Input devices
Learning Objectives
1. Define hardware and software;
2. Identify the different input devices
Introduction
Computer system is composed of two (2) components: the hardware and the
software. Your computer hardware consists of the devices within the case of the computer
itself, and any peripheral or external devices that are connected to the computer.
Hardware – the physical components of the computer system such as
monitor, keyboard, mouse and the like
Software – a list of instructions a computer needed to run programs such as
Microsoft Windows XP, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Word
Hardware Software
INPUT DEVICES
These refer to equipment or devices that interact with the computer because they
accept instructions from the users. There are two (2) basic input devices which are
commonly used in personal computers, the keyboard and the mouse.
Basic Input Devices
Keyboard
an external device that sends its signals to the computer via a long wire or
sensor for the wireless keyboards
used to enter data into the computer, as you type the contents of a research work
also used to type commands directing the computer to perform certain actions
the standard layout of letters, numbers, and punctuation is known as a QWERTY
keyboard because the first six keys on the top row of letters spell QWERTY.
Keyboard has five (5) main parts namely:
Alphanumeric Keys
Functions Keys Special Keys
Numeric Keypad
Arrow Keys
Fig. 1.1-5 A typical keyboard and its major parts
Alphanumeric keys – keys of letters and numbers
Numeric keypad – a calculator-like at the right side of the keyboard
Functions keys – have different meanings and functions depending on which
program is running
Arrow keys – are used for moving the cursor or insertion point right, left, up or down
Special keys – produced no character once pressed but can take affect a certain
command for a program.
Mouse
a pointing device which sits on your work surface and is
held and moved with your hand
control the mouse pointers (the arrow on the screen) allowing you to freely
navigate different objects around the screen
The parts of mouse include:
Left Mouse Button – frequently used button
Right Mouse Button - occasionally used button for special actions
Scroll Wheel – used to move up or down the display screen, equivalent to using the Page
Up or Page Down keys on your keyboard or to clicking the scroll bar
Palm Rest – where your palm should rest
New released software increased its features; thus, there is a need for specialized input
devices for such applications. Moreover, the devices you are going to use will depend on the
form of data they can accept (be it text, sound, artwork, etc.).
Specialized Input Devices
A. Glidepad
a touch-sensitive pad that acts like a computer
mouse that moves the mouse pointer or cursor
with the use of a finger
B. Touchscreen
a computer display that is sensitive to pressure
making it possible for the user to send
commands by touching pictures or words on the
screen, such as PDA’s (personal digital
assistants), ATM's, car navigation screens, cell
phones, gaming consoles and other types of
appliances that require you to input and receive
information
D. Scanner
an electronic device which converts pictures or
printed text into digital format allowing the user
to modify and improve the picture using the
computer like flatbed scanner
E. Digital Camera
small and portable device designed to capture
and store pictures in digital format
F. Barcode Reader/Barcode Scanner/Point-of-
Sale Scanner
an electronic device for reading printed barcodes
from the item bought and is often used in check-
out counters at supermarkets, convenience
store, or malls to automatically list the price of
the purchased item
G. Trackball/Thumb mouse
looks like an inverted mouse since the ball is
located at the top of the device and is rotated by
using the finger to control the pointer on a
computer screen; therefore, it remains
stationary
H. Remote control
often used to control a device by sending radio
or infrared signals over short distances. A good
example of this is the remote control unit of your
television
I. Microphone
an input device in which sound energy (an analog
signal) is changed into electrical energy (a digital
signal) used in sending or recording sound like
your voice
J. Web camera/Web cam
a device that enables the users to view
themselves over the internet allowing them to be
seen simultaneously by their relatives or
friends abroad or to other places like during
chatting and videoconferencing
K. Graphics tablet/Digitizing tablet
consists of a flat surface and an attached stylus
allowing the user to hand-draw images and
graphics.
Introduction to Computer Christine G. Angeles Gabaldon
