Input and Output Devices

Input and Output Devices

1. Input Devices

   • An input device is something which lets you put information into a computer
   • Common Input devices
     • Microphone
       • This would be used to mke recordings or as voice control - giving the computer commands. it could also be used to dictate a document
     • Graphics Tablet
       • This is like a really large touchpad mouse except you can draw on it with a special stylus. what you draw appears on the computer. bit like a digital paper
     • Mouse
       • Moving around a computer
     • Touch Screen
       • Moving around a computer or applications using your hands instead of a mouse
     • Keyboard
       • Still the most common way of quickly typing in text into a computer
     • Touch Pad
       • On mobile devices like laptops where a normal mouse would not be convenient, this is a small square. moving your finger over it controls the cursor
   • Sensors
     • Heat
       • For: Temperature
         • Example: Greenhouse/ Home central heating. Fire detection systems
     • Light
       • For: Level of light
         • Example: Security lights, street lights, phone sensors (auto-adjusts brightness)
     • Pressure
       • For: Whether extra pressure has been applied on a surface
         • Example: Car park barriers, burglar alarms, for example when a car moves over the pressure pad, the barrier raises in a car park
     • Tilt
       • For: The orientation of something
         • Example: Mobile phones. For example if you put your phone landscape, the screen rotates for you
     • Touch
       • For: Two things have come into contact
         • Example: Mobile phones/ touch screens. These are everywhere
     • Sound
       • For: Noise levels
         • Example: Security system or in public houses. It detects if noise is too loud and alerts somebody

2. Output Devices

   • An output device is something which is used to display or return information to a user
   • Common output devices
     • Screen
       • Used for displaying information
     • Printer
       • Used for producing a hard copy of information which can be taken away from a computer
     • Touch Screen
       • Used for interacting with a computer
     • Projector
       • Displaying information from a computer for an audience on a large screen
     • Speakers
       • Used for hearing sounds eg: music