UNIT 1.

COMPUTERS
SECTION B. INPUT/ OUTPUT DEVICES

1. Learn the vocabulary:

alphanumeric (alphameric) key клавіша вводу алфавітно-
цифрових знаків
alternate key клавіша Alt (для активації
додаткових функцій)
available доступний; що є в наявності
backspace key клавіша повернення на один
символ або крок
capitals lock key клавіша включення верхнього
регістру (великих літер)
control key клавіша керування
cursor movement key клавіша керування руху
курсору
delete key клавіша анулювання,
скасування, вилучення (знаку,
символу)
dot matrix printer точково-матричний принтер
end key клавіша переходу в кінець
рядка
enter key клавіша вводу
escape key клавіша скасування
film scanner скануючий пристрій
зчитування з плівки
flatbed scanner планшетний сканер
flicker мерехтіти; мерехтіння
function key функціональна клавіша
graphics tablet графічний планшет
handheld scanner ручний сканер
hard copy тверда (документарна) копія
(на папері), надрукований
документ
home key клавіша повернення у вихідний
стан
indicator light індикаторна лампа
input device пристрій введення
insert key клавіша вставляння (символу)
keyboard клавіатура
numeric keypad цифрова клавіатура
numeric lock key клавіша введення цифр
obsolete що вийшов з ужитку;
 застарілий
organic light-emitting diode органічний
(OLED) світловипромінювальний діод
output device пристрій виведення
page down key клавіша перегортання сторінок
(екранних) уперед
page up key клавіша перегортання сторінок
(екранних) назад
pause/break key клавіша переривання
(призупинення) команди
pointing device координатно-вказівний
пристрій
print head друкувальна головка
print screen/system request key клавіша роздрукування
зображення екрана
process (v) обробляти
scroll lock key клавіша відключення режиму
прокрутки
sheetfed scanner сканер з поаркушною подачею
паперу
shift key клавіша переключення регістру
space bar клавіша пробілу
start key клавіша „пуск”
Tabulation key (Tab key) клавіша табуляції
type друкувати (набирати текст)

2. Match the term with its definition and translate it.

1. input device a) a powdered chemical used in photocopying
machines and laser printers, which is transferred
onto paper to form the printed image
2. scanner b) the system of circuits used in an electronic device
3. digitize c) an electronic device which scans artwork and
illustrations and converts the images to digital form
for manipulation, and incorporation into printed
publications
4. joystick d) to transcribe (data) into a digital form so that it
can be directly processed by a computer
5. toner e) sharpness and clarity of an image
6. monochrome f) a peripheral device that accepts data and feeds it
into a computer
7. circuitry g) a lever by means of which the display on a screen
may be controlled used esp for games, flight
simulators, etc
8. multimedia h) a painting, drawing, etc., done in a range of tones
of a single colour
9. flicker i) to shine with an unsteady or intermittent light
10. resolution j) of or relating to any of various systems which can
manipulate data in a variety of forms, such as sound,
graphics, or text
3. Read and translate the text into Ukrainian analyzing lexical transformations.
INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
Before a computer can process your data, you need some method to input the data into the
machine. The device you use will depend on what form this data takes (be it text, sound, artwork, etc.).
Similarly, after the computer has processed your data, you often need to produce output of the results.
This output could be a display on the computer screen, hardcopy on printed pages, or even the audio
playback of music you composed on the computer. The terms “input” and “output” are used both as verbs
to describe the process of entering or displaying the data, and as nouns referring to the data entered into or
displayed by the computer.
INPUT DEVICES
Keyboard
The computer keyboard is used to enter text information into the computer, as when you type the
contents of a report. The keyboard can also be used to type commands directing the computer to perform
certain actions. In addition to the keys of the main keyboard (used for typing text), keyboards usually also
have a numeric keypad (for entering numerical data efficiently), a bank of editing keys (used in text
editing operations), and a row of function keys along the top (to easily invoke certain program functions).
Pointing Devices
The graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in use today require some kind of device for positioning the
on-screen cursor. Typical pointing devices are: mouse, trackball, touch pad, trackpoint, graphics tablet,
joystick, and touch screen.
Mouse
The mouse pointing device sits on your work surface and is moved with your hand. A new optical
mouse uses a light and a small optical sensor to detect the motion of the mouse by tracking a tiny image
of the desk surface. A cordless or wireless mouse communicates with the computer via radio waves (but
such mice need internal batteries). A laser mouse is a type of optical mouse that uses laser light to detect
mouse movement. Like all optical mice, the laser mouse has no moving parts inside. Laser is more
accurate than the standard optical mouse design, providing for up to 20x greater sensitivity and precision.
This improved sensitivity and precision can be key for gaming applications and graphical or engineering
design applications, where pinpoint accuracy is important.
Touch pad
Most laptop computers today have a touch pad pointing device. You move the on-screen cursor by
sliding your finger along the surface of the touch pad. The buttons are located below the pad, but most
touch pads allow you to perform “mouse clicks” by tapping on the pad itself. Touch pads take up very
little room to use.
Trackpoint
Some sub-notebook computers (such as the IBM ThinkPad), which lack room for even a touch pad,
incorporate a trackpoint, a small rubber projection embedded between the keys of the keyboard. The
trackpoint acts like a little joystick that can be used to control the position of the on-screen cursor.
Trackball
The trackball is a sort of upside-down mouse, with the ball located on top. You use your fingers to
roll the trackball, and internal rollers (similar to what’s inside a mouse) sense the motion which is
transmitted to the computer. The body of the trackball remains stationary on your desk, so you don’t need
much room to use the trackball.
Joysticks
Joysticks and other game controllers can also be connected to a computer as pointing devices. They
are generally used for playing games, and not for controlling the on-screen cursor in productivity
software.
Touch screen
Some computers, especially small hand-held PDAs, have touch sensitive display screens. The user
can make choices and press button images on the screen. You often use a stylus, which you hold like a
pen, to “write” on the surface of a small touch screen.
Graphics tablet
A graphics tablet consists of an electronic writing area and a special “pen” that works with it.
Graphics tablet allows artists to create graphical images with motions and actions similar to using more
traditional drawing tools.
Scanners
A scanner is a device that images a printed page or graphic by digitizing it, producing an image
made of tiny pixels of different brightness and color values which are represented numerically and sent to
the computer. Scanners scan graphics, but they can also scan pages of text which are then run through
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software that identifies the individual letter shapes and creates a
text file of the page’s contents.
 Microphone
A microphone can be attached to a computer to record sound (usually through a sound card input or
circuitry built into the motherboard). The sound is digitized – turned into numbers that represent the
original analog sound waves – and stored in the computer to later processing and playback.
MIDI Devices
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a system designed to transmit information between
electronic musical instruments. A MIDI musical keyboard can be attached to a computer and allow a
performer to play music that is captured by the computer system as a sequence of notes with the
associated timing (instead of recording digitized sound waves).
OUTPUT DEVICES
CRT Monitor
The traditional output device of a personal computer has been the CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
monitor. It contains a large cathode ray tube that uses an electron beam of varying strength to “paint” a
picture onto the color phosphorescent dots on the inside of the screen. CRT monitors are heavy and use
more electrical power than flat panel displays, but they are preferred by some graphic artists for their
accurate color rendition, and preferred by some gamers for faster response to rapidly changing graphics.
Flat Panel Monitor
A flat panel display usually uses an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen to display output from the
computer. The LCD consists of several thin layers that polarize the light passing through them. The
polarization of one layer, containing long thin molecules called liquid crystals, can be controlled
electronically at each pixel, blocking varying amounts of the light to make a pixel lighter or darker. Flat
panel displays are much lighter and less bulky than CRT monitors, and they consume much less power.
Ink Jet Printer
For hardcopy (printed) output, you need some kind of printer attached to your computer (or
available over a network). The most common type of printer for home systems is the color ink jet printer.
These printers form the image on the page by spraying tiny droplets of ink from the print head. The
printer needs several colors of ink (CYMK: cyan, yellow, magenta, and black) to make color images.
Some photo-quality ink jet printers have more colors of ink.
Laser Printer
A laser printer produces good quality images by the same technology that photocopiers use. A
drum coated with photosensitive material is charged, then an image is written onto it by a laser (or LEDs)
which makes those areas lose the charge. The drum then rolls through toner (tiny plastic particles of
pigment) that is attracted to the charged areas of the drum. The toner is then deposited onto the paper, and
then fused into the paper with heat. Laser printers can be monochrome (one color only, usually black) and
multicolour. Laser printers are faster and more expensive than ink jet printers.
Other Printers
Multi-function printers are available that not only operate as a computer printer, but also include
the hardware needed to be a scanner, photocopier, and FAX machine as well.
Dot matrix printers use small electromagnetically activated pins in the print head, and an inked
ribbon, to produce images by impact. These printers are slow, noisy, and obsolete.
Sound Output
Computers also produce sound output, ranging from simple beeps alerting the user, to impressive
game sound effects, to concert quality music. The circuitry to produce sound may be included on the
motherboard, but high quality audio output from a PC usually requires a sound card in one of the
expansion slots, connected to a set of good quality external speakers or headphones.
Multimedia is a term describing computer output that includes sound, text, graphics, movies, and
animation. A sound card is an example of a multimedia output device (as is a monitor that can display
graphics).

4. Find the full forms for the following abbreviations, translate them into Ukrainian.
1) GUI; 2) PDA; 3) OCR; 4) MIDI; 5) CRT; 6) LCD; 7) LED; 8) fax (FAX); 9) MFP;10) MFD; 11)
SoHo; 12) TFT; 13) OLED 14) KB; 15) LAN 16) QWERTY; 17) CCD; 18) CIS

5. Match the names of the missed numbered keyboard components. Translate all the keyboard
components into Ukrainian.
a) control key e) space bar
b) cursor movement key f) function keys
 c) numeric keypad g) shift key
d) escape key h) indicator lights
1) …; 2) enter key; 3) backspace key; 4) insert key; 5) …; 6) scroll lock key; 7) pause/break key; 8) enter
key; 9) …; 10) …; 11) delete key; 12) alphanumeric keypad; 13) …; 14) alternate key; 15) start key; 16)
capitals lock key; 17) …; 18) …; 19) tabulation key; 20) ... .

6. Match the words making up multi-component terms. Translate the terms.

1. text a) tablet
2. iput b) keypad
3. numeric c) information
4. graphics d) head
5. touch e) crystals
6. color f) devices
7. print(ing) g) screen
8. liquid h) controllers
9. laser i) rendition
10. game j) printer

7. Complete the text with prepositions if necessary. Translate into Ukrainian analyzing lexical
transformations.
COMPUTER MONITOR
A monitor or a display is an electronic visual display ……(1) computers. The monitor comprises
the display device, circuitry and an enclosure. The display device ……(2) modern monitors is typically
a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) thin panel, while older monitors use a cathode ray
tube (CRT) about as deep as the screen size. ……(3) the 21st century most used cathode ray tubes but
they have largely been superseded ……(4) LCD monitors.
Cathode ray tube
The first computer monitors used cathode ray tubes (CRT). ……(5) the early 1980s, they were
known as video display terminals and were physically attached ……(6) the computer and keyboard. The
monitors were monochrome, flickered and the image quality was poor. ……(7) 1981, IBM introduced the
Color Graphics Adapter, which could display four and later even 16 colors ……(8) a rather high
resolution. CRT technology remained dominant ……(9) the PC monitor market ……(10) the new
millennium partly because it was cheaper to produce and offered viewing angles close ……(11) 180
degrees.
Liquid crystal
There are multiple technologies that have been used to implement liquid crystal displays (LCD).
Throughout the 1990s, the primary use……(12) LCD technology as computer monitors was ……(13)
laptops where the lower power consumption, lighter weight, and smaller physical size ……(14) LCDs
justified the higher price versus a CRT.
 TFT-LCD is a variant ……(15) LCD which is now the dominant technology used ……(16)
computer monitors.
The first standalone LCD displays appeared ……(17) the mid-1990s selling ……(18) high prices.
As prices declined ……(19) a period ……(20) years they became more popular, and competed ……(21)
CRT monitors. The main advantages ……(22) LCDs ……(23) CRT displays are that LCDs consume less
power, are space-saving and considerably lighter. The now common active matrix TFT-LCD technology
also has less flickering than CRTs, which reduces eye strain. ……(24) the other hand, CRT monitors
have superior contrast and have superior response time. LCD monitors have now very high temporal
accuracy and can be used ……(25) vision research.
Organic light-emitting diode
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) monitors provide higher contrast and better viewing angles
than LCDs, and are predicted to replace them. ……(26) 2011, a 25-inch OLED monitor cost $7500, but
the prices are expected to drop.

8. Read the text and find English equivalents to the following Ukrainian words and word-
combinations: клавіатура, що скручується, клавіша, стандартна розкладка, локальна мережа,
окремий дисплей, швидкість набору тексту, лазерна клавіатура, проекція світлового
зображення, будь-яка поверхня, електронна обробка тексту, робота з розрахунковими
таблицями, додаткове клавішне поле, безклавішна ергономічна клавіатура, натискання клавіші,
деталь, схожа на ковпак (купол), вбудована мишка, клавіатура на зап’ясток, повністю
герметизований, вигнута задня частина, універсальна пристосовуваність, кишеньковий
маніпулятор типу „миша”, чітко відповідати розмірам, згрупований навколо кінчика кожного
пальця, режим, змінюваний великим пальцем, ігрова клавіатура

COMPUTER KEYBOARDS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

The roll-up keyboard. These keyboards feature 104 keys in a standard QWERTY layout, but with
a nifty twist of being the most portable keyboard seen to date. Simply roll the unit up when you’re done
with it! It’s a great tool for laptop users who miss their full-sized KB when on the road, or LAN party
warriors looking to lighten their load.

Optimus Keyboard. Each and every key on the Optimus Keyboard is a stand-alone display that
shows you exactly what it is controlling at the very moment.

Das Keyboard. Where are the letters? Das keyboard believe with no keys to look at when typing,
your brain will adapt and memorize the key position thus increasing typing speed.
 The virtual laser keyboard. The I-Tech Virtual Keyboard uses a light projection of a full-sized
computer keyboard on almost any surface. Used with PDAs and Smart Phones, the Virtual Keyboard
provides a practical way to do e-mail, word processing and spreadsheet tasks, enabling users to leave
laptops and computers at home.

The SafeType keyboard. This well-thought keyboard will allow you to type in a relaxed position,
saving you the pain. And all that is despite its futurist look. The supplementary keypad allows the user to
position the 10-key numeric pad with arrow keys anywhere that is most usable and comfortable. It can be
on the left or the right, or even in your lap. We are constantly amazed by the tremendous variation in
challenges and how people find solutions for their own problems.

The OrbiTouch Keyboard. The OrbiTouch Keyless ergonomic Keyboard creates a keystroke
when you slide the two domes into one of their eight respective positions. You type the different
characters by sliding the domes to create letters and numbers. The orbiTouch Keyless ergonomic
Keyboard also has an integrated mouse, so moving the domes gives you full mouse and keyboard
capability!
 The wrist keyboard. Completely sealed, it can operate in the rain and other harsh environments. A
curved back provides a secure and comfortable placement on the wrist. The keyboard layout is optimized
to provide alphanumeric entry. Carefully positioned arrow keys ease menu-oriented tasks. The WristPC
keyboard comes with an optional wrist strap to provide the capability of attaching it to your wrist.

The frogpad. The FrogPad mobile keypad with its innovative 20 full-size key layout optimized
around the most frequently used characters sets a new standard in information access with superior
portability and ergonomics, global adaptability, rapid learning and ease of use. Its unique patented
keystroke algorithms enable it to be used in either a right or left-handed mode and with any international
language set.

Maltron 3D Ergonomic Keyboard. These fully ergonomic two handed keyboards fit the shape of
hands and the different lengths of fingers to reduce movement and tension.

The Tidy Tippist. The marriage of eating and tipping: the decorative tablecloth, made of felt,
contains a textile keyboard. The electronic is woven into a fabric, which finds itself between layers of
water resistant felt as sandwich material. The soft felt surface makes it a pleasure for fingers to tip a cozy
keyboard.
 The Twiddler2. The Twiddler2 is a pocket-sized mouse pointer plus a full-function keyboard in a
single unit that fits neatly in either right or left hand. The Twiddler2 plugs into both keyboard and mouse
PS/2 ports (USB port with the PS/2 to USB Adapter) on any computer that accepts standard PS/2 mouse
and keyboard (or USB input). Combining major innovations in pointer and keyboard technology, the
twiddler is designed to bring renewed enjoyment to current computer users and to attract newcomers to
the world of personal computing.

The datahand keyboard. The DataHand ergonomic keyboard offers a total of 132 keys (more
than even extended flat keyboards) through the use of five key switches clustered around the tips of each
of the fingers. With four modes, shifted by the thumbs, hand movement is no longer required to perform
keyboard work. Hand support results in the elimination of the major source of muscular-skeletal stress in
hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, backs, and necks.

AlphaGrip. Claimed to be the most comfortable computing device. It is a gaming pad, a keyboard
also comes with a mouse trackball.
9. Complete the text making appropriate derivatives of the words in brackets. Translate the text
into Ukrainian.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCANNERS
A scanner is an (1)……… (electron) device that scans printed or (2)……… (handwriting) text
documents, images, or a particular object to convert them into a digital file format. Most of the scanners
use CCD, (charge-coupled device) or CIS, (Contact Image Sensor) as the image sensors. The common
types of scanners we see today are flatbed scanners, handheld scanners, sheetfed scanners, etc.
A flatbed scanner is made up of a glass pane and a moving optical CIS or CCD array. The pane is
illuminated with the help of bright light planted underneath it. The image which is to be scanned is then
placed on the glass pane. The sensor and the source of light move across the glass pane to scan the
document and produce its digital copy.
In sheetfed scanners, the document that is supposed to be scanned is fed into the (3)………
(horizon) or vertical slot provided in the scanner. The vital components of sheetfed scanner are the sheet-
feeder, scanning module and calibration sheet. Such scanners are most often used to scan single page
documents. It can't be used to scan thicker objects, like books, which turns out to be its major drawback.
A handheld scanner is a small manual scanning device which is moved over the object that need
to be scanned. For instance, if a document needs to be scanned, the handheld scanner has to be dragged
over the document. Using a handheld scanner can prove to be a cumbersome task, as the hand needs to be
(4)……… (steadiness) all the time. Slight (5)……… (move) of the hand can lead to (6)……… (distort)
of the image. One of the most utilized handheld scanners is the barcode scanner, typically used in
shopping stores to valuate goods.
Photo scanners are mostly used to scan photographs. High resolution and color (7)……… (deep)
are the most vital (8)……… (require) for scanning photographs, and photo scanner provides the same. If
the motive of (9)……… (buy) a scanner is to digitize film negatives and slides, then the photo scanner is
the best option. They are (10)……… (special) designed to work on slides and negatives. The in-built
software in some photo scanners can also help in (11)……… (clean) old photographs.
A film scanner is utilized to scan photographic films directly into a computer. Some film scanners
have specialized software through which it is (12)……… (possibility) to minimize scratches and improve
color (13)……… (qualitative). Low-end film scanners most often accept 35 mm film strips while the
high-end scanners have (14)……… (interchange) film loaders which can accept 35 mm strips or 120
mm ones, or individual slides.
Being small in size, portable scanners can be (15)……… (easiness) carried with oneself
anywhere. Some of these are as small as your PDAs, hence, can be easily carried in the pockets. They are
of great help when it comes to text document scanning. Their drawback though, is their (16)………
(limit) as far as resolution is concerned. They cannot be used for scanning photographs or other such
applications which require high resolution scanning.
Over the last few years, these machines have become an (17)……… (importance) element of
computer (18)……… (technologist), wherein vast amount of data is required to be converted to digital
format every day.

10. Translate into English:

TEXT A
СЕНСОРНІ ЕКРАНИ
Сенсорний екран – це координатний пристрій, що дозволяє дотиками (пальцем, стилусом і
т.п.) по області екрана монітора робити вибір необхідного елемента даних, меню або вводити дані
в певний спосіб. Сенсорні екрани є кращими для організації гнучкого інтерфейсу, що буде
зрозумілим для користувачів-початківців. Застосовуються в багатьох областях: у інформаційних
та платіжних терміналах, у ресторанних системах, у системах самообслуговування, у тренінг-
системах, у портативних комп’ютерах.
З появою операційної системи Windows7, сенсорні екрани можна використовувати і для
комп’ютерів. Тут сенсорний екран є як пристроєм виводу, так і пристроєм вводу інформації.
Сенсорний екран складається з cенсору, контролеру, драйвера підтримки.
Сенсор – це панель із чистого скла, що реагує на дотики. Вона розміщена поверх екрану.
Існує кілька типів сенсорних панелей і в кожній втілено свій метод розпізнавання натиснень.
Зазвичай, сенсорні панелі мають електричний заряд чи сигнал, що проходить скрізь них, і
натиснення певної ділянки на екрані викликає зміни в напрузі чи сигналі.
Контролер – це невелика плата, що з’єднує сенсорний екран з комп’ютером. Комп’ютер
отримує інформацію від сенсорного екрану і перетворює її у зрозумілий для процесора вид.
Контролер зазвичай є вбудованим в екран або розміщений в окремому корпусі.
Драйвер підтримки – це програмне забезпечення, що дозволяє сенсорному екрану та
комп’ютеру працювати разом. Драйвер повідомляє операційній системі, як реагувати на
інформацію про натиснення, що отримана від контролера.
Поки що сенсорні екрани замінюють роботу мишки (клік лівою /правою клавішею,
подвійний клік, перетягування), але перспективи в екранів є дуже широкими, особливо у
поєднанні з Інтернет технологіями.
Переваги сенсорних екранів: підвищена надійність, стійкість до зовнішніх впливів,
пилонепроникні та вологозахищені, інтуїтивно зрозумілий інтерфейс.
Недоліки: для вертикальних екранів важко тримати руку, придатні лише для епізодичного
використання, на горизонтальному екрані руки закривають огляд, обмеження точності
позиціонування дій користувача без курсору, якщо екран не має спеціального покриття, відбитки
пальців можуть заважати правильному функціонуванню.

TEXT B
КЛАВІАТУРА
Клавіатура призначена для введення алфавітно-цифрової інформації.
Клавіші поділяються на п’ять груп:
1) Функціональні клавіші (F1 – F12 – у різних програмах виконують різні функції).
2) Алфавітно-цифрові клавіші (для введення літер, розділових знаків, цифр, символу «пропуск»
та окремих спеціальних символів).
3) Клавіші спеціального призначення (розміщені навколо алфавітно-цифрових клавіш і мають
певне призначення).
4) Клавіші керування курсором і клавіші редагування (десять клавіш, розміщених двома блоками:
← ↑ → ↓ – клавіші покрокового переміщення курсору; Home, End, Page Up, Page Down –
клавіші керування курсором та Delete, Insert – клавіші редагування).
5) Додаткова цифрова група клавіш (нагадує клавіатуру калькулятора; його клавіші працюють у
двох режимах – введення цифр і математичних знаків та керування курсором; режим
обирається клавішею Num Lock).
На клавіатурі також можуть бути індикатори режимів Caps Lock (для переключення режиму
введенням великих та малих літер), Num Lock (для переключення режимів цифрової групи
клавіш), Scroll Lock (для включення режиму, коли клавіші керування курсором виконують
функцію переміщення екрану – на зразок функцій маніпулятора миші).
Клавіатури класифікуються за наступними характеристиками: 1) вид клавіатури: дротові
(підключаються через порт USB чи спеціальний клавіатурний порт) та бездротові (містять
батарейку та надсилають сигнали приймачу, підключеному до порту USB); 2) кількість клавіш; 3)
наявність мультимедійних можливостей; 4) дизайн: розміри клавіш, вид, колір, стиль шрифту
тощо; 5) сила натискання на клавіші, їх «звучання»; 6) ергономічність (ступінь зручності, економія
часу та енергії при використанні).

11. Look at the pictures illustrating the structure of computer mice. Use the pictures and the given
terms to describe them and the principle of their functioning:
12. Watch the videos, subtitle and translate them into Ukrainian.
a) V. 1 B. 1. TOP 5: Best Ergonomic Keyboards
b) V. 1 B. 2. Computer Basics – What Is a Mouse
c) V. 1 B. 3. Computer Input and Output Devices

13. Supplementary Reading. Read and translate.

TEXT A
14 DIFFERENT TYPES of MOUSE for YOUR COMPUTER
With something as basic and standard as a computer mouse, it’s hard to imagine that there is more
than one kind. There are actually many different kinds for all sorts of computer mouse to choose from.
Within the different “species” of computer mice (or mouses), there are some that are more
commonly seen like the generic cord mouse or the old school ball mouse. But, there are a few unexpected
curveball designs, all of which can be seen in the following list:
Basic Types:
1. Wired Mouse
This is your average, run of the mill, basic mouse that connects to your PC with a USB wire. There is
nothing wrong with this mouse, but there isn’t anything to write home about either. There is a plus point
though about this type of mouse: they don’t require a battery, so they won’t ever run out of charge! If you
just need a very basic and reliable mouse, this is the one to get.
2. Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse is just the same as its predecessor, but without its tail. It is exactly what the name
states; wireless! This type of mouse requires a battery and can be connected to your computer through a
USB that emits radio frequencies. These devices work wither with 2.4GHz wireless or via bluetooth.
3. Ball/Mechanical Mouse
This was one of the first mice seen used with computers. It used a rubber ball to track motion – the ball
would spin in the direction you moved the mouse and the sensor detected it to determine what way to
move the cursor. This mouse is quite out-dated and rarely seen being used anymore.
4. Wheel/Scroll Mouse
The wheel mouse can come in all forms; wireless, optical, wired and more. The wheel refers to the tiny
wheel attached between the left and right click buttons, which allows you to scroll up and down pages
without manually having to use the scroll option on the side of the page.
5. Optical Mouse
This is the most commonly seen computer mice these days. It uses an LED light at the bottom of the
device where the old rubber ball in a mechanical mouse would exist. The LED detects movement through
reflected light. This means the mouse does not work on all surfaces; clear glass and plastic surfaces are
not ideal.
6. Laser Mouse
This works much in the same way as an optical mouse. However, it does not use an LED; instead it uses a
laser beam to reflect light from the surface it is on. This mouse can be used on surfaces like glass and
plastic, but it is not as accurate as an optical mouse.
7. BlueTrack Mouse
The BlueTrack mouse was invented by Microsoft; it houses a unique technology that uses a combination
of image sensor and pixel geometry to accurately detect movement on all types of surfaces. This mouse
can also be used on a carpet with ease.
8. Touchpad
These are most commonly found on laptops. Also referred to as glide pads, they have flat surfaces that
require the touch of a finger gliding on them to control the cursor. Though touch pads usually have two
buttons, some are pressure-sensitive and can be used as buttons by tapping the flat surface.
Specialty Types:
9. Trackball Mouse
A trackball mouse looks like an old mechanical mouse inverted. The ball is featured on the top of the
mouse and is used to guide the cursor by spinning it. Its design is more ergonomic because it doesn’t
require the user to manually move the mouse – there is less wrist and hand movement involved.
10. Gaming Mouse
These mice often feature multiple buttons, which can be programmed for gaming purposes. They are
sturdy, and made for long-time use. The design features some ergonomics to aid the gamer and they are
also known to be more accurate than the average mouse.
11. Vertical Mouse
This is a very strange looking mouse. It sits upright and is meant to be held with your hand. This design is
meant to be a lot more ergonomic than the regular mouse, being better for long-term computer use.
12. Stylus Mouse
These are expensive alternatives to your regular mouse are not used by the average Joe. These are
specifically meant for digital designers. It is the perfect combination of a pen and a mouse, and great for
those who free-hand draw on their PCs. Newer models are also pressure sensitive, detecting the intensity
of your stroke.
13. Track-point Mouse
Have you ever wondered what those red or grey rubber spheres between the “G”, “H” and “B” keys on
some laptops are? Those are track-point mice. Though laptops also have track pads, this pencil eraser
looking mouse allows you to track the cursor without removing your hands from the keyboard.
14. Foot Mouse
This is the weirdest mouse on this list and probably the least common of the lot. This allows the PC user
to navigate the cursor with their feet so they don’t have to remove their hands from the keyboard – talk
about efficient!
As you can see, you can find a mouse for all your needs, even if you want to use one with your feet! We
hope this list helps you pick the perfect one for you.

TEXT B
COMPUTER MICROPHONES
Some computer users find it easier to participate in voice chats or videos than to type a note to
those with whom they are communicating, while others may use their computers to perform calls instead
of traditional telephone service. These users, along with professionals who telecommute, will find a
computer microphone useful or even essential to their activities. One of several types of computer
microphones may suit their needs.
Headsets. Computer headsets include headphones through which the user can hear audio output
from the computer as well as a microphone that the user can use to create audio input. Typical analog
headsets contain two 3.5 mm plugs, the same type of plug that regular headphones use, that the user insert
into audio input and output ports on his computer. Because the plugs are separate, the user is able to use
the microphone without the headphones and vice versa. Consumers also may purchase USB headsets that
connect via the computer's USB port and transmit the audio data digitally.
Standalone. Standalone microphones rest on a base that sits on the user's desk. These microphones
tend to have a long and narrow appearance. This style of microphone tends to produce more noise than
headset microphones and the light designs can easily lose balance if someone or something bumps the
device. Some standalone microphones may include a mechanism to mount the microphone to the
computer so it does not sit on the desk and some have adjustable height. Generally, standalone
microphones connect to the computer with the 3.5 mm plug.
Web cam Microphones. Many companies that make Web cams for computers also manufacture
models that include microphone capability. Consumers can purchase this style of accessory instead of
purchasing both products separately. These combination devices save room in the user's workspace and
are especially useful for video chats and calls. Many of them attach to the top or side of the computer
monitor with a clip so that the Web cam faces the user, capturing audio and video. These are also digital
devices that rely on the USB port to connect with the user's computer.
Integrated Microphones. Some computers and laptops have built-in microphones that require no
additional purchase or installation. Users can consult their computer manual to determine if it includes a
built-in microphone. Computers that do have an integrated microphone may have one or more small holes
located near the top or bottom of the monitor and, possibly, a microphone image to indicate the presence
of the device. Users who desire higher quality audio input may still wish to purchase an external
microphone for use with their computers.
TEXT C
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER KEYBOARDS
Keyboards are an indispensable accessory for a computer. One of the most basic input
devices, computer keyboards are used in navigation, execution of processes, programming and several
other purposes. Several software based application directly derive their existence from a keyboard. For
instance, social networking websites, programming languages, navigation over the computer menus etc.
utilize a computer keyboard.
A normal computer keyboard is composed of around 110 keys. Although on the basis of key
arrangements there are four major keyboard layouts being used worldwide, QWERTY, AZERTY,
QWERTZ and HCESAR, but they can be classified in many more different categories depending on
types of computer connector, size, number of keys etc. Among the various types listed below, keyboards
can be based on multiple types. For instance, an ergonomic keyboard can have a PS2 interface and be an
internet keyboard too.
Ergonomic Keyboard
The artifact of this keyboard is slightly broader and different in shape, when compared with the
normal keyboard. In this key board certain space will be existing between the two sets of keys and the
countered shape of this key board allow the users to place their hands in the natural position to type.
These key boards are mostly used by the people who often work with the key board as their usage is
easier and is less stressful for the wrist.
ADB (Apple Desktop Bus)
ADB refers to a special type of port which is enabled in some computers such as Apple computers.
The ADB key boards can be connected only to the ADB jack enabled computers, but with the use of the
adapter, the ADB key boards can also be inserted over a USB port.
XT
An obsolete type, these keyboards only support the older computers. Not supported by present
computers, keyboards are much larger than the modern keyboards and the “Enter” key is backward-”L”
shaped.
Personal Systems (PS/2)
In the late 1990, most of the computers are integrated with standard PS/2 connector, rather than
USB ports, there by the keyboards used for these computers are usually round pin that fits into the PS/2
keyboard jack. For this reason these keyboards are named as PS/2 keyboards.
MINI PS/2
The MINI PS/2 keyboards are very small in size and are compatible with the PS/2 computers. This
keyboard resembles the laptop keyboard and it is square in shape. This keyboard is composed of fewer
key and do not have detach numeric keypad.
Multimedia
The multimedia keyboard is specially designed for the people who are much into multimedia
designing. This keyboard is just like the standard keyboard, but composed of additional keys for the
multimedia purposes such as multimedia application launch, volume control and mute button.
Internet
The Internet keyboards are designed for wider range of multimedia applications, these keyboards
are specially designed for the intense Internet user. The special keys included in this keyboard are the
home key, back and forward key, e-mail launch key, and browser launch key etc. These keys carry out the
same functionality as of the buttons on the webpage. In order use these extra keys the computer must be
embedded with right operating system.
Wireless
A wireless keyboard, the name itself doles the meaning that this keyboard can be operated without
addressing a wired connection to the processor. The wireless keyboards are also referred as Cordless
keyboards; these keyboards require batteries to provide the electricity which usually delivered through a
PS/2 or USB cable. “AA” or “AAA” batteries are most widely used standard batteries for wireless
keyboards.
Gaming
As the name suggest, gaming keyboards are for those who are into gaming and need easy access to
the keys that are usually utilized in gaming. These keyboards are composed of particular gaming-oriented
features such as key lighting, programmable keys, and/or extra controls of volume and brightness. These
keyboards are available in wired and wireless, in case if wired, it usually supports the USB port.
Membrane
Membrane keyboards are one of the keyboard types, which are used very rarely. The keys
integrated in this keyboard are non-moving pressure-sensitive keys. The keys in this keyboard are so
close, so that there is no scope for spilling liquids into the keyboard. Such keyboard types are also used
in mobile phones and old landline phones.
Keyboards are slowly being incorporated into touch screens that are being widely incorporated in
various phones and tablet computers. Named as touch screen keyboards, these are virtual keyboard units
have a QWERTY and numeric appearance so that message typing and number calling are quite easy.
Also, gaming consoles that provide social networking such as the PlayStation 3 have an on-screen
keyboard which can be accessed by user joystick.
TEXT D
WHAT IS A TOUCHPAD?
A touchpad is a device designed to translate user input in the form of motions aimed at moving a
cursor to a computer. It works much like a mouse, allowing users to move a cursor to select items and
perform other functions, but is designed in a different way. Instead of using sensors and a roller ball or
laser like a mouse, a touchpad is a soft pad with sensors that respond to finger movements on the pad.
Since a touchpad does not require desk space, it can commonly be found embedded into lap tops,
personal digital assistants, and portable media players. For users who prefer the touchpad interface,
touchpads are available for desktop computers as well.
Under the soft skin of the touchpad, there is an array of sensors which create an electrical field. The
finger changes the character of the electrical field, allowing the user to drag a cursor across the screen.
Most touchpads come equipped with mouse buttons allowing the user to click on objects, while others
interpret taps on the touchpad as taps of a mouse button. A tap and drag can be used to select an item, for
example. The commands that the touchpad recognizes are all configurable, depending on user needs.
In addition to the basic mouse-like function that a touchpad provides, it can also be programmed to
have “hot spots.” When the user taps on one of these spots, it can be used to scroll a document, open a
frequently used program, or perform some other commonly used function. Preferences for these zones
can be changed in the preferences for the touchpad, which also include sensitivity preferences. Most
manufacturers also include safeguards with their touchpads, so that they will not respond to being brushed
with a palm or an object other than a finger.
Computer manufacturers began developing touchpads in the late 1980s, and by the mid 1990s,
several laptops had been released with a touchpad design. The touchpad was a vast improvement over the
trackballs or nubbin pointers included in laptops previously, and quickly began to dominate the laptop
market. Sensing the potential for other markets, companies also developed products like drawing tablets,
which translate “drawing” with a specialized pen on the tablet into art on the screen, and this technology
is also used for tablet computers, which are capable of recognizing handwriting on the motion sensitive
pad.

TEXT E
WHAT IS A GRAPHICS TABLET?
A graphics tablet is an input device used by artists to allow them to draw a picture onto a computer
screen without having to use a mouse or keyboard. It consists of a flat, touch-sensitive pad and some sort
of drawing device, usually either a pen or stylus. Also referred to as a drawing tablet or drawing pad, the
tablet is most suited for artists and those who want the natural feel of a pen-like object to manipulate the
cursor on their screen. The smooth flow of this input device can be refreshing for people who find the
mouse to be too jerky, and repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are less likely when using
this tool.
A range graphics tablet sizes are available, from smaller 3 by 4 inch (7.6 by 10.2 cm) models to
larger 7 by 9 inch (17.8 by 22.9 cm) ones. There are even larger models, up to the enormous 14 by 14
inch (35.6 by 35.6 cm) tablets targeted towards professional designers and architects. Size is the major
factor in determining the cost of a tablet, however, and a shopper should expect prices to ramp up
dramatically at the high end of the size spectrum.
A good range of pressure sensitivity in the drawing surface of a tablet is also something that buyers
should look for. High pressure sensitivity, ideally at least 512 levels, allows the user to control a number
of aspects of a drawing, including color and line thickness, simply by pressing the stylus more or less
heavily, mimicking drawing with an actual pen.
The stylus included with a graphics tablet is also an important consideration for the consumer.
Some are corded, while others are tether-free. Corded tablets do not require batteries, but many people
find that the cord severely limits their range of motion. A good stylus will also have function buttons on
the side, so that the user can perform common actions, such as switching a tool in a drawing program
from paint to erase, without having to use the mouse or keyboard.
TEXT F
MODERN LCD DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Computer monitors have become much lighter and smaller in recent years. This is due to the
widespread adoption of TFT LCD technology. TFT displays make use of thin film transistors. These
transistors control the magnitude of a pixel’s light blocking capabilities. By varying the capacity to block
light, a specific shade of color can be reproduced.
Thin film transistors are arranged in a two dimension matrix. TFT displays are comprised of this
transistor matrix and a matrix of LCD pixels. Each transistor in the matrix controls a pixel directly. This
is known as an active matrix display. All TFT displays are active matrix displays. Passive matrix displays
use an older technology that doesn’t produce as high quality of an image.
TFT displays are valued for their light weight, compactness, and the fact that they do not produce
nearly as much eye strain as older style cathode ray tube displays. The lack of eye strain allows computer
users to work for longer periods of time, and it reduces the health hazards posed by watching displays
continuously. The reason TFT displays cause less eye strain is due to the fact that pixels are not switched
off as frequently in an active matrix. In a cathode ray tube television set, every pixel is shut off
completely around sixty times per second, creating a rapid flashing. This rapid flashing leads to eye strain
when viewed for a prolonged time.
TFT displays also allow for compact computer devices. For example, TFT displays are used in
laptops, smart phones, and portable video game consoles. These displays make portable computing a
reality. Without thin film transistor and active matrix technology, portable computers would not exist in
their current form today. Given that mobile computers have revolutionized the electronics industry, one
cannot downplay the importance of TFT technology.