Peripheral Devices & Media Flashcards
What is a peripheral device
Hardware that is supplementary to the computer.
If you can touch it, then it is hardware
What are the 4 different types of peripheral devices
- Input
- Output
- Storage devices
- Communication devices (WiFi, Bluetooth, radio & serial ports)
What is an input device
Those which interact with or send information to the computer. They do not store data
Examples of an input device
Can all be connected via a cable or wirelessly to a digital device
Keyboard - Using the keys, users transmit instructions or input data into the digital device
Mouse - Pointing device that allows users to select items on a screen.
Microphone - Allows us to transmit sounds across the interent or to give commands to the computer using our voice
What is an output device
They provide information to the user from the computer. They perform a function (e.g prinitng) using data/software stored in a computer
Examples of an output device
Can an be connected via a cable or wirelessley to a digital device
Printers - Reproduce text & images according to instructions which they receive from any digital device
Monitors - Visual display of whatever software or data is being accessed on the digital device at any given time
Projectors - Visual displays of whatever is being accessed on a digital device. Projectors are used to project the display onto a white/silver screen
What is a storage device
Peripheral devices that are used for storing data for the following reasons:
- Save space on your computers hard drive
- Transfer files physically rather than over the internet
- Share files with another person or another digital device physically
- Back up data in order to protect against damage of loss
They are often used as both input & output devices
Types of storage devices**
External hard drives - Used to back up data or to store large ammounts of data.
USB flash drives - Store smaller ammounts of data (can keep a copy of), or they can be used for temporary storage when moving data from one digital device to another
SD - Provide high capacity memory storage in a small space. Particulary for storing still images
Optical disks - DVDs, they are most commonly used to store movies. Blue-ray is an advancement on the DVD technology that uses different wavelengths & materials to execute a massive increase in storage capability
What are accessibility devices
(also known as adaptive technoligies)
Those which provide alternative input & output options for using digital technology whenb standard methods are not an option.
Examples of accessibility sofware
Voice or speech recognition software - Allows users to input data using their voices (rather than fingers) *Useful for anyone with visual/physical impairment
Screeh readers - Reads aloud the words/content of the computer screen. Useful for people with visual impairments
What is manual & automatic data processing
Peripheral devices which can automate the input & processing of data & avoid human errors such as typos & data entry
What is automatic data processing
Data collection or processing carried out by a computer, sometimes with very little human input
**Examples of uses of automatic data processing
- Biometric readers read fingerprints/hand prints or irises for use in personal identifictaion systems
- Barcode readers read lines of different thickness & convert them into a string of values
- Smart meters accurately record electricity & gas usage & send readings to the energy supplies
Examples of uses of manual data processing
- Entering customers’ meal choices into a restuarantes system
- Entering survey responses from a form
- Marking exam scripts
- Processing sales
Examples of accessibility devices
Trackball - easier to use alternative to a mouse, moveable ball on a base
Eye motion sensors
