Input and output devices are integral components of a computer system, working together with the CPU to ensure seamless operation. The CPU serves as a crucial intermediary between these devices, facilitating the transfer of data between them. This article will provide comprehensive notes on various input and output devices of computers commonly used in computer systems.
The topic of Input and Output Devices for computers is crucial to preparing for computer awareness. At the end of the topic, we include some questions from previous years. Check this out
What is an Input Device in a Computer?
▪ As the name suggests, “Input” refers to the process of inputting or entering data into a computer system. An input device is any device that enables the user to enter data or send control signals to the computer. The purpose of input devices is to provide a means of communication between the user and the computer.
▪ Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, touchscreens, scanners, microphones, cameras, and joysticks. These devices allow the user to input various forms of data such as text, images, and audio. Once the data is inputted, the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) receives and processes it to produce output.
▪ Input devices play a vital role in computing, as they interact with the computer and control its behaviour. Without input devices, computers would be unable to receive any input from users and therefore unable to perform any meaningful tasks. As technology advances, new and more sophisticated input devices are constantly being developed to meet the changing needs of users.
Example of Computer Input Device
▪ Following are some important input devices used in computers –
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Microphone
- Joy Stick
- Paddle (PC Gaming tool)
- Light pen
- Remote
- Webcam
- Biometric Devices
- Digitizer
- Scanner
- Track Ball
- Graphic Tablet
- Magnetic Ink Card Reader(MICR)
- Optical Character Reader (OCR)
- Bar Code Reader
- Optical Mark Reader(OMR)
Computer Input Devices: Brief Description
▪ Keyboard – A standard device used for typing text into a computer. Key features include various buttons for letters, numbers, symbols, and functions, as well as options for multimedia control and special buttons like “Enter,” “Tab,” and “Backspace.”
▪ Mouse – A device for pointing, clicking, and selecting items on a computer screen. Key features include buttons for left-click, right-click, and scrolling, as well as a ball or optical sensor for movement control.
▪ Touchpad – A device used for pointing, clicking, and scrolling, similar to a mouse. Key features include a flat surface that responds to finger movements and options for multi-touch gestures and tap-to-click functionality.
▪ Joystick – A device used for gaming and control of certain applications. Key features include buttons for various actions and a stick for movement control.
▪ Scanner – A device used to digitize images, text, or other physical media. Key features include colour or black-and-white scanning options, various resolutions, and automatic document feeders.
▪ Digital Camera – A device used to capture digital images and videos. Key features include options for resolution, image stabilizationizer, flash, and zoom lens.
▪ Microphone – A device that captures audio input for voice recognition, voice commands, or audio recording. Key features include directional or omnidirectional pickup options, noise cancelling, and connectivity options like USB or wireless.
▪ Graphics tablet – A device used for digital drawing or inputting handwritten notes. Key features include a flat surface for a stylus or pen, options for pressure sensitivity, and integration with graphics software.
▪ Barcode reader – A device used to scan and interpret barcodes, typically in retail or warehouse environments. Key features include options for scanning different barcode types and connectivity options like USB or wireless.
▪ Light pen – A device used to select items on a computer screen by touching the screen with a specialized pen. Key features include precise screen selection and pressure sensitivity.
▪ Trackball – A device used for pointing, clicking, and scrolling, similar to a mouse but with a ball on top that is rotated with the thumb or finger to control the cursor.
▪ Gamepad – A device used for gaming, similar to a joystick but with additional buttons and options for vibration feedback.
▪ Webcam – A device used for video conferencing, live streaming, or taking photos and videos. Key features include options for resolution, frame rate, and built-in microphone.
▪ Touchscreen – A device used for input by directly touching the screen with a finger or stylus. Key features include the ability to respond to multiple touch points and gestures, and options for display size and resolution.
▪ Biometric devices (fingerprint, iris scanner) – Devices used to authenticate users based on physical characteristics like fingerprints or iris patterns. Key features include precision and reliability in identifying users and options for integration with other security systems.
What are Output Devices?
▪ In the context of a computer system, the term “output” refers to the result produced by the machine. Specifically, the output of a computer is the processed data that has been inputted into the system either manually by a user or automatically through an input device. This processed data is then presented to the user through an output device.
▪ Output devices come in various forms and are used to display the results of processing raw data entered into the computer. Examples of output devices include monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, and headphones. These devices can display output in different formats, such as text, images, hard copy, and audio or video.
▪ Output devices are crucial components of a computer system as they enable the user to perceive and interact with the results of their inputs. Without output devices, users would not be able to receive feedback on the results of their inputs and would be unable to take further action based on this feedback.
▪ As technology evolves, new and more advanced output devices are being developed to cater to the diverse needs of users. These advancements have led to the development of devices that can display output in more immersive and interactive ways, such as virtual and augmented reality systems.
Example of Computer Output Device
▪ Following are some important output devices used in computers –
▪ All types of Computer Monitor: Such as –
- LCD Monitor
- LED Monitor
- CRT Monitor
- Plasma Monitor
▪ All types of Printers: Such as
- Dot Matrix printers
- Inkjet printers
- Laser printers
- Daisy Wheel printers
- Line printers
- Impact Printers
- Chain printers
- Non-impact printers
- Drum printers
- Character Printers
▪ Projector
▪ Graphic Plotter
▪ Braille readers.
▪ Speakers
▪ Headphones
▪ Projectors
▪ GPS devices
Computer Output Devices: Brief Description
▪ Output devices are essential components of a computer system, as they enable users to perceive and interact with the results of their inputs. Some of the most commonly used output devices are monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, and headphones.
▪ Monitors: These are the main output devices that display all the data related to icons, text, images, and videos on their screens. Different types of monitors have been developed over time, such as CRT monitors, flat-panel display monitors, and touchscreen monitors.
▪ Printers: These are output devices that produce a physical copy of pictorial or textual files on paper. There are various types of printers available in the market, such as impact printers, character printers, line printers, inkjet printers, and laser printers.
▪ Speakers: These are output devices that convert electrical signals into sound waves, enabling users to listen to audio output from their computer systems. Speakers can be attached to the computer system or used as wireless devices, connected to the system via Bluetooth or other means.
▪ Projectors: These are optical output devices that display visual content, such as images and videos, on a large screen or wall. They are commonly used in auditoriums, classrooms, and cinema theatres for presentations and screenings.
▪ Headphones or earphones: These are output devices that allow users to listen to the audio output without disturbing those around them. They operate on the same principle as speakers, but the sound waves are focused in a smaller area to make the sound audible only to the person wearing them.
▪ Plotters: Other output devices include plotters, which are used for printing large-scale graphics and designs, and 3D printers, which create physical objects based on digital designs. As technology continues to advance, new and more sophisticated output devices are constantly being developed to meet the changing needs of users.
Both Input–Output Devices:
• Some electronic devices, such as mobile or tablet touch screens, act as input and output devices. It acts as an input device when we put some data through the touch screen (like typing a message) and as an output device when it displays some data (like watching a video).
Examples of both Input and Output devices
• The following serve as both input and output devices –
- Touch Screen
- Modems
- Network cards
- Audio Cards / Sound Card
- Headsets
• Headset consists of speaker and microphone. The speaker acts as an output device and the microphone as an input device. - Facsimile (FAX)
• It has a scanning scanner and a printer for printing documents.
Difference Between Input and Output Devices of Computer
▪ In the below table, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of various input and output devices commonly used in computer systems.
| Input Devices | Output Devices |
|---|---|
| Accept data or instructions from the user and send them to the computer for processing | Display the processed data or instructions produced by the computer |
| Examples include a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, and webcam | Examples include monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, and headphones |
| Convert analog data (such as sound or images) into digital format for processing by the computer | Convert digital data into analog format (such as sound or images) for human perception |
| Can be either wired or wireless | Can be either wired or wireless |
| Can be used to control the computer or interact with software applications | Can be used to present information or media to the user |
| Enable users to provide feedback to the computer | Enable the computer to provide feedback to the user |
Previous Year Question from Input and Output Devices of Computer
♦ A ____ is an input device that converts pictures, maps, and drawings into digital form for storage in computers. [SSC Graduate Level Tier-I Exam. 2012]
A. OCR
B. OMR
C. MICR
D. Digitizer
Answer: Digitizer
• A digitizer is an input device used to convert pictures, maps, and drawings into digital form for storage on a computer.
♦ Which device among the following works as both an Input and Output device? [RRB Office Assistant Mains 2021]
A. Network Cards
B. Keyboard
C. Scanner
D. Printer
Answer: A. Network Cards
• Network cards are also known as Local area Network cards, They work as both input and output devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Computer Output and Input Devices
Answer: The CPU is the main processing unit of the computer. It is responsible for executing a sequence of stored instructions called a program.
Answer: A scanner or optical scanner is a computer input device.
Answer: Monitors, Printers, Speakers, Headphones, Projectors, GPS devices, Braille readers, and Graphic Plotter.
Answer: A USB flash drive is a secondary Storage Device. A flash drive serves as both an input and output device. It acts as an input device when you are copying files from it and as an output device when you are copying files to it.
