Computer Systems

Input Devices

Input devices are hardware components that allow users to enter data and commands into a computer. Common input devices include keyboards for typing, mice for navigation, touchscreens for direct interaction, and game controllers for gaming. Other examples include microphones for voice input, scanners for digitizing documents, and webcams for capturing images and videos. These devices help users communicate with computers and perform tasks efficiently. A sensor is a device that detects and measures physical properties from the environment and converts them into signals that can be read by a computer or other systems. Sensors are used in various applications, including electronics, automation, healthcare, and security

Remote Input devices

Remote input devices help users control computers, TVs, or other gadgets without direct contact. They work using Bluetooth, infrared, or radio signals. Common examples include wireless keyboards, mice, game controllers, and TV remotes. These devices make tasks easier by allowing movement and control from a distance, making them useful for gaming, presentations, and smart home systems.

Input devices for measuring data over time

Input devices for measuring data over time help track changes in different things like temperature, weather, and health. These devices collect information over minutes, hours, or even days to help people understand patterns.  

Some common examples include:  

- Thermometers to measure temperature changes.  

- Barometers to check air pressure for weather predictions.  

- Smartwatches to track heart rate, steps, and sleep over time.

 - Data loggers to record environmental data like humidity or light levels.  

These devices are used by scientists, doctors, and weather experts to study changes and make better decisions based on the collected data.

Input devices  far away 

An input device far away is a device that collects data or receives commands from a distant location. These devices help gather information from places humans cannot easily reach. Examples include satellites that collect weather and communication data from space, remote sensors that monitor temperature, air quality, or wildlife in far-off locations, and drones that capture images and videos from high altitudes. These devices are used in space exploration, environmental research, and security, allowing people to access important information without being physically present.

Input devices in dangerous places

Some input devices are designed to work in risky environments where humans cannot safely go. These devices collect important data from dangerous places like volcanoes, deep oceans, or wildfire zones. Examples include robotic sensors that monitor volcanic eruptions, drones that track wildfires from above, and deep-sea probes that explore the ocean floor under high pressure. These advanced technologies help scientists, researchers, and rescue teams study extreme conditions and make better decisions while staying safe.

Input devices at Home

Many input devices are used at home to make daily tasks easier and more interactive. Common examples include smart speakers that respond to voice commands, touchscreen tablets for browsing and entertainment, and wireless keyboards and mice for working on computers. Other devices like TV remotes, gaming controllers, and security system sensors help control different home appliances. These input devices improve convenience, allowing people to interact with technology in simple and efficient ways.

Sensors and Safety

 

Safety sensors help protect homes, workplaces, and public spaces by detecting dangers and alerting people in time. Some common safety sensors include motion detectors to sense movement, smoke detectors to warn about fires, gas leak sensors to detect harmful gases, and security cameras to monitor surroundings. These sensors are used in smart homes and security systems to keep people safe by preventing accidents and responding to emergencies quickly.

 Why Do Connections Break?

Connections, whether physical, emotional, or technological, often break easily due to fragility, lack of maintenance, or external stress. In technology, weak signals, outdated equipment, or poor infrastructure can disrupt networks. In relationships, miscommunication, neglect, or external pressures can strain bonds. Physically, materials wear down over time, becoming more susceptible to breaking under stress. The key to maintaining strong connections lies in understanding their vulnerabilities, addressing them proactively, and reinforcing them through regular care and attention. Just as fragile wires require insulation and regular checks, all connections thrive with effort and support.

The effects of network failures

Network failures can have widespread and significant effects, disrupting communication, productivity, and access to critical services. In businesses, downtime can lead to lost revenue, delays in operations, and reduced customer satisfaction. On a societal level, it can hinder emergency response systems, interrupt educational platforms, and isolate individuals reliant on digital connections. For individuals, network outages often result in frustration, disconnection, and limited access to information or entertainment. These failures highlight the reliance on interconnected systems in modern life, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure, redundancy measures, and swift recovery solutions to mitigate their impact.

Minor network failures

Minor network failures are common issues that can disrupt connectivity temporarily. These failures may be caused by weak Wi-Fi signals, loose cables, outdated router firmware, or minor configuration errors. For example, a sudden drop in internet speed or an inability to connect to specific websites could indicate a minor failure. These problems are usually resolved by simple troubleshooting steps such as restarting the router, checking connections, or updating the network hardware. While these issues are not severe, addressing them promptly helps maintain a smooth and reliable internet experience.

Large Internet failures

Large internet failures can disrupt many things, like businesses, communication, and daily life. They happen due to problems like server breakdowns, cyberattacks, or damaged cables. When this happens, websites stop working, online payments fail, and important services like hospitals and emergency help can be delayed. These outages show how much we rely on the internet and why strong systems are important. Fixing them quickly is key to keeping everything running smoothly.

Network Failure

 The Internet

The internet is a giant network that connects people and devices all over the world. It helps us share information, talk to others, and learn new things quickly. With the internet, we can watch videos, play games, shop, and even work or study from home. It started as a small project in the 1960s and has grown into something that millions of people use every day. While the internet makes life easier and more fun, it’s also important to use it safely and wisely. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have today!

Cloud storage is a way to save files and data online instead of keeping them on your computer or phone. It allows you to access your photos, videos, documents, and other files from any device with an internet connection. This makes it super convenient for sharing files, backing up important data, and saving space on your devices. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud are examples of cloud storage. It’s safe and easy to use, but you should choose strong passwords to protect your files. Cloud storage has made storing and sharing data simple and fast for everyone!

 Accessing Websites

Accessing a website is a straightforward process that begins with entering its URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into the address bar of a web browser.

 This action triggers a series of behind-the-scenes operations, including DNS (Domain Name System) resolution, which converts the website's domain name into its associated IP address. Once the connection is established, the browser sends a request to the web server hosting the website's content. The server responds by delivering the website's data, which the browser interprets and displays as an interactive webpage. Whether for information, entertainment, or services, websites are gateways to the digital world, offering users a seamless experience when optimized for speed, security, and usability.

 Internet Protocol (IP) addresses

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network, enabling communication between devices on the internet or a local network. Much like a home address helps in identifying the location of a house, an IP address ensures that data sent across the internet reaches the correct destination. IP addresses are categorized into two main types: IPv4, which uses a 32-bit format (e.g., 192.168.1.1), and IPv6, which employs a 128-bit format for greater scalability (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). They can also be classified as static (permanently assigned to a device) or dynamic (temporarily assigned by a network). IP addresses are essential for routing data packets, enabling seamless communication between computers, servers, smartphones, and other internet-enabled devices, forming the backbone of modern digital connectivity.

Transmitting Data

When we sent data across the internet, it can use different routes to get same destination.

But how does this happen?

Before data is sent over the Internet, it is split up into packets. Packets are small chunks of data. They are usually all the same size. For Example:

In this example, the message is split into three packets with nine characters in each one. The number of characters and packets may be different each time.

Advantages and Disadvantages of packets

Using packets has the following advantages.

• If a packet is lost, a computer only needs to resend a small bit of data again.
• Packets do not take up as much bandwidth, so they can be sent along a greater variety of connections.
• Smaller packets are less likely to get delayed along a network.

As well as the data being sent, each packet contains extra pieces of information. This information is needed by the device which receives the  data packets. These extra pieces of information include:

• the IP address that the packet was sent from
• the IP address that the packet is being sent to
• the number of the packets that is being sent.

There some disadvantages to using packets.

• The extra information that each packet needs means you use more data in total to sent something.
• You need all of the packets to arrive before you can read the data that was sent.

What happens if packets are lost?

When packets are lost on the internet, it means that small chunks of data being transmitted between devices fail to reach their destination. This can happen for various reasons, such as network congestion, faulty hardware, or unstable connections. As a result, the information becomes incomplete or corrupted, leading to delays, dropped calls, buffering during streaming, or even disconnections in online services. Packet loss is typically measured as a percentage, with higher values indicating a more significant problem. Fixing packet loss often involves troubleshooting network equipment, checking cables, or adjusting settings to improve overall connection stability.

How Data Travels through networks

 Using cellular Networks

Using a cellular network makes connecting to the internet and communicating with others incredibly easy, no matter where you are. Cellular networks provide a wireless connection by linking your device to nearby cell towers, which transmit data and calls to and from the internet or other users. This seamless connection means you can use your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile devices to make calls, send messages, browse the web, and stream content without needing Wi-Fi. As long as you're within range of a cell tower, the network ensures consistent, reliable access to online resources and communication, making it convenient for work, travel, and daily life. The ability to work over large areas is a big advantage of cellular networks. However, they also share the same disadvantages as Wi-Fi connections. The biggest disadvantages is that they can suffer from Interference.

Comparing different connections

Comparing different types of network connections—cellular, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet—highlights the strengths and limitations of each. Cellular networks offer mobile connectivity, allowing users to access the internet from nearly anywhere within range of a cell tower, making it ideal for on-the-go browsing and communication. However, cellular connections can sometimes be slower or less stable, especially in rural areas or during peak usage times. Wi-Fi networks provide faster speeds within a fixed area, making them suitable for home and office use where a stable, high-speed connection is required. Unlike cellular, Wi-Fi depends on proximity to a router and may suffer from interference if too many devices are connected. Ethernet connections, meanwhile, offer the fastest and most stable connection by directly linking devices with a physical cable, which minimizes interference and maximizes speed. This makes Ethernet ideal for tasks that need high bandwidth and low latency, like online gaming or video streaming. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right connection based on mobility, speed, and reliability needs.