Input Devices: Questions and Answers
1. What is input in the context of computing?
Answer: Input refers to any data or instruction entered into the memory of a computer.
2. Name the two main types of input.
Answer: 1. Data (e.g., words, numbers, pictures, sound)
2. Instructions (programs, commands, user responses)
3. What are the three forms instructions can take when entered into a computer?
Answer: Programs, commands, and user responses.
4. Define a program in computing terms.
Answer: A program is a set of instructions that tells the computer how to process data.
5. What is a user response?
Answer: A user response is an instruction entered by the user in reply to a question displayed by a
program.
6. What is the main function of a keyboard?
Answer: To input data and commands into the computer.
7. List at least three characteristics of a standard keyboard.
Answer: Typing area, numeric keypad, function keys, arrow keys, toggle keys.
8. What is the difference between an enhanced and a cordless keyboard?
Answer: Enhanced keyboards have additional keys; cordless keyboards use wireless
communication.
9. Why are ergonomic keyboards used?
Answer: To improve comfort and reduce risk of repetitive strain injuries.
10. Name five types of pointing devices.
Answer: Mouse, trackball, touchpad, joystick, pointing stick.
11. How does a mechanical mouse work?
Answer: It uses a rubber or metal ball to detect movement.
12. What makes an optical mouse different from a mechanical mouse?
Answer: An optical mouse uses light to detect movement and has no moving parts.
13. Describe how a cordless mouse communicates with a computer.
Answer: It uses infrared or radio signals to send data wirelessly.
14. What is a trackball, and how does it differ from a mouse?
Answer: A trackball is a stationary device with a movable ball used to control the pointer.
15. What is the function of a touchpad?
Answer: A flat surface that responds to finger movement, typically found on laptops.
16. Where is a pointing stick typically located?
Answer: Between the G, H, and B keys on a keyboard.
17. How does a joystick differ in function from a touch screen?
Answer: A joystick is often used for gaming and provides directional control; a touch screen allows
direct touch-based input.
18. What is pen input typically used for?
Answer: To write or draw directly on a screen using a stylus.
19. How does voice recognition input work?
Answer: It converts spoken words into digital signals for commands or text.
20. What are the differences between studio, field, and point-and-shoot digital cameras?
Answer: Studio: professional, high-end; Field: portable for on-site use; Point-and-shoot:
consumer-level, easy to use.
