Commonly used input devices such as Keyboards, Mouse, Joysticks, Trackballs, Touch Screens, Light Pens, Touch Pad, Digitizer, Voice Systems and Scanners.
Commonly used output devices such as Monitors, Printers and Plotters.
INPUT DEVICES
An input device is any hardware device that sends data to the computer, without any input devices, a computer would only be a display device and not allow users to interact with it, much like a TV.
Following continuing research in the field of computer hardware, we have a large number of input devices.
Recall that before data can be processed by the computer, they must be translated into machine-readable form and entered into the computer by an input device.
- Punched Cards and Card Readers
- Keyboards
- Joysticks
- Trackballs
- Mouse
- Touch Screens
- Light Pens
- Touch Pad
- Digitiser
- Voice system
- Key to magnetic media
- Financial transaction terminal
- Machine vision systems
- Source data input
- Barcode reader
- Digital camera
- Microphone
- Scanner
What Are Input Devices?
Input devices are hardware components used to send data and instructions to the computer. They allow users to interact with a computer system by providing data that can be processed. Without input devices, computers would be unable to perform tasks based on human instructions.
Data Entry – Input devices enable users to enter text, numbers, or commands. For example, typing on a keyboard or scanning a QR code.
Control – Some devices allow the user to control operations or manipulate software, such as a mouse or joystick.
Sensing – Certain devices collect information from the environment, like temperature sensors or digital cameras.
Communication – Input devices help transmit data from the user to the computer for processing.
Common Input Devices
Let’s explore some of the most widely used input devices:
Keyboard
The keyboard is one of the oldest and most common input devices. It allows users to enter alphanumeric data, commands, and special functions. Modern keyboards come in different layouts, including QWERTY, AZERTY, and DVORAK. Some keyboards are also ergonomic to reduce strain during extended use.
Mouse
A mouse is a pointing device that controls the movement of the cursor on a screen. It allows users to interact with graphical interfaces, select items, drag and drop objects, and execute commands.
Touchscreen
Touchscreens combine input and output functionality. Users interact directly with the display by tapping, swiping, or pinching. They are commonly found in smartphones, tablets, and interactive kiosks.
Scanner
A scanner converts physical documents or images into digital format. There are flatbed scanners, handheld scanners, and sheet-fed scanners used in offices and homes.
Microphone
A microphone captures sound and converts it into digital signals. It is used for voice commands, recording, and communication in video conferencing.
Joysticks and Game Controllers
These devices are primarily used in gaming or simulation environments. Joysticks allow precise control of movements in multiple directions, while game controllers provide buttons and triggers for interactive commands.
What Are Output Devices?
Output devices are hardware components that allow a computer to send data to the user. After processing input data, computers generate results in a format humans can understand, such as visual display, sound, or printed text.
Display of Results – They provide visual representation of processed data.
Communication – Some output devices, like speakers, enable audio feedback or alerts.
Permanent Records – Devices like printers produce physical copies of digital data.
Multimedia Presentation – Output devices enhance the user experience with audio-visual content.
Common Output Devices
Monitor
Monitors are display screens that show visual output from a computer. They are classified into different types based on technology:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) – Thin, energy-efficient screens.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) – Brighter and more vibrant than LCD.
OLED (Organic LED) – Offers deep contrast and superior color.
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) – Older, bulky screens largely obsolete today.
Printer
Printers produce physical copies of digital documents and images. They come in various types:
Inkjet Printers – Affordable, high-quality prints for home use.
Laser Printers – Fast, efficient, and suitable for offices.
3D Printers – Create three-dimensional objects layer by layer.
Speakers
Speakers convert digital audio signals into sound. They are used for music, alerts, voice communication, and multimedia applications.
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