Input And Output Devices

By Kimberly Galea Form 3.2

INPUT DEVICES

The keyboard is the most used input

device. It contains a number of keys that

allows a user to enter data and information

to the computer.

Keyboard

The keys are divided into different

groups according to their use:

Alphabet keys Function keys Numeric keys Arrow keys Commands keys

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages

Typists can enter data very quickly. Keyboards are less expensive because it

comes with every computer.

Disadvantages One can easily make mistakes when typing. Excessive use can lead to Repetitive strain

injury.

Keyboard

The mouse is the second most

common used input device. The

mouse controls a pointer which is

displayed on the monitor. The

pointer controls the pointing,

clicking and selecting items.

Mouse

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages Ideal to use with desktop computers. Usually supplied as part of a new computer

system.

Disadvantages Excessive use can lead to Repetitive strain

injury. They need a flat space close to the

computer.

Mouse

Digital CameraDigital cameras allow the user to take pictures which are then stored digitally in a memory card or the camera’s memory, and not like traditional cameras which store images on the a film. The images can then be placed from the camera onto a computer. The quality of the photos is dependant on the resolution (the number of pixels); the larger the number of pixels, the better the quality of the photo. Digital cameras are also capable of taking video clips.

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages No film is needed, no developing costs to view the

photos Photos can be viewed or deleted immediately after

being taken Images can be edited or enlarged Images can be placed directly on to a computer Images can be uploaded onto websites

Disadvantages

Digital Camera

Bar Code Reader

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages

Disadvantages

Barcode Reader

Optical Mark Recognition

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

Disadvantages

Optical Mark Recognition

Optical Character Recognition

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

Disadvantages

Optical Character Recognition

Magnetic Ink Character Reader

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages

Disadvantages

Magnetic Ink Character Reader

Scanner

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages

Disadvantages

Scanner

Joystick

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages

Disadvantages

Joystick

INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES

Touch screenA touch screen is both an input and an output device. The user is able to see the various options on the screen (output), while using his/her finger to touch a particular option (input), at the same time. The touch screen has now become popular in a number of smartphones and tablet computers.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages They are user friendly.

Disadvantages Needs specialised hardware and

software.

Touch screen

OUTPUT DEVICES

Printer

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages

Disadvantages

Printer

Visual Display Units

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages

Disadvantages

Visual Display Units