Input and Output
Input and Output Devices
Input Devices
-
Input devices are hardware components that aid in the feeding of data and instructions into a computer system. They enable users to interact and feed instructions to the computer.
-
Examples of input devices include keyboards, mouses, touch screens, barcode scanners, and microphones. Each of these serve different purposes and are used in various applications.
-
A keyboard allows you to type data into the computer. It can be used to enter text, numbers, and commands.
-
A mouse is an essential input device that allows the user to control the pointer on the screen, allowing for interaction with the computer’s graphical user interface.
-
Touch screens function as both an output and an input device. The screen displays output, and users input data and instructions by touching the screen.
-
A barcode scanner is a device used in retail. It reads barcodes and inputs the data associated with the barcode (usually a product code) into the computer system.
-
Microphones are devices that capture audio and convert it into digital data that the computer can process.
Output Devices
-
Output devices are hardware components that allow a computer to convey information to the user or another device. They take data from the computer and convert it into a form that is understandable to users.
-
Examples of output devices include monitors, projectors, speakers, and printers. Different outputs are used depending on the needs of the user and the data being processed.
-
A monitor displays visual output from the computer, such as text, graphics, and videos. The quality of the output can depend on the resolution of the monitor.
-
A projector is an output device that enlarges the computer’s output onto a larger screen or wall for viewing by a larger audience.
-
Speakers translate the digital signals into analog sound waves that can be heard by the user.
-
A printer takes the digital information from the computer and generates a hard copy of that information, outputting it on paper.
Bi-directional Devices
-
Some devices can function as both input and output devices. These are known as bi-directional devices.
-
Examples of bi-directional devices include touch screens, network cards, and modems which can both send and receive data.
-
A touch screen displays visual output and also takes input from the user when they touch the screen.
-
Network cards and modems send and receive data to and from the internet, allowing the computer to interact with other devices and systems across networks.