30% of internal memory.

CHARACTERISTICS OF READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)

(a) It is non-volatile memory (contents remain intact even after power off).
(b) It forms a small portion of the main memory unit i.e. contributes about 30% of MMU.
(c) Provides permanent or semi-permanently storage of data and instructions from manufacturer.
(d) It can only be read but not written to (user can only read information but cannot write on it).
(e) Stores essential files for starting the computer (Bootstrap programs).

FUNCTIONS OF READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)

(a) It stores firmware i.e. essential files the computer uses while booting or starting up.
(b) It stores system data and instructions necessary for normal functioning of computer hardware.
(c) It stores control programs used for operation of computer and peripheral devices e.g. BIOS.
(d) It stores translation programs used to convert a user’s program into machine language.
 (e) It stores special functions peculiar to a given machine.
(f) It stores character generators for printers and video displays.
(g) It stores instructions used in special purpose computers and computerized fuel pumps.

TYPES OF READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)

(i) MASK READ ONLY MEMORY

Once the content is written on it by the manufacturer it cannot be changed.
(ii) PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY MEMORY (PROM)
This allows the user to alter it only once after contents are written on it.
(iii) ERASABLE PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY MEMORY (EPROM)
This has a transparent window through which contents can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet
light and then reprogrammed for another use.
(iv) ELECTRICALLY ERASABLE PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY MEMORY (EEPROM)
This type of ROM can be erased and reprogrammed using electricity. E.g. BIOS

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)

RAM designates Read Access Memory i.e. the contents of this memory section are readily available for
retrieval in direct mode. It is used to hold instructions and data needed by the currently running
applications. The information in RAM is continually read, changed and removed. It is referred to as
random access because its content can be read directly regardless of the sequence in which it was
stored. As opposed to ROM the contents of RAM are held temporarily and lost once the computer is
turned off. Therefore it’s important that one stores or save his/her work in a device that offers relatively
permanently storage facility.

CHARACTERISTICS OF READ ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)

(a) It is a volatile memory (contents are lost after power off).

(b) It forms the largest portion of the main memory unit i.e. contributes about 70% of MMU.
(c) Provides temporary storage of data and programs when needed in main memory.
(d) Provides read and write facilities i.e. allows instructions to be written, read out and changed.
(e) Its contents are temporary.
 (f) Its contents are user defined i.e. user dictates what is to be contained in the RAM.

FUNCTIONS OF READ ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)

(a) It stores data and instructions waiting processing.

(b) It stores executed data and instructions from the computer.
(c) It stores intermediate results from computer before communicating to users and output devices.

TYPES OF READ ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)

STATIC RAM

Also known as SRAM which was a fast type of memory mostly located inside a microprocessor. SRAM is
used on special memories such as cache memory. Cache memory is used to enhance the processing
speed by holding data and instructions that are instantly required by the processor.

DYNAMIC RAM

Also known as DRAM is a relatively slower type of RAM compared to SRAM. The term dynamic refers to
the tendency for the stored charge to leak away even with constant power supply.

2.3.5 SPECIAL PURPOSE MEMORIES

(a) CACHE MEMORY
This is a fast or high speed memory. The speed of cache memory compares to that of the CPU. The
cache memory for its speed therefore, is used to interface the slow communicating main memory to
the CPU. It acts as a buffer that receives data and instructions from main memory at the speed of
main memory and remits them to CPU at the speed of the CPU and vice versa. There are three types
of cache memory namely:
(i) LEVEL I CACHE:
Also known as primary cache and is located in the microprocessor.
(ii) LEVEL II CACHE:
It is also known as external cache inside microprocessor.
(iii) LEVEL III CACHE:
It works with L2 cache to optimize system performance.

(b) BUFFERS
These are special memories that are found in input/output devices. Input data is held in input buffers
while processed output is held in output buffer. For example computer printers have buffers where
 they can store massive documents sent by the CPU for printing hence freeing the CPU to perform
other urgent tasks as the printer continues to print in the background.

(c) REGISTERS
As opposed to buffers, registers hold one piece of data at a time and are inside the CPU. Examples of
registers are:
(i) ACCUMULATOR:
Temporarily holds results of the last processing step of the ALU.
(ii) INSTRUCTION REGISTER:
Temporarily holds instructions before it goes to CPU.
(iii) ADDRESS REGISTER:
Temporarily holds next piece of data waiting to be processed.
(iv) STORAGE REGISTER:
Temporarily holds a piece of data on its way from CPU to MMU.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING INPUT DEVICE

(i) The needs of the user

(ii) Type of data to be input

(iii) Volume of data to be entered

(iv) Input speed

(v) The cost of the device

(vi) The availability and reliability of the data entry device

(vii) The accuracy required

(viii) The availability of space

(ix) The appropriateness of the device in reference to where it is to be used.

 2.4 OUTPUT DEVICES

Output devices are peripheral devices that a computer uses to give information produced after
processing operations. These devices can be classified into two categories:

(a) Soft copy output devices

(b) Hard copy output devices

2.4.1 SOFTCOPY OUTPUT DEVICES

Soft copy refers to intangible output that can be seen or heard such as screen display and sound.
Examples of such devices include monitors, LCD projectors and speakers.

2.4.1.1 MONITORS

A monitor also known as Visual Display Unit (VDU) or the screen is used to display information in the
form of text, pictures and video enabling the user to monitor what is going on in the computer. There
are three common types of monitors namely Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
and Gas Plasma Display (GPD) monitors. LCDs and gas plasma displays are generally referred to as
Flat panel displays.

CATHODE RAY TUBE MONITORS

A Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor consists of a long glass tube with an electron gun on one end and
a screen on the other. The electron gun shoots electrons to illuminate the screen and is coated with
tiny phosphorus dots. The dots consist of three primary display colors i.e. red, green and blue to
make a pixel.

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) MONITORS

A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is made with special liquid crystals. Unlike CRTs, LCDs are less bulky,
consume less power and have little stain effect on eyes. Due to this reason, LCDs are gradually
replacing the CRT monitors on desktops computers. There are two technologies used to make LCDs,
Passive matrix and Active matrix. In Passive matrix, LCDs create images by scanning the entire screen.
This type of LCDs requires little power but have poor clarity. On the other hand active matrix displays
are made using thin film Transistor technology hence the name TFTs. These displays consume more
energy than passive matrix but offer better clarity.

GAS PLASMA DISPLAYS

Gas plasma displays resemble LCDs only that they make use of gas instead of liquid crystals. They
contain millions of pixels which are illuminated by charged neon gas. Unlike LCDs, images displayed
on gas plasma do not suffer from angle distortion. Currently the technology is mainly used to
produce High Definition TVs (HDTV) and wall display screens.

MONITOR DISPLAY TERMINOLOGIES

PIXEL

This is the tiny dots which are used to form images on the screen.

COLOUR DEPTH

This is the number of pixels used to display an image on the screen.

RESOLUTION

This is the number of pixels per inch on the screen.

DISPLAY SIZE

This is the measurement in inches of the screen in diagonal length.

2.4.1.2 OTHER SOFTCOPY DEVICES

SPEAKERS

These are sound devices that are used to produce speech data. These devices are connected to a
soundcard through the 3.5mm audio jack on the system unit.

DATA PROJECTORS

They are used to display output from a computer onto a white screen board or surface.

LIGHT EMMITING DIODES

These are commonly referred to as LEDs which are light indicators when electric current is passed
through them.

2.4.2 HARDCOPY OUTPUT DEVICES

Hard copy refers to tangible output that can be felt e.g. on a sheet of paper.

PRINTERS

A printer is an output device that provides the hard copy output which is permanent and hence
desirable for the information of the computer working since it can be maintained for future
references and redistributed to other recipients. Printers can be classified as follows:

2.4.2.1 IMPACT PRINTERS

Impact printers provide imprints through striking mechanisms. This means that they print as a result
of their printing head coming into direct contact with the stationery through the inked ribbon. The
inked ribbon is usually located between the stationery and the printing head element so that the ink
is passed to the characters after the impact of the head hitting the inked ribbon.

TYPES OF IMPACT PRINTERS

CHARACTER PRINTERS

These are low speed printers which provide one character print at a time. They are less costly. Their
low speed in printing enables them to be used in connection to slow communicating terminals or
stand alone systems which serve single users at a time such as in single user environments.

LINE PRINTERS

These are high speed printers which provide one whole line print at a time hence comparatively
more expensive as compared to character printers. They are faster than character printers. They are
mostly connected to the mini or main frame computers where the speed of printing is a necessity.

PAGE PRINTERS
These are high speed printers which provide one whole page print at a time hence faster than
character and line printers. They are the most expensive due to their speed and are usually
connected to the main frame computers where a number of users are to be served i.e. multi user
environments. They are also used where the volume or scale of printing is high. E.g. printing firms.

DOT MATRIX PRINTER

This is a low speed printer that provides characters prints in terms of dot prints. The printing head
element is made up of a set of arranged needles which are activated depending on the character to
be formed for printing. When the print head strikes against the stationery through an inked ribbon
only the activated needles pass the image of the character onto the stationery using the inked ribbon
ink. Better quality is achieved by increasing more dots.

DAISY WHEEL PRINTER

This is a low speed printer that provides solid shaped character prints. Each character prints are
provided by an appropriate character symbol on the print head element. The character image is
produced onto the stationery using ink on the print inked ribbon. The printing head is incorporated
onto a protruding structure known as a spoke mounted onto a wheel like structure which rotates for
an appropriate character spoke to hit against the stationery through the inked ribbon to pass the
character image on the print head element onto the stationery.

GOLF BALL PRINTER

This is a low speed printer that provides shaped character imprints. The character images are
incorporated on the surface of a golf ball like print head which is either rotating or pivoted.

DRUM PRINTER

This is a high speed printer that provides one whole line at a time. Characters are incorporated in a
circular band that moves around the surface of the drum surface. The band aligns the required
characters and presses the stationery between the inked ribbon to pass the imprint required.

CHAIN PRINTER

This is a high speed printer that encompasses an engraved character printing head on a moving chain
or belt. The chain moves the character printing head at a high speed past printing positions. The
hammers which are controlled by the principles of magnetism press the stationery against the
character printing head to form the imprint required. They are faster than drum printers as they
require no alignment of the drum.

2.4.2.2 NON – IMPACT PRINTERS

These are printers which provide prints by the printing head coming into direct contact with the
stationery through the inked ribbon. The inked ribbon is found between the stationery and the
printing head element so that the inked ribbon is used to pass the character images on the print head
elements onto the stationery during the print head impact.

TYPES OF NON IMACT PRINTERS

THERMAL PRINTER

This is a high speed character printer that provides character prints using the principles of heat. They
use special heated wax. The head characters fuse onto the heated wax onto the stationery forming
images. They are mostly used in point of sale systems to produce receipts.

INK JET PRINTER

They are also known as desk jet printers. They are low speed printers which spray tiny ink droplets
using electrostatic field to align forming character prints.

LASER PRINTER

This is a high speed printer which uses a beam of laser which is infrared rays to align characters on a
drum surface from where the images are transferred to the stationery by an ink tonner. They are use
in commercial purposes such as a photocopier, facsimile machines etc.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IMPACT AND NON-IMPACT PRINTERS

IMPACT PRINTERS NON IMPACT PRINTERS

They are usually slow They are faster than impact printers

They use an inked ribbon They use thermal or electrostatic principles

 They are used in multiple copies environment They are used in limited copies environment

They are cheap in terms of purchase They are expensive in terms of purchase

They are very noisy They are quiet since there’s no contact.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PRINTER

(i) The cost of the printer

(ii) Volume of printing expected
(iii) Quality of printing
(iv) Compatibility with other computers
(v) Capability of the selected printer
(vi) Ease of maintenance
(vii) Reliability of the printer
(viii) Type of paper used by the printer
(ix) Documentation
(x) Availability of the printer

2.4.2.3 OTHER OUTPUT DEVICES

MICROFORM

Microforms are photographically reduced documents on films (magnetic media) like photo negatives.
There are two forms of microforms namely the microform which is in a film reel and microfiche which is
rectangular shaped. The computer displays the results onto the screen contents from a storage medium
such as magnetic media whose contents are read by a transcriber machine and displayed onto the
screen. They are used where voluminous amounts of data are given e.g. library services, government
authorities and companies such as banks.

GRAPHIC PLOTTERS

These are devices which produce graphical output such as diagrams, maps and sketches. They are
basically used in engineering drawings and architectural designs. They operate at low speeds and
connected in off-line mode to avoid wasting of papers.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN BUYING AN OUTPUT DEVICE

(i) The volume of the data
(ii) The speed at which the output is required
(iii) The cost of the method chosen
(iv) The suitability of the application
(v) The version of the device