Information Technology Topic
Input Devices
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Study focus - 3 things
- Input devices send data and instructions into a computer
- Different input devices are used for typing, pointing, scanning, recording, and touching
- Choose the device based on the type of data being entered
Section 1What input means
Input is data or instructions entered into a computer system. An input device is the hardware used to enter that data. The thing to remember is: input goes into the computer.
Section 2Common input devices
Common input devices include keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, scanner, microphone, webcam, joystick, and barcode reader. A school computer lab may use keyboards for typing and mice for selecting items on screen.
Section 3Choosing the right device
A keyboard is good for text. A mouse or touchpad is good for pointing and selecting. A scanner captures paper documents or images, while a microphone records sound. Here's the trick: match the device to the data type.
Section 4Input is not output
Easy to mix up: a touchscreen can be both input and output. It shows information like a screen, but it also accepts touch as input. The exam may ask for the function in a specific situation.
Examples
Which input device would you use to type an essay?
A keyboard is best because it is designed for entering text.
A school wants to scan paper permission slips for a trip in Kingston. Which device is suitable and why?
A scanner is suitable because it captures paper documents and changes them into digital images or files.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.