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What is an input device?

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An input device is any hardware that

is used to enter data and instructions

into a computer system.

Examples of input devices

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• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Touchpad

• Joystick

• Scanner

• Barcode reader

Examples of input devices

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• Touchscreen

• Microphone

• Digital camera

• Web camera

• Sensors

Features of input devices

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Keyboard

The keys found on the keyboard are pressed

to enter text, numbers and other symbols

into the computer system.

Features of input devices

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Mouse

It is used to control the cursor on the

computer screen.

The mouse buttons are clicked to

• select text / files / folders

• launch programs

Features of input devices

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Touchpad

• It is found on laptop computers.

• It can be used instead of a mouse.

• It senses the user’s finger movement

and downward pressure.

Features of input devices

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Joystick

It may be used

• as an alternative to a mouse to control the

cursor on a screen

(for playing computer games)

• to control machinery

(cranes and medical equipment)

Features of input devices

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Scanner

It creates a digital image of a hardcopy

and stores it as a file on the computer.

Features of input devices

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Barcode Reader

It can capture and read information

contained in printed barcodes.

It is used mostly in libraries, shops and

supermarkets.

Features of input devices

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Touchscreen

It is a display screen that is sensitive to

touch.

One can interact with the computer by

touching the icons and text with a finger.

Features of input devices

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Microphone

It is used to input sound into a

computer.

It is mostly used for online chatting and

voice or music recording.

Features of input devices

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Digital camera

It records and stores photographs as well as

videos in a digital format.

The photographs and videos can be

• viewed immediately

• transferred electronically

Features of input devices

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Web camera

Most webcams connect to the computer by a

USB cable or are built into computer

hardware, such as laptops.

Webcams are used mainly for online video

chatting.

Features of input devices

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Sensors

They are input devices which detect events

or changes in their environment and send

the information to a computer processor.

They are used in security alarms, automatic

doors, cars, electronic gadgets …

Quick Test

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TRUE FALSE

1. A touchpad can be used instead of

a mouse.

Quick Test

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TRUE

1. A touchpad can be used instead of

a mouse.

Quick Test

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TRUE FALSE

2. A digital camera can only take still

photographs.

Quick Test

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FALSE

2. A digital camera can only take still

photographs.

A digital camera can also capture video.

Quick Test

18

TRUE FALSE

3. A barcode reader is the most suitable

input device to type a piece of text.

Quick Test

18

FALSE

3. A barcode reader is the most suitable

input device to type a piece of text.

A barcode reader reads barcodes

To type text we need a keyboard.

Quick Test

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TRUE FALSE

4. Joysticks are used to play computer

games

Quick Test

19

TRUE

4. Joysticks are used to play computer

games

Recap

• An input device is a piece of hardware used

to enter data and instructions into a computer

system.

• There are many input devices and each one

captures data in a different way.

Recap

• Examples of input devices include the

keyboard, the mouse, the barcode reader and

the scanner amongst others.

• The selection of a suitable input device

depends on the type of data that need to be

fed into the computer.