Input Devices

The devices which are used to input the data and the programs in the computer are known as "Input Devices". or  Input device can read data and convert them to a form that a computer can use. Output Device can produce the final product of machine processing into a form usable by humans. It provides a man to machine communication. Some of the I/O devices are explained below:

(1) Keyboard: 

The keyboard is used in the input phase of a computer-based information system. The keyboard is the most common input device is used today. The data and instructions are input by typing on the keyboard. The message typed on the keyboard reaches the memory unit of a computer. It’s connected to a computer via a cable. Apart from the alphabet and numeral keys, it has other function keys for performing different functions. 

(2) Mouse:

 It’s a pointing device. The mouse is rolled over the mouse pad, which in turn controls the movement of the cursor in the screen. We can click, double click or drag the mouse. Most of the mouse has a ball beneath them, which rotates when the mouse is moved. The ball has 2 wheels of the sides, which in turn mousse with the movement of the ball. The sensor notifies the speed of its movements to the computer, which in turn moves the cursor/pointer on the screen. 

(3) Scanner:

 Scanners are used to enter information directly into the computer's memory. This device works like a Xerox machine. The scanner converts any type of printed or written information including photographs into digital pulses, which can be manipulated by the computer.  

(4) Track Ball:

 The trackball is similar to the upside-down design of the mouse. The user moves the ball directly, while the device itself remains stationary. The user spins the ball in various directions to effect the screen movements. 

(5) Light Pen:

This is an input device that is used to draw lines or figures on a computer screen. It’s touched to the CRT screen where it can detect raster on the screen as it passes.

(6) Optical Character Rader:

 It’s a device that detects alphanumeric characters printed or written on paper. The text which is to be scanned is illuminated by a low-frequency light source. The light is absorbed by the dark areas but reflected from the bright areas. The reflected light is received by the photocells. 

(7) Bar Code Reader:

 This device reads bar codes and converts them into electric pulses to be processed by a computer. A bar code is nothing but data coded in the form of light and dark bars. 

(8) Voice Input Systems:

 These devices convert spoken words to M/C language form. A microphone is used to convert human speech into electric signals. The signal pattern is then transmitted to a computer when it’s compared to a dictionary of patterns that have been previously placed in a storage unit of the computer. When a close match is found, the word is recognized.

(9) Plotter:

 The plotter is an O/P device that is used to produce graphical O/P on papers. It uses a single color or multi-color pens to draw pictures as blueprints etc.

(10) Digital Camera:

 It converts graphics directly into digital form. It looks like an ordinary camera, but no film is used therein, instead of a CCD (changed coupled Divide) Electronic chip in use. When light falls, on the chip through the lens, it converts light waves into electrical waves.