Dr.

Anamika Rana

IT Applications in Business
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Syllabus

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Syllabus Contd..

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Books

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 IT Applications in Business
B.B.A. (Gen)-109

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 What is computer
The term computer is derived from the word compute.
The word compute means to calculate. A computer is an
electronic machine that accepts data from the user,
processes the data by performing calculations and
operations on it, and generates the desired output
results. Computer performs both simple and complex
operations, with speed and accuracy.
Computer is an advanced electronic device that took raw
data as an input from the user and processes it under the
control of a set of instructions (called program), produces
a result (output), and saves it for future use.

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 Characteristics of Computer
 SPEED : In general, no human being can compete to solving
the complex computation, faster than computer.
 ACCURACY : Since Computer is programmed, so what ever
input we give it gives result with accurately.
 STORAGE : Computer can store mass storage of data with
appropriate format.
 DILIGENCE : Computer can work for hours without any break
and creating error.
 VERSATILITY : We can use computer to perform completely
different type of work at the same time.
 POWER OF REMEMBERING : It can remember data for us.
 NO IQ : Computer does not work without instruction.
 NO FEELING : Computer does not have emotions, knowledge,
experience, feeling.

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 Computer Generation
 Generation in computer terminology is a change in
technology a computer is/was being used. Initially, the
generation term was used to distinguish between
varying hardware technologies. Nowadays, generation
includes both hardware and software, which together
make up an entire computer system.
 There are five computer generations known till date.

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 First Generation of Computer
 The main features of the first generation are −
 Vacuum tube technology
 Unreliable
 Supported machine language only
 Very costly
 Generated a lot of heat
 Slow input and output devices
 Huge size
 Need of AC
 Non-portable
 Consumed a lot of electricity

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First Generation of Computer
Some computers of this
generation were −
 ENIAC
 EDVAC
 UNIVAC
 IBM-701
 IBM-650

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 Second Generation of Computer
 The main features of second generation are −
 Use of transistors
 Reliable in comparison to first generation
computers
 Smaller size as compared to first generation
computers
 Generated less heat as compared to first
generation computers
 Consumed less electricity as compared to first
generation computers
 Faster than first generation computers
 Still very costly
 AC required
 Supported machine and assembly languages

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Second Generation of Computer
 Some computers of this
generation were −
 IBM 1620
 IBM 7094
 CDC 1604
 CDC 3600
 UNIVAC 1108

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Third Generation of Computer

 The main features of third generation are −

 IC used
 More reliable in comparison to previous two generations
 Smaller size
 Generated less heat
 Faster
 Lesser maintenance
 Costly
 AC required
 Consumed lesser electricity
 Supported high-level language

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Third Generation of Computer
 Some computers of this
generation were −
 IBM-360 series
 Honeywell-6000 series
 PDP (Personal Data
Processor)
 IBM-370/168
 TDC-316

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Fourth Generation of Computer
 The main features of fourth generation are −
 VLSI technology used
 Very cheap
 Portable and reliable
 Use of PCs
 Very small size
 Pipeline processing
 No AC required
 Concept of internet was introduced
 Great developments in the fields of networks
 Computers became easily available

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Fourth Generation of Computer
 Some computers of this
generation were −
 DEC 10
 STAR 1000
 PDP 11
 CRAY-1(Super
Computer)
 CRAY-X-MP(Super
Computer)

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Fifth Generation of Computer
The main features of fifth generation are −
 ULSI(Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology
 Development of true artificial intelligence
 Development of Natural language processing
 Advancement in Parallel Processing
 Advancement in Superconductor technology
 More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features
 Availability of very powerful and compact computers
at cheaper rates

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Fifth Generation of Computer
 Some computer types of
this generation are −
 Desktop
 Laptop
 NoteBook
 UltraBook
 ChromeBook

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Comparison of Generations

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Continued

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Continued

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Continued

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Classification of Computers According
to Size and functions/capability
You can categorize computers by size and types, which
leaves you with four major groups. Each group excels at
their own specific function.
 Supercomputers
 Mainframe computers
 Mini-computers
 Micro computers

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 Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the fastest and the most
expensive machines. They have high
processing speed compared to other
computers. The speed of a supercomputer is
generally measured in FLOPS (FLoating point
Operations Per Second). Some of the faster
supercomputers can perform trillions of
calculations per second. Supercomputers are
built by interconnecting thousands of
processors that can work in parallel.
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 Uses of Supercomputers
 Supercomputers are used for highly calculation-
intensive tasks, such as, weather forecasting, climate
research global warming), molecular research,
biological research, nuclear research and aircraft design.
 They are also used in major universities, military
agencies and scientific research laboratories.
 Some examples of supercomputers are IBM Roadrunner,
IBM Blue gene and Intel ASCI red.
 PARAM is a series of supercomputer assembled in India
by C-DAC (Center for Development of Advanced
Computing, in Pune. PARAM Padma is the latest
machine in this series. The peak computing power of
PARAM Padma is 1 Tera FLOP (TFLOP=1000, Giga
FLOPS). ANURAG is also Indian Super Computer.
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 Mainframe Computers
 Mainframe computers are multi-user, multi-programming
and high performance computers. They operate at a very
high speed, have very large storage capacity and can handle
the workload of many users.
 Mainframe computers are large and powerful systems
generally used in centralized databases.
 The user accesses the mainframe computer via a terminal
that may be a dumb terminal, an intelligent terminal or a PC.
A dumb terminal cannot store data or do processing of its
own. It has the input and output device only. An intelligent
terminal has the input and output device, can do
processing, but, cannot store data of its own. The dumb and
the intelligent terminal use the processing power and the
storage facility of the mainframe computer.
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 Application of Mainframe
Computers
A typical application is the airline system. It has a
mainframe computer at their head office where
information of all the fights is stored. Small computers
are installed at the booking offices are attached to
central data bank, so that up to date information of all
flights is always available. Other applications are
organizations like banks or companies, where many
people require frequent access to the same data, Air
Traffic Control System, Business data processing in large
organization
Some examples of mainframes are CDC 6600 and IBM
ES000 series, Univac 1100/10, Univac 1100/60,
Honeywell DSP 88/860, IBM 270/168
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 Minicomputers
They are smaller version of the mainframes, generally
used in multi -user systems. They have high processing
speed and high storage capacity than the
microcomputers. Minicomputers can support 4–200
users simultaneously. The users can access the
minicomputer through their PCs or terminal.
Sometimes an organization decides to decentralize or
distribute its computer power to various stations or
locations within user’s departments. Mini computers
are ideal for processing data in a decentralized mode.
They are used for real-time applications in industries,
research centers etc.
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 Micro Computers OR PC
Microcomputers are small, low-cost and single-
user digital computer. They consist of CPU,
input unit, output unit, storage unit and the
software. Although microcomputers are stand-
alone machines, they can be connected together
to create a network of computers that can serve
more than one user. Microcomputers include
desktop computers, notebook computers or
laptop, tablet computer, handheld computer,
smart phones and netbook.

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 Classification of computers
according to Technology
 Analog
 Digital
 Hybrid

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Analog Computers
 Analog computers are used to process continuous
data. Analog computers represent variables by
physical quantities. Thus any computer which solve
problem by translating physical conditions such as
flow, temperature, pressure, angular position or
voltage into related mechanical or electrical related
circuits as an analog for the physical phenomenon
being investigated in general it is a computer which
uses an analog quantity and produces analog values
as output. Thus an analog computer measures
continuously. Analog computers are very much
speedy. They produce their results very fast. But their
results are approximately correct. All the analog
computers are special purpose computers.

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Digital Computer
 Digital computer represents physical quantities with
the help of digits or numbers. These numbers are used
to perform Arithmetic calculations and also make
logical decision to reach a conclusion, depending on,
the data they receive from the user.
 A digital computer uses distinct values to represent the
data internally. All information are represented using
the digits Os and 1s. The computers that we use at our
homes and offices are digital computers.

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Hybrid Computer
 Various specifically designed computers are with both
digital and analog characteristics combining the
advantages of analog and digital computers when
working as a system. Hybrid computers are being used
extensively in process control system where it is
necessary to have a close representation with the
physical world.
 The hybrid system provides the good precision that
can be attained with analog computers and the greater
control that is possible with digital computers, plus
the ability to accept the input data in either form.

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Parts of Computer

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Components of Computer
S.No. Operation
1 Take Input
2 Store Data
3 Processing Data
4 Output Information
5 Control the workflow
IT Applications in Business
Description
The process of entering data and instructions into
the computer system.
Saving data and instructions so that they are
available for processing as and when required.
Performing arithmetic, and logical operations on
data in order to convert them into useful
information.
The process of producing useful information or
results for the user, such as a printed report or visual
display.
Directs the manner and sequence in which all of the
above operations are performed.
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 Input Unit :This unit contains devices with the help of
which we enter data into the computer. This unit creates a
link between the user and the computer. The input devices
translate the information into a form understandable by
the computer.
 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 the computer.
 Output Unit: consists of devices with the help of which we
get the information from the computer. This unit is a link
between the computer and the users. Output devices
translate the computer's output into a form understandable
by the users.

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Block Diagram of Computer

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 consists of the following features −
 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 the computer.
 CPU itself has following three components.
 MU (Memory or Storage Unit)
 CU (Control Unit)
 ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)

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Memory/Storage Unit
 This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate
results. This unit supplies information to other units of the
computer when needed. It is also known as internal storage
unit or the main memory or the primary storage or Random
Access Memory (RAM).
 Its size affects speed, power, and capability. Primary
memory and secondary memory are two types of
memories in the computer. Functions of the memory unit
are −
 It stores all the data and the instructions required for
processing.
 It stores intermediate results of processing.
 It stores the final results of processing before these results are
released to an output device.
 All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main
memory.
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Control Unit
 This unit controls the operations of all parts of the
computer but does not carry out any actual data processing
operations.
 Functions of this unit are −
 It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and
instructions among other units of a computer.
 It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
 It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets
them, and directs the operation of the computer.
 It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer of
data or results from storage.
 It does not process or store data.

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ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
This unit consists of two subsections namely,
 Arithmetic Section
 Logic Section
 Arithmetic Section
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division. All complex operations are done by
making repetitive use of the above operations.
 Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations
such as comparing, selecting, matching, and merging
of data.

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 Computer System
A computer system is a combination of various
components. It performs the system functions such as
input, processing, output, storage and control. A
computer system consists of the following components:
 Hardware
 Software
 Human ware
 Firmware
 Bridge ware

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 Computer System contd..
 Humanware : The man-machine interface is called a
human ware. The people who work with the computer are
collectively called the human ware or livewire.
 Firmware : The computer programs permanently stored
in ROM or PROM are called firmware. These programs are
provided by hardware manufacturer along with the
computers. Generally these are booting programs which
help in the starting of a computer. Such programs cannot
be erased or overwritten.
 Bridge ware: The computer components and programs
used to translate instructions and information written for
one type of computer into a format that another type of
computer can understand is called bridge ware. This is
necessary because different computers are made by
different manufacturers.
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Input Devices
Following are some of the important input devices which are
used in a computer −
1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Joy Stick
4. Light pen
5. Track Ball
6. Scanner
7. Graphic Tablet
8. Microphone
9. Magnetic Ink Card Reader(MICR)
10. Optical Character Reader(OCR)
11. Bar Code Reader
12. Optical Mark Reader(OMR)
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 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.
 The keys on the keyboard are as follows −
 Alphabets key: These keys include the letter keys (A-Z)
and digit keys (09) which generally give the same layout
as that of typewriters.
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 Numeric Keypad: It is used to enter the numeric data or
cursor movement. Generally, it consists of a set of 17 keys
that are laid out in the same configuration used by most
adding machines and calculators.
 Function Keys: The twelve function keys are present on
the keyboard which are arranged in a row at the top of the
keyboard. Each function key has a unique meaning and is
used for some specific purpose.
 Control keys: These keys provide cursor and screen
control. It includes four directional arrow keys. Control
keys also include Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page
Down, Control(Ctrl), Alternate(Alt), Escape(Esc).
 Special Purpose Keys: Keyboard also contains some
special purpose keys such as Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, Num
Lock, Space bar, Tab, an Print Screen.
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 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.
 Generally, it has two buttons called the left and the
right button and a wheel is present between the
buttons. A mouse can be used to control the position
of the cursor on the screen, but it cannot be used to
enter text into the computer.

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 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.
 The function of the joystick is similar to
that of a mouse. It is mainly used in
Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and
playing computer games.

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 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.
 When the tip of a light pen is moved
over the monitor screen and the pen
button is pressed, its photocell sensing
element detects the screen location and
sends the corresponding signal to the
CPU.

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 Track Ball
 Track ball is an input device that is
mostly used in notebook or laptop
computer, instead of a mouse. This
is a ball which is half inserted and
by moving fingers on the ball, the
pointer can be moved. Since the
whole device is not moved, a track
ball requires less space than a
mouse. A track ball comes in
various shapes like a ball, a button,
or a square.

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 Scanner
 Scanner is an input device, which
works more like a photocopy
machine. It is used when some
information is available on paper
and it is to be transferred to the
hard disk of the computer for
further manipulation.
 Scanner captures images from the
source which are then converted
into a digital form that can be
stored on the disk. These images
can be edited before they are
printed.
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 Types of scanner

Flatbed Scanner Sheetfed Scanner Handheld Scanner

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 Digitizer
 Digitizer is also known as Tablet
or Graphics Tablet as it converts
graphics and pictorial data into
binary inputs. A graphic tablet as
digitizer is used for fine works of
drawing and image manipulation
applications.

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 Microphone
 Microphone is an input device to
input sound that is then stored
in a digital form.
 The microphone is used for
various applications such as
adding sound to a multimedia
presentation or for mixing
music.

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Magnetic Ink Character
Recognition (MICR)
 MICR input device is generally used in
banks as there are large number of
cheques to be processed every day.
The bank's code number and cheque
number are printed on the cheques
with a special type of ink that contains
particles of magnetic material that are
machine readable.
 This reading process is called
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
(MICR). The main advantages of
MICR is that it is fast and less error
prone.
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Optical Character Reader (OCR)
 OCR is an input device used
to read a printed text.
 OCR scans the text optically,
character by character,
converts them into a
machine readable code, and
stores the text on the system
memory.

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 Bar Code Reader
 Bar Code Reader is a device used
for reading bar coded data (data in
the form of light and dark lines).
Bar coded data is generally used in
labeling goods, numbering the
books, etc. It may be a handheld
scanner or may be embedded in a
stationary scanner.
 Bar Code Reader scans a bar code
image, converts it into an
alphanumeric value, which is then
fed to the computer that the bar
code reader is connected to.

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 Optical Mark Reader (OMR)
 OMR is a special type of
optical scanner used to
recognize the type of mark
made by pen or pencil. It is
used where one out of a few
alternatives is to be selected
and marked.
 It is specially used for
checking the answer sheets of
examinations having multiple
choice questions.

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 Output Device
Following are some of the important output devices used
in a computer.
 Monitors
 Graphic Plotter
 Printer

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 Monitors
 Monitors, commonly called as Visual Display
Unit (VDU), are the main output device of a
computer. It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels
that are arranged in a rectangular form. The sharpness
of the image depends upon the number of pixels.
 There are two kinds of viewing screen used for
monitors:
1. Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)
2. Flat-Panel Display

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 Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor
 The CRT display is made up of
small picture elements called
pixels. The smaller the pixels,
the better the image clarity or
resolution. It takes more than
one illuminated pixel to form a
whole character, such as the
letter ‘e’ in the word help.
Disadvantages of CRT −
 Large in Size
 High power consumption

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 Flat-Panel Display Monitor
 The flat-panel display refers to a
class of video devices that have
reduced volume, weight and power
requirement in comparison to the
CRT. You can hang them on walls or
wear them on your wrists. Current
uses of flat-panel displays include
calculators, video games, monitors,
laptop computer, and graphics
display.

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 Types of flat-panel
 The flat-panel display is divided into two categories −
1. Emissive Displays − Emissive displays are devices
that convert electrical energy into light. For example,
plasma panel and LED (Light-Emitting Diodes).
2. Non-Emissive Displays − Non-emissive displays
use optical effects to convert sunlight or light from
some other source into graphics patterns. For
example, LCD (Liquid-Crystal Device).

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 Printers
 Printer is an output device, which is used to print
information on paper.
There are two types of printers −
1. Impact Printers
2. Non-Impact Printers

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 Impact printers
 Impact printers print the characters by striking them
on the ribbon, which is then pressed on the paper.
Characteristics of Impact Printers are the following −
 Very low consumable costs
 Very noisy
 Useful for bulk printing due to low cost
 There is physical contact with the paper to produce an
image
These printers are of two types −
1. Character printers
2. Line printers

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 Character Printers
 Character printers are the printers which print one
character at a time.
 These are further divided into two types:
1. Dot Matrix Printer(DMP)
2. Daisy Wheel

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 Dot Matrix Printer(DMP)
 In the market, one of the most popular printers is Dot
Matrix Printer. These printers are popular because of
their ease of printing and economical price. Each
character printed is in the form of pattern of dots and
head consists of a Matrix of Pins of size (5*7, 7*9, 9*7
or 9*9) which come out to form a character which is
why it is called Dot Matrix Printer.

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Dot Matrix Printer(DMP)

 Advantages
 Inexpensive
 Widely Used
 Other language
characters can be
printed
 Disadvantages
 Slow Speed
 Poor Quality

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 Daisy Wheel
 Head is lying on a wheel and pins corresponding to
characters are like petals of Daisy (flower) which is
why it is called Daisy Wheel Printer. These printers are
generally used for word-processing in offices that
require a few letters to be sent here and there with very
nice quality.

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 Daisy Wheel
 Advantages
➢ More reliable than DMP
➢ Better quality
➢ Fonts of character can
be easily changed
 Disadvantages
➢ Slower than DMP
➢ Noisy
➢ More expensive than
DMP

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 Line printers
 Line printers are the
printers which print one
line at a time.

These are of two types −

1. Drum Printer
2. Chain Printer

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 Drum Printer
This printer is like a drum in shape
hence it is called drum printer.
The surface of the drum is divided
into a number of tracks. Total
tracks are equal to the size of the
paper, i.e. for a paper width of 132
characters, drum will have 132
tracks. A character set is embossed
on the track. Different character
sets available in the market are 48
character set, 64 and 96 characters
set. One rotation of drum prints
one line. Drum printers are fast in
speed and can print 300 to 2000
lines per minute.
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 Drum Printer
Advantages
 Very high speed
Disadvantages
 Very expensive
 Characters fonts cannot
be changed

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 Chain Printer
 In this printer, a chain of
character sets is used, hence it
is called Chain Printer. A
standard character set may
have 48, 64, or 96 characters.
 Advantages
➢ Character fonts can easily be
changed.
➢ Different languages can be
used with the same printer.
 Disadvantages
➢ Noisy

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 Non-impact Printers
 Non-impact printers print the characters without
using the ribbon. These printers print a complete page
at a time, thus they are also called as Page Printers.
 These printers are of two types −
1. Laser Printers
2. Inkjet Printers
 Characteristics of Non-impact Printers
➢ Faster than impact printers
➢ They are not noisy
➢ High quality
➢ Supports many fonts and different character size

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 Laser Printers
 These are non-impact page
printers. They use laser lights to
produce the dots needed to form
the characters to be printed on a
page.
 Advantages
➢ Very high speed
➢ Very high quality output
➢ Good graphics quality
➢ Supports many fonts and different
character size
 Disadvantages
➢ Expensive
➢ Cannot be used to produce
multiple copies of a document in a
single printing
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 Inkjet Printers
 Inkjet printers are non-impact character printers
based on a relatively new technology. They print
characters by spraying small drops of ink onto paper.
Inkjet printers produce high quality output with
presentable features.
 They make less noise because no hammering is done
and these have many styles of printing modes
available. Color printing is also possible. Some models
of Inkjet printers can produce multiple copies of
printing also.

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 Inkjet Printers
 Advantages
➢ High quality printing
➢ More reliable
 Disadvantages
➢ Expensive as the cost
per page is high
➢ Slow as compared to
laser printer

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 Printer

Impact Non-Impact
Printer Printer

Character Inkjet
Line Printer Laser Printer
Printer Printer

Dot Matrix Daisy Wheel Drum Chain

Printer Printer Printer Printer

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 Computer - Memory
 A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to
store data and instructions.
 Computer memory is the storage space in the
computer, where data is to be processed and
instructions required for processing are stored.
 The memory is divided into large number of small
parts called cells. Each location or cell has a unique
address, which varies from zero to memory size
minus one.
 For example, if the computer has 64k words, then
this memory unit has 64 * 1024 = 65536 memory
locations. The address of these locations varies
from 0 to 65535.
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Computer - Memory Units
S.No. Unit & Description
Bit (Binary Digit)
1 A binary digit is logical 0 and 1 representing a passive or an
active state of a component in an electric circuit.

Nibble
2
A group of 4 bits is called nibble.

Byte
3 A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit, which
can represent a data item or a character.

Word
A computer word, like a byte, is a group of fixed number of bits
processed as a unit, which varies from computer to computer
4 but is fixed for each computer.
The length of a computer word is called word-size or word
length. It may be as small as 8 bits or may be as long as 96 bits. A
computer stores the information in the form of computer words.
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table lists some higher storage
units
S.No. Unit & Description
Kilobyte (KB)
1
1 KB = 1024 Bytes
Megabyte (MB)
2
1 MB = 1024 KB
GigaByte (GB)
3
1 GB = 1024 MB
TeraByte (TB)
4
1 TB = 1024 GB
PetaByte (PB)
5
1 PB = 1024 TB

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Memory is primarily of three types
 Cache Memory
 Primary Memory/Main Memory
 Secondary Memory

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Primary Memory (Main Memory)
 Primary memory holds only those data and
instructions on which the computer is currently
working. It has a limited capacity and data is lost when
power is switched off. It is generally made up of
semiconductor device. These memories are not as fast
as registers. The data and instruction required to be
processed resides in the main memory. It is divided
into two subcategories RAM and ROM.

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Characteristics of Main Memory
 These are semiconductor
memories.
 It is known as the main memory.
 Usually volatile memory.
 Data is lost in case power is
switched off.
 It is the working memory of the
computer.
 Faster than secondary memories.
 A computer cannot run without
the primary memory.
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Types of Primary Memory

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Random Access Memory
 RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of
the CPU for storing data, program, and program result. It is
a read/write memory which stores data until the machine
is working. As soon as the machine is switched off, data is
erased.
 Access time in RAM is independent of the address, that is,
each storage location inside the memory is as easy to reach
as other locations and takes the same amount of time. Data
in the RAM can be accessed randomly but it is very
expensive.
 RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch
off the computer or if there is a power failure. Hence, a
backup Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is often used
with computers. RAM is small, both in terms of its physical
size and in the amount of data it can hold.
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RAM is of two types
 Static RAM (SRAM)
 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

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Static RAM (SRAM)
 The word static indicates that the memory retains its
contents as long as power is being supplied. However,
data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile
nature. SRAM chips use a matrix of 6-transistors and
no capacitors. Transistors do not require power to
prevent leakage, so SRAM need not be refreshed on a
regular basis.
 There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses
more chips than DRAM for the same amount of
storage space, making the manufacturing costs higher.
SRAM is thus used as cache memory and has very fast
access.

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Characteristic of Static RAM
 Long life
 No need to refresh
 Faster
 Used as cache memory
 Large size
 Expensive
 High power consumption

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Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
 DRAM, unlike RAM, must be continually refreshed in
order to maintain the data. This is done by placing the
memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data
several hundred times per second. DRAM is used for
most system memory as it is cheap and small. All
DRAMs are made up of memory cells, which are
composed of one capacitor and one transistor.

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Characteristics of Dynamic RAM
 Short data lifetime
 Needs to be refreshed continuously
 Slower as compared to SRAM
 Used as RAM
 Smaller in size
 Less expensive
 Less power consumption

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IT Applications in Business 97
Computer - Read Only Memory
 ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory
from which we can only read but cannot write on it.
This type of memory is non-volatile. The information
is stored permanently in such memories during
manufacture. A ROM stores such instructions that are
required to start a computer. This operation is referred
to as bootstrap. ROM chips are not only used in the
computer but also in other electronic items like
washing machine and microwave oven.

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The advantages of ROM
 Non-volatile in nature
 Cannot be accidentally changed
 Cheaper than RAMs
 Easy to test
 More reliable than RAMs
 Static and do not require refreshing
 Contents are always known and can be
verified

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the various types of ROMs and
their characteristics.
 MROM (Masked ROM)
 EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only
Memory)
 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable
Read Only Memory)

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 MROM (Masked ROM)
 The very first ROMs were hard-wired devices that
contained a pre-programmed set of data or
instructions. These kind of ROMs are known as
masked ROMs, which are inexpensive.

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 PROM (Programmable Read Only
Memory)
 PROM is read-only memory that can be modified only
once by a user. The user buys a blank PROM and
enters the desired contents using a PROM program.
Inside the PROM chip, there are small fuses which are
burnt open during programming. It can be
programmed only once and is not erasable.

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EPROM (Erasable and
Programmable Read Only Memory)
 EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet
light for a duration of up to 40 minutes. Usually, an
EPROM eraser achieves this function. During
programming, an electrical charge is trapped in an
insulated gate region. The charge is retained for more
than 10 years because the charge has no leakage path.
For erasing this charge, ultra-violet light is passed
through a quartz crystal window (lid). This exposure to
ultra-violet light dissipates the charge. During normal
use, the quartz lid is sealed with a sticker.

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EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and
Programmable Read Only Memory)
 EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can
be erased and reprogrammed about ten thousand
times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to
10 ms (millisecond). In EEPROM, any location can be
selectively erased and programmed. EEPROMs can be
erased one byte at a time, rather than erasing the
entire chip. Hence, the process of reprogramming is
flexible but slow.

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105
 Secondary Memory
 This type of memory is also known as external
memory or non-volatile. It is slower than the main
memory. These are used for storing data/information
permanently. CPU directly does not access these
memories, instead they are accessed via input-output
routines. The contents of secondary memories are first
transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU
can access it. For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

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Characteristics of Secondary
Memory
 These are magnetic and optical
memories.
 It is known as the backup memory.
 It is a non-volatile memory.
 Data is permanently stored even if
power is switched off.
 It is used for storage of data in a
computer.
 Computer may run without the
secondary memory.
 Slower than primary memories.

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Types of Secondary Memory

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 CD Drive
 CD stands for Compact Disk. CDs are circular disks
that use optical rays, usually lasers, to read and write
data. They are very cheap as you can get 700 MB of
storage space for less than a dollar. CDs are inserted in
CD drives built into CPU cabinet. They are portable as
you can eject the drive, remove the CD and carry it
with you..

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 CD Drive
 The Plate of Disk is Divided into the Tracks and sectors and
the collection of Tracks makes a Cylinder means all the
Tracks of the Disk which a Consecutive Areas makes a
Cylinder.

 The Disk is first divided into the Number of Tracks and the
Tracks are further divided into the sectors and the Number
of Tracks Makes a Cylinder. All the data is Stored into the
disk by using Some Sectors and each sectors belongs to a
Tracks. The Data is accessed from the Disk by using the
heads, all the heads have Some Arm those are used for
Reading the Data from the Particular Tracks and sector.
When the Disk Rotates very high Speed then the Head also
Moves, For Reading the data from the Disk the ARM
touches with the Particular Track and read the data from
that Location.
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 CD Drive
 For Locating a Particular data from the Disk the head
Moves Around the Disk very Fastly and data which a
user wants to Access must have an Address So that
Arm of the head just use that Address Means the
Number of Cylinder, Number of Track and Number of
Sectors from which user wants to read the data. With
the Help of these Read and Write heads we can also
Read the Data from the Disk and we can also Stores
some data onto the Disk.

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There are three types of CDs −
 CD-ROM (Compact Disk – Read Only Memory) −
The data on these CDs are recorded by the
manufacturer. Proprietary Software, audio or video are
released on CD-ROMs.
 CD-R (Compact Disk – Recordable) − Data can be
written by the user once on the CD-R. It cannot be
deleted or modified later.
 CD-RW (Compact Disk – Rewritable) − Data can be
written and deleted on these optical disks again and
again

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Time Considerations of CD Drive
 Some Time Considerations are also used when we are
accessing or storing the data onto the hard disk.
 1) Seek Time: - The Total Time which is Taken to Move
on the Desired track is known as the seek Time. And time
is always measured by using the Milliseconds.
 2) Latency Time. : The time required to Bring the
Particular Track to the Desired Location Means the Total
Time to bring the Correct the Sector for Reading or for
the read and Write head. This is also called as the Average
Time.
3) Data Transfer Time: The Total Time which is
required for Reading and Writing the data into the Disk
is known as the Data transfer Time.
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Hard Disk Drive
 Hard disk drive is made up of a series of circular disks
called platters arranged one over the other almost ½
inches apart around a spindle. Disks are made of non-
magnetic material like aluminum alloy and coated
with 10-20 nm of magnetic material.
 Standard diameter of these disks is 14 inches and they
rotate with speeds varying from 4200 rpm (rotations
per minute) for personal computers to 15000 rpm for
servers. Data is stored by magnetizing or
demagnetizing the magnetic coating. A magnetic
reader arm is used to read data from and write data to
the disks. A typical modern HDD has capacity in
terabytes (TB).

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Hard Disk Drive

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 DVD Drive
 DVD stands for Digital
Video Display. DVD are
optical devices that can
store 15 times the data
held by CDs. They are
usually used to store rich
multimedia files that
need high storage
capacity. DVDs also
come in three varieties –
read only, recordable and
rewritable.

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 Pen Drive / Flash Memory
 Pen drive is a portable
memory device that uses
solid state memory
rather than magnetic
fields or lasers to record
data. It uses a technology
similar to RAM, except
that it is nonvolatile. It is
also called USB drive,
key drive or flash
memory.

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Floppy Diskette
 Floppy Disk is also a Secondary Storage device which is
used for storing the data in a Permanent Manner. The
floppy is made up of Rigid Mylar Plastic and also
contains a Magnetic black disk inside the Plastic
Cover. The Floppy Disk also Stores all the Data into the
Form of Tracks and Sectors and the floppy Disk
provides both Reading and Writing the data into the
Disk. The Floppy Disk is also called as Reusable Disk
means the Floppy Disk Provides us the Facility to Read
and Writes the Data into disk as and When Necessary
and Also Many Times. We can Read and Write the data
from the Disk.

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Floppy Diskette
 The Main Advantage of the Floppy Disk is that the
Data can be Stored many Times but the Main
Limitation of the floppy Disk is that floppy Disk have a
Small capacity and the Floppy Disk also doesn’t have
Reliability means the Data Stored into the Disk may
not be used for Long Time because the floppy Disk is
very Sensitive Thing when we Move the Head of the
Disk Again and Again then the floppy disk gets
Damaged

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Floppy Diskette

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 Cache Memory
 Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor
memory which can speed up the CPU. It acts as a
buffer between the CPU and the main memory. It is
used to hold those parts of data and program which
are most frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data
and programs are transferred from the disk to cache
memory by the operating system, from where the CPU
can access them

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Advantages and Disadvantages
of Cache Memory
The advantages of cache The disadvantages of cache
memory are as follows − memory are as follows −
 Cache memory is faster  Cache memory has limited
than main memory. capacity.
 It consumes less access  It is very expensive.
time as compared to main
memory.
 It stores the program that
can be executed within a
short period of time.
 It stores data for temporary
use.
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Concept of Cloud Computing

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