Input & Output Devices

Question 1

What is an input device?

Answer 1

Device that allows data such as text, music, images to enter a computer System

Question 2

What is an Output Device?

Answer 2

Something that a computer will send date to in order to carry out a function

Question 3

List a couple input devices

Answer 3

Mouse
Keyboard
Microphone
Code Scanner
3D scanner
Touch screen

Question 4

List a couple input devices

Answer 4

Input devices Mouse
A mouse is an input device that allows the user to control the co-ordinates and movements of a cursor on the computer screen. The left button is used to select items and the right button is used to access menus (these can be changed around in settings). Most mice now use a laser to track location on a smooth surface and mice can be wired or wireless.
Trackball
A trackball is an input device similar to a mouse, that allows the user to locate the cursor. Unlike the mouse, however, the trackball remains stationary and the user moves the cursor by moving the ball around in the socket. Some users believe that the use of a trackball gives better control over the cursor, and therefore use a trackball for computer aided design (CAD).
Computer keyboard
Computer keyboards are used to input data and commands into the computer by pressing the keys. Computer keyboards are common in the workplace and are usually used together with a mouse.
Concept keyboard
Concept keyboards look like computer keyboards, but have an image on each key. The images on the keys are chosen to represent the command. For example, in a restaurant, a key may be used for a burger, a cheeseburger or a cheeseburger with bacon.
Microphone
A microphone is an input device that receives analogue sound waves and converts them into electrical signals understood by the computer. Microphones play an important role in speech recognition.
Digital camera
A digital camera is an input device that captures images (and sometimes videos) digitally. A digital camera uses an image sensor and a chip to capture an image, as opposed to the film used in traditional cameras.
2D scanner
2D scanners convert documents or 2D images into digital files. 2D scanners can be run with additional software such as an optical mark reader (OMR) or optical character recognition (OCR). One example would be using OCR software in the computer to read handwriting and convert it into digital text.
3D scanner
A 3D scanner is an input device that generates a 3D model of a scanned object. It may use x-ray, laser, light or sound waves to generate the object in 3D.
10

Interactive whiteboard
An interactive whiteboard is usually used in classrooms. This device was developed long before touch screens. It’s cheaper than touch screens and differs from normal screens as it can be used in many different ways when used alongside a projector. It can be used for navigation systems or to write/design with your fingers or a stylus.
Touch screens
A touch screen is a digital visual display that also works as an input device that responds to the user’s touch. It allows users to make selections by touching the screen.
Barcode scanner
A barcode is a code that can be read by a machine. The code is represented by a series of black and white lines. These lines represent numbers from 0 to 9. The use of barcode scanners speeds up the process of data input into a system, e.g. scanning items at a check out desk in a supermarket.
QR code scanner
QR code scanners as seen on smartphones can scan QR codes by taking a picture of them. The QR codes normally hold more data than barcodes, e.g. web addresses, contact details, calendar registrations and details of goods in factories and warehouses.

Question 5

List a couple output devices

Answer 5

Speakers
Printer
3D Printer
Mechanism
Laser cutter
Monitor
Projector

Question 6

List a couple of output devices

Answer 6

Output devices
Monitor
A monitor is an electronic visual computer display. It includes a screen and the case in which all circuitry is enclosed. Most monitors used with devices such as laptops, PDAs and desktop PCs are made using LCD screens as they are lighter and more energy efficient.
Speaker
Speakers are used to produce audio output that can be heard by the listener. When they receive audio input from a device, the electromagnetic waves are converted into sound waves. This input may be in either analog or digital form. Analog speakers simply amplify the analog electromagnetic waves into sound waves. Digital speakers must first convert the digital input into an analog signal, then generate the sound waves.
Printer
A printer is an output device that prints paper documents. This includes text documents, images, or a combination of both. The two most common types of printers are inkjet and laser printers. Inkjet printers are commonly used by consumers, while laser printers are a typical choice for businesses.
Projector
A projector is an output device that projects an image onto a large surface, such as a white screen or a wall. It may be used as an alternative to a monitor or a television when showing video or images to a large group of people.