These are the hardware devices that are used for entering data and instructions into the computer system. The input devices allow human to interact with the computer system. The following are some examples of Input devices:
Keyboard: Most important input device. The keyboard is very much like a typewriter keyboard with a few additional keys. The keys when pressed send an input signal into the computer.
Mouse: A mouse is a small object you can roll along a hard or flat surface. It controls the movement of the cursor on a display screen.
Light pen: An input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector to select, create and modify object on a display screen.
Touchpad: A touchpad is used for pointing on a computer display screen. It works by sensing the user’s finger movement and downward pressure. It is often rectangular in shape and found mostly on laptops. It is an alternative to mouse.
Touch screen: It allows the user to operate / make selections by simply touching the display screen. The display screen is sensitive to touch of a finger or stylus. Widely used on ATM machines and most mobile phones.
Microphone: A device that is used to capture and record sound.
Bar code reader: These are photoelectric scanners that read bar codes printed on product containers. They are generally used in super markets.
Scanner: Scanner reads texts, images or illustrations printed on paper and translate the information into a form that the computer can use. It works by digitizing an image.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR): MICR can identify character printed with a special ink that contains particles of magnetic material. This device is widely used in banking industry.
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR): Also called mark sense reader is a technology where an OMR device senses the presence or absence of a mark, such as pencil mark. OMR is widely used in tests such as aptitude test.
Joystick: Is an input and pointing device used in computer games.
Digital camera: An input device used to capture images and moving pictures.
Differences between Mouse and Keyboard
| Keyboard | Mouse |
| Used to enter instructions | Used to point and select |
| Keys are pressed | Buttons are clicked |
| Combination of keys can be pressed | Left or right button is clicked |
| Cannot drag and drop text | Drags and drops text |
| It has keys | It has buttons |
| Requires no mouse pad | Requires a mouse pad |
Assignment
List and briefly explain ALL set of keys on the keyboard. Hint: Alphabet keys
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