Input & Output Devices

Input Devices and Their Uses

• An input device is any hardware device that allows a user to enter data or instructions into
a computer directly.
• An input device can send data to another device, but it cannot receive data from another
device.
• Input devices are necessary for a computer to receive commands from its users and data to
process; they are under the user's control or can be direct data entry.
• Input devices can be complicated because they must ensure the user can interact with the
computer correctly.
1. Keyboards:
Uses:
• Input of data into applications software
• Typing in commands to the computer
Advantages:
• Fast entry of new text into a document.
• Well-known method.
• Easy to use for most people.
• Easier to do verification checks as data is entered
Disadvantages:
• It can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist use.
• Slow method when compared to direct data entry.
• It is a fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space.

2. Numeric keypads:
Uses:
• Automatic teller machines (ATMs), where the customer can key in their PIN, amount of
money, etc.
• Mobile phones allow phone numbers, etc., to be keyed in.
 • Point of sale terminals (POS) in case the barcode reader fails to read the barcode - the
number has to be keyed in manually by the operator.
• Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards.
• Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.

Advantages:
• Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric data.
• Because many are small devices, they are very easy to carry around.
Disadvantages:
• Sometimes, they have small keys, which can make input more difficult.
• Sometimes, the order of the numbers on the keypad is not intuitive.\

3. Mouse:
Uses:
• Opening, closing and minimizing software
• grouping, moving and deleting files.
• Image editing, for example, controls the size and position of a drawing pasted into a
document.
• Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection.
Advantages:
• It is a faster method for choosing an option than a keyboard.
• It's a very quick way of navigating through applications and the internet.
• Does not need a large desk area when compared to a keyboard.
Disadvantages:
• It can be more difficult for people with restricted hand/wrist movement than using a
keyboard for data entry.
• Easy to damage, the older type of mouse quickly becomes clogged up with dirt.
• Difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available.
4. Touchpad:
Uses:
• Opening, closing and minimizing software
• grouping, moving and deleting files
• Image editing, for example, controls the size and position of a drawing pasted into a
document.
• Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection.
Advantages:
• Faster than a keyboard for choosing options.
• Used to navigate applications and the internet.
• Because the touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer, there is no need for a
separate
• mouse; this aids the portability and is a big advantage if no flat surfaces are available.
Disadvantages:
• People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to use.
• It can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a normal mouse.
• Drag and drop operations are more complicated using a touchpad.
5. Tracker ball:
Uses:
• A good alternative to a mouse for people with conditions such as RSI.
• Used in an industrial control room environment.
• Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as radio.
Advantages:
• Does not need the same fine control as a mouse.
• It is easier to use than a mouse if the operator has problems with their wrist.
• More accurately position the pointer on the screen.
• They are more robust than a mouse.
• Needs less desk space than a mouse or keyboard.
Disadvantages:
• It is not supplied with the computer as a standard; therefore, it is more costly.
• Users may need training because it is not standard equipment.
6. Remote Control:
Uses:
• Televisions, satellite systems, DVD/Blu-ray players and Hi-Fi systems, to alter controls
such as volume, on/off, etc.
• Used to control multimedia systems.
• Used in industrial applications to remotely control processes.
Advantages:
• It can be operated from any reasonable distance.
• In some conditions, e.g., in chemically hazardous environments, we can control and
measure from safe distances.
Disadvantages:
• Difficult to use for people with limited hand/wrist movements.
• Physical obstacles can easily block the signal.
7. Joysticks:
Uses:
• Used in video games.
• Used in simulators to mimic the actual controls.
Advantages:
• It is easier than keyboards for screen navigation.
• In some applications, the control is more realistic than using a mouse.
Disadvantages:
• The on-screen pointer is more difficult to use.

. Driving wheel:
Uses:
• Used in video games, especially car racing games.
• Used in simulators to mimic actual vehicle controls.
Advantages:
• It's a more realistic experience than both mouse and joystick.
• Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements.
Disadvantages:
• It is a rather expensive input device as compared to a mouse or joystick.
• Steering movements tend to be over-sensitive, which gives an unrealistic feel.
• Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the steering wheel is non-existent.

9. Touch screen (as an input device):

Uses:
• Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to choose from on-screen options.
• Point of sale terminals such as in restaurants.
• Interactive whiteboards in education.
• Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are selected during on-screen testing.
Advantages:
• Faster entry of options than using a keyboard or mouse.
• Very easy method for choosing options.
• User-friendly method - no training necessary in its use.
• Option to expand the size of the display if necessary.
Disadvantages:
• A limited number of input options are available.
• This can lead to problems if an operator uses the system frequently
• The screen can get very dirty with constant touching.

10. Scanners:
Uses:
• Scanning documents and converting them into different formats
• Scanning in old documents to protect them in case the original is lost/damaged.
• Scanning in photographs for storage
• Scanning in barcodes at POS terminals.
Advantages:
• Images can be stored for editing at a later date.
• When used with OCR, they are much faster and more accurate than typing the documents
in.
• It is possible to recover damaged documents by scanning and producing an acceptable
copy.
Disadvantages:
• Limited quality, depending on how good the scanner's resolution is.
• Fairly slow input method, especially if color mode is selected.

11. Digital Cameras:

Uses:
• Taking photographs is still better than using smartphones and tablets.
• Data-capture device, e.g., as a reversing aid in cars.
• Dentistry, to help capture pictures for better diagnosis.
• The creation of virtual reality tours around houses, buildings, etc.
Advantages:
• Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a traditional camera.
• Uploading photographs to a computer is faster than scanning hard copies.
• Memory cards can store many thousands of photographs.
• There is no need to develop film and printouts; it saves money and is more environmentally
friendly.
• Unwanted images can quickly be deleted from a memory card.
Disadvantages:
• Need to be computer literate to know proper use.
• Loss of artistry due to clever software doing all the work.
• Images need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory used.
12. Microphones:
Uses:
• To input speech to be used in various applications.
• Input in voice recognition software for authentication.
• As a sensor to pick up sound in an intruder alarm system.
• Used in audio conferencing or VoIP applications.
Advantages:
• It is faster to read text than it is to type it in.
• It is possible to manipulate sound in real time rather than working on a completed
recording.
• It improves security if used as an authentication system.
Disadvantages:
• Sound files use up a lot of computer memory.
• Reading data is more error-prone than typing in.

13. Sensors:
Uses:
• Temperature sensors are used in automatic washing machines, central heating systems,
ovens, and glasshouses.
• Pressure sensors are used in intruder alarm systems and washing machines.
• Light sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, doors, and street lighting control.
• Sound/acoustic sensors are used in intruder alarm systems, monitoring liquid and powder
flow in pipes.
• Humidity/moisture sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, environmental monitoring,
and in factories where moisture levels are crucial.
• pH sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, chemical processes and environmental
monitoring.
Advantages:
• Readings are more accurate as compared to human operators.
• Readers are continuous, with no breaks in the monitoring.
• Because it is a continuous process, any action or warnings needed will be initiated
immediately.
• Automatic systems don't need human intervention.
Disadvantages:
• Faulty sensors can give spurious results.
• Most sensors are analogue; therefore, they require conversion using Analogue to Digital
Convertors.
14. Light pens:
Uses:
• Selecting objects on CRT screens
• Drawing on screens
Advantages:
• Greater accuracy than touch screens
• Small makes them portable and capable of being used in small spaces.
• Easy-to-use technology.
Disadvantages:
• Lagging problems while drawing on the screen.
• It only works with CRT monitors.
• Rather dated technology.

Direct Data Entry & Associated Devices

1. Magnetic Stripe Readers:
Uses:
• On credit/debit card for use at ATMs
• Security device to allow entry to buildings, hotels, etc.
Advantages:
• Faster than keying in data manually.
• Error-free, no human intervention needed.
• Secure information isn't in human-readable form.
• Robust, there are no moving parts.
Disadvantages:
• If the card is damaged, the data is lost.
• Doesn't work at a distance.
• As the information isn't human-readable, this can be a disadvantage in some cases.
2. Chip and PIN reader:
Uses:
• Where payments are made using cards
Advantages:
• It is more secure than contactless cards as the PIN acts as a second security layer.
• More robust system than Magnetic Stripe Cards
Disadvantages:
• Be very careful so the PIN isn't seen by anyone while being typed in.
3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader:
Uses:
• Livestock tracking
• Retail, instead of barcodes, as they don't need to be scanned in.
 • Admission passes.
• Library books, to acknowledge the books which have been borrowed.
Advantages:
• No line-of-sight contact is needed.
• Very robust and reliable technology.
• Very fast read rate.
• Bidirectional data transfer.
• Bulk detection is possible.
Disadvantages:
• Tag collision
• As they use radio waves, they are easy to jam/interrupt.
• Easy to hack into the signal.
• RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode system.
4. Optical Mark Reader/Recognition (OMR):
Uses:
• Used in MCQs checking.
• Used in reading voting papers.
Advantages:
• Very fast way of inputting survey results.
• It is more accurate because there is no human intervention.
• More accurate than OCR methods.
Disadvantages:
• Designing the forms can be complicated to ensure the marks are correctly positioned.
• If there are problems, they need to be manually checked, which can be time-consuming.
5. Optical Character Recognition/Reader:
Uses:
• Processing passports and identity cards.
• Converting hard copy documents into electronic form.
• Used in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.
• Digitizing historic hard copies for archiving.
Advantages:
• It is a much faster data entry system than manual typing.
• No human intervention, its error free.
Disadvantages:
• System has difficulty in reading different handwritings.
• Still not a very accurate technique.

6. Barcode readers:
Uses:
• Used in supermarkets for stock control.
• In libraries, to keep track of books.
• As a safety function to ensure checking of electrical equipment on a daily basis.
Advantages:
• Much faster than manually keying in data.
• Allow automatic stock control.
Disadvantages:
• Relatively expensive system to administer.
• Not fool-proof, barcodes can be swapped between items.
• Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic stripes.

7. Quick response (QR) code scanner:

Uses:
• used in advertising to contain information about the advertising company.
• Wi-Fi authentication
• Used in restaurants, you can see the menu by scanning.
Advantages:
• hold much more information than normal barcode.
• fewer errors than with barcodes.
• QR codes are easier to read because the cameras can even read them on a smartphone.
• It is possible to encrypt QR codes.
Disadvantages:
• More than one QR format is available.
• QR codes can be used to transmit malicious data.
 Output Devices and Their Uses
1. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors:
Uses:
• Their large screens allow complex diagrams to be created in Computer-aided design.
• Used with light pens to allow designs to be created.
Advantages:
• Can be seen at a wider range of angles, unlike LCDs.
• Allow the use of light pens.
Disadvantages:
• They are very heavy and bulky.
• They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended.
• They use a lot more power than LCDs.
• Their flickering can lead to headaches.
• Image burn-in is a common issue.
2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens:
Uses:
• Main output device for modern computers.
• Mobile phones, laptops, video games use LCD screens.
Advantages:
• Very efficient, low power consumption.
• Lightweight devices.
• Screens can made in various sizes.
• No flickering images.
• Very sharp image resolution.
Disadvantages:
• Colour and contrast from different angles are inconsistent.
• Motion blur is a common issue.
• Lower contrast than CRT monitors.
3. Touch screen (as an output devices):
Uses:
• ATMs
• POS terminals
• Information kiosks.
Advantages:
• Don't need additional input devices.
• They are very interactive, and many functions, such as swiping, can be done.
• They add a high-tech feel to devices and interfaces.
Disadvantages:
• They tend to get dirty with frequent use.
• Frequent use results in straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc.
• If large amounts of data are input/output, they aren't very accurate, and the interface isn't
very fast.
4. Multimedia projectors:
Uses:
• Training presentations to allow the whole audience to see images.
• Advertising presentations.
• Home cinema systems.
Advantages:
• More people can watch as they don't have to crowd around a laptop.
• Avoids the need for several networked computers.
Disadvantages:
• Images can be fuzzy.
• Expensive to buy.
• Set-up can be complicated.
5. Laser printers:
Uses:
• In uses where low noise is required.
• If fast, high quality, high-volume printing is required.
Advantages:
• Printing is fast.
• They can handle very large print jobs.
• Quality is consistently high.
• Toner cartridges last for a long time.
Disadvantages:
• They are only considerably fast if several copies are being made.
• Color laser printers are expensive to run.
 • They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds because of their printing method and
toner.
6. Inkjet printers:
Uses:
• Where low-output volumes are required.
• Where high-quality printing is required for single pages.
Advantages:
• High-quality output
• Cheaper than laser printers.
• Very lightweight
• Don't produce ozone and volatile organic compounds.
Disadvantages:
• Slow output if many copies are needed.
• Can't do large print jobs.
• Printing can smudge if user isn't careful.
• Can be expensive if used a lot.
7. Dot matrix printers:
Uses:
• Used in environments where noise isn't a major issue.
• Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced. Widely used in till receipts.
Advantages:
• Can be used in varying environments unlike laser/inkjet printers.
• Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
• Very cheap to run and maintain.
• Good for continuous printing.
Disadvantages:
• Very noisy
• Initial cost is more than an inkjet printer.
• Very slow, poor-quality printing.
8. (Graph) Plotters:
Uses:
• Producing architectural drawings
• Producing engineering drawings
 • Drawing animation characters.
Advantages:
• Very high-quality output.
• can produce large, monochrome and color drawings very accurately.
• Can print on a variety of materials.
Disadvantages:
• Very slow printing.
• Expensive equipment to purchase initially.
• Have a very large physical footprint compared to a printer.

9. 3D printers:
Uses:
• Custom-made prosthetic limbs.
• In aerospace, if parts of the aircraft are made using 3d printers they can be very
lightweight.
• Making spare parts for items that aren't now manufactured, e.g., parts of a vintage car.
Advantages:
• Manufacturing objects has become much easier.
• Even though the initial cost is high, it is still cheaper than the more conventional way.
Parts for machinery that aren't available can be made.
Disadvantages:
• Potential to make counterfeit items.
• Could lead to manufacture of dangerous items by almost anyone.
• Job loss potential.
10. Speaker:
Uses:
• Used in all phones and most computers.
• Helps visually impaired people.
• Plays downloaded sound files.
Advantages:
• Amplified sounds can be much louder than the original sound.
• Amplified sounds can be enough to be heard by a huge crowd.
• Very simple technology.
 • They are especially useful for blind people, for instance, reading e-books.
Disadvantages:
• Speaker output can disturb irrelevant people in the same area, e.g., an office. Sound
quality is high only expensive speakers.
• They take up a lot of desk space.
11. Actuators: In control system
Uses: input - sensors
ADC
• Used to turn on motors, buzzers, and switches.
• Allow a computer to control physical devices, process - computer
Advantages:
DAC
output - actuators
• Allow remote operation of many devices.
• Relatively inexpensive devices.
Disadvantages:
• They are an additional device in the system that could go wrong
• As analogue devices, signals need to be converted using a DAC.