NOTES INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES

Input Devices and Their Uses

Introduction

Input devices are hardware used to enter data or instructions into a computer. They vary
depending on the task performed and have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Input Devices

1. Keyboard

• Used to enter text, numbers, and commands.

• Advantages: Allows visual verification, ideal for word processing.
• Disadvantages: Can cause repetitive strain injury (RSI), slow for large text entry.

2. Numeric Keypad

• Used in ATMs and chip & PIN machines.

• Advantages: Small and portable.
• Disadvantages: Small keys can be hard to see, different layouts can be confusing.

3. Pointing Devices

Mouse

• Controls a cursor on the screen.

• Advantages: Easy to use, rapid navigation.
• Disadvantages: Requires a flat surface, hard for users with mobility issues.

Touchpad

• Built into laptops, used as an alternative to a mouse.

• Advantages: Portable, built-in.
• Disadvantages: Hard to use for precise control, can lead to RSI.

Trackerball

• Similar to an upside-down mouse, used for accessibility.

• Advantages: Requires less wrist movement, stationary.
• Disadvantages: Expensive, requires time to learn.

4. Remote Control

• Used to operate devices wirelessly.

• Advantages: Controls devices from a distance, useful for disabled users.
• Disadvantages: Requires line of sight, uses batteries.
5. Joystick

• Used in gaming and flight simulators.

• Advantages: Ideal for quick movements, accessible for disabled users.
• Disadvantages: Slow for text entry, additional cost.

6. Touch Screen

• Detects touch input.

• Advantages: Simple to use, no external input device needed.
• Disadvantages: Can get dirty, small icons can be hard to press.

7. Scanners

• Converts physical documents into digital form.

• Advantages: Useful for archiving and editing images.
• Disadvantages: Large size, scanning large documents takes time.

8. Sensors

• Measure environmental factors like temperature, light, or pressure.

• Advantages: More accurate than humans, can work autonomously.
• Disadvantages: Expensive, can be affected by dirt.

9. RFID Readers

• Read data from a tag wirelessly.

• Advantages: No need for direct contact, stores more data than barcodes.
• Disadvantages: Expensive, potential privacy concerns.

10. Optical Devices

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

• Reads multiple-choice answer sheets.

• Advantages: Fast, accurate.
• Disadvantages: Requires properly marked sheets.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

• Converts printed text into digital format.

• Advantages: Saves time in data entry.
• Disadvantages: Requires clear handwriting.

Bar Code Reader

• Scans barcodes for product information.

• Advantages: Faster than typing, reduces errors.
• Disadvantages: Can’t store much data, barcodes can be damaged.
QR Code Scanner

• Reads matrix barcodes.

• Advantages: Quick access to information.
• Disadvantages: Requires a camera-enabled device.

11. Microphones

• Used for voice input.

• Advantages: Hands-free input, useful for disabled users.
• Disadvantages: Background noise affects accuracy.

12. Graphics Tablet

• Used for freehand drawing.

• Advantages: Precise input for artists.
• Disadvantages: Expensive, requires space.

Worksheet: Input Devices and Their Uses

Section 1: One-Line Questions and Answers

1. What is an input device?

An input device is hardware used to enter data or instructions into a computer.
2. What is the function of a keyboard?
A keyboard is used to enter text, numbers, and commands into a computer.
3. What is the advantage of using a keyboard?
It allows visual verification and is ideal for word processing.
4. What is the disadvantage of using a keyboard?
It can cause repetitive strain injury (RSI) with prolonged use.
5. Where is a numeric keypad commonly used?
In ATMs, chip and PIN machines, and other numeric input scenarios.
6. What is a pointing device?
A device used to control a pointer on the screen, such as a mouse.
7. How does a touchpad function?
It responds to finger movements to control the pointer on a screen.
8. What is a trackerball?
An input device where the user moves a ball to control the cursor.
9. What is a common use for a joystick?
Mainly for gaming and flight simulation.
10. What is a touch screen?
A screen that detects touch input to select options.
11. What does a scanner do?
It digitizes printed documents and images for computer use.
 12. What is the function of a remote control?
It sends signals to control devices wirelessly.
13. Where are sensors commonly used?
In burglar alarms, central heating, and environmental monitoring.
14. What does OCR stand for?
Optical Character Recognition.
15. What is the advantage of RFID technology?
It allows data to be read from a tag without physical contact.

Section 2: Fill in the Blanks

1. A keyboard is used to enter text into a computer.

2. A numeric keypad is used in ATMs to enter PINs.
3. A mouse is a common pointing device.
4. A touchpad is often used on laptops.
5. A trackerball is an alternative to a mouse for people with mobility issues.
6. A joystick is commonly used for gaming.
7. A scanner converts paper documents into digital format.
8. Remote controls are used to operate devices from a distance.
9. A touch screen allows users to interact with a device directly.
10. Sensors detect environmental changes such as temperature.
11. OCR technology converts printed text into digital format.
12. RFID readers can scan data without direct contact.
13. Magnetic stripe readers read data from credit cards.
14. Optical mark recognition (OMR) is used for marking multiple-choice exams.
15. A microphone captures and digitizes sound.

Section 3: True or False

1. Keyboards are primarily used for entering numerical data. (False)

2. A numeric keypad is smaller than a full keyboard. (True)
3. A mouse is considered a pointing device. (True)
4. A scanner can convert images into digital formats. (True)
5. Remote controls use radio waves to transmit signals. (False)
6. Touch screens are more accurate than light pens. (False)
7. Joysticks are used in flight simulators. (True)
8. RFID tags require direct contact with the reader. (False)
9. Optical character recognition (OCR) is used for handwriting analysis. (True)
10. A microphone is an output device. (False)
11. Barcode readers are commonly used in supermarkets. (True)
12. Magnetic stripe readers are used in credit and debit card systems. (True)
13. Sensors can be used in automatic doors. (True)
14. A webcam is used to scan documents. (False)
15. Graphics tablets are often used for digital drawing. (True)
Section 4: Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the primary use of a keyboard?

a) Display images
b) Input text and commands
c) Control a pointer
d) Print documents
Answer: b
2. Which device is commonly used in ATMs?
a) Touchpad
b) Numeric keypad
c) Scanner
d) Joystick
Answer: b
3. What is the function of a mouse?
a) Type text
b) Control the pointer
c) Print documents
d) Scan images
Answer: b
4. What type of device is a scanner?
a) Input device
b) Output device
c) Storage device
d) Processing device
Answer: a
5. Which of the following is a pointing device?
a) Keyboard
b) Mouse
c) Monitor
d) Printer
Answer: b
6. What does OCR stand for?
a) Optical Character Recognition
b) Optical Camera Recording
c) Output Computer Response
d) Online Code Reader
Answer: a
7. What is the advantage of RFID?
a) Requires contact to read data
b) Stores very limited data
c) Can be read from a distance
d) Only works with credit cards
Answer: c
8. Which of these is used in gaming?
a) Joystick
b) Scanner
c) Touch screen
d) Webcam
Answer: a
9. What is a disadvantage of a touch screen?
a) Simple to use
b) Gets dirty easily
c) Requires a keyboard
d) Cannot be used in public places
Answer: b
10. What device is used in barcode scanning?
a) Optical mark reader
b) RFID reader
c) Barcode reader
d) Magnetic stripe reader
Answer: c
11. Which input device is used for voice recognition?
a) Speaker
b) Scanner
c) Microphone
d) Webcam
Answer: c
12. What is an example of a biometric input device?
a) Fingerprint scanner
b) Mouse
c) Printer
d) Numeric keypad
Answer: a
13. Which of these input devices is most useful for digital artists?
a) Joystick
b) Graphics tablet
c) Webcam
d) Remote control
Answer: b
14. Which device is best for recording video?
a) Webcam
b) Scanner
c) Barcode reader
d) Touchpad
Answer: a
15. What is a disadvantage of a microphone?
a) High cost
b) Background noise interference
c) Limited to text input
d) Cannot be used in voice recognition
Answer: b