Name: Mary Score: _____________________________

I. Complete the tables definitions, uses, advantages and disadvantages.

An input devices: hardware devices that allow data to be input into a computer.
An output devices:


1. Keyboard
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Keyboards are used to input
data into applications
software
They are also used for
typing in commands to the
computer.
Keyboards enable fast entry of
new text into a document.
They are well-tried technology
and a well-known method of
entry.
Most people find them easy to
use.
It is easy to do verification
checks as data is entered, as it
appears on the screen
simultaneously.
Users with limited arm/wrist
use can find keyboards hard to
use.
Entering data using a keyboard
is slow when compared to
direct data entry.
Keyboards are fairly large
devices that used up valuable
desk space.
2. Numeric Keypads
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Numeric keypads is used in
automatic teller machines
(ATMs), where customers can
key in their personal
identification number (PIN), an
amount of money, etc.
Telephones have numeric
keypads to allow phone
numbers, etc. to be keyed in.
Electronic point of sale (EPOS)
terminals have numeric
keypads in case the barcode
reader fails to read the barcode
and the number has to be
keyed in manually by the
operator.
Chip and PIN devices have
numeric keypads for entry of
PIN, amount of money, etc.
They are used to enable fast
entry of numeric data into a
spreadsheet.
Numeric keypads are faster
than standard keyboards for
entry of numeric data.
Since many are small devices,
they are very easy to carry
around.
They can be difficult to use, due
to very small keys.
It is difficult to use them for
entering text.
Sometimes the order of the
numbers on the keypad isnt
intuitive.



3. Mouse
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Mice can be used for opening,
closing and minimizing software.
They can be used for grouping,
moving and deleting files.
They are very useful when editing
images, for example controlling
the size and position of a drawing
pasted into document.
Mice are used for controlling the
position.
It can be faster to select an
option using a mouse rather
than a keyboard.
Mice enable rapid navigation
through applications and the
internet.
Mice are small and so take up
little area.
People with restricted
hand/wrist movement can find
it hard to operate a mouse.
Mice are easily damaged and
the older type of mouse also
quickly becomes clogged up
with dirt.
They are difficult to use if there
is no flat surface readily
available.
4. Touchpads
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
The uses of a touchpad are the
same as those of a mouse.
It can be faster to select an
option using a touchpad rather
than a keyboard.
Touchpads enable rapid
navigation through applications
and the internet.
Since the touchpad is integrated
into the laptop computer, there
is no need for a separate mouse,
aiding portability.
They can be used even when
there are no flat surfaces
available.
People with limited hand/wrist
movement find touchpads
difficult to use.
It can be more difficult to
control the pointer when
compared with a mouse.
They are more difficult to use
when doing certain operations
such as drag and drop.



6. Trackerballs
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
They have the same
pointing/cursor control
capability as a mouse.
They are used in applications
where the user has a disability
(such as RSI).
They are used in a control room
environment, where it is faster
than a mouse to navigate
through process screens and is
more robust than a mouse.
Trackerballs do not need the
same fine control as a mouse.
People with limited hand/wrist
movement find it easier to use
than a mouse.
The pointer can be positioned
more accurately on the screen
than with a mouse.
They take up less desk space
than mice since they are
stationary.
Trackerballs are not supplied
with the computer as standard,
so they are more expensive.
User may need training since
they are not standard
equipment.
7. Joysticks
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Video/computer games are
often controlled by joysticks.
They are used in simulators
(e.g. flight simulators) to mimic
actual controls.
It is easier to navigate round a
screen using a joystick rather
than a keyboard.
Control is in three dimensions.
It is more difficult to control the
on-screen pointer with a joystick
than with other devices, such as
mouse.
5. Remote controls
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Most home entertainment
devices such as a television,
satellite system, DVD
player/recorder, hifi systems,
etc. have remote controls.
Remote controls are also used
to control multimedia systems.
They are used in industrial
applications to remotely
control processes, stop abd star
machinery, etc.
Remote controls enable devices
to be operated from any
distance, which is particularly
useful for people with disability.
Some chemical processes are
hazardous, so it is safer to
operate equipment from a
distance.
People with limited hand/wrist
movement can find them hard to
use.
The signal between the control
and the devices can be easily
blocked.

8. Touch screens.
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Touch screens are used for self-
service tills, e.g. petrol stations,
where the user just touches the
screen to select the fuel grade
and payment method.
Touch screens are used where
selections are made on screens,
for example ATMs, point of sale
terminals (e.g. at restaurant),
public information systems at
airports, railway stations,
tourist office.
Personal digital assistants
(PDAs), mobile phones and
satellite navigation systems use
touch screens.
Interactive white boards used
for education are large touch
screens.
Touch screens are used in
computer based training (CBT_
where selection are made in
answering on screen testing.
Touch screens enable faster
entry of options than using a
keyboard or a mouse.
It is very easy to choose options.
It is a user friendly method for
inputting data, so no training is
necessary.
Touch screens are tamper proof,
preventing people from keying
in information which could
potentially corrupt the computer
system.
There is a limited number if
options available.
Using touch screens frequently
can lead to health problems.
The screen can get very dirty
with constant touching.







10. Magnetic stripe readers
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Credit and debit cards have
magnetic stripes that used by
ATMs or EFTPOS (electronic
funds transfer point of sale)
terminals.
Security cards for entry to
buildings, hotel rooms, etc. use
magnetic stripes.
Travel systems use magnetic
stripes.
Data entry is faster compared
with keying in using a keyboard
or keypad.
The system is error free, since no
typing is involved.
The information held on the
magnetic stripe is secure:
because it cannot be read
directly by a person; and, since
there is no typing, there is not
the risk of somebody observing
your key strokes.
They can prevent access to
restricted/secure areas.
Magnetic stripes are unaffected
by oil, water, moisture, etc.
There are no moving parts, so
they are physically very robust.
If the magnetic stripe gets
damaged (e.g. due to exposure
to a strong magnetic field or
excessive use) the data is lost.
The card needs to be in close
contact with the reader, so
magnetic stripe readers dont
work at a distance.
Since the information is not
human readable, this can be a
disadvantage in some
applications (e.g. hotel room
numbers are not printed on the
card, so there needs to be
another way of showing the
information for the customer).
9. Trackerballs
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
They have the same
pointing/cursor control
capability as a mouse.
They are used in applications
where the user has a disability
(such as RSI).
They are used in a control room
environment, where it is faster
than a mouse to navigate
through process screens and is
more robust than a mouse.
Trackerballs do not need the
same fine control as a mouse.
People with limited hand/wrist
movement find it easier to use
than a mouse.
The pointer can be positioned
more accurately on the screen
than with a mouse.
They take up less desk space
than mice since they are
stationary.
Trackerballs are not supplied
with the computer as standard,
so they are more expensive.
User may need training since
they are not standard
equipment.
11. Smart card readers.
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Loyalty cards, ID cards and
public transport passes smart
cards.
Smart cards can be used to
track customer/passengers
movements (e.g. on a metro
system)
They are used with satellite
systems to decode program
signals.
Smart cards are used for
electronic passports and driving
licences.
Some smart cards (e.g. transport
tickets) are used instead of
money, reducing the need to
carry cash.
The chip on the card does not
need to be in contact with
reader, so there is less damage
compared with a magnetic stripe
reader.
Data is more secure, since it is
easier to copy information on a
magnetic stripe than it is to copy
information on a chip.
If the card lost, information
stored on the chip could be used
in identity theft.
12. Chip and PIN readers
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Chip and PIN readers are used
where payments are made
using cards (restaurants,
supermarkets, travel agents,
etc.).
Chip and PIN readers provide a
more secure payment system
than requiring a signature or
using a magnetic stripe, since
the PIN typed in must match up
with PIN store on chip.
Chip and PIN reader provide a
more robust system than
magnetic stripe readers, since
the chip does not need to be in
contact with the reader.
Since the customer types in the
PIN, they need to be careful that
it isnt read by somebody else,
this giving an opportunity for
fraud.
13. Scanners
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Scanners are used to scan in
documents and convert them
into a format for use in various
software packages.
Old and valuable documents
and books can be scanned, thus
protecting the originals from
damage through handling and
also producing records in case
the paper copies are lost or
destroyed.
Non-digital photographs need
to be scanned if they are to be
stored on computer.
Images can be stored for editing
at a later date (paper documents
cannot be edited unless they are
scanned first)
Scanners are much faster and
more accurate (i.e. no typing
errors) than typing in documents
again.
It is possible to recover damaged
documents and photographs by
scanning them and then using
appropriate software to produce
an acceptable copy.
The quality can be limited,
depending on how good the
scanner resolution is.








14. OMR devices
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
OMR devices are used to read
questionnaires, multiple-choice
examination papers and many
other types of form where
response are registered in the
form of lines or shaded areas.
It is a very fast way of inputting
the results of a survey, etc. the
documents are fed in
automatically and there is no
user input.
Since there is no typing, it is
more accurate than keying in the
data.
OMR is more accurate than OCR
(discussed later in this section)
The forms need to be carefully
designed to make sure that the
marks/shading are correctly
positioned to gather accurate
information.
There can be problems if the
forms havent been filled in
correctly and sometimes they
have to be manually checked
before being read by the OMR
device this is both time
consuming and expensive.
15. Barcode readers.
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Barcode scanners are used in supermarkets
and other shops where the goods are
marked with barcode; the barcodes are
used to give information about the product,
which enables automatic stock control.
Itemized billing, etc. to take place.
They are used in libraries, to scan both
users library cards and barcodes on books,
in order to keep track of books on loan.
They are used as a safety function in many
companies to ensure that electrical
equipment is checked on a regular basis.
Barcodes are placed on an item to identify
it and a database holds all the information
related to that barcode so it is possible to
interrogate the system as part of a safety
audit.
Scanning barcodes is much
faster than keying in data
manually and fewer mistakes
are made.
When barcodes are used as a
way of recording data, they
can improve safety.
Barcodes enable automatic
stock control.
Barcode scanning is a tried and
trusted technology.
When an item price is
changed, only the central
database needs to be updated.
There is no need to change the
prices individually on each
item.
Barcode scanning is a
relatively expensive system to
administer since every item in
the shop needs a barcode and
every barcode needs to be
entered on to the central
database. Also, there is a need
to invest in the computer
technology together with staff
training, which can all be very
expensive.
The system is not foolproof
barcodes can be swapped
around on items.























16. OCR Readers.
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
One of the most recent uses is in
the processing of passports and
identity cards.
OCR is used when scanning in
documents so that they can be
modified using a word processor
or desktop publisher package.
It is a much faster data entry
system than manually keying in
data.
Since no manual data entry, the
number of errors is also
reduced.

The system still has difficulty
reading and handwriting.
It is still not a very accurate
technique.
17. MICR devices
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
It is primarily used to process
cheques in banking operations.
When a cheque is presented its
value is then printed on the
cheque in the special ink. The
cheques are all gathered
together (either at the end of
the day or after some specified
period) and then read using a
batch processing method.
MICR offers greater security
than OCR since the printed
characters cannot be altered.
There is no manual input,
thus errors are reduced.
Even if somebody writes over
the magnetic ink characters
they can still be read.
Only certain characters can be
read and the number of
different characters is very
limited.
It is a more expensive method
than other methods used in
direct data entry.
18. Digital cameras
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Digital cameras produce
photographs for transfer to a
computer directly or to print
out by connecting directly to a
printer.
Many digital cameras also
allow short video clips to be
produced.
Photographs can be uploaded
directly into applications
software such as word
processors, desktop publishers,
etc.
It is easier to produce better
quality photograph that with
a traditional camera.
It is easier and faster to
upload photographs to a
computer rather than having
to scan in hard copies when
using traditional methods.
There is no need to develop
film and print out photograph
anymore this saves money
and is also environmentally
more acceptable.
It is easy just to delete an
image from memory if it is
not satisfactory and take the
photograph again.
The memory cards can store
several hundred
photographs. The number of
photographs that could be
taken on a roll of film limited
a traditional camera.
The camera user needs to be
computer literate to use the cameras
properly; also the transferring, storing
and manipulating of the images via a
computer requires some
understanding of how computers
work.
There is some artistry lost since clever
software now corrects errors in the
photographs.
The resolution is not yet as good as
traditional cameras, although this is
improving all the time. The quality of
photographs depends on the number
of pixels, quality or icns, etc.
Images often need to be compressed
to reduce the amount of memory
used.
It is possible to fill up computer
memory very quickly with several
photographs, the same subject in an
attempt to find the perfect snap
shot.









19. Webcams.
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
While chatting online, many
people use webcams as a
more personal way of
having a conversation.
They are used to enable
video conferencing to take
place.
Webcams can be left on
constantly, only being
activated as required.
They allow people to keep
in contact with each other
without the need to travel
so they are particularly
useful for elderly or
disabled people.
Webcams have very limited
features and the picture is
often of poor quality.
They need to be connected
to the computer, although
this is less of an issue of
laptop computers when the
webcam is built into the
monitor lid.
20. Sensors
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Sensors are used in monitoring and
control applications the type of
sensor depends on the application.
When monitoring, the data sent to
the computer is often transferred
directly to a spreadsheet
worksheet.
Readings taken using sensors are
generally more accurate that those
taken by human operation.
Readings are continuous, so there
is no break in the monitoring.
Because it is a continuous process,
any necessary action or warning
will be initiated immediately.
The system can be automatic,
removing the need for human
intervention.
Faulty sensors can give
spurious results.
21. Microphones
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Microphones are used to
input speech/sounds to be
used in various applications.
They are used in voice
recognition software, which
can have a number of
purposes.
It is faster to read in text than
to type it in using a keyboard.
Using special software, it is
possible to manipulate sound
in real time rather than
working on a recording done
at some earlier stage.
If used in a voice activation
system, this has the advantage
of improving safety since.

Sound files can use up a lot of
computer memory.
Voice recognition software
isnt as accurate as typing in
manually.

OUTPUT DEVICES:




22. Light pens
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Light pens are used for selecting
objects on CRT screens.
They are also used for drawing on
screen.
Light pens are more accurate
than touch screen.
They are small, so can be used
where space is an issue.
They are easy to use.

There are problems with lag when
drawing on screen.
At the moment, they only work
with CRT monitors.
They are not very accurate when
drawing.
1 CRT monitors
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
CRT monitors are used as
the primary output
devices for computers so
the user can see
immediately what they
are typing in.
They are used with light
pens.
CRT monitors still
produce a higher quality
image than TFT
monitors.
The angle of viewing is
still better than with a
TFT monitor.
They work with light
pens in computer-aided
design and computer-
aided manufacturing
(CAD/CAM)
applications.

CRT monitors tend to be
rather heavy and are
weight hazard if not
supporied properly.
They run very hot and
can cause fires if left
unattended.
They consume
considerably more
power than the modern
TFT monitors.
They can flicker, which
can lead to headaches
and eyesight problems
with prolonged use.
23. Graphics Tablets
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Graphics tables are used to
produce drawings, computer
graphics, etc.
In countries where characters
are complex, they are used as a
form of input since it is faster
than typing in the characters
using a keyboard.
They are used in computer
aided design (CAD) work.
It is possible to modify
drawings before they
are input.
They offer a very
accurate method of
drawing, which is better
than using a mouse or
trackerball.

They are more expensive
than other pointing
devices, such as a mouse.









10. Light pens
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
One of the most recent
uses is in the processing
of passports and identity
cards.
OCR is used when
scanning in documents
so that they can be
modified using a word
processor or desktop
publisher package.
It is a much faster data
entry system than
manually keying in data.
Since no manual data
entry, the number of
errors is also reduced.

The system still has
difficulty reading and
handwriting.
It is still not a very
accurate technique.
3. Laser printers
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Used where noise levels
need to be kept (e.g. in
an office)
They can handle very
large print job
Laser printers are
expensive to buy.
5. 3D inkjet printers
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Used to produce
prototypes which actually
work from CAD packages,
photograph images,
stored drawings, etc.
The powders used can
often be ground up and
re-used.
3D inkjet printers are
expensive to buy.

4. Inkjet printers
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Used where low output
volumes are required
The output is a high
quality
Printing can 'smudge' if
the user is not careful.








8. Speakers
Uses
Used to output sound from multimedia presentations
Used in home entertainment centres
Can help blind people (together with speech generation software) through audio output of
text on the screen
Used to play downloaded sound files

6. Dot matrix printer
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Can be used in noisy
environments (e.g.
garage workshops) and in
applications there print
quality is not important
Carbon copies or multi-
part outputs can be
produced.

They are very noisy and
so not good in an office
environment.
7. Plotters
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Used to produce large
drawings (e.g. blueprints
of building, factories,
etc.) and are often used
with CAD applications
They can produce huge
printouts.

They are slow in
operation.
9. Multimedia projectors
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Used for training
presentations (to allow
the whole audience to
see the images from a
computer
They enable many
people to see a
presentation rather
than all of them
crowding round a small
computer screen.

Images can sometimes
be fuzzy.

CONTROL DEVICES










1. Actuators
DEFINITION
Actuators are transducers and are used to take signals from a computer and convert them into
some form of motion, for example operating motors, pumps, switches and values. As part of the
control process, digital signals are sent from the computer to an actuator to operate a device.
Usually, conversation of the digital signal to analogue is required first (using DAC)
3. BUZZERS
DEFINITION USES
The buzzers are
switched on or off
by the actuator
Used in cookers and microwave ovens to tell the operator when
the cooking process is complete
Used in burglar alarm systems to warn if intruders are present

4. LIGHTS
DEFINITION USES
The actuator is connected to the
switch that turns the lights on or off
Used for security lights
Used in greenhouses to control the lighting
conditions
2. Motors
DEFINITION USES
The motor is
turned on or
off by the
actuator
Used in many domestic appliances, such as automatic washing machines
(to make the drum rotate), cookers (to switch on fans), water pumps in
central heating systems and automatic greenhouses to open windows and
switch on fans
In industry, they are used to control robot arms
In computers, they operate fans, disk drives and DVD drives.








5. HEATER
DEFINITION USES
Actuators are connected to
switched which turn the heater on
or off

Used in automatic washing machines, cookers
and central heating systems
Used in automatic greenhouse to control the
temperature