Computer Input Devices

Table of Contents

Computer input devices is any device that allows information to be entered into a computer by typing, selecting, importing or downloading. Typical examples are

• Keyboard: A keyboard is a device that allows users to input text and commands into a computer. Keyboards can come in different layouts and sizes, but most have a standard set of keys that include letters, numbers, and special characters.
  
  
• Mouse: A mouse is a device that allows users to move a pointer or cursor on the screen, and to click on buttons or links. Most mice have two buttons and a scroll wheel, but some also have additional buttons for advanced functionality.
  
  
• Touchpad: A touchpad is a built-in input device found on laptops that allows users to move the cursor using their finger. It also supports multi-touch gestures such as scrolling, zooming, and swiping.
  
  
• Trackball: A trackball is a device that allows users to move the cursor by rolling a ball with their fingers or palm. It is less common than a mouse or touchpad, but it can be useful for people with limited desk space.
  
  
• Scanner: A scanner is a device that allows users to input printed documents or images into a computer in digital formats. It works by scanning the document and converting it into a digital image that can be stored and edited on the computer.
  
  
• Webcam: A webcam is a device that allows users to input video and audio into a computer in digital formats. It is typically used for video conferencing, recording videos, or streaming live video.
  
  
• Microphone: A microphone is a device that allows users to input audio into a computer. It is typically used for voice commands, video conferencing, or recording audio.
  
  
• Joysticks: A joystick can be used to perform quick and effective maneuver when playing games on a computer.
  
  
• Scanners: Scanners allow printed material to be converted into digitized formats suitable for importing into appropriate application software. To import printed text into a computer via a scanner, special applications software known as Optical Character Recognition software (OCR) is required. This allows hard copy text to be converted into text files within word processing applications.
  
  
• Touch Sensitive Screens: A touch sensitive screen allows one to select items by touching and dragging. A device using touch sensitive screen does not need a keyboard or mousse.
  
  
• Sensor: A sensor is an input device that detects quantities such as temperature, light, etc and converts to an electric signal that can be converted to digital signals and then analyzed by a computer.

More References and Links

• The Complete A+ Guide to PC Repair Fifth Edition Update (5th Edition) – March 2011 - By Cheryl A. Schmidt (Author)
• Digital Photography: A Basic Manual Paperback – November 2011 - By Henry Horenstein (Author), Allison Carroll (Contributor)
• Speech and Language Processing - By Daniel Jurafsky, Stanford University and James H. Martin ,University of Colorado at Boulder - https://web.stanford.edu/~jurafsky/slp3/ed3book.pdf