CHAPTER 2
INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
INPUT DEVICES
THE HARDWARE DEVICES THAT ALLOW DATA TO BE
INPUT INTO A COMPUTER.
KEYBOARDS
• QWERTY LAYOUT –
• Ergonomic keyboards – to reduce the health-related issues.
USES
1. Input of data into applications software.
2.Typing commands to the computer.
ADVANTAGES
1. Easy entry of new text into a document.
2. Easy to use
3. Easier to do verification checks
ADVANTAGES
1. Easy entry of new text into a document.
2. Easy to use
3. Easier to do verification checks
DISADVANTAGES
1. Slow method when compared to direct data entry
2. Large device that uses up desk space
CONCEPT KEYBOARD
Uses icons or phrases instead of standard letters.
NUMERIC KEYBOARD
Used to enter numbers only. Eg: ATM
POINTING DEVICES
OPTICAL MOUSE – Movement is detected by reflected light rather than the position of moving ball.
CORDLESS WIRELESS MOUSE – Which transmits signals to a USB wireless receiver plugged into the computer.
TOUCHPAD
The pointer is controlled by the user moving their finger on the touchpad. The buttons under the touchpad serve the same function as the left and right button on a mouse.
TOUCHPAD
Advantages
1. Same as the mouse
2. since the touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer
there is no need for separate mouse
TOUCHPAD
Disadvantages
1. Can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared
to a mouse.
2. More difficult to use when doing some operations such as -
drag and drop.
TRACKERBALL
Similar to a mouse except that the ball is on the top or the side of the device.
TRACKERBALL
Uses
1. Used in applications where the user has a disability
2. Used in a control room environment to navigate through
process screens.
3. Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as radio,
telephone, music.
REMOTE CONTROL
It is used to control the operation of other devices remotely using infrared signals.
JOYSTICKS
It has similar functions to a mouse and tracker ball. By gripping the stick, a pointer on the screen can be controlled.
DRIVING WHEEL
It connects to a computer through a USB port. The wheel allow us to simulate the turning of a steering wheel, and associated devices such as buttons or pedals allows to accelerate and brake.
TOUCH SCREENS
The user can choose an option by touching a button on the screen.
SCANNERS
It is used to enter information from
hard copy into a computer.
DIGITAL CAMERAS
The images are stored on a memory
card and can be transferred to a
computer.
VIDEO CAMERAS
Cameras which are capable of taking
moving images.
MICROPHONES
Sounds can be inputted and then
manipulated. The input sound is
converted to an analogue signal and
then converted into a digital signal.
SENSORS
It is a device that inputs data to a computer.
Sensors are used in both monitoring and control applications.
GRAPHIC TABLET
A graphics tablet is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images, animations and graphics.
WEBCAM
A video camera that is connected to a computer or integrated in a device and allows its images to be seen online.
WEBCAM
A video camera that is connected to a computer or integrated in a device and allows its images to be seen online.
LIGHT PENS
A light pen is a light-sensitive computer input device, that is used to select text, draw pictures and interact with user interface elements on a computer screen
or monitor.