Input devices and their uses.

Question 1

What is a keyboard?

Answer 1

Used to input text, numbers and instructions. Ergonomic ones are designed to reduce health related issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive starin injury (RSI).

Question 2

Uses of keyboards.

Answer 2

Input of data into application software (text into word processors, numbers into spreadsheets).
Typing in commands to the computer.

Question 3

Advantages and disadvantages of keyboards.

Answer 3

Ad: fast entry of text into documents.
Easy to use for most.
Easier to do verification checks as data is entered (comparing from source documents).
Dis: difficult to use if user has limited arm/wrist use.
Slow method when compared to direct entry (optical mark recognition).
Large space required.

Question 4

What is a concept keyboard?

Answer 4

It uses icons and phrases instead of standard letters. Often used in restaurants where 1 key represents 1 item.

Question 5

Uses and advantages.

Answer 5

Fast data entry (x typing in whole commands).
Keyboards are waterproof (useful in restaurents).
In certain areas (info not looked after at airport kiosks) keyboards are tamper resistant, prevent ppl from keying in info that is potentially harmful.

Question 6

What are Manual Input Devices?

Answer 6

Data is input into computer by hand.

Question 7

What is Direct Input Devices?

Answer 7

Data is input into computer directly by a machine/device.

Question 8

What is a numeric keypad?

Answer 8

Used to enter numbers only; some have symbols and letters.

Question 9

Uses of a numeric keypad.

Answer 9

Automatic teller machines (ATMs) where customer can key in their PIN, amount of money.

Question 10

Advantages and disadvantages of numeric keypads.

Answer 10

Ad: faster than standard keyboards when entering numerical data.
Since many are small can be carried around anywhere.
Dis: small keys can make input difficult (small hands)
Order of no.s aren’t intuitive.

Question 11

What is a mouse?

Answer 11

Its a pointing device. User controls the position of a pointer on screen by moving the mouse around; left button used to select items w/ a double click, right button bring a drop down list and a scroll button.

• Optical mouse in which movements are detected by reflected light. No moving parts; no dirt picked up.
• Cordless/wireless mouse that transmits signals to USB wireless receiver in computer.

Question 12

Uses of mouse.

Answer 12

Opening/closing/minimizing software.
Grouping/moving/deleting files.
Image editing.
Controlling position of pointer on screen fro selection of menus and scrolling.

Question 13

Advantages and disadvantages of mouse.

Answer 13

Ad: faster way of choosing options than keyboards.
Very quick way to navigate through applications/internet.
No large surface areas needed.
Dis: more difficult for ppl w/ restricted hand/wrist movement compared to keyboards.
Easy to damage; older type of mouse bcomes easily clogged w/ dirt.
Difficult to use in surfaces that aren’t flat.

Question 14

What is a touch-pad?

Answer 14

Its a pointing device in laptops that is controlled by user’s finger moving on the touch-pad and tapping it to stimulate left button. They have 2 buttons under it w/ same functions as a standard mouse.

Question 15

Advantages and disadvantages of touch-pads.

Answer 15

Ad: same as mouse.
As its integrated into laptop, no need of carrying a separate one - aids potability and big advantages if no flat surfaces.
Dis: ppl w/ limited hand/wrist movements find it difficult.
Can be more difficult to use compared to mouse.
More difficult in certain operations (drag- drop).

Question 16

What is a tracker-ball?

Answer 16

Similar to mouse but the ball is on top or sides, user controls pointer on screen by rotation ball. Easier for ppl w/ limited hand/wrist movements. Some have 2 buttons (left and right same as mouse) and sometime 3rd button = double click.

Question 17

Uses of a tracker-ball.

Answer 17

Applications where user has disability (RSI).
Control room environment where it’s faster than mouse to navigate through process screens.
Luxury cars to select functions (radio, telephone, music).

Question 18

Advantages and disadvantages of tracker-ball.

Answer 18

Ad: doesn’t need same fine control like mouse.
Easier to use than mouse if operator is disabled.
More accurate positioning of pointer.
More robust than mouse.
Needs less desk space .
Dis: not supplied w/ computer = more costly.
User may need training.

Question 19

What is a remote control?

Answer 19

Used to control operations of other devices using infrared signals. Buttons for selecting options ( TV)

Question 20

Uses of remote controls.

Answer 20

Televisions, satellite systems, DVD players and hifi systems use remote controls to alter functions like sound and channels.
Used to control multimedia systems.
Used in industrial applications to control processes, stop and start machinery.

Question 21

Advantages and disadvantages of remote controls.

Answer 21

Ad: can be operated from any reasonable distances.
Chemical processes that are hazardous;selection of operations done at a distance.
Dis: difficult to use of operator has limited hand/wrist movements.
Easier to block signals .e.g. thick walls.

Question 22

What is a joystick?

Answer 22

Have similar functions to mouse and tracker-ball. By gripping the stick, pointer in screen can be controlled. Buttons for selection. Gaming purposes.

Question 23

Uses of a joystick.

Answer 23

Used on video/computer games.

Used in simulators to mimic actual controls and scenarios.e.g. flight simulators.

Question 24

Advantages and disadvantages of joysticks.

Answer 24

Ad: easier than a keyboard to navigate the screen.
Controls are more realistic than using a mouse.
Dis: more difficult to control the on screen pointer than w/ other devices like mouse.

Question 25

What is a driving wheel?

Answer 25

It’s an example of a device similar to the joystick. Connects to computer/game machines usually through a USB port. Wheel allows to stimulate turning of a steering wheel + associated devices for brake and accelerate. Sensors used to pick up left/right movements so user get sensations of driving a car.