OVERVIEW OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Introduction to IT:

Information is a vital resource for developing the activities of our society. All socio -
Economic progress depends very significantly on transferring the information of commercial,
scientific & technical people in different situations, in different forms with different environments.

In modern dynamic business environment, the management requires the information timely, accurately
and reliably. The information should be shared, and retrieved as and when required. For this purpose a
new technology is used known as IT (Information Technology).

Concept of Hardware

What is Data? Describe Different Types Of Data.

 Data are the set of raw (true) facts and figures i.e. words, letters, symbols, graphics, audios,
videos etc. which are processed to produce meaningful information.
 By themselves they have no meaning.
 Data can be inputted by using input devices such as keyboard, mouse, scanner etc.
 Ex: Educational Data:- Student, Class. Rollno, Section, etc.
Business Data:- Emp name, Age, Design, Dept, Sal etc
Types of Data:
There are different types of data are used such as:
 Text Data (Ex: Alphabets. Numbers, Symbols etc.)
 Graphics Data (Ex: Drawings, Images, Pictures etc.),
 Audio Data (Ex: Voice, Sound, Music, Songs etc.)
 Video Data (Ex: Real Video, Animations, Flash Play etc.)
What is Information? Describe Its Characteristics.
It is the processed data which converted into meaningful information. It helps to user for Decision
Making.
Ex: Students Info, Time Table, Merit List, Printed Documents etc
Instruction + Data = Information
Characteristics of Information
Quality of information refers to its fitness for use, or its reliability. Following are the essential
characteristic or features:
 Completeness: The information which is given to a manager must be
complete and should meet all his needs.
 Accuracy: Information should be accurate. It means that information should be free from
mistakes, errors & clear.
 Relevance: Information is said to be relevant if it answers especially for the recipients what,
why, where, when. who and why?
 Timeliness: Timeliness means that information must reach the recipients within the prescribed
timeframes.

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 What is Processing? Describe different methods of data processing.
Processing : Manipulation of data are called processing.
There are different methods are used for data processing such as
 Manual: In this method data are processed completely by human beings. Ex: Add, Sub, Mul, Div
 Semi Manual: In this method data are processed by both human beings and small instruments like
Calculator or Type writer.
 Mechanical: In this method data are processed by human beings and mechanical devices like Toko
Tore or Printing Press.
 Electronics: In this method data are processed by less effort of human beings and more use of
electronic devices like Computer, Mobile, Pager etc.

What is a Computer? Describe its different units with block diagram.

 Computer is an electronic device that converts data into meaningful information.

 Computer is a high speed electronic device which receives Data as input, stores it, processes it and
gives final output as information.

There are five basic units of computer

 Input Unit:
This is the process of entering data and programs in to the computer system. The input unit takes
data from us to the computer in an organized manner for processing. Examples : Keyboard, Mouse,
Scanner etc.
 Storage / Memory Unit:
The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known as storage. Data has to be fed
into the system before the actual processing starts. It is because the processing speed of Central
Processing Unit (CPU) is so fast then the data has to be provided to CPU. Therefore the data is
first stored in the storage unit for faster access and processing. This storage unit or the primary
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 storage of the computer system is designed to do the above functionality. It provides space for
storing data and instructions.
The storage unit performs the following major functions:
 All data and instructions are stored here before and after processing.
 Intermediate results of processing are also stored here.
 Arithmatic and Logic Unit (ALU):
The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The
actual processing is done in ALU.
 Output Unit : This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful
information. There are two types of output , such as Softcopy Output and Hardcopy Output.
Softcopy Output : The output which is produced on the monitor (Visual Display Unit ) is known
as Softcopy Output.
Hardcopy Output : The printed output which is produced by using printer is known as
Hardcopy Output.
 Control Unit : The manner how instructions are executed and the above operations are
performed. Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control
unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations inside the computer.
Describe the Characteristics of a Computer.
Any computer system that has some common characteristics such as follows:
 Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans while
performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of instructions
per second. The time taken by computers for their operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.
 Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy.
 Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same
consistency and accuracy without getting tired.
 Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works with
same accuracy and efficiency.
 Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we give
same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
 Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without manual intervention.
 Memory
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data. Secondary storage
are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also used to store data.

 Storage and Retrieve (Power of remembering)

Computer systems have a very large capacity to store any type of data. A computer
can store and resell any information due to its storage capacity. Computers have the ability to store all
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 types of data such as data, pictures, files, programs, games, and sound for many years and later we
can get any data in a few seconds at any time.
 Quick Decision
The computer takes the decision very quickly, given by the user in the form of
instructions.
 Multitasking
Multitasking is also a very special feature of computers. A user can do different types of tasks on the
computer at the same time. Like we are using MS Word in computer as well as listening to songs
and also getting printouts.
 No Feelings
In computers, like humans, there is no feeling and emotion, nor does the computer have any
knowledge and experience, because a computer is a machine which works continuously on the
instruction of humans without any selfishness and without tiredness.
 No IQ
A computer is a dumb machine, without a user, a computer is a useless machine or device.
Until a user does not give any instruction, it cannot do any work and only after completing the
instruction, he completes that work very fast. A computer system is completely dependent on
humans for its working.
Describe different types of Computer

Computers are classified on the basis of working principle, size and purpose

Based on working principle, there are three types of computer. Such as

 Analog Computer
 Digital Computer
 Hybrid Computer
Based on Capacity and size, there are four types of computer. Such as
 Mini Computer
 Micro Computer
 Mainframe Computer
 Super Computer

Based on Purpose, there are two types of computer. Such as

 General Purpose Computer
 Special Purpose Computer

Describe the generations of computers.

Computers have five generations in which each generation of computer refers to technological
development.

First Generation (1940-1956):

The computers used vacuum tubes as circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. They took entire
rooms and were very expensive.
Advantages:
 It made use of vacuum tubes which are the only electronic component available during those days.
 These computers could calculate in milliseconds (10-3 Seconds).

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Disadvantages:
 These were very big in size, weight was about 30 tones.
 These computers were based on vacuum tubes.
 These computers were very costly.
 It could store only a small amount of information due to the presence of magnetic drums.
 Vacuum tubes require a large cooling system.
 Very less work efficiency.
 Limited programming capabilities and punch cards were used to take inputs.
 Large amount of energy consumption.
 Not reliable and constant maintenance is required.

Second Generation (1956-1963) :

It is used transistors and thus computers were smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy efficient and
more reliable than their first-generation computers
Advantages:
 Due to the presence of transistors instead of vacuum tubes, the size of electron component
decreased. This resulted in reducing the size of a computer as compared to first generation
computers.
 Less energy and not produce as much heat as the first generation.
 Assembly language and punch cards were used for input.
 Low cost than first generation computers.
 Better speed, calculate data in microseconds(10-6 Seconds).
 Better portability as compared to first generation
Disadvantages:
 A cooling system was required.
 Constant maintenance was required.
 Only used for specific purposes.

Third Generation (1964-1971)

These computers used Integrated Circuits placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which
increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
Advantages:
 These computers were cheaper as compared to second generation computers.
 They were fast and reliable.
 Small size of the computer.
 IC not only reduces the size of the computer but it also improves the performance of the computer as
compared to previous computers.
 This generation of computers has big storage capacity.
 Instead of punch cards, mouse and keyboard are used for input.
 They used an operating system for better resource management and used the concept of time-
sharing and multiple programming.
 These computers reduce the computational time from microseconds to nano seconds(10-9
Seconds).
Disadvantages:
 IC chips are difficult to maintain.
 The highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.
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 Air conditioning is required.

Fourth Generation (1971-Present)

These computes used microprocessors, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single
silicon chip.
Advantages:
 Fastest in computations.
 Heat generated is negligible.
 Small in size as compared to previous generation computers.
 Less maintenance is required.
 All types of high-level language can be used in this type of computers.
Disadvantages:
 The Microprocessor design and fabrication are very complex.
 Air conditioning is required in many cases due to the presence of ICs.
 Advance technology is required to make the ICs.

Fifth Generation
Present and Beyond computers are based on Artificial Intelligence technology, are still in development.

Advantages:
 It is more reliable and works faster.
 It is available in different sizes and unique features.
 It provides computers with more user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features.
Disadvantages:
 They need very low-level languages.
 They may make the human brains dull and doomed.

What is Information Technology? Describe its features / advantages.

 IT is defined as it is a combination of equipments (hardware & software).
 It facilitates to create, storage modify, retrieve, achieve, and transforms the information using e-
media.(Ex: Computer, Mobile, Internet etc.)
Advantages

 Increase production: With machinery, the production can be multiplied the number of times as
machines have the capability to perform better. The work done by the machine is more accurate
and is done with perfection. Technology has helped people make profits multiple times.
 Saves times: Today everything is automated, and this technology helps to save a lot of time in
doing things that are not possible by humans.
 Technology helps improve services: If we purchase anything on internet, then we are getting
good services directly from company with the help of customer care.
 Easy and quick communication: With a click of a button, one can make calls, send emails, fax,
order things online, and do a lot of things with the help of technology. Technology has helped us
in giving better modes of communication.

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  Reduces online crime/cybercrime: Today, the technology is so advanced that there are apps
made to find fraud within seconds. Cyber-attacks have reduced as there are advanced algorithms
made to detect any kind of cybercrime.
 Has increased safety: With the help of technology, there are CCTV cameras made that keeps
your valuables at the shop and home safe. Even our mobile phones, laptops, Godrej locker, have
lock systems that keep our data and other valuables safe. We can use fingerprint, eye, or face
recognition to open our phone, laptop, and other devices.
 Improves Data Storage, File Management, And Data Reporting/ Analysis : Businesses use
cloud hosting services to store and backup business data. Also, it saves on paperwork and makes
transfer and access to data possible remotely.
 Improves Financial Management : Business owners can easily balance their books with less
experience in accounting because software is well equipped with every tool needed in accounting
etc such as Tally, Quick Books, Bookkeeper, Sage 50, and Account Edge
 Entertainment : The widespread use of internet on laptops, smart phones, iPods, and other
devices has given us unlimited access to various entertainment platforms.

Disadvantages
 Unemployment: People are being dependent on computers for every work and also for their
existence. This further has brought unemployment as a single computer is capable of doing the
work of so many people that too in very less time.
 Data security: Using the latest technology, one can hack our computer, bank accounts, office
data, and a lot more just by sitting at home. Sharing a single piece of information online clearly
means that there are vast chances of data reaching the hands of criminals, hackers, terrorists, and
foreign enemies.
 People get distracted easily : People get distracted easily by using social media that has kept
youngsters, adults, and children engaged, and thus they get distracted from doing their daily
chores.
 Health issues: People today are so possessed with technology that they forget to care about their
own health. This affects their health in different ways. They have eye-sight problems, obesity,
insomnia, and a lot more.
 People get involved in seeing unwanted things: Due to the internet, people, especially students
and youngsters, get involved in seeing the wrong apps. They are using apps that are not legal and
are good for their growing minds.
 Addiction: Some people have an addiction to playing online games, using dating websites,
watching a movie every night which has its own diverse effects.

What is Information Technology? Describe its uses in different areas.

 IT is playing a vital role in almost every areas of society now.

 It is used in private and public sectors, scientific institutions, business and commercial applications as
well.
Some of the important fields of IT applications are outlined below:
IT in Agriculture: IT in National
Development:
IT in Business: IT in Office:
IT in Communication: IT in Police Department:
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 IT in Designing: IT in Quiz Programs:
IT in Entertainment: IT in Research and
Development:
IT in Film Industry: IT in Space and
Technology:
IT in Games & Sports: IT in Transportation:
IT in Health & Medicine: IT in Universities:
IT in Insurance: IT in Video Games:
IT in Journalism: IT in Weather Forecasting:
IT in KIPS: IT in X-Ray:
IT in Library: IT in Youth:
IT in Marketing: IT in Zombie (For Hackers):

What is Hardware? Describe its Types.

 The physical and mechanical part of computer is known as Hardware.

 These are the tangible part of computer that means one can see and touch the
 hardware.
 Example of hardware are all input devices, output device, memory device, processors etc.
 There are two types of hardware such as Internal Hardware and External Hardware
Types of Hardware:
 Internal Hardware: The hardware those are placed within the CPU is called Internal hardware.
Ex: video card, sound card, network card, mother board, Internal memories, IC Chips,
Capacitors, transistors, Diodes etc.
 External Hardware: The hardware those are placed outside the CPU is called External hardware.
Ex: keyboard, mouse, printer, floppy disk etc.

What is Software? Describe itsTypes.

 The application part (set of programs) of computer is known as Software.
 These are the intangible part of computer that means one can’t see and touch the
software.
 Examples areOperating System, MS word, Antivirus Software etc
 There are three types of Software such as System software, Application software, Utility software
Types of Software:

System software:
 It is a set of programs that is designed to run a computer’s hardware and
application programs.
 It also controls the entire operation of computer. E.g Operating System, BIOS program,
Language translator etc
Application software:

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  It is a set of programs that is designed to perform a specific task for the user or
other application programs.
 E.g. MS Word, MS Excel etc.
Utility software:
 It is set of programs used to analyze, configure, monitor, help or maintain a
Computer.
 E.g. Antivirus Software, Bootable software, Compression Software etc.

Differentiate between hardware and Software.

Hardware:
 Physical parts of the computer are called hardware.
 One can touch, see and feel hardware.
 Hardware is constructed using physical materials or components.
 Computer has hardware, which operates under the control of a software.
 If hardware is damaged, it is replaced with new one.
 Hardware is not affected by computer viruses.
 Hardware cannot be transferred from one place to another electronically through network.
 User cannot make new duplicate copies of the hardware.
Software:
 A set of instructions given to the computer is called software.
 One cannot touch and see the software.
 Software is developed by writing instructions in programming language.
 The operations of computer are controlled through software.
 If software is damaged or corrupted, its backup copy can be reinstalled.
 Software is affected by computer viruses.
 Software can be transferred from one place to another electronically through network
 User can make many new duplicate copies of the software.

Establish a relation between Hardware and Software.

 Hardware and software both are interdependent on each other.

 Each of them should work together to form computer system which produce a useful output.
 The software cannot be used if there is no support of any hardware device.
 Like that, when there are no proper instructions given with the help of
softwares, the hardware cannot be used and is useless.
 To get a selected job, done on the PC, the relevant software package has to be loaded into
the hardware.
 The software acts as an interface between the user and the hardware.
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 We can say the hardware and software are the heart and soul of a digital computer.

Input Devices:
This unit allows the user to receive data and instructions from outside environment to be fed into
computer system by interfacing with binary language.

Keyboard: It is the commonly used input device of the computer that inputs the Text data which
works as a typewriter that consists of different keys like Alphabets, Numbers, Function Keys, Other
keys etc.
Mouse: It is also widely used input device of the computer which works as pointing device of
computer screen. It has different types like Wire/Codeless mouse, Optical mouse, Mechanical
mouse etc.
Track Pad: It is mainly used in Laptops to move the cursor in desired direction. It contains a spin to
control the data and instructions of user to processor.
Joystick: It is used in some mobiles and video games of Smart TV or PC to move the objects of
games in different directions like Top, Bottom, Left or Right.
WebCam: It is a Web (Internet) camera used mostly in Laptops/Mobile/PC to capture video images
into the computer. It works with its own installed software.
Touch Screen: It is mostly used in Mobiles or ATM Monitor screens which
receives instructions by touching with our finger tips.
Microphone: It is used to input the voice or sound into the computer by the user or other devices,
hence it works as Voice Recognizer.
Biometric Sensor: It is Sensor used for different biological traits (qualities) like to verify Attendance,
Signature, Face recognition, DNA identifications, Fingerprints etc.
Scanner: It is similar to a photocopier which receives the data in an image format. It has three types like:
Hand-Held, Drum and Flatbed scanner.
MICR: It means Magnetic Ink Character Reader is one of the input device of the computer mostly
used in the Banks. It reads the human characters and transfers it into computer readable format.
OCR: It means Optical Character Reader is one of the input device of the computer mostly used in
shopping malls. It reads the printed documents by optical lights and transfers it into computer
readable format.
OMR: It means Optical Mark Reader is one of the input device of the computer mostly used for the
automatic examination evaluations. It reads human darken markers and convert it into computer
readable format.
BCR: It means Bar Code Reader is one of the input device of the computer mostly used for different
products of production companies. It reads the Bars printed on any product and recognize the its codes
by using computers.
SCR: It means Smart Card Reader is one of the input device of the computer used for different purpose
like ATM, Debit/Credit Cards, e-Wallet, Digital Card, Driving License etc. It reads all smart cards and
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encode them into the computer.

Input Devices
The device that are used to input the data from the outside ~ór1d to computer is called input device.

1. Keyboard
 A computer keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with a computer.
 It looks similar to those found on electric typewriters, but with some additional keys.
 Keyboards allow us to input alphabets, numbers, and other symbols into a computer that can
serve as commands or be used to type text.
 In general, there are 104 keys are available in keyboard.
 There are two types of key board such as Wired Keyboard and Wireless Keyboard
 Wired Keyboard:
 A wired keyboard means there is a wire connecting your keyboard to your computer.
 At the end of the wire is a USB plug or PS2 pin that goes into a USB/PS2 port on your
computer.
 Wired keyboards are extremely reliable.

 Wireless Keyboard:
 A wireless keyboard is a computer keyboard that allows the user to communicate with
computers, tablets, or laptops with the help of radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) or
Bluetooth technology.
 It is common for wireless keyboards available these days to be accompanied by a wireless
mouse.

2. Mouse
 It is an input device used to interact in Windows or GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment.
 It is used as the pointing device of its monitor screen.
 It can be used to point the objects, icons, files, folders etc.
 They can do various functions for the users like Dragging, Selecting, Left Click, Right
 Click, Rolling etc. to the various objects.
 There are different types of mouse used; such as
• Wired Mechanical / Ball Mouse
• Wired Opto - Mechanical Mouse
• Wired Optical Mouse
• Wireless Mouse

3. Joystick
 It is an input device which is mostly used for Video games or some graphical applications.
 It can be used for controlling the movement of the cursor or a pointer in a computer device. So it
is called as cursor control device.
 It consists of a tracker ball and a stick set with two crossed grooves which move in the direction
of top, bottom, left or right.
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 One main advantages of the joystick is that it provides fast interactions which are much needed in
gaming applications for better in quality as compared to other input devices.
 It has a simple design and is easy to learn and use.

4. Track ball
 A trackball is an input device used to enter motion data into computers or other electronic
devices.
 It serves the same purpose as a mouse, but is designed with a moveable ball on the top, which
can be rolled in any direction. *
 Instead of moving the whole device, one can simply roll the moveable ball on top of the trackball
unit with hand to generate motion input.
 Trackballs designed for computers generally serve as mouse replacements and are primarily used
to move the cursor on the screen.
 Like mouse, computer trackball devices also include buttons, which can serve as left-click and
right-click buttons and may also be used to enter other command.
 They are not only used with computers but also be found in other electronics devices.

5. Light pen
 It is also a pointing device which consists of a photocell mounted in a pen shaped tube.
 When the pen is brought in front of a picture element of the screen, it senses light coming from a
limited field of view.
 The electric pulses are transmitted to a processor that identifies the pixel (picture element /
graphical points) by the light pen.
 It can work with any CRT-based monitor, but not with LCD screens or projectors or other display
devices.

6.Track Pad
 A trackpad, is also known as a touchpad or glide pad, glide point, pressure sensitive tablet.
 It is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion.
 It is mainly used in Laptops to move the cursor in desired direction.
 It is a device that translates the position and motion (left, right, up, and down) of your fingers in
order to move the cursor on your screen and interact with websites and applications.
 It contains a spin to control the data and instructions of user to processor

7.Web Camera
 A webcam is a camera that connects to a computer.
 It captures either still pictures or motion video with the help of softwares,
 It can also transmit its video on the Internet in real-time.
 Now a days, most webcams are either embedded in the top edge of a laptop computer display or
connected to the computers by USB or FireWire port.
 Unlike a digital camera, a webcam does not have any built-in storage.
 It is always connected to a computer and uses the computer hard drive as its storage.

8. Touch Screen
 A touch screen is an electronic display screen that is used as an input device.
 It allows users to interact with a computer using their finger or stylus.
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 They are a useful alternative to a mouse or keyboard for navigating a GUI (graphical user
interface).
 Touch screens are used on various devices, such as computer and laptop
displays, smartphones, tablets, cash registers, and information kiosks.
 A user interacts with the touch-controlled appliance by using hand gestures and fingertip
movements to tap pictures, moving elements or type words on the screen.
 The screens are pressure-sensitive and can be used or manipulated using fingers or a stylus.
 Some devices also use touch screens with a grid of infrared beams to sense the presence of a
finger instead of utilizing touch-sensitive input.

9. Microphone
 A microphone is an input device used to convert sound waves into electric waves or input the
audio into computers.
 It captures audio by converting sound waves into an electrical signal, which may be a digital or
analog signal.
 This process can be implemented by a computer or other digital audio devices.
 It is used for voice recording and voice recognition.
 It allows users to record sound of musical instruments.
 It enables users to online chatting and for computer gaming.

10. Biometric Sensor

 Biometrics" is the term which refers to domain related to body measurements and related
calculations.
 The transducer device which changes biometric characteristics (e.g. fingerprint, face, voice
etc.) of a person into electrical signal is known as biometric sensor.
 It is used for wide variety of applications like fingerprint authentication, voice recognition,
facial recognition, retinal scanning etc.
 The main components of biometric devices include the following:
 a reader or scanning device to record the biometric factor being authenticated.
 software to convert the scanned biometric data into a standardized digital format and to
compare match points of the observed data with stored data.
 a database to securely store biometric data for comparison.
 Advatages
 Hard to fake or steal, unlike passwords.
 Easy and convenient to use.
 Nontransferable and efficient because templates take up less storage.
 Disadvatages
 It is costly to get a biometric system up and running.
 If the system fails to capture all of the biometric data, it can lead to failure in
identifying a user.
 Databases holding biometric data can still be hacked.
 Errors such as false rejects and false accepts can still happen.
 If a user gets injured, then a biometric authentication system may not work

11. Scanner

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  A scanner is an electrical device that reads and converts documents such as photos and pages
of text into a digital signal.
 This changes the documents in a form that can be viewed and or modified on a computer
system by using software applications.
 As the scanner takes the picture, it digitizes the image (breaks it up into dots that can be
recreated on the computer screen with electronic signals), and send this digital information to
the computer as a file.
 A scanner also needs software to get the job done.
 Various software can give different kinds of options, such as dithering patterns, resolution,
file formats, etc. Although software is always supplied with the scanner.
 There are several kinds of scanners available in the market that have different resolutions.
Such as
 Flatbed Scanners
 Sheetfed Scanners
 Handheld Scanner
 Drum Scanner
 Photo Scanner
 Film Scanner
 Portable Scanners

12. MICR
 It is a technique that enables special characters printed in magnetic ink to be read and input
rapidly to a computer.
 When a document that contains this ink needs to be read, it passes through a machine, which
magnetizes the ink and then translates the magnetic information into characters.
 MICR is used to verify the legality or originality of paper documents, especially checks.
 MICR is used extensively in banking because magnetic-ink characters are difficult to fake
and are therefore ideal for marking and identifying cheques.
 The reader can read the MICR codes, even if there is a sign or stamp over it.
 It provides error-free work.
 The MICR codes with errors are straight away rejected, and the ink used in the MICR code is
of the best quality and expensive, which assures us that the codes are not fake or false.
 It guarantees high-security standards.

13. OCR
 OCR stands for "Optical Character Recognition / Reader ".
 It enables you to convert previously printed text material into information, without retyping
it.
 It is a technology that recognizes text within a digital image.
 It is commonly used to recognize text in scanned documents and images.
 OCR scanned images of paper documents as input and automatically convert them into digital
format for computer aided data processing.

14. OMR
 OMR stands for "Optical Mark Recognition / Reader ".
 It is an input device of computer system that is used for collecting data and information from
other sources and presenting it to a computer system for further processing and handling.
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  It uses a laser light beam to identify any marks on the paper.
 OMR devices read those signs and provide input to the computer.
 They are extensively used in examinations to check correct answers.
 Optical Mark Reader will check more copies in less time and save our time.
 With the help of Optical Mark Reader, there are low chances of the wrong check of the
answer sheet.
 With the help of the OMR sheet, data collection will be effortless.

15. BCR
 BCR stands for Barcode Reader
 Barcodes are made up of both black and white strains.
 This is machine-readable code in the form of numbers and lines that are mostly parallel and
are printed on all products.
 These lines store numbers and data, which can be easily read with a barcode scanner.
 That data can be easily entered into the computer.
 Barcode Systems prove to be very helpful in any business.
 With the help of these big companies can level and track the prices and stocks of their
products.
 Mostly it is used by the company to increase its productivity and efficiency in its Computer
Centralized System.

16. SCR (Smart Card Readers)

 A plastic card with a built-in microprocessor, used typically to perform financial transaction
 A smart card reader is a device that is used to read a smart card.
 These cards have the capacity to store a lot of information, do encryption and validation as well.
 Smart Card Readers are commonly used for electronic processes such as personal identification,
financial transactions (EMV credit card, debit or stored value), access
control , authentication, loyalty, hospitality and gaming.
 Smart card readers are available in different type such as contact, contactless, or a combination of
contact and contactless models called dual-interface card readers.

 Contact Smart Card Readers

 Contact smart card readers require that the card is manually inserted into the reader by the
user.
 This application is most commonly used for applications that require more security, like
government IDs (National ID, drivers license, Personal Identity Verification (PIV), e-
commerce transactions, campus IDs, secure network login, vending, meal plans, loyalty,
electronic cash, and health care cards (insurance, electronic medical records / EMR) and
border crossing cards.

 Contactless Smart Card Readers

 Contactless smart card readers operate with a radio frequency such as NFC or RFID that
communicates when the smart card comes close to the reader.
 The card does not physically have to be put onto or into the actual reader.
 It offers the added convenience and speed of not having to insert the card into a reader. The
most common applications for contactless card readers include door and facility physical
access control (PACS), ePassports, parking, vending, and tollbooth fares.

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