1.2 Input Devices

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the purpose and function of various input devices
  • Identify different types of input devices and their uses
  • Explain how input devices interact with computer systems

Overview of Input Devices

Input devices are hardware components that allow users to enter data and instructions into a computer. Here are some common input devices:

Mouse

A mouse is a hand-held pointing input device used to control the movement of the pointer on a computer screen and to give commands through actions like clicking, double-clicking, right-clicking, dragging, and scrolling.
A standard mouse has three buttons: left button, right button, and scroll wheel.

Keyboard

A keyboard is the most common input device used to enter text, numbers, symbols, and commands into a computer.
Most common layout = QWERTY (named after first six keys on top row).
A standard keyboard has 104 keys (more in multimedia keyboards), grouped into alphabet keys, numeric keys, cursor movement keys, function keys, and special purpose keys

Joystick

A joystick is an input device with a stick that can be moved in different directions and is mainly used for controlling movements in video games and simulations.

Microphone

A microphone is an input device that captures sound and converts it into digital signals for communication, recording, and conferencing.
Common uses: voice chat, video calls, online meetings (Skype, Viber, Zoom, Messenger, etc.).

Scanner

A scanner is an input device that converts physical documents or images into digital format for storage and editing in a computer.
Example: Scanning printed notes or photos to save in a computer.

Webcam

A webcam is an input device that captures real-time video and audio for online communication, conferencing, and streaming.

Touchscreen

A touchscreen is an input-output device that allows users to interact directly with a computer by touching its display to give commands and view results.

Touchpad

• A touchpad (trackpad) is a built-in pointing device in laptops that lets users move the cursor and perform clicks by sliding or tapping fingers.