Back to: Jss1 Computer Science – ICT (BST)

Input and Output Devices

Input and output devices are hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer system. Input devices allow users to provide data or information to the computer, while output devices display or communicate the results of computer processing to the user. Here is an overview of common input and output devices:

Input Device

Input devices are hardware components that are designed to allow users to enter data, commands, and other types of information into a computer system for processing. They are essential tools for interacting with a computer and providing the necessary input for various applications and software. Below are some examples of input devices that are commonly used:

1. Keyboard: This is an input device that allows users to input text and commands into a computer using a set of keys that are arranged in a specific layout. The keyboard is a standard input device that is used to enter letters, numbers, symbols, and other characters.
2. Mouse: The mouse is an input device that is used to navigate a computer screen and to make selections by pointing and clicking. It has a small ball or a laser that tracks its movements across a flat surface, allowing users to interact with graphical user interfaces (GUI) and other software applications.
3. Touchpad: This is a type of input device that is commonly found on laptops and notebooks. It functions like a mouse but uses finger movements instead of a separate device to move the pointer on the screen.
4. Scanner: A scanner is an input device that is used to convert physical documents or images into digital format. It captures images of documents or pictures and converts them into digital files that can be processed or stored on a computer.
5. Digital Camera: Digital cameras are input devices that are used to capture digital images and videos. They have a built-in sensor that records the image, and then transfers the data to the computer for processing and storage.
6. Microphone: This is an input device that is used to record sound or voice input. It is commonly used for speech recognition, recording podcasts, and for video conferencing.
7. Joystick: Joysticks are a popular input device used primarily for playing computer games. They allow users to input directional data, which is then processed by the computer to move objects on the screen. The joystick typically consists of a stick that can be moved in various directions and a button located on the top of the stick. The button sends a command to the computer, allowing users to interact with the game or software they are using.
8. Light pens: Light pens on the other hand are input devices used for drawing and writing directly on a computer monitor. They are also commonly used to read information from barcodes. The light pen uses a light-sensitive sensor to detect the location and movements of the pen tip on the screen and sends this information to the computer to be processed.
9. Scanners: Scanners are another type of input device that is used to transfer physical documents, photographs, and other types of images into digital form. Scanners work by using sensors to detect and capture the image, which is then translated into a digital file that can be stored or edited on a computer. Scanners are commonly used in offices, libraries, and other settings where paper documents need to be archived or shared digitally.

Output Devices

Output devices are essential components of a computer system that convert processed information into a readable form. They are used to present the results of computing tasks in a tangible and accessible way. Output devices can be categorised into two types: softcopy output and hardcopy output.

Softcopy 

Softcopy output refers to any visual or audio information that is displayed on a computer screen or heard through a speaker. Common examples of softcopy output devices include monitors, speakers, and headphones. These devices are ideal for situations where the user wants to view or listen to the output without the need for a physical copy.

Hardcopy 

hardcopy output devices provide a physical, tangible representation of the output produced by the computer. Examples of hardcopy output devices include printers, plotters, and projectors. Hardcopy output is often preferred in situations where the user needs to create a permanent, physical record of the output produced by the computer, such as in business or educational settings.

Examples of Output devices

1. Monitor: The monitor is an output device that allows the user to view the content of the computer. There are two types of monitors: monochrome and colour monitors.
2. Printers: Printers produce printed copies of information that is processed by the computer. Printers can be classified into two categories: impact printers and non-impact printers. Impact printers create their output by striking a ribbon against the paper. Types of impact printers include dot matrix printers and line printers. Non-impact printers are faster, quieter, and produce better quality prints than impact printers. There are three types of non-impact printers:
3. Page printers: Page printers are capable of producing high-quality prints of text and graphics, making them suitable for professional documents.
4. Inkjet printers: Inkjet printers use liquid ink to produce prints and are commonly used for home or small office printing.
5. Thermal printers: Thermal printers use heat to produce prints and are often used in retail settings for printing receipts.
6. Plotter: A plotter contains a pen that draws lines on paper. They are devices used for producing hard copies of complex graphic outputs in the form of graphs, charts, histograms, and diagrams.