Input Devices

Handout Covers
- What are input devices?
- Examples of input devices
- Types of input devices
- Uses of input devices
- Conclusion

What Are Input Devices?

Input devices are hardware components of a computer system that are used to transfer data,
instructions, and information from the user to the computer's processor. They are used to
interact with the computer, and enable the user to control the computer and its operations.

Input devices are essential for the functioning of a computer system and for providing the user
with an interface to interact with the computer. Without input devices, the user would not be
able to control the computer or access its data.

Input devices come in various forms and are used in different ways. Let's explore some of the
common types of input devices and their uses.

Examples of Input Devices

The most common input devices are keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and joysticks. While
these are the most common input devices, there are many others that can be used for
various purposes. Some of the other input devices include trackballs, trackpads, digital pens,
microphones, webcams, game controllers, and scanners.

These input devices are used for different purposes, and each has its own unique advantages
and disadvantages. For example, keyboards are used to type text, while mice are used to control
the pointer on the screen. Touchscreens are used to interact with the computer by touching the
screen, and joysticks are used to control games.

Think about what other input devices you have seen or used before.
Input Devices

Types of Input Devices

Input devices can be divided into two main categories: manual and automated. Manual input
devices require the user to manually input data, instructions, and information into the computer
system. These types of input devices include keyboards, mice, and joysticks.

Automated input devices are those that can detect and process inputs without manual interven-
tion from the user. These types of input devices include scanners, webcams, and microphones.

Can you think of other examples of manual and automated input devices?

Uses of Input Devices

Input devices are used for a variety of purposes. They are used to control the computer's
operations, access data stored in the computer, and interact with the computer.

For example, keyboards are used to type text, while mice are used to control the pointer on
the screen. Touchscreens are used to interact with the computer by touching the screen, and
joysticks are used to control games.

Scanning devices are used to scan documents and images, and webcams are used to capture
video. Microphones are used to record audio, and game controllers are used to control games.

Input devices are essential for the functioning of a computer system and for providing the user
with an interface to interact with the computer. Think about what other uses input devices could
have.
Input Devices

Conclusion
Input devices are hardware components of a computer system that are used to transfer data,
instructions, and information from the user to the computer's processor. They are used to
interact with the computer, and enable the user to control the computer and its operations.

Input devices come in various forms and are used for different purposes. They can be divided
into two main categories: manual and automated. Manual input devices require the user to
manually input data, instructions, and information into the computer system, while automated
input devices are those that can detect and process inputs without manual intervention from
the user.

Input devices are essential for the functioning of a computer system and for providing the
user with an interface to interact with the computer. They are used to control the computer's
operations, access data stored in the computer, and interact with the computer.

Can you think of any other uses for input devices?