WHAT IS AN INPUT DEVICE?
An input device is any hardware device used to enter data and instructions into a computer. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, and touchpad. These devices allow users to input information into the computer system, which is then processed and outputted.
You can watch the following youtube video about Input Devices.
Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device to type characters and commands into a computer or other device. The keyboard has a similar layout to the typewriter but has some additional keys that provide additional functionality than a typewriter.
Types of Keyboards
- QWERTY Keyboards.
- Wired Keyboards.
- Numeric Keypads.
- Ergonomic Keyboards.
- Wireless Keyboards.
- USB Keyboards.
- Bluetooth Keyboards.
- Magic Keyboards.
Different types of keys on a keyboard
Mouse
The mouse is the second most common input device after the keyboard. A mouse is a small device that a computer user pushes across a desk surface to point to a place on a display screen and select one or more actions to take from that position.
Light pen
A light pen is a computer input device in the form of a light-sensitive wand used in conjunction with a computer’s cathode-ray tube display. It allows the user to point to displayed objects or draw on the screen in a similar way to a touchscreen but with greater positional accuracy.
Joystick
A joystick is an input device that can be used for controlling the movement of the cursor or a pointer in a computer device. The pointer/cursor movement is controlled by maneuvering a lever on the joystick. The input device is mostly used for gaming applications and, sometimes, in graphics applications.
Trackball
The trackball works like an upside-down mouse. The ball is on the top of the device whereas the mouse ball is on the underside. The mouse has to be moved around whereas the trackball remains stationary. The fingers are used to move the ball. The trackball consists of buttons similar to the mouse. Trackballs are commonly used when there is a space constraint. The mouse needs a considerable area to operate but the trackball is stationary and hence requires very limited space. The best example is the use of a trackball in laptops where you do not have space for a mouse.
Scanners
Scanners are used to capture printed images in an electronic format. This is done by shining light onto the image and capturing the wavelength of light reflected at each point of the image. The wavelength at each position is plotted to a two-dimensional array that creates an electronic image file. This image file can be then manipulated using the software.
Barcode reader
Barcodes are a set of dark lines that are used to uniquely identify an item or product. Barcodes are found in many products ranging from books to canned fish. Due to this reason, barcodes are used in libraries, bookstores, warehouses, supermarkets, and many other places. This is a convenient way of entering data without using a mouse or a keyboard by simply swiping the printed barcode under the barcode reader.
Graphic tablet
A graphics tablet is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images, animations, and graphics, with a special pen-like stylus, similar to the way a person draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data or handwritten signatures.
Web camera
A webcam is a video camera that is designed to record or stream to a computer or computer network. They are primarily used in videotelephony, live streaming and social media, and security.
References
Ref 1: Input Devices
