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What is an input device?
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An input device is any hardware that
is used to enter data and instructions
into a computer system.
Examples of input devices
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• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Touchpad
• Joystick
• Scanner
• Barcode reader
Examples of input devices
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• Touchscreen
• Microphone
• Digital camera
• Web camera
• Sensors
Features of input devices
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Keyboard
The keys found on the keyboard are pressed
to enter text, numbers and other symbols
into the computer system.
Features of input devices
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Mouse
It is used to control the cursor on the
computer screen.
The mouse buttons are clicked to
• select text / files / folders
• launch programs
Features of input devices
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Touchpad
• It is found on laptop computers.
• It can be used instead of a mouse.
• It senses the user’s finger movement
and downward pressure.
Features of input devices
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Joystick
It may be used
• as an alternative to a mouse to control the
cursor on a screen
(for playing computer games)
• to control machinery
(cranes and medical equipment)
Features of input devices
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Scanner
It creates a digital image of a hardcopy
and stores it as a file on the computer.
Features of input devices
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Barcode Reader
It can capture and read information
contained in printed barcodes.
It is used mostly in libraries, shops and
supermarkets.
Features of input devices
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Touchscreen
It is a display screen that is sensitive to
touch.
One can interact with the computer by
touching the icons and text with a finger.
Features of input devices
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Microphone
It is used to input sound into a
computer.
It is mostly used for online chatting and
voice or music recording.
Features of input devices
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Digital camera
It records and stores photographs as well as
videos in a digital format.
The photographs and videos can be
• viewed immediately
• transferred electronically
Features of input devices
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Web camera
Most webcams connect to the computer by a
USB cable or are built into computer
hardware, such as laptops.
Webcams are used mainly for online video
chatting.
Features of input devices
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Sensors
They are input devices which detect events
or changes in their environment and send
the information to a computer processor.
They are used in security alarms, automatic
doors, cars, electronic gadgets …
Quick Test
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TRUE FALSE
1. A touchpad can be used instead of
a mouse.
Quick Test
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TRUE
1. A touchpad can be used instead of
a mouse.
Quick Test
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TRUE FALSE
2. A digital camera can only take still
photographs.
Quick Test
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FALSE
2. A digital camera can only take still
photographs.
A digital camera can also capture video.
Quick Test
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TRUE FALSE
3. A barcode reader is the most suitable
input device to type a piece of text.
Quick Test
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FALSE
3. A barcode reader is the most suitable
input device to type a piece of text.
A barcode reader reads barcodes
To type text we need a keyboard.
Quick Test
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TRUE FALSE
4. Joysticks are used to play computer
games
Quick Test
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TRUE
4. Joysticks are used to play computer
games
Recap
• An input device is a piece of hardware used
to enter data and instructions into a computer
system.
• There are many input devices and each one
captures data in a different way.
Recap
• Examples of input devices include the
keyboard, the mouse, the barcode reader and
the scanner amongst others.
• The selection of a suitable input device
depends on the type of data that need to be
fed into the computer.