Input and output devices

Input and output devices

1. Input devices - These allow us to enter information into a computer system. Example devices include:

   • Keyboard - A panel of keys used to input alphanumeric character, sumbols and simple commands. A common use is for using office software like word processors and spreadsheets.
   • Mouse - A pointing device that allows a user to control a cursor on screen. A common use is for navigating around the GUI.
   • Microphone - an audio input device that allows a user to enter sounds into the compute system. A common use is for holding VoIP conversations and recording podcasts
   • Webcam - a device used to input digital video or still pictures into a computer system. A common use is gor holding video VoIP conversations and recording vlogs.
   • Game controller - an input device for inputting instructions to a video game, often with force-feedback. Used to control videos games, can come in the form of a gamepad or joystick
   • Sensor - An input device that takes readings from the environment such as temperature or light. A common use is a thermostat that detects temperature and turns your heating on or off.
   • Scanner - a device that converts documents into digital data. A common use is for digitising hard copies of photos for editing or sharing online.
   • Graphics tablet - a flat board and a pointing device that works much like a pen and paper. A common use is for producing illustration such as designing a logo

2. Output - these allow us to send information from one computer to another or to a user. Example devices include:

   • Monitor - a device that outputs a visual display of the user interface of the active software. We use it so we can see the data we are working with and can interact with it.
   • Projector - projects a visual display from the computer onto a screen or wall. A common use is for watching television and film on, as well as in the classroom to display a presentation.
   • Printer - a device that is used to produce physical copies from a computer system. A common use is for printing documents and photos that are edited on the computer.
   • Plotter - a type of printer that is designed to print out vector graphic images. An common use is for printing out designs produced in CAD software.
   • Speakers - a device that converts digital audio into analogue to output sound. A common use is for listening to music and to take part in VoIP conversations.
   • Actuator - an output device that produces motion. We use it to control or move things. A common use is an actuator that turns heating on or off.