Chapter 2.ICT - Notes
Chapter 2.ICT - Notes
Input Devices
Keyboard Overview
- Keyboards are the most common tool for data entry, often being virtual or touchscreens.
ypes of Keyboards
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-Ergonomic Keyboards: Designed to reduce RSI andprovide better wrist and hand support.
ow Keyboards Work
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1. A membrane or circuit board is beneath the keys.
2. Pressing a key completes a circuit.
3. The CPU identifies the pressed key using an index file.
ses of Keyboards
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- Inputting data into software
- Typing commands
Advantages
Disadvantages
Numeric Keypads
Uses
- ATMs: Enter PIN, amount of money.
-Mobile Phones:Input phone numbers.
-Point of sale Terminals (POS):Manual entry if barcodefails.
- Chip and PIN Devices:Enter PIN, amount for transactions.
-Spreadsheets:Quick numeric data entry.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Mouse Overview
unction:
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Controls the pointer on the screen.
Buttons:
-Left button:Selects items, often by double-clicking.
-Right button:Brings up context menus.
-Scroll button:Scrolls through documents.
Types of Mouse
Uses
Advantages
Touchpad
se:
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- Pointing device on laptops
- Controls pointer by finger movement and tapping
- Has buttons for left and right-click functions
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Trackerball
Description:
- A device similar to a mouse but with a ball on top or side for controlling the pointer.
- Ideal for those with limited hand/wrist movement.
Uses:
- Alternative for people with RSI.
- Industrial control rooms for fast navigation.
- Luxury cars for selecting functions like radio and satnav.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
- More expensive since it's not standard equipment.
- May require user training.
Remote Control
ses:
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- Televisions, satellite systems, DVD/Blu-ray players, Hi-Fi systems (e.g., volume, channels).
- Multimedia systems.
- Industrial applications (e.g., machinery control).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Joystick
unction:
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- Controls screen pointer similar to a mouse.
- Buttons for selections and gaming (e.g., firing weapons).
ses:
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- Video/computer games.
- Simulators (e.g., flight simulators).
Advantages:
Driving Wheel
escription:
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- Similar to a joystick, connected by USB.
- Simulates steering, includes pedals/buttons for acceleration and braking.
- Uses sensors for left/right movement.
ses:
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- Video/computer games (e.g., racing games).
- Driving simulators (e.g., car-driving training).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Touch Screens
ith a touch screen the user can choose an option by simply touching a button/icon on the
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screen.
Uses:
● elf-service tills (e.g., petrol stations)
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● ATMs
● Point of sale terminals (restaurants)
● Public info systems (airports, railway stations)
● Mobile devices (phones, tablets, GPS)
● Interactive whiteboards (education)
● Computer-based training (CBT)
Advantages:
● aster than keyboard/mouse
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● Easy to use, no training needed
● User-friendly
● Display size can be adjusted
Disadvantages:
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● imited input options
● Can cause arm strain with frequent use
● Gets dirty, risking infection and reduced responsiveness
Scanners
- Function:Scanners convert hard copy documents andphotos into digital format for computer
use.
-Made out of a glass panel and lid. The hard copy document or photo is scanned by a light
source and produces a computer-readable image.
Uses:
- Convert documents/photos into editable digital formats.
- Archive old documents/photos to protect originals.
- Scan barcodes at POS terminals.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Digital Cameras
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Microphone
How it work:
Description:
- Converts sound waves into electric current through a diaphragm and magnet setup.
- Output is typically analog and requires conversion to digital for computer processing.
Uses:
- Input for speech and sounds in presentations, film/music sampling, and special effects.
- Voice-recognition software for converting speech to text or executing commands.
- Sensor for sound detection in alarm systems.
- Video-conferencing and VoIP applications.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
- Consumes significant computer memory for sound files.
- Voice-recognition accuracy can be lower than manual typing.
Sensors
- Sensors measure things like temperature, light, and moisture. They give this info to computers.
- Computers understand digital info (like 1s and 0s), so sensors use converters to change their
measurements into digital form.
1.Temperature Sensors:
- Used in washing machines, heaters, ovens, and greenhouses.
2.Pressure Sensors:
- Used in alarms, washing machines, robots, and for checking the environment.
3.Light Sensors:
- Used in greenhouses, doors, alarms, and street lights.
4.Sound Sensors:
- Used in alarms and to check if liquids or powders are flowing right.
5.Moisture Sensors:
- Used in greenhouses, checking the environment, and in factories for things like making
microchips.
6.pH Sensors:
- Used in greenhouses, chemical work, and for checking the environment.
Advantages:
- They give more accurate readings than people can.
- They keep working all the time without stopping.
- If something needs to be fixed or watched, sensors can act right away.
- They can do things on their own, which is important for dangerous or exact jobs.
Disadvantages
Light pens
Uses:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
.2 Direct data entry (DDE) devices Direct data entry (DDE) devices are
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used to input data into
● D irect data entry (DDE) devices input data into computers with minimal human
interaction.
● Example: Barcode readers are DDE devices.
● Human involvement: Pointing the reader at the barcode.
● Data transfer: Automatically sent to the computer.
● M agnetic stripe readers are devices used to read data encoded on the magnetic stripe
located on credit, debit cards, and other similar cards.
● Information stored includes account number, sort code, expiry date, and start date.
Uses:
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● inancial Transactions:Used on ATMs and EFTPOS terminalsfor transactions.
● Security Access:Used as security devices for accesscontrol to buildings, hotel rooms,
etc.
Advantages:
● peed:Faster data entry compared to manual typing.
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● Accuracy:Error-free data entry due to no typing involved.
● Security:Data is not human-readable, reducing riskof observation or tampering.
● Durability:Resistant to oil, water, and moisture;physically robust with no moving parts.
Disadvantages:
● D ata Loss:Vulnerable to data loss if the magneticstripe is damaged (e.g., exposure to
strong magnetic fields).
● Proximity Requirement:Requires close contact betweenthe card and the reader; does
not work at a distance.
● Data Format:Information is not human-readable, whichcan be a limitation in certain
applications.
● F unctionality: Contactless debit or credit cards usea chip that emits radio waves,
allowing transactions without entering a PIN for small amounts.
● Usage Steps:
1. Look for contactless symbol on payment terminal.
2. Amount entered by shop assistant.
3. Customer presents card when prompted.
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4 ard held close to reader.
5. Terminal confirms successful transaction.
Advantages
● S peed: Transactions are faster (typically 10 secondsvs. 30 seconds with magnetic
stripe).
● Security: 128-bit encryption protects data.
● Ease: No PIN entry reduces errors and speeds up checkout.
● Privacy: Retailers can't access card information;unique transaction numbers used.
Disadvantages
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● ost: Contactless cards can be more expensive.
● Security Concerns: Potential for theft via close proximityinterception.
● Double Charging: Risk of being charged twice if usedas both contactless and chip and
PIN.
● Transaction Limits: Typically limited to small maximumamounts.
● Unauthorized Transactions: Instances of unintendedtransactions, although rare in
most countries.
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● unctionality:Used at EFTPOS terminals to read smartcards.
● Components:Includes a card slot for chip reading,a keypad for PIN entry, and a small
screen for instructions.
● Comparison to Contactless Systems:
○ Requires PIN entry for transactions.
○ Does not use radio frequency technology.
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ommonly used in various settings such as restaurants, supermarkets, and travel
agencies for card payments.
Advantages:
● S ecurity:More secure than contactless payments becausePIN entry is required and
must match the stored PIN on the card.
● Reliability:More robust system compared to magneticstripe cards, which are more
susceptible to fraud.
Disadvantages:
● F
raud Risk:Potential risk of fraud if PIN is observedor captured by unauthorized
individuals during entry.
RFID Technology Overview:
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● efinition:RFID readers use radio waves to capturedata stored on tags.
● Components:Tags consist of a microchip for data storageand processing, and an
antenna for data transmission.
● Types of Tags:Passive tags use reader's radio waveenergy; battery-powered tags
have embedded batteries.
Uses of RFID:
● ivestock Tracking:Identifies animals and their ownershipon farms.
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● Retail:Automates checkout processes without scanning,speeding up transactions.
● Admission Passes:Enables quick access in theme parksand tracks visitor movement.
● Libraries:Automates book check-in/check-out processesmore efficiently than
barcodes.
Advantages:
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● o Line-of-Sight:Tags can be read from a distance.
● Robustness:Reliable technology with fast read ratesand bidirectional data transfer.
● Bulk Detection:Can read multiple tags simultaneously.
Disadvantages:
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● ag Collision:Signals from multiple tags can interferewith each other.
● Security Concerns:Vulnerable to signal interferenceand potential hacking.
● Cost:Generally more expensive than barcode systems.
Overview:
● D efinition: OMR devices are used to read marks made with pen or pencil on forms,
detecting responses through lines or shaded areas.
● Applications: Commonly used for processing questionnaires, multiple-choice
exams, voting ballots, and various forms requiring marked responses.
Advantages:
● S peed: OMR devices offer rapid data input as documents are fed automatically
without user interaction.
● Accuracy: They are highly accurate due to the absence of manual data entry,
surpassing OCR methods in reliability.
Disadvantages:
● F orm Design: Forms must be meticulously designed to ensure accurate detection
of marks or shading.
● Error Handling: Incorrectly filled forms may require manual checking before
processing, which is time-consuming and costly.
onclusion: OMR devices provide efficient and accurate data processing for forms
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designed with proper consideration for mark detection, offering a reliable method for
survey and exam result collection.
● D efinition: OCR is a technology that converts text from hard copy documents into
electronic form.
● Function: Converts electronic data into formats usable in word processors and
other applications.
Uses of OCR:
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● assports and ID Cards: Used for processing these documents electronically.
● Document Digitization: Converts hard copy documents into electronic form for
computer storage.
● ANPR Systems: Used in automatic number plate recognition in car parks.
● Archiving Historic Material: Digitizes historic newspapers and rare books for
archival purposes.
Advantages of OCR:
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● peed: Faster data entry compared to manual typing.
● Accuracy: Reduces errors since there's no manual data entry.
Disadvantages of OCR:
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● andwriting Recognition: Difficulty in accurately reading handwritten text.
● Accuracy Concerns: Not always completely reliable, especially with complex fonts
or degraded documents.
Feature OCR OMR
eading
R eads printed documents into
R eads positions of marks (such
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Handwriting editable electronic format. as shaded lozenges) on forms.
orm
F equires complex forms;
R impler forms; relies on mark
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Complexity recognition system complexity. positions compared to a
template.
ase of
E ore complex instructions for
M asier and faster completion for
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Completion filling forms; slower completion. users filling out forms.
ost
C xpensive due to complex
E ess expensive due to simpler
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Implications recognition system. form design and recognition.
Barcode Readers:
Description of QR Codes:
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● tructure:Matrix of filled-in dark squares on a lightbackground, made up of pixels.
● Capacity:Can hold up to 4296 characters or 7089 digits,much more than traditional
barcodes.
● Functionality:Includes alignment squares for correctscanning and can encode internet
addresses.
Uses of QR Codes:
Advantages of QR Codes:
● ata Capacity:Holds more information than traditionalbarcodes.
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● Error Correction:Built-in error-checking enhancesreliability.
● Ease of Use:Readable by smartphone and tablet cameraswithout special equipment.
● Transmission and Encryption:Easily transmitted astext or images; can be encrypted
for security.
Disadvantages of QR Codes:
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● ultiple Formats:Different QR formats can cause compatibilityissues.
● Security Risks:Can be used to transmit maliciouscodes (attagging) if not generated
from trusted sources.
Additional Considerations:
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● R codes facilitate augmented reality experiences and virtual online shopping.
● They offer advantages in data redundancy and ease of transmission but require caution
due to potential security vulnerabilities.
CRT Monitors:
● D escription:Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors use anelectron gun firing against a
phosphor screen to display images.
● Usage:Primarily found in specialist areas like computer-aideddesign (CAD) due to their
ability to support light pens for precise input.
● Advantages:
○ Better viewing angles compared to most LCD monitors.
○ Essential for applications requiring light pens, such as CAD/CAM.
● Disadvantages:
○ Heavy and bulky, occupying significantly more desk space than LCD monitors.
○ Prone to overheating, which can pose a fire hazard, especially as they age.
○ High power consumption compared to LCD monitors.
○ Potential for flickering, which can cause eye strain.
RT monitors have largely been replaced by LCD screens due to their bulk, heat generation,
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and power consumption, but they are still used in niche applications where their specific
capabilities are required.
Touch Screen as an Output Device
Functionality:
● D
ual Role:Touch screens can serve as both input andoutput devices. They display
options that users interact with by touching (input), and then provide feedback or further
options (output) based on the user's input.
Examples of Use:
● S martphones and Tablets:Interaction with apps involvesboth selecting options and
receiving feedback.
● ATMs:Users input commands (e.g., withdrawing cash)and receive prompts or
transaction details in response.
● Ticket Machines:Users select tickets and receivetransaction details or options for
additional purchases.
● Information Kiosks:Visitors choose information topicsand receive relevant details or
further navigation options.
Advantages:
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● peed:Faster selection compared to traditional inputmethods like keyboards or mice.
● Ease of Use:Intuitive method requiring minimal training.
● User-Friendly:Can be scaled in size for better visibility.
Disadvantages:
● imited Options:Display constraints may limit thenumber of choices visible at once.
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● Accuracy and Speed:Not optimal for high-speed orprecise data entry.
● Maintenance:Prone to smudging and reduced responsivenessover time.
● Security Concerns:Potential for third-party trackingof interactions, posing privacy
risks.
Multimedia Projectors:
Functionality:
● R eceive analogue or digital signals, with modern models primarily supporting digital
inputs.
● Typically used with sources like computers, televisions, or DVD players.
● Magnify and project images onto a large screen.
● O
perated via remote control, functioning like a cordless mouse for interfacing with the
screen.
● Includes features like a virtual mouse for directing computer presentations and a laser
pointer.
Uses:
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● raining Presentations:Enables entire audiences toview computer images.
● Advertising:Displays large images for products likecars at exhibitions or malls.
● Home Cinema:Projects DVD or television images forhome entertainment.
Advantages:
● F acilitates viewing by a large audience, eliminating the need to crowd around a small
screen.
● Reduces the necessity for multiple networked computers during presentations or video
clips.
Disadvantages:
Printing Process:
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● he printing drum is initially positively charged.
● A laser beam scans the drum, removing the charge in specific areas, creating a negative
charge pattern that corresponds to the content to be printed.
● Positively charged toner (powdered ink) is applied to the drum, adhering to the
negatively charged areas.
● The toner is transferred onto a negatively charged sheet of paper.
● The paper passes through heated rollers (fuser), which melt the toner onto the paper,
making the print permanent.
● The drum is then discharged to prepare for the next page.
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● referred in environments where low noise is important, such as offices.
● Best suited for fast, high-quality, and high-volume printing.
Advantages:
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● ast printing speed, especially for large print jobs.
● Consistently high print quality.
● Toner cartridges are durable, making them cost-effective for black-and-white printing.
Disadvantages:
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● peed advantage diminishes for small print jobs.
● Color laser printers can be costly to maintain due to multiple toner cartridges and
additional consumables.
● They emit ozone and volatile organic compounds, potentially posing health risks in
poorly ventilated spaces.
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● rint Head:Contains nozzles that spray ink dropletsonto the paper.
● Ink Cartridges:Either separate cartridges for differentcolors (CMYK) or a single
cartridge with all colors.
● Stepper Motor and Belt:Moves the print head acrossthe page.
● Paper Feed:Supplies paper as needed.
● T hermal Bubble:Uses heat to vaporize ink and createbubbles that eject ink onto the
paper.
● Piezoelectric:Utilizes electrically charged crystalsto create vibrations that eject ink
droplets.
Ideal for low-output volumes and high-quality printing, such as photo-quality prints.
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● Used in 3D printing for creating prototypes.
Advantages:
● roduces high-quality output, especially for photos.
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● Cheaper to purchase than laser printers.
● Lightweight and compact.
● Environmentally friendly as they do not emit ozone or volatile organic compounds.
Disadvantages:
Plotters
Overview:
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● lotters are output devices used for drawing vector graphics on paper or other materials.
● They use pens, pencils, or markers instead of ink cartridges to create continuous lines.
● Commonly used with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided
Manufacturing) systems.
Uses:
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● roducing architectural and engineering drawings.
● Drawing animation characters, such as cartoon characters.
Advantages:
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● ery high-quality output, especially for large and detailed drawings.
● Can produce monochrome and color drawings with high accuracy.
● Capable of printing on various materials beyond paper, like aluminium, plastic, and
wood.
Disadvantages:
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● low printing speed compared to modern printers.
● High initial cost for equipment and software, although operational costs are lower.
● Requires significant physical space due to their large footprint.
Current Trends:
● B
eing phased out due to advancements in wide-format inkjet printers, which offer lower
costs and improved technology.
● P rocess: 3D printers use additive manufacturing tobuild objects layer by layer,
contrasting with traditional subtractive manufacturing.
● Types: Various types include inkjet-based printers,binder 3D printing, and newer
technologies using lasers and UV light.
● Materials: Can use powdered resin, metal, paper, ceramic,and liquid polymers.
● Size: Range from small, microwave-sized units to large,car-sized industrial printers.
Applications:
● edical: Prosthetic limbs, precision surgical tools, artificial organs.
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● Aerospace: Lightweight, precise parts for aircraft.
● Fashion and Art: Allows for creative designs and prototypes.
● Obsolete Parts: Reproduction of vintage car partsand other out-of-production items.
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1 esign: Created using CAD software.
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2. Preparation: Software prepares design for 3D printingformat.
3. Printing: Object built layer by layer, can take hoursdepending on complexity.
4. Post-Processing: Object may require removal of supportsor excess material, and
curing.
Advantages:
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● ustomization: Allows for unique designs and rapidprototyping.
● Cost: Potentially lower manufacturing costs comparedto traditional methods, especially
for small-scale production.
● Medical: Advances in prosthetics, surgical tools,and organ production.
● Obsolete Parts: Ability to produce parts no longerin production.
Disadvantages:
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● ounterfeiting: Potential for counterfeit and copyrightinfringement issues.
● Security: Concerns about misuse for illegal or dangerousitems.
● Job Impact: Possible job losses in traditional manufacturingsectors.
Functionality of Speakers:
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onversion Process: Speakers convert digitized soundstored in computer files into
audible sound through a series of steps:
1. Digital to Analogue Conversion (DAC): Converts digitaldata into electric
current.
2. Amplification: Increases the current to a level suitablefor driving the speaker.
3. Sound Production: Electric current drives the speaker,causing vibrations in a
coil attached to a cone, producing sound waves.
Uses of Speakers:
● C ommon Applications: Integrated into phones, computers,and used for multimedia
presentations.
● Accessibility: Assists visually impaired individualswith text-to-speech software.
● Entertainment: Plays downloaded sound files for variouspurposes.
Advantages:
● A mplification: Increases sound volume beyond originallevels, beneficial for group
settings.
● Universal Output: Allows everyone in a conferenceor similar setting to hear computer
output.
● Enhances Atmosphere: Improves presentation qualityand ambiance.
Disadvantages:
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● oise Concerns: Sound output may disrupt quiet environmentslike offices.
● Cost: High-quality speakers can be expensive.
● Space: Requires significant desk space, particularlyfor larger or multiple speaker
setups.
Overall:
peakers are crucial output devices that convert digital sound into audible form, serving diverse
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purposes from personal entertainment to professional presentations and accessibility aids. They
offer amplified sound benefits but come with drawbacks related to noise and space
requirements.
Actuators Overview:
● A ctuators are devices used by computers to control mechanical systems like conveyer
belts or valves.
● Examples include relays, solenoids, and motors.
● Solenoids, for instance, use a coil and plunger mechanism to create movement (linear or
rotational) when current is applied.
Uses of Actuators:
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● ontrol motors, pumps, switches, buzzers, etc.
● Enable computers to control physical devices that traditionally require analog inputs.
Advantages:
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● nable remote operation of devices, enhancing safety (e.g., in nuclear reactors).
● Generally cost-effective.
Disadvantages:
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● dd complexity and potential points of failure to systems.
● Often require digital-to-analog conversion for computer control.
ctuators thus play a crucial role in bridging the gap between digital control by computers and
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physical control of mechanical systems.