The ICT Lounge

Section 2.1:
Manual Input Devices
In this section we will look at how input devices can be used to get data
into a computer system. Learning objectives of this section:

In section 2.1 we will focus on manual input devices and then move onto # Know the purpose of and be able to identify different
direct input devices in section 2.2. manual input devices.
# Understand the uses of each manual input device.
For each input device you have to be able to identify it from an image, # Be able to discuss advantages and disadvantages of
explain what it is used for and discuss advantages/disadvantages. each manual input device.

Input Devices (what are they?) Key Words:

Input, Data, Manual,
Automatic
Definition: "Hardware devices that allow data to be entered into a computer."

Overview of Input Devices: Examples:

# Input devices are part of the 4 main hardware components of a computer system:

Input Devices - these get data into the computer

Processor - this does something with the data to make it useful information
Output Devices - these show the results of processing
Storage Devices - holds the data in the system.

# The image below shows where input devices fit into a computer system:

A mouse is an example of a commonly used

input device.
This diagram
shows where input
devices fit into a
computer system.

A keyboards is another example of a commonly used

input device.

# There are two different types of input devices: NOTE:

More examples will be shown
further down this page.
1. Manual Input Devices - Data is input into the computer by hand (people have
to do most of the work)

2. Direct Input Devices - Data is input into the computer directly by a

machine/device (there is minimal input by people)

Manual Input Devices Key Words:

Keyboard, Keypad, Pointing Device, Remote Control,
(data entered by hand) Joystick, Touch Screen, Scanner, Digital Camera,
 Microphone, Graphic Tablet, Video Camera, Web Cam,
Light Pen

Examples of Manual Input Devices:

# The table below shows you some examples of manual input devices. Click each device to move to more information:

Keyboard Numeric Keypad Pointing Devices Remote Control

REMEMBER!
Manual input devices
require humans to do
most of the work needed
to get data into the
system.

Joystick Touch Screen Scanner Graphics Tablet For example:

If you are using a
keyboard to input
instructions into the
computer, you have press
the keys yourself. It is a
manual job not automatic.

Light Pen Microphone Digital Camera Web Camera

NOTE:
Click the images to the left
to move to more
information about each
one.

Breakdown of each manual input device:

# The following sections will help summarise each of the manual input devices. For each one you will see:

Information about the device

Uses of the device
Advantages of the device
Disadvantages of the device

Keyboard
Information: Examples:
# Keyboards are one of the most commonly used manual input devices.

# Key boards are used to input the following into the computer:

Text
Numbers
Instructions

# Most keyboards use a QWERTY key layout. The name 'QWERTY' comes from the first five
The first five lettered keys of a keyboard spell out
lettered keys on on the top row of the keyboard - Q-W-E-R-T-Y. QWERTY.

# Special keyboards called 'Ergonomic Keyboards' have been developed to help reduce
health problems (such as repetitive strain injury)linked with typing.

Ergonomic keyboards have a more natural shape to them with reduces stress on the wrist
and hands.

Ergonomic keyboards also come with a built-in hand-rest which further helps prevent
health issues such as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).

Uses of a Keyboard: Ergonomic Keyboards have a natural shape and

built-in hand-rest.
# Keyboards are used to input data into applications.

For Example - Entering text into word processing applications like Microsoft Word

Entering numbers into spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel

# Keyboards can also be used to enter commands into the computer.

For Example - Keyboard shortcuts:

CTRL + P to print
CTRL + S to save
CTRL + C to copy
CTRL + V to paste
PRT SC to take a screen shot of your work

Inputting data into a computer using a keyboard.

NOTE:
Command Line operating systems
require a keyboard in order to be
able to use the computer at all!

Advantages/Disadvantages of using a Keyboard:

Advantages Disadvantages

Enables fast entry of text into documents. People with wrist and hand problems can find keyboards
painful to use.

Very easy to use (you just press the keys). Keyboards are quite large and can take up a lot of desk space.

Information that you input instantly appears on the screen. Entering data is slow when compared to automatic methods.
This lets you quickly check that what you are entering is
correct. For example - a barcode code scanner will input data into the
computer almost instantly.

Numeric Keypads
Information: Examples:
# Numeric keypads are used for entering numbers into a computer system ('Numeric'
means number)

# Some numeric keypads also allow you to enter simple text and symbols.

Uses of Numeric Keypads:

# There are many day-to-day uses of numeric keypads. Here are some of them:

ATM (Automatic teller Entering personal identification numbers (PIN) into an

machines) - ATM to allow us to access our cash. Bank ATM's use numeric keypads to let us enter PIN
numbers and withdrawal amounts.
Withdrawing from ATM - Keying in how much money you would like to withdraw
from an ATM.

Telephones - These use numeric keypads to allow us to enter phone

numbers.

Chip and Pin devices - These have numeric keypads to allow users to enter PIN
numbers and payment amounts when we buy goods and
products.

Advantages/Disadvantages of using Numeric Keypads: Mobile phones use numeric keypads to allow us to
enter phone numbers.

Advantages Disadvantages

Faster than QWERTY keyboards when used People with large hands can find them
for entering numbers. hard to use because of their small keys.

Numeric keypads are small so they can Difficult (but not impossible) to enter text
easily fit on smaller devices like mobile information.
phones.
 Inputting data into a computer using a keyboard.

Pointing Devices (mouse, touchpad, trackerball)

Overview of pointing devices: Examples:
# Pointing devices are pieces of hardware that are used to control a pointer (curser) on a
screen.

# Pointing devices are frequently used with Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating
systems where pointers are used to input commands by selecting icons.

Mice are one of the devices that allow us to control a

Pointing devices (like mice) are used to control pointers (curser's) and click icons and options on GUI operating systems. screen pointer.

# There are three main types of pointing device:

Mouse
Touchpad
Trackerball

Trackerballs also allow us to control a screen pointer.

Information about the Mouse:

# There are two different types of mice - a ball mouse and an optical mouse.
Examples:
Ball Mouse - Uses a ball under the mouse to detect movement.

Optical Mouse - Uses reflected light to detect movement.

# The ball (in a ball mouse) and the reflected light (in an optical mouse) allows the user to
direct and control an on-screen pointer.

# Mice have two buttons and a scroll wheel. These provide users with different functions:

Left button is used to select icons and click options

Right button is used to call up a drop-down menu of options
A ball mouse uses a ball to detect movement. These
Scroll wheel is used to move up and down through a document. are prone to clogging which can affect accuracy.

An optical mouse uses light to detect movement.

These are more accurate than ball mice and are
better for editing images.

Mice use two buttons and a scroll wheel to allow us to activate different functions.

# Cordless mice work in the same way as regular mice but they do not need a wire
plugged into the computer. They are powered by batteries instead of the computer.
 Cordless mice are an example of a wireless device.

Uses of Mice:
# Common uses of mice include:

1. Opening, closing, maximising and minimising programs and files.

2. Moving, grouping and deleting files.

3. Controlling a pointer on screen to select icons or move around the page. Cordless mice are used in exactly the same way as
regular mice but they do not use a wire plugged into
the computer. They use wireless technology in order
4. Editing images in terms of size and position on the screen. to communicate with the computer. They are powered
by batteries.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Mice:

Advantages Disadvantages

Faster to select icons and options when compared to a People with wrist and hand problems (like RSI) can find mice
keyboard. painful to use.

Very easy to move a pointer around a screen and to navigate Ball mice can pick up dirt which will affect the accuracy of
through documents. pointer movement.

Mice are small and do not take up much space. Mice need a flat surface in order to work properly

For example - they would be difficult to use on train unless you

had a flat table to rest on.

Information about the Touchpad: Examples:

# Used as a replacement to a mouse in many laptops.

# Users lightly brush their finger over the touchpad in order to control a pointer.

# Touchpads have two buttons which have the same purpose as mouse buttons:

Left Button - Used to select icons and activate options.

Right Button - Used to call up a drop-down list of menu options.

Touchpads are built into laptops and perform the
same functions as mice.

The touchpad allows us to control a screen pointer

and the buttons allow us to select icons and call up
Uses of Touchpads: options.
# Touchpads have the same uses as mice. (click here to return to mouse uses)

Advantages/Disadvantages of Touchpads:

Advantages Disadvantages

Easier than QWERTY keyboards when used to select options More difficult to control a mouse pointer when compared to a
and icons. mouse.

Touchpads are built into laptops so there is no need for a People with wrist and hand problems (like RSI) can find
separate mouse. This helps improve portability. touchpads painful to use.

Can be used even when there is no flat surface available. Some operations are more difficult to perform when compared to
a mouse. Drag and Drop for example.

Won't get clogged with dirt (as can happen with ball mice) so
performance is never reduced.

Information about the Trackerball: Examples:

# Trackerball's are similar to mice but the ball is on the top of the device instead of the
bottom.

# Screen pointers are controlled by rotating the large ball with your hand.
# The buttons on trackerball's perform the same functions as those on mice and touchpads.

Uses of Trackerball's:
# Trackerball's have the same functions as mice. (click here to return to mouse uses)

# They are, however, much more comfortable to use than mice. This means that people
with painful hand and wrist problems (like RSI) can use a trackerball.

Why are they more Trackerball's are more comfortable than mice because there is
comfortable? less wrist movement required. They are more ergonomic. Trackerball's perform the same functions as a mouse
but they require less wrist movement and so are more
comfortable to use.
# Some arcade gaming machines use trackerball's to control games characters on screen.

Because trackerball's are so durable (tough) they can deal with the wear and tear of
gamers using them.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Touchpads:

Advantages Disadvantages

People with hand/wrist problems can still use More expensive than mice.
trackerball's

More accurate than mice or touchpads. More difficult to learn to use than a Old arcade games machines often used trackerball's
mouse. to allow gamers to direct in-game characters.
Pointer can be positioned more exactly which makes
trackerball's very using for image editing.

Can be used even when there is no flat surface

available.

No limit on ball travel.

A mouse sometimes runs out of room on a mouse

mat. With a trackerball you just keep rolling.

The world's first trackerball was developed in 1952

and used a bowling ball.

Remote Control
Information: Examples:
# Remote controls are used to control other devices using infra-red signals.

# Buttons on the remote control can be used to perform functions such as:

Changing the channel on a T.V

Increasing/Decreasing the volume on a music player
Selecting a different chapter on a DVD player

Uses of Remote Controls:

# Home entertainment systems use remote controls. Examples are:

1. Hi-Fi systems (music centers).

2. DVD / Blu-ray Players. A satellite T.V remote control with buttons to

control the channel, volume and many more.
3. Satellite systems.

4. Some overhead projectors (like ours in the classroom).

# Industry uses remote controls to operate machinery that might to too dangerous to get
near to. Examples include:
 1. Cranes with heavy loads. 2. Activating explosives in demolition.

3. Operating robot arms in hazardous

chemical plants.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Remote Controls:

Advantages Disadvantages

Devices can be operated without having to People with limited hand movement can
go to them. This is useful for people with find them difficult to use.
disabilities.

They can operate devices that are in an The infra-red signal between the remote
unsafe environment. control and the device it operates can
become blocked.
For example: Explosives to demolish a A man using a remote control to operate a crane.
building can be set off at a safe distance.

Joysticks
Information: Examples:
# Joysticks have similar functions to that of mice and trackerballs...... to control a pointer on
a screen.

# There are two main parts to a joystick:

Handle / Allows us to move a pointer in the direction we want.

Stick -

Buttons - Allow us to select options or 'click stuff'.

# Joysticks are also popular devices for gaming. The handle allows gamers to control on-
screen characters and the buttons are used for things like firing weapons.

A standard joystick with a control stick/handle,

buttons for selecting options and a 'fire' button
Uses of Joysticks: for gaming.

# They can control characters or objects in video games.

# Can control industrial machinery (cranes for example)

# They are used in simulators. For example flight simulators use joysticks in order for
trainee pilots to control the simulated plane.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Joysticks:

Advantages Disadvantages
Joysticks used to operate a crane.
Easier to control an on-screen curser or Not as easy to control an on-screen
move an in-game character than it is when curser when compared to using a mouse.
using a keyboard.

Very simple to get used to. People with hand/wrist issues (like RSI)
can find them painful to use.
Anyone can just pick one up and use it!

Can be used by disabled people. Joysticks Difficult (but not impossible) to enter text.
can be operated by hands or even feet.
For example: some games allow you to
select individual letters using the joystick in
order to spell out your name when entering
a high score.

Joysticks are also used to mimic real-life flight

conditions on flight simulators.
 Touch Screens
Information: Examples:
# Touch screens allow users to input commands into a computer by pressing or
touching buttons/icons on the screen.

# Giving users this ability to touch or press icons on the screen removes the need to use a
mouse.

# Touch screens are more suitable for use with a limited amount of options.

Uses of Touch Screens:

# Common uses of touch screens include:

1. Mobile phones and PDA's use touch screens as a way of saving space (a
separate keyboard would make the devices quite large).
A touch screen with 'pressable' options.

2. Public information systems at airports or tourist information offices.

3. Interactive whiteboards in schools.

4. On-screen multiple choice tests (like driving theory tests) sometimes use touch
screens.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Touch Screens:

Advantages Disadvantages Modern mobile phones use touch screens to

reduce the size of the device.
Very fast and easy to enter options (you Limited number of options available on
just press them). the screen.

No training needed in order for people to Expensive compared to other input

be able to use them. All people do is press devices.
the correct option.
Screen can become dirty and full of
germs due to people touching it.

School classrooms use special touch screens called

'Interactive Whiteboards'.

Scanners
Information: Examples:
# Scanners are used to enter information on paper (hard copies) into a computer.

Scanners can convert hard copies (printed documents, photographs etc) into digital
data. This digital data can then be stored and manipulated on your computer.

# Scanners reflect light off the hard copy in order to capture an analogue image of the
document. The scanner then converts the received analogue data into a digital
format.

# Once the hard copy has been converted to digital data, it can be stored on a computer
and manipulated using Graphics Editing Software (such as Photoshop). Earlier scanners, like the Sharp JX-450, could only
scan documents in low-resolution (image quality lost).

Uses of Scanners:
# Used to scan hard copy / printed documents into a computer:

# Old photos and important documents (like birth certificates) can be scanned into the
computer. This means you still have a copy if the original is damaged or lost.
 Modern scanners are capable of scanning documents
and images in much higher resolution. This means
Scanners are used to convert analogue hard copies of documents and photos in digital data. that digital copies are closer to the original quality.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Scanners:

Advantages Disadvantages

Very fast to enter hard copies into the Scanned images are usually of lesser
computer (compared to retyping with a quality than the original document.
keyboard).

Very easy to scan and store documents and Scanned images can take up a lot of disk
images into the computer. space (especially if you scan them at a high
Some scanners are 'hand held' which means the user
resolution). physically moves the scanner across the image in
Digital copies of the stored data can easily order to send a copy to a computer.
be duplicated and backed up.

Old photo's that may be damaged can be

scanned into the computer then repaired
using Graphics Editing Software.

Graphics Tablet
Information: Examples:
# Graphics tablets are used by artists and designers to easily create and store digital
graphics in a computer.

# A graphics tablet can be drawn on with a special pen called a 'stylus'.

# Whatever is drawn onto the tablet can be seen on a computer screen.

It is really just the same as drawing on paper but the final image is digital. A graphics tablet with a stylus pen .

# Anything drawn onto the tablet can be saved into the computer as images.

Once images are saved into the computer, they can be edited using graphics editing
software.

Uses of Graphics Tablets:

# Allow designers to produce digital images much more accurately than if they were using
Graphics tablets can be used to accurately 'draw'
a mouse. illustrations, symbols and diagrams.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Graphic Tablets:

Advantages Disadvantages

Much easier to draw images using a pen Very expensive when compared to a
than it is to draw them using a mouse. mouse.

Very accurate drawings can be produced. Not useful for some input needs.

Stylus pens make it better for the artist to For example - graphics tablets are not
capture fine detail than they could using a designed for entering data into the computer
mouse. by clicking icons or menus. A high-end illustration of a car produced using a
graphic tablet.
Useful in countries where drawings and
symbols are used instead of text (like China
 and Japan).

Light Pens
Information: Examples:
# Light pens are quite old technology and can be used as alternatives to mice, touch
screens or graphics tablets.
# Light pens are used by directly drawing or selecting icons on a computer screen.

Note: Currently light pens can currently only be used with CRT (cathode ray tube)
monitors.

# They work by picking up light from the computer screen and then signaling to the
computer exactly where the light was picked up. This allows the computer to 'draw' on the
part of the screen where the pen picked up the light.

Uses of Light Pens:

# Used for selecting objects on a CRT screen.
Light pens can replace mice and touch screen for
selecting items on a CRT screen.
For example: replacing a mouse or touch screen clicking/touching icons.

# Used for directly drawing onto a CRT screen.

For example: replacing a graphics tablet to produce hand-drawn designs.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Light Pens:

Advantages Disadvantages
Light pens can be used to produce drawings directly
More accurate than touch screens. Not as accurate as a graphics tablet when on a CRT screen.
used for producing drawings.
(end of the pen is much thinner than a
finger and so can accurately select small
icons)

They are very small and so can be used Can only be used with CRT (cathode ray
where there is no room for a mouse or tube) screens.
graphics tablet.
(not usable with TFT or LCD screens)

Can be quite uncomfortable to use as you

have to hold your hand raised up to the
computer screen for long periods.
Light pens only currently work with CRT Screens
(the fat ones) .

Microphones
Information: Examples:
# Microphones are used to input analogue sounds into a digital computer.

1. Sounds exist in the form of sound waves

(analogue signals that change slowly).

2. Computers understand digital data and not

analogue.

For example: computers understand combinations

of 0's and 1's.

3. The job of the microphone is to input analogue

sound signals into the computer where the sound
card will convert analogue sound into digital (in
other words the sound card will 'digitize' the
analogue sound into 1's and 0's)
Microphones are used to input sound into a
 computer.
Note: the sound card acts as an ADC (analogue to
digital converter).

4. Once digitized, the sounds can be stored and used

by the computer.

Microphones can be used to hold voice conversations

over the Internet (like using Skype).

Uses of Microphones:
# Used to input sounds/speech for use in a range of applications. For example:

Narration (spoken words) in presentations or in web sites

Voice-over's in movies
Speaking over the Internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
An example of this would be using Skype to hold an online conversation
Conducting videoconferencing (e.g. business meetings online).

# Used in voice recognition software. For example:

Microphones are used on hands-free mobile phone
Converting speech into text for use in word processors (useful for people who do kits to make driving safer.
not have use of their hands)
Issuing commands (e.g. some cars allow for speech to activate certain features like
'starting the engine' or 'altering radio volume').

# Hands-Free mobile phones use a microphone to allow people to hold conversations

without using their hands (this makes driving much safer).

# Used (along with headphones) in gaming so that gamers can talk to each other.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Microphones:

Advantages Disadvantages
Gamers use microphones to communicate
Faster to read in text than to type it in Sound files can take up a lot of computer instructions to each other in-game .
using a keyboard . storage space.

Means that word processors can be used by Speaking words into a word processor is not
people who cannot use their hands. Words as accurate as typing. This means that
are simply spoken into the software mistakes are common with words that sound
instead of typed. the same but have different meanings.

For example: 'see' and 'sea'.

Makes driving safer because people do not Background noise can interfere with
need to take their hands off the steering voice recognition systems.
wheel in order to use their mobile phone.

Microphones are very cheap to buy.

Digital Cameras
Information: Examples:
# Have pretty much replaced the old style film-based cameras.

# Digital cameras store digital photographs on a memory card and these images can
easily be transferred onto a computer for viewing or editing.

# Most digital cameras have a built-in screen to allow for previewing the digital
photograph. This is useful so that the photographer can decide which images to keep and
which to delete.

# Digital camera image quality is measured in 'Megapixels'. These are the number of dots An old film-based camera .
that make up the image. Generally speaking, the higher the Megapixels, the higher the
detail quality of the image.

3 Megapixel cameras produce images made up of 3 Million pixels (dots).

 24 Megapixel cameras produce images made up of 24 Million dots (8 times more detail)

# Most digital cameras can also capture video and sound as well as images.

# Almost all modern mobile phones have a built-in digital camera.

Uses of Digital Cameras:

# Used to capture digital images for uses such as:
A modern digital camera with preview screen.
Saving special moments (weddings, birthdays, family snaps etc)
Gathering images for use in presentations, web pages or publications
(newspapers and magazines etc)

# Easy to transfer images to a computer for editing.

For example: using PhotoShop to alter brightness or contrast

# Images can be printed easily by:

Uploading to a computer and then printing

Connecting directly to a photo-printer and printing straight from the camera
(no need to upload to a computer) Traditional photographs were stored on reels of film .

# Most digital cameras also allow for short, high-quality video clips to be produced.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Digital Cameras:

Advantages Disadvantages

No film to develop. This means that Camera user needs to have computer
producing the photo is much quicker. skills to be able to transfer and print digital
photographs.
Digital photographs are stored on memory cards.
Unwanted images can easily be deleted Not all digital cameras produce images as
from the memory card. high-quality as traditional cameras.

Because the images are digital it is easy to Artistry of traditional photography is being
make copies of them. lost.

No need to print at all because the images Camera software can automatically
can be viewed a computer screen. This correct 'bad images' making photography
saves paper and is better for the easier to master without as much skill.
environment.
People using traditional 'film-cameras' had
Memory cards can store thousands of to take much more care to capture each
digital photographs. Traditional image perfectly.
photographs can take up a lot of physical Traditional photography was much more difficult to
storage space. master. Much thought had to go into capturing
quality photographs.
Digital images can easily be transferred Digital photographs are run-through software which
using blutooth, email attachments and does most of the hard work for us and makes it
mobile phones. harder to produce bad images.

Digital images can be improved and

edited easily using software (sharpening
the image for example)

Web Cameras (web cams)

Information: Examples:
# Web cameras are similar to digital cameras in their function but they are directly
connected to a computer and do not have memory storage.

# Web cameras can capture both digital images and video.

# Images / video are sent directly to the computer where they can be stored and used.

These digital images and video are often added to presentations, web sites and other
publications.

YouTube channels sometimes use web cams to capture the content of the channel.
 This is usually a presenter giving out information about whatever topic the channel is
about.

# Many modern computing devices (such as laptops) come with built-in web cams.

Uses of Web Cameras:

# Used to conduct face-to-face conversations with friends and family online over VoIP
applications such as Skype.

A similar use is to conduct face-to-face job interviews over the Internet. This
removes the need for job applicants to travel very large distances to attend the interview.
A web cam attached to a computer monitor.

# Used to hold video-conferencing meetings over the Internet.

# Can capture image and video content for presentations, web sites and even YouTube
content.

# Web Cameras are sometimes used by parents to keep an eye on their children when
they are in another room.

# Some people use web cams as a cheap alternative to security cameras.

# Sometimes used to allow drivers to view the traffic conditions on roads.

Web cams allow long distance face-to-face interviews

This allows the driver to plan a different route if the traffic on a road is too congested. to take place.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Web Cameras:

Advantages Disadvantages

Allow for long-distance face-to-face The image/video quality can sometimes

conversations. This removes the need for be poor (low resolution).
people to travel.

(especially useful for elderly and disabled

people to keep in touch with family)

Video conference business meetings They do not have their own storage and so
and job interviews can be conducted very must be permanently fixed to the
cheaply over long distances. computing device.
Web cams allow elderly people to hold face-to-face
(no need for expensive travel or bookings of conversations with relatives.
hotel rooms to attend the meeting or
interview)

Parents can keep an eye on their children Are usually in a fixed position and so
from a different location. cannot be easily moved around.

Web cams can be left running constantly

which makes them useful as security
devices on properties.

(as a form of security camera)

Traffic cams allow drivers to avoid heavy traffic.

Previous - Input/Output Devices Next - Direct Input Devices

Main Menu

Links to Theory Units:

Section 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Section 2: Input and Output Devices Section 3: Storage Devices and Media
Section 4: Computer Networks Section 5: Data Types Section 6: The Effects of Using ICT
Section 7: The Ways in which ICT is used Section 7: Part 2 Section 8: Systems Analysis and Design
Links to Practical Units:
Section 9: Communication Section 10: Document Production Section 11: Data Manipulation
Section 12: Integration Section 13: Output Data Section 14: Data Analysis
Section 15: Web site Authoring Section 16: Presentation Authoring

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