Chapter 2:

Input and Output devices

2.1 Input Devices and Their Uses

Input devices are tools that allow users to interact with a computer by providing data or control signals.
Here’s a detailed look at each device:

Keyboard

A keyboard is the most common input device used to type text, numbers, and symbols into a computer.

• Characteristics:

o Composed of keys arranged in a specific layout (QWERTY is the most popular).

o Includes letters, numbers, symbols, and special function keys.

• Uses:

o Typing text for documents, programming, or chatting.

o Controlling software with shortcuts and commands.

• Advantages:

o Familiar and widely used.

o Allows for fast input when the user is skilled at typing.

o Offers a variety of commands through function keys and shortcuts.

• Disadvantages:

o Slower than other input methods (like voice recognition) for certain tasks.

o Requires practice to type quickly and accurately.

o Not ideal for numeric input compared to a numeric keypad.

Numeric Keypad

A numeric keypad is a small section of keys (0-9) arranged in a grid, often found on keyboards or as a
standalone device.

• Characteristics:

o Contains only numbers and basic arithmetic symbols.

o Compact and specifically designed for numeric data entry.

 • Uses:

o Commonly used in ATMs for PIN entry.

o Used in POS (Point of Sale) systems for entering prices and quantities.

o Security systems like digital locks.

• Advantages:

o Faster for entering numeric data compared to a regular keyboard.

o Small and portable.

o Easy to use and requires minimal training.

• Disadvantages:

o Limited to numeric input only.

o Not suitable for general typing tasks.

Pointing Devices

Examples include a mouse, trackball, and touchpad. These devices are used to control the pointer
(cursor) on a computer screen.

• Mouse:

o Characteristics: A small handheld device with buttons and a scroll wheel.

o Uses: Navigating graphical interfaces, selecting icons, dragging items, and gaming.

o Advantages: Easy to use, highly accurate, and intuitive.

o Disadvantages: Requires a flat surface to work, can strain the hand with prolonged use.

• Trackball:

o Characteristics: A ball that can be rotated to move the cursor.

o Uses: Used in spaces where a mouse is impractical, like cramped desks.

o Advantages: Requires less space, more precise for specific tasks.

o Disadvantages: Can be slower for general navigation.

Remote Control

Remote controls send signals (via infrared or radio waves) to a device to perform specific actions.

• Characteristics: Handheld device with buttons for different functions.

 • Uses: Used with TVs, projectors, and home appliances.

• Advantages: Convenient and allows wireless control from a distance.

• Disadvantages: Requires a clear line of sight (for infrared), batteries need replacement.

Joystick and Driving Wheel

These devices are primarily used for gaming and simulations.

• Joystick:

o Characteristics: A lever that moves in multiple directions to control movement.

o Uses: Flight simulators, arcade-style games.

o Advantages: Highly immersive for specific tasks like flying planes in a game.

o Disadvantages: Not suitable for general-purpose computing.

• Driving Wheel:

o Characteristics: A wheel-like device that mimics a car's steering wheel.

o Uses: Car racing games, driving simulators.

o Advantages: Realistic driving experience.

o Disadvantages: Limited to driving-related applications.

Touch Screen (as an Input Device)

A touch screen combines the display and input in one device. Users can interact directly by touching the
screen.

• Characteristics: Detects touch through resistive or capacitive technology.

• Uses: Smartphones, tablets, ATMs, ticketing kiosks.

• Advantages: Intuitive and easy to use, eliminates the need for additional input devices.

• Disadvantages: Susceptible to scratches and fingerprints, less precise for detailed tasks.

Scanners

Scanners convert physical documents or images into digital formats.

• Characteristics: Can scan text, images, or barcodes.

• Uses: Digitizing old photos, scanning barcodes, document management.

 • Advantages: Preserves physical copies digitally, enhances productivity.

• Disadvantages: Some loss of quality depending on the scanner, can be slow for large batches.

Camera

Cameras capture images or videos that can be processed digitally.

• Characteristics: Can be standalone or built into devices like smartphones.

• Uses: Photography, video conferencing, security monitoring.

• Advantages: High-resolution input, versatile use cases.

• Disadvantages: Can require significant storage space for media, dependent on lighting.

Microphone

Microphones capture sound and convert it into a digital format.

• Characteristics: Can be built-in or external, comes in various types (dynamic, condenser).

• Uses: Voice recording, video calls, speech recognition.

• Advantages: Hands-free input, essential for communication tasks.

• Disadvantages: Background noise can affect input quality.

Sensors

Sensors detect physical conditions (e.g., temperature, motion) and convert them into digital signals.

• Characteristics: Examples include temperature sensors, motion detectors, and pressure sensors.

• Uses: Automated systems like smart homes, industrial monitoring.

• Advantages: Accurate and real-time input, reduces human intervention.

• Disadvantages: Can be expensive, require proper calibration.

Light Pen

A light pen is a pointing device that detects light to draw or select directly on a screen.

• Characteristics: Resembles a pen, connected to the computer.

• Uses: Used in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) applications.

• Advantages: Precise for drawing and selecting.

 • Disadvantages: Requires a compatible screen, not widely used today.

2.2 Direct Data Entry and Associated Devices

Direct Data Entry (DDE) refers to the process of inputting data into a computer system without the need
for manual typing. These devices are designed to read data automatically, improving accuracy and
efficiency. Let’s explore each device:

Magnetic Stripe Reader

Magnetic stripe readers are used to read data stored in the magnetic stripe on cards (e.g., debit/credit
cards).

• Characteristics:

o Reads data embedded in the magnetic stripe on the back of cards.

o Requires swiping or inserting the card into the reader.

• Uses:

o Payment systems (credit/debit card transactions).

o Identity verification (employee or student IDs).

o Hotel room key cards.

• Advantages:

o Fast and easy to use.

o Secure, as data is encrypted.

o Reduces human error compared to manual entry.

• Disadvantages:

o Magnetic stripes can wear out over time.

o Less secure compared to modern technologies like chip readers.

Chip and PIN Reader

This device reads smart cards with embedded microchips and requires users to input a PIN (Personal
Identification Number).

• Characteristics:

o Combines a smart card reader and a numeric keypad.

o Reads data from microchips on cards instead of magnetic stripes.

 • Uses:

o Secure payment transactions in retail stores.

o Authenticating users for banking or secure access systems.

• Advantages:

o Highly secure due to PIN verification.

o More durable than magnetic stripe cards.

o Difficult to clone compared to magnetic stripe cards.

• Disadvantages:

o Requires training for first-time users.

o Relies on physical contact, which can wear out the chip or reader.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader

RFID readers communicate with RFID tags to retrieve data wirelessly.

• Characteristics:

o Uses radio waves to read information stored in RFID tags.

o Tags can be passive (no power source) or active (battery-powered).

• Uses:

o Inventory tracking in warehouses and stores.

o Electronic toll collection on highways.

o Access control (keyless entry systems).

• Advantages:

o Contactless, allowing faster and easier scanning.

o Can scan multiple tags simultaneously.

o Long lifespan for passive RFID tags.

• Disadvantages:

o Expensive compared to barcodes.

o Privacy concerns, as tags can be read without consent.

Optical Mark Recognition/Reader (OMR)

OMR devices detect and process marks made on specialized paper forms.

• Characteristics:

o Reads shaded areas on forms, such as multiple-choice test answers.

o Requires pre-designed forms for proper alignment.

• Uses:

o Grading exams and tests (like your O-Level multiple-choice papers).

o Survey and feedback forms.

• Advantages:

o Extremely fast and accurate for processing large volumes.

o Reduces human error in grading or data entry.

• Disadvantages:

o Requires carefully printed and aligned forms.

o Errors can occur if marks are faint or placed incorrectly.

Optical Character Recognition/Reader (OCR)

OCR devices convert scanned images of text into editable digital text.

• Characteristics:

o Uses software to recognize characters from scanned documents or images.

o Works with typewritten, printed, or handwritten text.

• Uses:

o Digitizing printed books and documents.

o Automating data entry from printed forms.

• Advantages:

o Saves time by eliminating manual typing.

o Enables search and editing in digitized text.

• Disadvantages:

o Struggles with poorly printed or handwritten text.

o Requires high-quality scanners for accurate results.

Barcode Reader

Barcode readers scan and interpret barcodes to retrieve information.

• Characteristics:

o Uses a laser or camera to read black and white lines on barcodes.

o Converts the barcode into a numerical or alphanumeric code.

• Uses:

o Retail stores for product pricing and inventory management.

o Tracking shipments and packages.

• Advantages:

o Fast and efficient for scanning multiple items.

o Low-cost technology widely used across industries.

• Disadvantages:

o Barcodes can become unreadable if damaged.

o Limited data storage compared to QR codes or RFID.

QR Scanner

QR (Quick Response) scanners read two-dimensional QR codes that store more information than
barcodes.

• Characteristics:

o Uses a camera or laser to scan square-shaped QR codes.

o Can store URLs, contact details, and other data.

• Uses:

o Mobile payments (e.g., scanning QR codes with apps like PayPal or WeChat).

o Advertising (QR codes on posters or flyers).

o Ticketing (airline boarding passes or event tickets).

• Advantages:

o Can store much more information than a barcode.

o Quick and easy to scan with smartphones.

o Resilient to minor damage or distortion.

 • Disadvantages:

o Requires a specialized scanner or smartphone camera.

o May not work well in low-light conditions

2.3 Output Devices and Their Uses

Monitors (Screens)

Monitors are one of the most common output devices, used to display visual information.

• Characteristics:

o Comes in various types: CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light
Emitting Diode), and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode).

o Resolutions and refresh rates vary, influencing the clarity and smoothness of visuals.

• Uses:

o Viewing text, images, videos, and software interfaces.

o Essential for workstations, gaming, and media editing.

• Advantages:

o High-quality visuals (especially with LED and OLED screens).

o Wide range of sizes to suit different needs.

o Modern monitors consume less power (especially LED).

• Disadvantages:

o CRT monitors are bulky and outdated.

o High-resolution monitors can be expensive.

o Long usage can cause eye strain.

Touch Screen (as an Output Device)

Touch screens double as input and output devices, allowing interaction with displayed content.

• Characteristics:

o Combines a display with touch-sensitive input.

o Available in resistive, capacitive, and infrared technologies.

• Uses:

o Smartphones, tablets, ATMs, and self-service kiosks.

 o Interactive displays in education and business presentations.

• Advantages:

o Eliminates the need for additional input devices.

o Intuitive and easy to use.

o Compact and portable for devices like phones and tablets.

• Disadvantages:

o Susceptible to damage from scratches or drops.

o Fingerprints and smudges can reduce screen clarity.

Multimedia Projector

Projectors display content from a computer onto a larger surface, such as a screen or wall.

• Characteristics:

o Uses lenses and light to project visuals.

o Comes in types like DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD projectors.

• Uses:

o Presentations in classrooms and meetings.

o Watching movies in a home theater setup.

• Advantages:

o Allows sharing content with a large audience.

o Portable and can project onto various surfaces.

• Disadvantages:

o Requires a dark room for optimal quality.

o Bulbs can be expensive to replace.

Printers

Printers convert digital information into a physical form, producing text and images on paper. Types of
printers include laser, inkjet, dot matrix, and 3D printers.

1. Laser Printer

o Characteristics: Uses laser technology and toner to produce high-quality prints.

 o Uses: Office printing for documents and reports.

o Advantages: Fast, high-quality output, cost-effective for bulk printing.

o Disadvantages: High initial cost, limited to black-and-white for cheaper models.

2. Inkjet Printer

o Characteristics: Sprays liquid ink onto paper to create images.

o Uses: Printing photos and high-quality images.

o Advantages: Affordable, good for color printing.

o Disadvantages: Slower than laser printers, ink cartridges are expensive.

3. Dot Matrix Printer

o Characteristics: Uses pins to strike ink ribbons, creating an image.

o Uses: Printing invoices and receipts in industrial settings.

o Advantages: Can print through multiple layers (carbon copies).

o Disadvantages: Noisy and produces lower-quality output.

4. 3D Printer

o Characteristics: Builds objects layer by layer using materials like plastic or resin.

o Uses: Manufacturing prototypes, medical implants, and custom tools.

o Advantages: Creates complex, customizable objects.

o Disadvantages: Expensive and time-consuming for large objects.

Speakers

Speakers output sound generated by the computer.

• Characteristics:

o Converts digital audio signals into sound waves.

o Comes in various forms, from basic computer speakers to surround sound systems.

• Uses:

o Playing music, watching videos, and video conferencing.

o Alert systems (notifications and alarms).

• Advantages:

o Wide range of quality and price options.

 o Enhances multimedia experiences.

• Disadvantages:

o Sound quality depends on the speaker's build and size.

o Can disturb others in shared spaces.

Actuators

Actuators are mechanical devices controlled by computers to perform physical actions.

• Characteristics:

o Converts electrical signals into movement.

o Examples include motors, pumps, and valves.

• Uses:

o Robotics, industrial automation, and smart homes (e.g., automatic doors).

o Operating equipment like robotic arms or conveyor belts.

• Advantages:

o Enables automation of complex physical tasks.

o Highly accurate and reliable in industrial settings.

• Disadvantages:

o Expensive to set up and maintain.

o Requires proper programming and calibration