1. Input Devices
- Devices that allow the user to enter data and instructions into a computer.
Examples
- Keyboard → Typing text and numbers.
- Mouse → Pointing and selecting.
- Scanner → Digitizing documents/images.
- Microphone → Voice input.
- Camera/Webcam → Image and video input.
Business Application
- Data entry in banking, barcode readers in retail, biometric attendance in offices.
2. Output Devices
- Devices that display or produce results after computer processing.
Examples
- Monitor (LCD/LED) → Visual display.
- Printer (Laser/Inkjet) → Hard copy output.
- Speakers/Headphones → Audio output.
- Projector → Presentations in classrooms/offices.
Business Application
- Printing invoices, displaying presentations, showing dashboards.
3. Hardware
- Definition: The physical parts of a computer system that you can see and touch.
- Examples: CPU, keyboard, mouse, monitor, hard disk.
- Business Use: Provides the base for all operations (servers, workstations, POS machines).
4. Software
- Definition: A set of programs that tell the hardware what to do.
- Types:
- System Software → Operating systems (Windows, Linux).
- Application Software → MS Office, Tally, Photoshop.
- Business Use: Payroll processing, accounting, presentations, data analysis.
5. Humanware
- Definition: The people who use computers and operate the system (users, programmers, IT staff).
- Examples: Business managers, accountants, students, teachers.
- Business Use: Without skilled human beings, hardware and software are useless.
6. Firmware
- Definition: A combination of hardware + software stored permanently in ROM (Read-Only Memory).
- Acts as instructions embedded in hardware.
- Examples:
- BIOS in computers (helps system start).
- Firmware in printers, routers, smartphones.
- Business Use: Ensures devices run smoothly without constant reprogramming.
Summary Table
| Component | Definition | Examples | Business Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Devices | Enter data into computer | Keyboard, mouse, scanner | Data entry, attendance |
| Output Devices | Show results after processing | Monitor, printer, speakers | Reports, presentations |
| Hardware | Physical components | CPU, monitor, hard disk | Servers, POS machines |
| Software | Programs that control hardware | Windows, Tally, MS Office | Accounting, analysis |
| Humanware | People using the system | Users, IT staff, managers | Decision-making |
| Firmware | Pre-installed permanent software | BIOS, router firmware | Device control |
✅ Student-Friendly Note:
- Input = “Give data”
- Processing = “Computer works on it”
- Output = “Get results”
- Together with Hardware, Software, Humanware, Firmware, they make a complete computer system.