Input Devices Overview

Input Devices

• Input devices are hardware that allows a user to enter data or instructions into a computer. They send data to another device but cannot receive data
• Computers require input devices to correctly interact with the computer.
• Keyboards are the most common input method for data entry.
• Keyboards types include: Wired, Wireless, virtual, and Ergonomic keyboards. Ergonomic keyboards offer more support to wrists and hands, helping to alleviate RSI.
• Keyboards have advantages such as fast data entry for software applications, and typing instructions into the computer.
• Keyboards have disadvantages such as difficulties for users with specific problems, and typing can be a slower method then other devices
• Numeric Keypads are used for entering numbers only, advantages include fast data entry, and are used in ATMs, mobile phones, point of sale terminals, and chip & PIN devices
• Pointing Devices control the position of a pointer on the screen.
• Common examples include Mouse, Trackballs, Touchpads, and Touch Screens. These devices vary in advantages and disadvantages based on the specific device.
• Touchpads are used in laptops and tablets, they are faster than a keyboard when choosing options and are easy to use
• Trackballs can be an alternative to mice, they do not need as much space as a mouse, and they are quicker to use than a mouse for navigation.
• Remote Controls are used to operate other devices using infrared signals via computers and devices like TVs and Hi-Fi systems.

Output Devices

• Output devices are hardware that takes the output data from a computer & puts it into a human-readable format or controls another device.
• Monitors are used to display information to a user. CRTs and TFTs are two types of monitors (CRT monitors have a cathode ray tube, TFT monitors use thin film technology).
• LCD Screens use liquid crystals and LEDs use light-emitting diodes. They offer advantages like low power consumption, lightweight, and high-quality images at a sharp resolution.
• Speakers are output devices that produce sound. These devices take digitally-stored sound and convert it to an audible format.
• Printers are used to create hard copies from a computer. Laser printers are fast and produce high-quality prints, while inkjet printers print in smaller volumes and provide high-quality single page prints.
• Plotters use pens, pencils or markers to create drawings rather than dots, they are useful in high-quality drawings that need high precision.
• 3D Printers use additive manufacturing processes where a solid object is built up layer by layer. The object is made using materials like powdered resin or metal.

Other Important Devices

• Card readers read information from magnetic stripes on cards like credit or debit cards. Advantages include fast data entry, secure, and no need for typing. Disadvantages include loss of data if the magnetic strip is damaged, and the data is not human readable
• Scanners are used to enter information from hard copies into a computer. They can scan and convert documents, photographs, books, or barcodes. Advantages include faster conversion and storage, disadvantages include quality and speed differences
• Touch screens are used as both input and output devices such as smartphones and tablets, they offer faster data entry for choosing options, are user friendly and have an expandable display size, and are also prone to security risks and not being very accurate.
• Multimedia projectors receive signals from computers, TVs, or DVDs and magnify images to be projected onto a larger screen. Such devices can be used in presentations, advertising, and home cinema systems.

Explore the essential input devices used in computing, focusing on keyboards, numeric keypads, and pointing devices. Learn about their types, advantages, and disadvantages to understand how they facilitate user interaction with computers. This quiz will challenge your knowledge on the functionalities of these important hardware components.