Chapter 2 Input & Output Devices

INPUT DEVICE
The hardware device that allows data to be input into a computer.

1. KEYBOARD
It is used to input text.

1.1. QWERTY Keyboard

Most commonly use keyboard is QWERTY. Ergonomic layout is used to avoid muscle strain.

Uses

 Input data into application software such as word processor.

 Typing in commands to the computer.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Easy to use for most people.  Slower data entry as compared to
 Fast entry of new text into a OMR reader.
document.  Take desk space.
 Difficult to use for handicapped
people.

1.2. Concept Keyboard

It has icons or phrases instead of standard letters.

Uses

 Fast food restaurants.

 Where limited range of choices is available.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Allow fast entry of data as compared  Only limited instructions can be given.
to standard keyboard.  Limited options are shown on the
 Waterproof. keyboard.
 Easier to give commands.

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1.3. Numeric Keyboard

It has number keys only.

Uses

 In Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) to input the amount of money.

 AT POS to input amount manually.
 On CHIP and PIN machines to enter the amount of money.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Faster than standard keyboard.  Small keys can make input more
 Easy to carry around as they small difficult.
devices.  Order of the numbers can be different.

2. POINTING DEVICES
2.1. Mouse

It controls the position of a pointer on the screen

Uses

 Opening, closing and minimizing the software.

 Moving or deleting the folders.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Does not need a large desk.  Difficult to use for handicapped
 Quickly move on the screen. people.
 Faster way to choose an option.  Does not work on shiny or uneven
surface.

2.2. Touchpad

In laptop computers the pointer is controlled by the user moving their finger on the touchpad. Its
uses are the same as those of mouse.

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Advantages Disadvantages
 As it is integrated into the laptop  Difficult to use for people having
computer there is no need for a limited hand/wrist movement.
separate mouse.  Often difficult to use during drag and
 Faster than keyboard for choosing drop.
option.

2.3. Trackball

Same as mouse except the ball is on the top or the side of the device.

Uses

 Used in applications where user has a disability.

 Used in a control room environment to navigate through.
 Often used in luxury cars to select feature.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Does not need same fine control as  Not available with standard
mouse. computers.
 Easier to use than mouse for disabled  User may need a training.
persons.
 More accurate positioning of the
pointer.
 Needs less desk space.

3. REMOTE CONTROL
A keypad used to control other devices remotely.

Uses

 It is used in television, satellite system, DVD players and many more to control and alter
the functions.
 Used in industrial applications to remotely control processes.

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Advantages Disadvantages
 Can be operated from a reasonable  Difficult to use if operator has limited
distance. hand/wrist movement.
 Can be used in hazardous places to  Its signals can be easily blocked.
control processes.

4. JOYSTICKS
4.1. Controller / Joysticks

By gripping the stick a pointer on the screen can be controlled, buttons are used to make
selections.

Uses

 Used in video/computer games.

 Used in simulators.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Easier than keyboard to navigate the  Difficult to use it other than playing
screen. video games.
 Control is more realistic than using a
mouse.

4.2. Driving Wheel

A steering wheel similar to a joystick in many ways. It connects to a computer using a USB. Its
uses are same as that of joystick.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Easier than keyboard or joystick.  Expensive.
 Driving experience is nearer to reality.  Movement can be too sensitive.

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5. TOUCH SCREEN
User can choose an option simply by touching a button/icon on the screen without any pointing
device.

Uses

 Self-service tills.
 ATMs.
 POS.
 Interactive white boards.
 Computer based training where answers are selected during on screen testing.
 Mobile phones and tablets screens.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Faster entry of options than using  Screen can get dirty, this reduces its
keyboard or mouse. responsiveness.
 Easy to choose options.  Limited number of options on the
 User friendly. screen.

6. SCANNERS
They enter the information from hardcopy into the computer in the form image.

Uses

 Scan in documents and convert into a format for use in various software packages.
 Scan in old/valuable document/book, thus saving it into digital format.
 Scan in photographs and can be sent via internet.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Images or text can be stored in digital  Quality can be limited depending on
format and can be editing at a later the resolution of the scanner.
date.  Can be slow sometimes if the color
 It is possible to recover damaged scanning chosen resolution is high.
documents.

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7. DIGITAL CAMERAS
7.1. Digital Camera (Photo Camera)

It takes the photographs and images and stores in a memory card. It has replaced the traditional
film based cameras.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Easier to produce better-quality  Need to be computer literate for taking
photographs than traditional camera. pics and transferring them into
 No need to develop film. computers.
 Memory cards can store several  Loss of photographic artists.
photographs.  The resolution is not still good.
 Easily connectable to the computer
using USB.

7.2. Video Camera

It is capable of taking moving images thus video is simply a footage of still photos stitched
together.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Video footage can easily be  Expensive.
manipulated.  Memory card storage capability is not
 DVD format gives a very high quality high.
image.

8. MICROPHONES
It converts sound into electrical signal.

Uses

 To input speech/sound to be used in various applications.

 Input speech/sound in voice-recognition software.
 It can also be used as sensor to pick up sound in burglar alarm.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Faster to read text than to type it using  Sound files can take a lot of memory.

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keyboard.  Voice-recognition software is not as

 Sound can be manipulated easily using accurate as typing manually.
special software.
 Voice-recognition system improves
the security of a system.

9- SENSORS

A device which measures a physical quantity and inputs the data to a computer. USES:

It is used in control and monitoring systems such as burglar alarm system, greenhouse control
system etc.

It helps in controlling a hazardous chemical reaction or process. Advantages:

Takes more accurate reading as compared to human being.

Readings are continuous.

Can be used remotely as well as at hazardous place. Disadvantage:

Faulty sensor can give false readings.

10- GRAPHIC TABLET: The device used with stylus produces freehand drawings. USES:

Used to produce computer graphics or computer-aided designs.

It is easier to input complex language as compared to keyboard. Advantages:

Drawing can be modified before the input to the computer.

Often offer very accurate method of drawing.

It can record level of pressures unlike other point and click devices. Disadvantages:

Expensive.

It may take longer time to draw by using stylus.

Difficult to produce larger drawings, d- Screen can be damaged easily

13- WEBCAMS: It is similar to video cameras, however, theyare connected directly to the
computer and don’t have the memory. USES:

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It is used as a personal way of having communication.

It enables video conferencing. Advantages:

Provides immediate face to face video chat forconferences etc.

People can keep in contact without traveling. Disadvantages:

Limited features, often have poor quality.

Need to be connected with the computer.

12- LIGHT PENS: This device only work with CRT monitors,and they contain sensors that send
signal to a computerwhenever light changes are detected. USES:

Selecting the objects on CRT screens.

Drawing on screen. INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES Advantages:

Greater accuracy than touch screens.

Small in size.

Easy to use. Disadvantages:

Lags when drawing on the screen.

Only works with CRT monitors.

DIRECT DATA ENTRY DEVICES 1- DEVICES FOR READING INFORMATION FROM

CARDS1- MAGNETIC STRIP READER: These devices read useful information from the
magnetic strip found on the back ofdebit or credit cards etc. USES:

On credit/debit cards for use at ATMs, EFTPOS terminals.

Security devices to allow entry to building, hotel roomsetc. Advantages

Faster to enter data as compared to keyboard.

Error free entry.

Secure because nobody can observes the entered data.

Prevents access to secure area. e- Not effected by oil, water and moisture etc. Disadvantage

If magnetic stripe gets damaged.

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Does not work at a distance.

Since the information is not readable, this can be adisadvantage.

2- CONTACTLESS CARD READER: It allows debit or creditcards customers to pay worth up

to $25 without enteringtheir PIN. It has small chip that emits radio waves inthem. HOW IT
WORKS:

Shop worker enters the amount for payment.

The card reader informs the customer to present his contactless card.

Customer holds the card in front of the card reader. d- The terminal display will show that the
card has been read.

Advantages:

Faster transaction.

Customers do not have to worry about typing and remembering the PIN

Retailors have no access to the customer’s debit/credit card. d- The card does not give
information about the customer’s account number. Disadvantages:

Expensive than normal credit/debit card.

Can take money twice if customer does not place the card properly on the card reader.

Transactions are usually limited to small value. 3- CHIP and PIN READERS: This device has
slot into which card is placed and chip is read. The PIN is entered using the keypad. USES:

It is used at EPOS where payments are made using cards.

Advantages:

More secure system than contactless card reader.

Faster than magnetic stripe cards. Disadvantages:

Fraud can happen if somebody steals the PIN number.

2- RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RIFD) READER: It use radio waves to read and
capture information stored on a tag. The tag can be read from a distance. Tag consists of a
microchip and an antenna. USES:

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Livestock tracking and observe the whereabouts of each animal.

Retail shop.

Admission and tracking f people in a park etc. d-In Libraries books can be tracked in and out
easily. Advantages:

Tags can be read from a distance.

It is robust and reliable.

Information can be read and written. d- Bulk detection is possible

Disadvantages:

Radio waves can be interrupted.

It is easier to hack.

It is expensive.

3- MAGNETIC INK CHARACTER RECOGNITION READER(MICR): This device can read

characters printed in a special ink. USES:

It is used reading characters at the bottom of bank cheques.

Advantages:

Great security than OCR.

Errors are reduced as there is no manual input.

Ink can be read even if somebody writes on it. Disadvantages:

Only certain characters can be read.

Expensive method of data entry 4- OPTICAL MARK RECOGNITION READER (OMR): It

reads marks written in pen or pencil. The position of the mark is saved in computer’s memory
after being read by the OMR device.

USES:

Used to read MCQs papers and Questionnaires. Advantages:

Accurate way of getting input.

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Very fast way of inputting results of a survey or MCQ paper.

More accurate than OCR. Disadvantages:

Forms need to be carefully designed.

If the forms have not filled properly problem in reading may occur. 5- OPTICAL CHARACTER
RECOGNITION/READER (OCR): It takes scanned text and converts it into a computer
readable form. USES:

Scanned text can be used in various application software such as word processor.

Reading and processing passports and identity cards. INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
Advantages:

Faster way of getting input as compared to manually entry.

More accurate. Disadvantages:

Sometimes its very difficult to read bad handwriting.

Still not highly accurate technique. COMPARISON of OCR and OMR OCR OMRIt reads
handwriting, so customers can write answers in their words. It involves shadings o information
obtained is limited. This method reads handwriting, however, poor handwriting may cause
reading errors. It detects the mark or shading, however, improper filling may cause reading
errors. It converts printed document to an editable electronic format. It simply reads position of
the mark. It requires complex recognition system It requires complex and expensive forms to be
filled. INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES 6- BARCODE READERS: It reads the information in
the form ofa barcode. A barcode reader scanner is used to read the information. USES:

Used at supermarkets, POS and other shops where the goods are marked with barcode.

Used in libraries to keep track of books on loan.

Used in warehouses for identifying and counting the items.

Advantages:

Much faster to enter items in stock.

Accurate way of billing at any POS.

Faster way of identifying items in a stock.

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Disadvantages:

Relatively expensive system to administer as compared to manual system.

Not a fool proof system.

Can be easily damaged than RIFD or magnetic strips.

It holds less data as compared to QR code. INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES 7- QUICK
RESPONSE CODES (QR): It is made up of a matrix of filled in dark squares on a light
background. The code may contain a website link or some form of advertising. It can be easily
scanned through mobile phone built-in camera or through appropriate application. USES:

It stores advertising links or item lists. Advantages:

It can store advertising website addresses/URL that appear in magazines, trains, buses or even
business cards.

User does not need to provide or key in the website manually. Disadvantages:

QR code has to be scanned through camera. OUTPUT DEVICES AND THEIR USES
MONITORS: 1- CATHODE RAY TUBE MONITORS (CRT): ACRT monitor contains millions
of tiny red, green, and blue phosphor dots that glow when struck by an electron beam. USES:
INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES

Primary output device for computers.

Used with light pens. Advantages:

Angle of viewing is still better than with most TFT monitors.

They work with light pens in CAD/CAM applications. Disadvantages:

Heavy and large in size.

They run very hot especially as they get old.

Consumes more power than TFT monitors. d- They can flick a lot. 2- THIN FILM
TRANSISTOR MONITORS (TFT): The screen is made up of thousands of pixels, each pixel
has three transistors colored red, blue and green controlled by a microprocessor. USES:

Integral part of laptop.

Primary output device for computers. Advantages:

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Lightweight.

Consumes less power as compared to CRT monitors. INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES

Produce less glare and emit less radiation. Disadvantages:

The viewing angle is not that great.

Definition is sometimes not as good as CRT monitors. 3- LIQUID CRYSTAL

DIODE/DISPLAY (LCD): The front layer of the monitor is made up of liquid crystal diodes
which are grouped together and known as pixels. They use CRT as the backlighting method. 4-
LIGHT EMITTING DIODE/DISPLAY (LED): These are the modern LCDs which use light
emitting diode as backlighting.5- ORGANIC LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (OLEDs): They use
organic material. They do not use any backlighting. 6- MUTIMEDIA PROJECTORS: It receive
signals from a computer, television or DVD player. The image is magnified and projected onto a
large screen. USES:

Home cinema systems.

Training presentations.

Advertising presentations.

Advantages:

Enables many people to see a presentation.

Avoids the need for several network computers showing the same video. Disadvantages:

Images can sometimes be fuzzy.

Expensive to buy the outset.

Setting up projectors can be little difficult.

3- PRINTERS

1- LASER PRINTER: It includes a positive charge drum and negative charge toner. They have
large buffer memories where data is stored before pages can be printed. USES:

It is used where high quality and high volume printing is required.

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They are used where low noise is required.

Advantages:

Fast printing.

Bulk printing can be possible.

Printing quality is high. d- Toner cartridges last for a long time. Disadvantages:

Color laser printer is expensive.

Use organic compounds and have been linked to the health hazards in the office.

Only fast if several copies are made.

2- INKJET PRINTERS: It sprays the ink onto the paper to produce a hard copy. USES:

Used where low volume of printing is required.

They are good at producing photo-quality print outs.

3-D inkjet printers are now being used in industry. Advantages:

High quality output.

Less expensive than laser printers.

Lightweight.

Does not produce volatile organic compounds.

Disadvantage:

Slow output if bulk volume is printed.

Ink cartridge run out too quickly.

Can be expensive if used a lot

3- DOT MATRIX PRINTERS: It a type of impact printer where aprint head presses against an
ink ribbon. USES:

They can be used in noisy environments.

Printing carbon copies. Advantages:

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Very cheap to run and maintain.

Easy to use if continuous printing jobs are required.

Does not affected by dust as compared to laser printer. Disadvantages:

Very slow.

Poor quality.

Very noisy.

4- 3-D PRINTERS: It is based on inkjet or laser printer technology but builds a 3-D object layer
by layer using material such as powdered metal, paper or ceramic.

USES

Prosthetic limbs can be made to fit exactly on to the injured body.

Used in precise reconstruction surgery i.e. facial reconstruction.

Aerospace manufacturing.

Fashion and art 3-D printing.

Manufacturing industry.

HOW 3-D PRINTER WORKS:

A design is made using CAD.

The design is imported into a special software from where 3-D printer can understands the
design.

The 3-D printer is set up to allow the solid object to be made.

The object is built up layer by layer.

The object is removed from the printer and is then may be given final touch by hand sometimes.

Advantages:

Customized products can be manufactured.

It manufacture accurate, precise and relatively quickly.

It produces artificial limbs.

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It saves labor cost.

Disadvantages:

Expensive.

In the hands of wrong people can lead to dangerous and illegal activities.

People can lose jobs due its commercial use.

4- SPEAKERS: It produces a sound output. The sound data from the computing device is
converted into analogue using DAC card and then speakers produce output. USES:

Output sound from multimedia presentation.

Play downloaded sound files.

Audio output of text from the screen.

5- CONTROL APPLICATIONS ACTUATORS: These are transducers which take signals from
computer and convert them into some form of motion. They are primarily used in control
processes to perform some specific functions according to their build up.

TYPES OF ACTUATORS: 1- MOTORS: It is turned on or off by the actuator. INPUT AND

OUTPUT DEVICES USES:

Automatic washing machines.

Control of robot movement.

Control of water pumps in central heating systems.

2- BUZZERS: The buzzers are switched on or off by the actuator. USES:

Used in burglar alarm.

Used in control applications to tell the operator something wrong has happened or times up. 3-
HEATERS: The actuator is connected to switches that turn the heater on or off. USES:

Automatic temperature control applications such as room, oven or hot plate.

Automatic washing machines to heat up the water if necessary.

Heat control in automatic glasshouse.

4- LIGHTS: The actuator is connected with a switch which turns on or off the light. USES:

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Security lights.

Automatic glasshouse to control the light.

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