TYPOGRAPHY & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (ENGLISH) (817)

THEORY

Unit-1

PART- I INTRODUCTION TO TYPOGRAPHY

1.1 INTRODUCTION:

In the olden days when the Typewriter was not in existence, the letters, documents etc.
used to be written with Pen. Writing with Pen was time-consuming but the invention of
Typewriter has brought a major change in the transmission of information in a neat, clean
and legible manner.

It will be interesting for you to know that Typewriter has been a source of getting jobs
to millions of people all over the world. Since you have taken this subject, you may also
be able to get a job as Junior Assistant, Computer Operator, Data Operator, Front Office
Assistant, Office Assistant and similar other jobs in Public or in Private Sector Offices by
learning the useful skill of Typewriting/Typography either on the Typewriter or on the
Computer. The matter typed on Typewriter or Computer is most attractive and distinctly
more legible as compared to handwritten matter.
In this Unit you will be taught about the origin and development of Typewriters,
importance of typewriters, various categories of Typewriters. You will also be briefly
taught about the Computers and Laptops.

1.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After going through this Unit, you will be able to:
- Know the history of typewriter;
- Define Typography
- Understand the importance of learning typewriting on typewriter or computer;
- Identify various types of Typewriters
- Know that this is a job-oriented course;

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- Distinguish between various types of typewriters;
- Define Standard Typewriter;
- Enlist the salient features of Electronic Typewriter
- Justify the use of Typewriter or computer over hand writing
- Know about computer and laptop;
- Acquire the skill of typewriting on typewriter or computer or laptop.

1.2 THE TYPEWRITER

The Typewriter is a machine which produces characters resembling to those of
ordinary printed matter. These characters are printed on the paper one by one by
mechanical means with each depression of the key on the Keyboard of the typewriter.
The machine on which you will learn typewriting to produce print-like matter is
known as typewriter. The process of producing print like impressions on the
typewriter or Computer or Laptop is known as Typography.

1.3 ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF TYPEWRITER:

Before the invention of Typewriter, the work of writing letters, reports, documents,
court judgments etc. was being done in long hand. To overcome this lengthy and
tiring process of writing documents in long hand, an effort was made in this direction
in Western countries. First attempt to invent a Typewriter was made by Mr. Henry
Mill, an engineer in England in the year 1714, during the reign of Queen Anne, but he
did not succeed.

Second worthwhile attempt was made by Mr. W.A. Burt of U.S.A. in 1829. He
succeeded in producing some kind of a machine which was known as „Burt
Typographer‟. But this machine was not at all perfect. The model produced by Burt
was destroyed in a fire accidently.
After this, many engineers and mechanics tried to build a typewriter but they could
not produce a successful model. It was in the year 1868, when Mr. Christopher
Lantham Sholes of USA, assisted by Carlos Glidden and Samuel Soule, succeeded in
inventing the first efficient and practical typewriter. Christopher Lantham Sholes is
thus called the inventor and father of the typewriter.

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Sholes later on built various other models during the next six years making some or the
other improvements, but all these models could type only CAPITAL LETTERS.
However, the features of this machine remained standard in all the machines even
today.
After Sholes successfully produced a model of the typewriter, the work of
manufacturing was entrusted to M/s. E. Remington & Sons of U.S.A., who produced
the first model of the Remington Typewriter in 1874. This machine looked like a
sewing machine. The Remington Company made various improvements in the
machines.
Dr. August Dvorak of Washington designed a modified Keyboard for typewriter on
which one could type for hours together, but somehow his modified keyboard could
not become popular.
Originally, typewriting was done with only two fingers which is known as Sight
method of Typewriting. Till 1877, only the Sight method of Typewriting was used. In
1878 Mr. Charles McGurin, an American Typist, introduced Touch Method of
Typewriting, which helped the typists to type without looking at the keyboard with all
the fingers of both the hands.. This created a revolution in the history of the
typewriter. Mr. McGurin demonstrated to the world that he could type at a speed of 90
words per minute on a Remington Typewriter by using the Touch Method of
Typewriting.
Remington Company introduced an additional key in the Keyboard known as Shift
Key. With the help of this key, both capital and lower capital letters could be typed.
Soon after these improvements, the demand for typewriter increased. To meet the
demand, Remington Company opened their agencies in U.K., India, Australia and
some other countries. The first agency of Typewriters was started in India in 1896
In the meantime some other companies started manufacturing their makes of
typewriters, the major among them being the Underwood Company, which perfected
the first Standard Typewriter in 1896.
In the first quarter of twentieth century, need was felt to manufacture different
categories of typewriters which could meet the requirements of the typists in different
situations. Noiseless Typewriter, which reduced the noise while typing, was
introduced in the market in 1925.
To meet the requirements of those typists who used to travel with their Officers,
Portable Typewriter was introduced in the market in 1931.

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 The Typewriter Companies introduced an Electric Typewriter which made its
appearance in the market in the year 1938. This enabled the typists to do more work
without getting tired.
So far the typewriters with only English keyboard were available but by the middle of
the Twentieth Century typewriters with keyboards in different languages including
Hindi language came into the market.
Electronic Typewriter is an improved version of Electric Typewriter with many
additional features.
In order to have a quick look at the historical development of the typewriter, a chart is
being given below:

Historical Development of the Typewriter

1714 First known Inventor – Henry Mill
1829 Burt Typographer
1868 First practical Typewriter by Christopher Lantham Sholes
1873 The contract to manufacture Typewriters with E. Remington & Sons
1878 Touch Typewriting by Charles McGurin
1896 First Agency in India of Remington Company
1896 First Standard Typewriter by Underwood Company
1925 Noiseless Typewriter
1931 The first Portable Typewriter
1938 The first Electric Typewriter

. By the end of the 1980s, Word Processors and Personal Computers have largely replaced
typewriters in the world. In India, typewriters are being used only in the areas which do not
have computers or where electricity is not available. Now almost all the typewriting tests are
being held on Computers.

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1.4 IMPORTANCE OF TYPEWRITER/COMPUTER

There are many advantages of using a typewriter/Computer, as given below:

- Provides jobs to millions of people:

Before the Computers came into existence, the Typewriters have provided jobs to
millions of boys and girls in both the public and private sectors. Majority of employees
in the Government and Private Offices have been appointed after passing the Typewriting
Tests on Typewriters. Till recently the Staff Selection Commission, which makes
appointments of office staff for the Central Government Offices all over the country, has
been conducting Typewriting Tests on Typewriters. It is only for the last two years, the
typewriting tests are being conducted on Computers. The typewriting on Computers is
also done by using the Touch Method of Typewriting, which enhances the typewriting
speed in comparison to the persons using the Keyboard with only two fingers of both the
hands.

- It is a desirable Skill:

Typewriting has become a desirable skill like the other professions. It is learnt not
only by the boys and girls desirous of getting jobs but also by many other persons
Executives, Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Students, teachers and business men who use
it for doing their personal and confidential work. Now-a-days the Computers are being
used by everybody.

- It has replaced Pen:

The use of Typewriter/Computer has replaced the Pen which was being used for writing
various documents in longhand, which was time-consuming and tiring.

- It ensures Speed and Accuracy:

The work on Typewriter/Computer can be done with a much higher speed in comparison
to the work done by Pen. It ensures greater accuracy.

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 - It saves time and energy:

The work done on Typewriter/Computer is done at a faster speed without much effort, it
results in the saving of time and energy of its Operator.

- It produces work which is impressive in look:

Work done on Typewriter/Computer can be read easily and is more impressive in look
when it is properly displayed. Handwritten work takes longer time and if the handwriting
of the person is not good, sometimes it becomes very difficult to read the handwritten
documents.

- It develops concentration:

One can typewrite accurately only when one works with full concentration. The habits
formed while typing improves concentration which is an important character trait for
doing any other type of work.

- It helps Blind people:

Typewriting can also be learnt by blind persons by using the „Braille‟

Typewriters/Computers which are specially designed for this purpose.

1.5 CATEGORIES OF TYPEWRITERS

There are the following five categories of typewriters:

Standard Typewriter
Noiseless Typewriter
Portable Typewriter
Electric Typewriter
Electronic Typewriter
These are explained below:

1.5.1 STANDARD TYPWRITER

“Standard” means “that which is recognized as a rule or model of approved merit or

excellence”. The expression “Standard Typewriter” signifies that the machine is a model of

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excellence for the purpose it is used, namely, to write rapidly, accurately and neatly. The
Standard Typewriter was perfected by the Underwood Company in 1896*.

All the Standard Typewriters have the following common features:

 A four-row (bank) Keyboard;

 The arrangement of keys in a similar order of letters;

 A single shift operation for capitals and additional characters; and

 Visibility of writing by “front upstroke typebar action”, which means that the type is
arranged in a semi-circle in front of the machine and strikes upwards on the paper.

 Any typewriter which does not have any or all these features is called a non-standard
typewriter. Prior to the invention of the Standard Typewriter in 1896, all the
typewriters were non-standard typewriters. Now only standard typewriters are
manufactured

1.5.2 NOISELESS TYPEWRITER:

This Typewriter works on the principle of “pressure printing” instead of usual stroking
method and, therefore, it makes less noise than any other ordinary typewriter. The first
noiseless typewriter with three rows of keys was produced in 1910 but it had certain defects.
A perfect Noiseless Typewriter was produced in 1925.

This typewriter is used by the Operator, when he/she has to sit in the room of the Officer and
to type close to him. However, these typewriters are not manufactured and are in very rare
use. The main drawback of this typewriter was that it could hardly produce 2-3 copies at a
time as all the subsequent copies were not clear.

. 1.5.3 PORTABLE TYPEWRITER:

The Portable Typewriter has all the features of a Standard Typewriter but its weight is light.
It is used by travelling Operators. It is also useful for professionals, businessmen, journalists,
doctors, executives and others who have to travel frequently and require letters, documents to
be typed during the course of their business tours. Since the machine is very light and takes
up little space, it can be carried as easily as an attaché case.

All Portable Typewriters have a four-row (bank) keyboard and their operation is similar to
that of a standard typewriter. Portable typewriters came in the market in 1931.

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1.5.4 ELECTRIC TYPEWRITERS:

The first electric typewriter was produced by the Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company,
of Stamford, Connecticut, in 1902, followed by the improved versions by various
manufacturers in 1914. Ultimately, an improved version of the electric typewriter came in
1938. It used a cylindrical type-wheel rather than individual type-bars like the manual
typewriters but it was not a commercial success, because at that time electricity had not been
standardized and voltage differed from city to city. The Olympia typewriters were most
successful in Germany between 1950 and 1970.

Many electric typewriters have dispensed with type bars and instead use a small round-
shaped head, commonly known as „golf ball‟. The surface of the head carries all the
characters needed to match with those of the keyboard. When the keys are operated on the
keyboard, the typing head revolves to the required printing position and prints the character.
The golf ball can be easily replaced by a printing head with different type faces.

Main advantages of this typewriter are:

(a) There is no need to use the hands to return the carriage from left to right
position;

(b) A very light and feather touch is needed for the operation of the keyboard;

(c) The Operator does not tire even after many hours of work;

(d) There is uniformity of impression on the paper;

(e) Neat work is produced.

(f) Different type-faces can be taken by changing the golf ball;

(g) Mathematical typewriting can be done by changing the ordinary golf ball to
the one having mathematical signs whereas the same facility is not available in
the ordinary manual typewriter.

1.5.5 ELECTRONIC TYPEWRITER:

Electronic Typewriter is an improvement in the Electric Typewriter. This typewriter has
been introduced in the Indian market since 1982. Electronic Typewriters are based on the
sophisticated micro-processor computer technology. These are operated by microchips. All
the character keys are the same as on the manual and electric typewriters. There are major

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changes in the adjustment keys. The salient features of Electronic Typewriters are given
below:

- It has a variety of automatic electronically controlled features, including paper feed,

margins, tabulator stops, bold printing, carriage return, underscoring, margin
justification, decimal tabulation and centering.
- It has a storage memory like Word Processor. But the memory is of a limited degree.
- There is a visual display screen of two-three lines. The Operator can see the text on
these lines and if there is any correction, it can be carried out before giving the print
command.
- The printing element is normally a daisy-wheel with a character at the end of each
spoke. It gives fast printing and high print quality with a choice of type -faces in 10,
12 and 15 pitch with proportional spacing. Daisy wheels are easy to load and can be
easily and quickly changed. Daisy-wheels are available in different prints.
- On certain typewriters, bi-lingual system is also available. Texts both in English and
Hindi can be typed only on one typewriter by changing the daisy wheel and certain
codes on the typewriter.
- Corrections on first page can be carried out automatically with the help of a key on
the keyboard. A correcting tape is installed in the typewriter which lifts the incorrect
characters with the depression of a key and the correct characters can be re-typed in
place of the incorrect characters lifted by the correcting tape.

Model of Electronic Typewriter

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1.5.6 Computers

Information Technology has played a vital role in our lives. All of us are using this
technology in our day to day functioning. Computer is one of the most modern devices that is
being used by majority of people in their homes and offices. It is the most revolutionary
invention. Computer functions through hardware and software. Hardware represents the
physical components of the computer and software represents the set of programs that govern
the operation of a computer system and make the hardware run.

Computers are being used everywhere. Our most of the services have been computerized
such as railways, banking, airways, electricity, hotels, schools, colleges, shops, big malls,
industries, defence, etc. The main characteristics of computer are: Speed, high storage
capacity, accuracy, reliability, and versatility. You will read more about the Computers in
the following pages.

1.5.7 Laptops
Laptops are those computers which could be operated by putting it in your laps. These are
used in businesses and at home to communicate on computer network, for word processing
and to play games. These laptops have large amount of internal memory to store different
programs and documents. These laptops are equipped with a keyboard; a mouse, track ball or
other pointing devices and a video display, Monitor or LCD to display information. They
have similar hardware and software as other PCs have. Laptop computers (also called
notebooks) can be carried from one place to other very easily and conveniently like portable
typewriter.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What do you understand by Typography?

2. Who is called the Inventor/Father of the Typewriter?
3. Who invented Touch method of Typewriting?
4. Which Company introduced the additional key in the Keyboard known as Shift Key?
5. In which year the first agency of Typewriters started in India?
6. Name the Typewriter invented by Mr. W.A. Burt in the year 1829.
7. How many categories of typewriters are there? Explain any two.
8. What are the advantages of Typewriter/Computer?

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 9. What do you understand by a Standard Typewriter? Enlist its salient features.
10. What are the advantages of Electric Typewriter?
11. Write the salient features of an Electronic Typewriter.
12. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words in the following sentences:
 The Electronic Typewriters were introduced in Indian market in the year ______.
 The _________Typewriter has all the features of a Standard Typewriter except its weight
is light.
 The Noiseless Typewriter works on the principle of ___________printing instead of
usual stroking method.
 There are _________ categories of Typewriters.
 The first Standard Typewriter was manufactured by Underwood Company in the year
__________.
 The first attempt to invent a Typewriter was made in the year 1714 by
Mr._____________.

***************

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 Unit-2

KEYBOARD OPERATIONS

2.1 INTRODUCTION:

In the last Unit, you have read about the invention of typewriter by Christopher Latham
Sholes, particularly the „keyboard‟, which is the crucial part of the typewriter. Keys of letters
were not positioned alphabetically on the board, called the keyboard. The keyboard had been
designed in four rows, each row having 10-11 letter-keys. People used different methods for
the operation of this keyboard. Every method had some merits and demerits. In this unit you
will also learn the operation of Home Row, Top Row, Bottom Row, and the Row for
Operation of Numbers and Signs.

2.2 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After going through this unit, you will be able to:

 Know the keyboard used in typewriters vis-à-vis computers/laptops.

 Know the correct sitting posture of a typist.

 Selection of right height chair & table.

 Placement of machine on the table .

 Methods of operation of keyboard.

 Merits & demerits of both methods.

 Learn of home row, upper row, bottom row and special row of numbers etc.

2.3 KEYBOARD
The first successful arrangement of letter keys on the keyboard was designed by Sholes &
Glidden. His team worked day and night for the smooth functioning of their machine,
particularly the keyboard. Some suggested the fixing of English letters alphabetically while
others suggested some alternative methods but after a thorough trial of the suggested ways,
the styles suggested by the people proved to be unworthy. Ultimately, the Sholes‟ layout of
keys has become the standard for English-language typewriter and computer keyboards. The
Computer keyboard is popularly known as “QWERTY keyboard‟. Q,W,E,R,T and Y being
the six alphabets put on the top row of the standard keyboard. They became the reason of
naming it as QWERTY keyboard. In a „universal‟ typewriter, there were 46 keys typing 92

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characters including signs. Although typewriters in the advanced information technology
have become redundant, yet the keyboard used in computers is the same as used by Sholes in
typewriters. Layout of the keyboard has changed very little ever since it was introduced.
Numbers of keys on a typical keyboard vary from 82 keys to 108 keys.

2.3.1 QWERTY KEYBOARD

. Function Keys

Modifier Typing Keys/Character Keys

Keys Space Bar Cursor Keys Numeric Pad

2.3.2 Keys of Keyboard

There are different keys on the keyboard of the computers – these are consisting of
alphanumeric or character keys for typing, and for altering the functions of other keys are
called modifier keys. Navigation keys are used for moving the text cursor on the screen and
function keys – such as Esc and break – for special actions, and often a numeric keypad to
facilitate calculations.

There is a difference between the mechanical layouts of the different Computers of the
different countries –relating to number of keys and their positions also.

- Character keys
The basic section of a keyboard is consisting of character keys, which can be used to type
letter and other characters. There are three rows of keys for typing letters and punctuation
signs, an upper row for typing digits and special symbols, and the space bar on the bottom

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row. The positioning of the character keys is similar to the keyboard of a typewriter. That is
the reasons; the keyboard is called the Universal keyboard.

- Modifier Key
Besides the character keys, a keyboard consists of special keys that do nothing by themselves
but modify the functions of other keys. For example, we can alter the output of the character
key with the use of shift key - such as - Ctrl key (control) and Alt (alternate) keys are used for
other keys.

2.3.3 SITTING POSTURE

There should be a perfect sitting posture for typing on the keyboard. Body must be upright
and shoulders should be relaxed, your feet should be flat on the floor. For the perfect sitting
posture, the following guidelines should be followed:

(a) Use cushioned chair that helps you keep your body straight. The chair so selected should
be adjustable, so that you can set the height of the chair to rest your feet flat on the floor.
Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest. Some people like sitting in a slightly lounged
position as it creates less stress on the back.

(b) Support your lower back.

(c) In typing-mode, never cross legs.

(d) Both the feet should touch the floor maintaining a distance of about 15 cm between the
two feet.

(e) Have a comfortable chair with adjustable armrests, if possible.

(f) Have a cushioned seat.

(g) Your keyboard should be at a height that allows your elbows to be bent and close to your
sides.

- Chair & Table

If the typist has furniture shaped to support his/her body, best posture, they can stay focused
on the work, or operate in front of them. Determine the best chair height by seating with
knees at 90° and feet flat on the floor. The distance from the floor to the seating surface is the
chair height you want.

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- Placement of Machine

Generally, the typewriter is kept in the centre of the table when not in use so that it does not
get hit by any person passing by. When the machine is in use, its frontal edge should be kept
in level with that of the front edge of the table. This guideline may not be true in the case of
those who are lesser in normal height.

2.4 METHODS OF KEYBOARD OPERATION

Keyboard can be operated by looking and without looking at the keyboard. The method of
operating the keyboard without looking at the keyboard is called the Touch method of typing
and the method of typing while looking at the keyboard is called the sight method of typing.

In the early days of invention of the typewriter, only one method of typewriting was used i.e.
„Sight method‟ and the typing used to be done with the help of one or two fingers of both the
hands by looking at the keyboard. This method was later on substituted with another method
i.e. „Touch Method‟.

Both the typing methods are explained as under:

- Sight Method

The Sight method was the only prevalent method right from the very beginning when the first
typewriter was invented in 1714 till 1878, when another method of typewriting known as
“Touch Method” was introduced by an American Typist Mr. Charles McGurin.

Sight Method is a common style of typing, in which the typist must find and press each key
individually. This is usually slower than touch typing, as the typist must find each key by
sight. Use of this method may also prevent the typist from being able to see what has been
typed without glancing away from the keys. Although good accuracy may be achieved, but
the typing errors that are made may not be noticed immediately. There is also the
disadvantage that because fewer fingers (almost forefingers of both hands) are used, they are
forced to move a much greater distance.

Although learning to typewriter by sight method was an arduous process, yet students did
learn by this method to typewrite with remarkable speed.

This method is not a scientific one and therefore in the present days, this method of
typewriting is not being used very much. In this method the typist cannot concentrate on the

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copy. Though this system is easy to learn in the beginning, but it is useless for acquiring high
speed in typewriting.

- ADVANTAGES OF SIGHT METHOD OF TYPEWRITING

The advantages of sight method of typewriting are as under:

1.Though unscientific method, but it is very easy to learn without the help of a teacher.
2.There is no need to learn the keyboard
3.It is really helpful to those people who do not want to appoint the secretary and want to
do the confidential work themselves.
4.There is no need to appoint the Secretary/P.A./Stenographer
5.It is a very short process and there is no need of concentration.

- DISADVANTAGES OF SIGHT METHOD OS TYPEWRITING

1.As the typing is done only with two forefingers of both the hands, more time and energy
is spent.
2.The typist gets tired by using this method because of the frequent movement of eyes
both on the keyboard and the matter to be typed.
3.All the fingers of both hands are not used, only forefingers of both hands are used.
4.There are more chances of omission of words or lines, as the typist has to look both on
the typing matters as well as on the keyboard and in doing so, omissions are possible.

5.High speed cannot be attained by using this method.

- TOUCH METHOD OF TYPEWRITING

Touch system means mentally locating the position of the keys by sense of touch without
looking at the keyboard. This method was introduced by Mr. Charles McGurin, an American
Typist in 1878.

The basic technique stands in contrast to sight method as the typist keeps his eyesight on the
source copy at all times. Touch typing also involves the use of the home row method, where
typist keeps their wrists up, rather than resting them on a desk or keyboard. In this method
the typist has to keep his eyesight only on the notebook from which the matter has to be
typed. This operation of keys is called by sense of location and not by sight. This method is

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based on scientific lines. Each finger has to operate on the keys allotted to it. All the fingers
of both the hands are used. This is the most scientific and modern method of typing, the
unnecessary movement of eyes and hands is not required.

The keyboard is divided into two parts, one for the left hand, and the other for the right hand,
each part being sub-divided into sections for each finger. The first fingers (forefingers) of
both the hands are allotted eight keys each because these fingers are stronger than the other
fingers.

The allotment of keys to all the fingers of both the hands is given as under:

Source: Google Images

Touch method of typewriting is superior to the sight method of typewriting. Though, in the
beginning, the typist has to put in hard work, but it is very beneficial for acquiring high speed
in the long run. User interface features such as spell checker, auto complete, and auto replace
serve to facilitate and speed up typing and to prevent or correct errors the typist may make.

Many touch typists also use keyboard shortcut or hotkeys when typing on a computer. This
allows them to edit their document without having to take their hands off the keyboard to use
a mouse. An example of a keyboard shortcut is touching the Ctrl key plus the S key to save a
copy as you type, or the Ctrl key plus the Z key to undo a mistake. Many experienced typists
can feel or sense when they've made an error and can hit the ← Backspace key and make the
correction without missing a beat.

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 - ADVANTAGES OF TOUCH METHOD OF TYPEWRITING

The advantages of touch method of typewriting are as under:

1. Saving of time and energy as the work is distributed amongst all the fingers of both the
hands and it can also be specified as division of labour among all the fingers of the
hands.
2. The matter can be typed quickly due to less unnecessary movement of hands and eyes.
3. The high speed of typewriting can be achieved.
4. The typist does not tire even after many hours of work because the work is divided
among all the fingers.
5. This method ensures uniform impression and the matter typed with Touch Method
gives a pleasing appearance.
6. There is less possibility of omission of words or lines. Unnecessary movement of eyes
is also avoided.
7. The typist is not required to look at the keyboard.
8. Rhythm is maintained in this method of typewriting.
9. The typist can concentrate very well on the matter to be typed.

- DISADVANTAGES OF TOUCH METHOD OF TYPEWRITING

The disadvantages of this system are that the typist has to memorise the keyboard, the
location of keys, the different rows of the keyboard and besides this the typist has to
concentrate his eyesight on the note book. Keys have to be operated as per the universal
method of typing.

2.5 LEARNING HOME ROW:

Given below is the picture of the QWERTY keyboard which is attached to the computer. As
already discussed, this keyboard resembles with the keyboard of the standard typewriter.
Since the typewriters have been rendered redundant, QWERTY keyboard is used in
computers to have a wider knowledge:

The centre row of keys on the keyboard is termed as "home row”. On the standard keyboard,
" ASDFJKL; " are the home keys on the home row where the typist has to keep his/her

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fingers. These fingers return to their home after depressing other keys on the keyboard. The
typist needs to hold the fingers lightly above the home keys. Students are advised to practice
the operation of Home Keys keeping in mind the following principles:
1) Make your four fingers of both hands to hover around the home keys in such a way
that they touch the keys lightly
2) Depress the keys of your left hand fingers and type: a s d f g
3) Depress the space bar with right thumb.
4) Depress the keys allotted to your right hand fingers and type: ; l k j h
5) Letters „f‟ and „g‟ are typed by the left hand fore-finger while letters „j‟ and „h‟ are
typed by the fore-finger of right hand.
6) Ultimately go on practicing: asdfg lkjh asdfg ;lkjh .

2.6 LEARNING UPPER ROW:

After a thorough practice of the „home keys‟, now you will learn to type an additional key
with each of the left-hand pinky, ring and middle fingers (Q, W and E respectively), and two
with the index finger (R & T) and additional key with each of the right-hand pinky, ring and
middle fingers (P O and I respectively) and two with index finger (U & Y).

One thing you must remember that when you move a finger from the home row to another
one to type the other letters, effort should be made to keep fingers of both hands to return to
their home bank after typing. You have to follow the same principles as laid down in the
previous “learning home keys”.

Practice the following:

Qwert poiuy qwert poiuy qwert poiuy qwert poiuy qwert poiuy

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2.7 LEARNING BOTTOM ROW

Before going to the bottom row, adjust your fingers of both hands on Home Keys. In
reaching the bottom row you'll be tapping on 5 more keys with your right-hand fingers: B&
N for the right-hand index finger, M for the middle, the comma for the ring, full stop for the
pinky finger. The pinky will also handle the question mark, which is on the same key as the
slash, but with the shift key. 5 more keys with your left-hand fingers: C V for the left-hand
index finger, X for middle, Z for the ring and pinky finger is used to press the Shift Key :zxcv
.,mnb zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb

Practice :

zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb zxcv .,mnb

ZXCV .,MNB ZXCV .,MNBZXCV .,MNBZXCV .,MNB ZXCV .,MNB ZXCV

.,MNBZXCV .,MNBZXCV .,MNB

2.8 LEARNING NUMBER ROW:

Typist should look at the keyboard and try to memorize the numbers and the fingers allocated
for the depression of each key. It goes from 1 to 0 (think of "0" as "10" for this!), starting the
count with the left-hand pinky finger, ending with the right-hand pinky finger. Instead of
counting the thumbs use the index fingers for two numbers.

Before starting, keep your fingers on the home keys, making a light contact with keys of the
keyboard. With the help of your fingers of left hand practice 12345 and after pressing the
space bar depress the keys 09876 with the fingers of your right hand. Again repeat the same
process.

Type repeatedly:

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12 12 34 34 123 1234 123 1234 12345 09 09 09 09 90 90 90 890 890 890 8907890

7890 7890 7890 7890 67890 67890 09876 12345 09876 12345 09876 12345 09876 12345

21 21 21 21 23 12 121 123 2345 9876 9876 9876 76 98 89 09 90 67890 34890

Numeric Keypad
To use this to type numbers on computers , you have to press the Num Lock key. There may
be an indicator light at the top of the keyboard or on the „Num Lock‟ key itself to show that
it‟s on.

2.9 LEARNING SPECIAL SIGNS AND SYMBOLS & ROMAN NUMBERS

In universal keyboard, although four row keys are there but different manufacturers have
added Special sign keys. The location of those keys has also been at different places. In the
olden times, besides the special signs even the division sign, exclamation sign, dollar etc.
were not allocated on the keyboard.

Now a days, the keyboard that is used for computers, is divided into two parts. On the left
side, there is a QWERTY keyboard; while on the right hand side, there is the location of
numerals and special signs. Whenever any user has to make use of numerals, the typist then
restricts his hands to the right-hand side portion of the keyboard from where the numerals
could be typed easily and conveniently. There is no hard and fast rule for the operation of

21
such keys. The golden rule is to remember the whole keyboard and the proper location of
symbols.

Review Questions:

1.Who invented the keyboard of Typewriter?

2.What is a Standard/Universal keyboard?
3.Define character keys & adjustment keys on the keyboard.
4.Why now a days, the keyboard is called a QWERTY keyboard?
5.Explain the different methods of operating the keyboard.
6.Why touch system is superior to the sight system?
7.Explain what should be the sitting posture of the typist.
8.Name the Home keys.
9.Difference between the horizontal and vertical approach to typing.
10. Name the row on which the fingers should always hover upon before typing.
11. Explain the use of backspace key.

State True or False

1.In typing mode, legs should be crossed

2.Place the typewriter in the middle when in use
3.QWERTY keyboard is different from Universal keyboard of typewriter.
4.In Universal keyboard, keys are arranged alphabetically.
5.Capital letters can be typed by the use of shift key.
6.Space bar is struck by one finger only.
7.For attaining accuracy and speed in typing, physical fitness is must.
8.Home row is called the second row.
9.Chair of the typist should be armless.

Fill in the blanks:

1.The posture of the typist should be ………………

2.Typing material should be kept on………….. side of the typist.
3.Touch system is preferred to --------------system of typing.
4.Backspace key is used for ………………..

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 Unit-3

Part II: Computer Applications

Computer Hardware

3.1 Introduction

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. Hardware includes storage

devices, input devices, output devices and other physical parts of computer. The hardware is
not changed frequently, in contrast with software and data.

3.2 Objective

After going through this unit you would be able to:

 Identify the hardware devices

 Use the storage devices
 Functions of input devices
 Use the output devices
 Connect the different devices to computer

3.3 Storage Devices

3.3.1 Floppy Disk

It is a disk made of Mylar plastic and enclosed in square plastic jacket. It is 3.5 inch in
diameter. The capacity of a 3.5 inch floppy is 1.44 megabytes. It is cheaper than other storage
devices and is portable. It is useful in transferring data from one computer to another. They
are small, inexpensive, easy to store. The floppy is a low cost device particularly suitable for
personal computer system.

3.3.2 Hard Disk

Hard Disk has a much larger storage capacity than a floppy disk. It is fitted inside the
computer and cannot be seen by us. It consists of one or more platters divided into concentric
tracks and sectors. It is mounted on a central spindle, like a stack. It can be read by a
read/write head that pivots across the rotating disks. The data is stored on the platters covered

23
with magnetic coating. Nowadays, hard disks are available that can store upto 1 Terabyte of
data.

3.3.3 Compact Disks

The compact disks or CDs are optical media. The CDs are cheap and have a storage capacity
of upto 700 MB. There are three types of CDs:

(i) CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) this is used to store information
and cannot be used to store data.
(ii) CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable) Data can be recorded on these disks only once.
(iii) CD-RW (Compact Disk-Rewritable) CD-RW is an erasable disk you can write on
multiple times.

3.3.4 DVDs– DVD is an optical storage device which looks like compact disc

(i) DVD-ROM (Digital Video Disk-Read Only Memory) DVD-ROM is high

capacity optical disk capable of storing 4.7GB to 17GB.
(ii) DVD-R (DVD-Recordable) It allows users to write on the disc once but read it
many times.
(iii) DVD-RW (DVD-Rewritable) - Data can be erased and read many times on them.

3.3.5 Pen Drives

They are tiny devices which are about the size of small pen and which plug into an USB port.
They vary in capacity and can store 1 GB and upto 1 TB. Due to their size; they are more
convenient and compact for backup and transferring data. They are free from scratch and dust
problems that exist in other storage media.

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3.4 Input Devices

An input device is used to enter the data and instructions into the computer. Keyboard is the
most common input device. The other input devices available are Mouse, Joystick, Scanner,
Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR),
Microphone etc.

3.4.1 Keyboard

Keyboard is a typewriter like device which is used to type the letters, digits and commands.
The basic QWERTY layout of characters is maintained to make it easy to use. The additional
keys are used to perform special functions such as loading a program, editing a text, etc. They
are known as function keys and vary in number from one keyboard to another.

3.4.2 Mouse

The mouse is pointing device that allows the user to point to a specific position on the screen.
It has a roller on its base. It controls the movement of pointer on screen. When a mouse
moves on a flat surface, the cursor on the screen also moves in the direction of mouse‟s
movement. It has two or three buttons and it may or may not have a wheel. Left button of
mouse is used to execute the operation associated with it. Right button/ Middle button are
associated with special operations in different situations.

3.4.3 Joystick

Joystick is a remote control device for a computer which is merely used for playing video
games to indicate position. These are relative locators, where the direction of push determines

25
the change of position and amount of deflection determines a change of speed.

3.4.4 Scanner

Scanner is an input device used to scan documents such as photographs and text. Scanned
page is converted into a digital format. They convert an image into electronic form by
glowing light onto the image and sensing the intensity of the reflection at every point of the
image.

3.4.5 Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Optical Character Recognition read the text and convert the images into a form that the
computer can manipulate. An OCR system is used to take a book or a magazine article and
feed it directly into an electronic computer file.

3.4.6 Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

MICR is used to check originality of paper documents. They can identify characters printed
with a special ink that contain particles of magnetic material. This device is particularly used
in banking industry. The MICR system recognises only certain character styles, the characters
have to be accurately formed.

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3.4.7 Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Optical Mark Recognition (also called mark sense reader) is a device which can read pencil
or pen marks made in paper. It is widely used in tests such as aptitude tests.

3.4.8 Bar Code Reader

The devices are usually used in bookshops, super markets etc. Bar-code readers are
photoelectric scanners that can read the bar codes or vertical zebra striped marks, printed on
products. Supermarkets use a bar code system called the Universal Product Code (UPC). The
bar code identifies the product which has a description and the latest price of the product in
the computer. The computer automatically tells the Point of Sales (POS) terminal what the
price is.

3.4.9 Microphone (Mic)

A sound input can be sent to computer through a special input device called microphone or
mic. A mic converts the sound received into computer‟s format, which is called digitized

27
sound or digital audio. A sound card is needed in the computer to use mic.

3.5 Output Devices

Output devices receive information from the CPU and present it to the user in the desired
form. Output devices include Monitor, printers, plotters, speakers etc.

3.5.1 Monitor

Monitor is the most common form of output from a computer. It displays information in a
similar way to that shown on a television screen. It displays the information as it is typed and
also displays the processed result or the output. The monitor is made up of thousands of tiny
coloured dots called pixels.

The different types of monitor are Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD),
Plasma, Touch Screen and Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED).

3.5.2 Printer

Printer is a device that prints text or illustrations on paper and in many cases on
transparencies and other media. Printers can be divided into two categories.

(i) Impact Printer – In these printers, there is mechanical contact between the print head and
paper.
e.g. Line printers, drum printers, daisy wheel printers and dot-matrix printers.

(ii) Non-Impact Printer – In these printers, there is no mechanical contact between the print

28
 head and paper.
e.g. Electromagnetic printers, Thermal printers, Electrostatic printer, Inkjet Printers, Laser
printers

3.5.2.1 Dot-Matrix Printer

It is the most popular serial printers, i.e., it prints one character at a time. In DMPs, the
printing head contains a vertical array of pins. As the head moves across the paper, selected
pins fire against an inked ribbon to form a pattern of dots on the paper. There are 80 column
DMPs and 132 column DMPs available in the market.

3.5.2.2 Ink-Jet Printer

Inkjet printers are character printers that form characters and all kinds of images by spraying
small drops of ink onto the paper. Their resolution is more than 500dpi. They produce high
quality output. They are popular as portable printers. In addition, colour ink-jet printers
provide an inexpensive way to print full-colour documents.

3.5.2.3 Laser Printer

The desired output image is written on a copier drum with the help of a light beam controlled
by a computer. With this certain parts of the drum surface get electrically charged, then this
drum surface is exposed to the laser beam. These laser exposed areas attract a toner that
forms the image by attaching itself to the laser generated charges on the drum. The toner is
then permanently fused on paper with hot air pressure.

They are quiet and are capable of producing very high point quality. The speed of laser
printers can be upto 10-15 pages per minute.

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3.5.3 Plotter

Plotter is a device that draws pictures on paper based on commands from a computer. It uses
pen to draws lines and it can produce continuous lines, whereas printers can only simulate
lines by printing a closely spaced series of dots. Multi-colour plotters use coloured pens to
draw different colours.

In general, plotters are considerably more expensive than printers. They are used in
engineering applications.

3.5.4 Speakers

Speakers receive the sound in form of electric current from the sound card and then convert it
to sound format.

3.4 Ports

Ports are used to connect external devices to the computer. These are the connecting points of
various devices to the computer. There exist several types of ports like serial port, parallel
port, USB port, AGP port etc.

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3.4.1 Serial Ports

Serial Ports also called Communication (COM) or RS232 ports. They transfer data serially a
bit at a time. It needs only wire to transmit 8 bits. They are in the form of 9-pin or 25-pin
male connector. They are used to connect devices like mouse, modem, printers.

3.6.2 Parallel Ports

Parallel ports can send or receive a byte (8-bit) at a time. 8-bits are transmitted parallel to
each other. They are in the form of 25-pin female connector. They are used to connect
printer, scanner, CD writer, Zip drive, external hard disk drive, tape backup drive etc.

3.6.3 USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ports

A USB port is a cable connection interface for personal computers and consumer electronic
devices. USB ports are used to connect USB devices and transfer digital data over USB
cables. They can also supply electric power across the cable to devices that need it. They are
used to connect printers, scanners, mouse, digital camera, speakers etc.

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3.6.4 AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Ports

The AGP port is used to connect to graphic card that provides high-speed video performance
required in games and other multimedia applications.

3.4.5 Infrared Port (IR Port)

An IR Port is a port, which sends and receives infrared signals from other devices. IR is the
same technology used to control a TV set with a remote control.

3.6.6 Bluetooth

Bluetooth is used to interconnect mobile phones, computers, and personal digital assistants
using a short-range wireless connection.

3.6.7 PS-2 Port

A PS-2 (Personal System/2) port is an electronic plug found on computers. It accepts a PS/2
cable with a mini-DIN connector and is used to plug in a keyboard or mouse.

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3.6.8 Firewire

Firewire is a Serial Bus for connecting devices to computer. It has a single plug- and -socket
connection on which up to 63 devices can be attached with data transfer speeds upto
400Mbps (Megabits per second).

(All images drawn from Google images)

Review Questions:
1.What are input devices?
2.Explain three input devices used as a storage medium.
3.What is a printer? Explain different types of printers.
4.What is a port? What are the different types of ports available on a computer?
5.What is a monitor? What are the different types of monitors available in market?
6.Explain the below input devices:
a. Mouse
b. Keyboard
c. Joystick
7.What are the different types of Compact disks available in market?

State TRUE or FALSE:

1.A CD can have a storage capacity upto 700MB.
2.Printer is an input device.
3.Joystick is used for typing.
4.Every barcode has a Universal Product Code.
5.An inkjet printer is better than a dot printer
6.Bluetooth is a short-range wireless device.

Answer:
1.TRUE
2.FALSE
3.FALSE

33
 4.TRUE
5.TRUE
6.TRUE

Fill in the blanks:

1.OCR stands for __________________________.

2.Keyboards use _______________ layout.
3._______button of mouse is used to execute the operation associated with it.
4.A sound input can be sent to computer through a special input device called _________
.
5.There is no mechanical contact between the print head and paper in ________________
printer.
6._______________ are used to connect external devices to the computer.

Answers:
1.Optical Character Recognition
2.QWERTY
3.Left
4.Microphone
5.Non-impact
6.Ports

34