Chapter No 2 –Input and output devices

2.1 Input devices and their uses

These are hardware devices that allow data to be input into a computer.
2.1.1 Keyboards
 These are most common input devices and are used to input text, numbers and instructions into the computer.
Most use the QWERTY layout.
2.1.1.1 Ergonomic keyboards:
 These are designed to reduce the health-related problems associated with standard keyboards, such
as carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury (RSI).
 Uses:
 Input of data into application software
 Typing in commands to the computer.
 Advantages:
 Fast entry for new text into a document.
 Easy to use for more people.
 Disadvantages:
 Can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/ wrist use.
 Slow method when compared to direct data entry.
2.1.1.2 Concept keyboards:
 Uses icons or phrases instead of standard letters.
 Uses:
 Used in fast-food restaurants, where a single represents one item.
 Advantages:
 Fast data entry.
 Keyboards are water proof.
2.1.1.3 Numeric keypads:
 Used to enter numbers only..
 Uses:
 Automatic teller machine (ATMs). Where the customer can key in their PIN, amount of money,
etc.
 Mobile phones to key in the phone number.
 Point-of-sale (POS) terminals in case the barcode reader fails to read the barcode, the number
has to be keyed in manually by the operator.
  Advantages:
 Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric data.
 Very easy to carry around as they are small.
 Disadvantages:
 Sometimes have small keys which can make input more difficult.
 Sometimes the order of the numbers on the keyboard isn’t intuitive.
2.1.2 Pointing devices
2.1.2.1 Mouse:
 Mouse is an example of a pointing device. The user controls the position of a pointer on the screen by
moving the mouse around.
 Buttons:
 Left mouse button: To select elements by single click and open the files by double click.
 Right mouse button: To bring up the drop-down menu
 Scroll button: To speed up the process of moving through the document.
 Types:
 Optical mouse: Movement is detected by reflected light rather than the position of a moving
ball.
 Cordless/ wireless mouse: Which transmits signals to a USB wireless receiver plugged into the
computer.
 Uses:
 Opening, closing and minimising software.
 Grouping, moving and deleting files.
 Advantages:
 Faster way to choose an option than using a keyboard.
 Very quick way to navigate through applications and the internet.
 Disadvantages:
 Easy to damage.
 Difficult to use if no flat surface is available.
2.1.2.2 Touchpad:
 Touchpads are an example of a pointing device in laptops. The pointer is controlled by the user moving
their finger on the touchpad. They also have buttons which serves as the left and right buttons on a
mouse. Uses are same as those of a mouse.
 Advantages:
 Faster way to choose an option than using a keyboard.
  Since the touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer, there is no need for a separate
mouse.
 Disadvantages:
 Can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a mouse.
 More difficult to use when doing certain operations such a drag and drop.
2.1.2.2 Trackerball:
 Trackerballs are similar to a mouse except that the ball is on the top or the side of the device. The user
controls the pointer on the screen by rotating the ball with their hand.
 Trackerballs have two buttons, which functions same as left and right mouse buttons.
 Since trackerballs don’t physically move, there is no need for desk space.
 Uses:
 Used in applications where the user has a disability.
 Used in a control room environment where it is faster than a mouse to navigate through
process screens.
 Advantages:
 Easier to use than a mouse if the operator is disabled.
 More accurate positioning of the pointer on the screen than a mouse.
 Disadvantages:
 Not supplied with computers as standard, therefore more costly.
 User may need training since it isn’t standard equipment.

2.1.3 Remote control

 A remote control is used to control the operation of other devices remotely using infrared signals. The
buttons on the keypad are used to select options.
 Uses:
 Used in televisions, satellite systems and DVD players.
 Used to control multimedia systems and used in industrial applications to remotely control the
processes, stop and start machinery.
 Advantages:
 Can be operated in reasonable distance.
 Some chemical processes are hazardous, so it is a big advantage to be able to select
operations from a distance.
 Disadvantages:
 Difficult to use if the operator has limited hand/wrist movement.
  It is easier to block the signal if the walls in the building are very thick.
2.1.4 Joysticks
 Joysticks have similar functions to a mouse and a trackerball.
 By gripping the stick, a pointer on the screen can be controlled.
 Buttons are used to make selections and for gaming purposes.
 Uses:
 Used in video games, computer games and in simulators.
 Advantages:
 Easier than a keyboard to navigate the screen.
 Control is more realistic than using a mouse.
 Disadvantages:
 More difficult to control on-screen pointer than with other devices such as a mouse.

Driving wheel
 A driving wheel is an example of an input device that is similar to a joystick.
 It connects to a computer usually through a USB port.
 The wheel allows you to simulate the turning of a steering wheel, and there are associated devices like
buttons are pedals which allow you to accelerate brake.
 Uses:
 Used in video games, computer games and in simulators.
 Advantages:
 Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements.
 Driving experience is nearer to how an actual steering wheels and other control operate in real
life.
 Disadvantages:
 Expensive when compared to mouse or joystick.
 Movements in steering can be too sensitive.
2.1.5 Touch screens
 With a touch screen the user can choose an option by simply touching a button/ icon on the screen.
 Uses:
 Interactive white boards in education.
  Automatic teller machines to choose from on-screen options.
 Advantages:
 User friendly.
 Very easy method for choosing operations.
 Disadvantages:
 Limited number of options available.
 The screen can get dirty with constant touching.
2.1.6 Scanners
 Used to enter information from hard copy into a computer. The most common type is the flatbed
scanner, which is made up of a glass panel and lid. The hard copy of a document or photo is scanned
be a light source and produces a computer-readable image.
 Uses:
 Scan in documents and convert into a format for use in various software packages.
 Scan in photographs, old/valuable documents and books.
 Advantages:
 Images can be stored for editing at a later date.
 Mush faster and more accurate.
 Disadvantages:
 Quality can be limited on how good a resolution the scanner is capable of.
 They can be slow at scanning if the colour scanning mode is chosen or if the chosen scanning
resolution is high.
2.1.7 Digital cameras and video cameras
 Digital cameras have largely replaced traditional film-based cameras.
 The images stored on a memory cars can be transferred to a computer by:
 directly reading the memory card
 connecting the camera to the camera using a USB port.
 Using wireless data transfer (Wi-fi or Bluetooth).
 In both digital and video versions, the camera picks up the light from the image this is turned into a
electric signal using light-sensitive sensors. In the case of DV cameras, these signals are automatically
converted into a compressed digital file format.
 Advantages:
 Easier to produce better quality photographs.
 Memory cards can store several hundreds of photographs.
 Disadvantages:
  Need to be computer literate in using the cameras properly.
 Images often need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory used.
2.1.8 Microphone
 Microphones can be connected directly to a computer. Sounds can be inputted and then manipulated.
 The input sound is converted to an analogue signal and then converted into a digital signal. The
computer’s sound card usually does this automatically, that is, it acts as an analogue to digital
converter (ADC).
 Uses:
 Can be used as a sensor to pick up sound
 Used in video conferencing or Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) applications.
 Advantages:
 Faster to read text than to type it in using a keyboard.
 It is possible to manipulate sound in real time using special software rather than work on a
recording done at some earlier stage.
 Disadvantages:
 Sound files can use up a lot of computer memory.
 Voice-recognition software isn’t as accurate as typing in manually.
2.1.9 Sensors
 A sensor is a device that inputs data to a computer. Data is a measurement of physical quantity that is
continuously changing and it is analogue in nature
 As computer understands only digital data, analogue data has to be converted into digital data by using
analogue to digital convertor (ADC).
 Uses:
 Temperature sensor is used in automatic washing machine and ovens
 Pressure sensor is used in burglar alarm systems and robotics.
 Light sensor is used in automatic glasshouses and automatic doors.
 Sound sensor is used in burglar alarm systems and monitoring liquid and powder flow in pipes.
 Humidity sensor is used in automatic glass houses and environment monitoring.
 pH sensor is used in automatic glasshouses and chemical processes.
 Advantages:
 More accurate readings when compared to human operators.
 No break in monitoring.
 Disadvantages:
 Faulty sensors can give spurious results.
2.1.10 Graphics tablet
 A graphics tablet is used with a stylus to produce freehand drawings. The images produced can then
be stored in a file on a computer.
 Uses:
 Used to produce drawings and computer graphics.
 Used in computer-aided design (CAD) work.
 Advantages:
 Offer very accurate method of drawing.
 Possible to modify changes before they are input.
 Disadvantages:
 Menus are not often user-friendly.
 Touch screens are damaged very easily.

2.1.11 Webcams
 Webcams are similar to digital video cameras; however they are connected directly to the computer
and they don’t have a memory. Whatever information the webcam picks up is transmitted directly to the
computer.
 Uses:
 Used while having a conversation online.
 Used to enable video conferencing to take place.
 Advantages:
 Allows the people to keep in contact with each other without the need to travel.
 Able to have immediate face-to-face chat.
 Disadvantages:
 They have very limited features and are often of poor quality.
 They needed to be connected to the computer.
2.1.12 Light pens
 Light pens are used with computers as an input device. They contain sensors that send signals to a
computer whenever light changes are detected. The device only works with CRT monitors as they rely
on the screen image being built up row by row by an electron beam.
 Uses:
 Selecting objects on CRT screens.
 Drawing on screen
 Advantages:
  Greater accuracy than touch screens.
 Small and easy-to-use technology.
 Disadvantages:
 Only work with CRT monitors.
 Not that accurate when drawing.
2.2 Direct data entry (DDE) devices
2.2.1 Devices for reading information from cards
2.2.1.1 Magnetic stripe readers
 These are used to read information on the magnetic stripe found on, for example, the back of a credit
or debit card.
 The stripe contains useful information, for example: account number, sort code, expiry date and start
date.
 Uses:
 Security devices to allow entry to buildings.
 On credit/ debit cards for use at ATM or EFTPOS terminals.
 Advantages:
 Fast data entry when compared to keyboard.
 Error free.
 Disadvantages:
 If the magnetic stripe gets damaged, the data is lost.
 Doesn’t work at a distance.
2.2.1.2 Contactless card readers
 Contactless debit or credit cards allow customers to pay for items worth up to $25 without entering their
PIN. All contactless cards have a small chip that emits radio waves embedded in them.
 The card is held within a few centimetres of the payment terminal to pay for an item; the terminal picks
up the signal from the chip and allows the transaction to be processed.
 Steps:
 Customers look out for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal.
 The shop assistant enters the amount for payment.
 The card reader informs the customer to present their contactless card.
 The customer holds their card in front of the card reader.
 The terminal display will indicate that the card has been read.
 Advantages:
 Faster transaction.
  Customers do not have to worry about typing errors.
 Disadvantages:
 They are more expensive than normal credit/ debit cards.
 Can take money twice if the customer uses it as a chip and PIN card
2.2.1.3 Chip and PIN readers
 Chip and PIN readers are similar to smart card readers but are used at EFTPOS terminals. The device
has a slot into which the card is placed and the chip is read; the PIN is entered using keypad.
 The reader also has a small screen which gives instructions to the operator. They are similar to the
contactless system, except for two points:
 The customer has to key in their PIN to make a transaction
 The cards do not make use of RF technology.
 Uses:
 Where payments are made using cards in restaurants and supermarkets.
 Advantages:
 More secure system
 More robust system than magnetic stripe cards.
 Disadvantages:
 Fraud – need to be careful to ensure PIN isn’t read by somebody else while typing it in.

2.3.1 Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers

 Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers use radio waves to read and capture information stored
on a tag. The tag can be read from a distance of several metres.
 The RFID tag is made up of two components:
 A microchip that stores and processes information
 An antenna that is used to receive and transmit data/information.
 Uses:
 Used in libraries and admission passes.
 Advantages:
 Very robust and reliable technology.
 Very fast read rate.
 Disadvantages:
 Possibility of tag collision.
  More expensive.
2.3.1 Magnetic ink character recognition/reader (MICR)
 Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) is a system that can read characters printed in a special ink.
Only certain characters written in a standard font can be read.
 Uses:
 Used in banks to process cheques in banking operations.
 Advantages:
 Greater security than OCR since the printed characters cannot be altered.
 As there is no manual input, so errors are reduced.
 Disadvantages:
 Only certain characters can be read and the number of different characters is very limited.
 More expensive than other methods used in direct data entry.
2.3.1 Optical mark recognition/reader (OMR)
 Optical mark reader (OMR) is a device that can read marks written in pen or pencil. The position of the
mark is stored in the computer’s memory after being read by the OMR device.
 Uses:
 Used to read questionnaires and multiple choice examination papers.
 Advantages:
 Faster way of inputting the results of a survey.
 More accurate than OCR methods.
 Disadvantages:
 The forms need to be carefully designed to make sure that the marks are correctly positioned
to gather accurate information.
 There can be problems if the form haven’t been filled in correctly.
2.3.1 Optical character recognition/reader (OCR)
 Optical character reader (OCR) is a device that takes scanned text and converts into a computer-
readable form which can be later used in word processors and presentation software.
 Uses:
 Used in processing passports and identity cards.
 Advantages:
 Faster data entry than keyboards.
 No manual data entry.
 Disadvantages:
  Has difficulty in reading handwriting.
 Not a very accurate technique.
2.3.1 Barcode readers
 Barcode readers are used to read information in the form of a barcode. The readers are usually in the
form of a barcode scanner and are often built into POS terminals in supermarkets.
 Uses:
 Used in supermarkets and shops where the goods are marked with a barcode.
 Used in libraries to keep track of books on loan.
 Advantages:
 Much faster than keying in data manually.
 They are tried and trusted technology.
 Disadvantages:
 Relatively expensive system to administer.
 Can be easily damaged.
Quick response (QR) codes
 Another type of bar code is the quick response codes. This is made up of matrix of filled in dark
squares on a light background.
 Barcodes can hold up to 30 digits and QR codes can hold over 7000 digits which gives greater scope
for the storage of information.
 Uses:
 Advertising of products in trains, buses, shopping malls and etc.
 Contain a website link or some form advertising ( Eg: Advertisement for free pizzas)
 Advantages:
 No need for user to actually write down or key in a website address.
 QR codes can store website address that appears in magazines, trains, buses or even
business cards, providing a very effective method of advertising.

2.3 Output devices and their uses

These are hardware devices that allow data to be output from a computer.
2.3.1 Monitors
2.3.1.1 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors
 Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors are the least expensive type of monitor, although they are becoming
increasingly rare as TFT monitors are now taking over.
 They come in various sizes and make use of an electron gun firing against a phosphor screen.
  The picture is made up of tiny dots that are coloured red, green or blue – the intensity of each coloured
dot makes up the vast range of colours interpreted by the eye.
 Uses:
 They were used as the primary output device for computers so the user can see immediately
what they are typing in.
 They are used with light pens, for example, to allow designs to be created on screen.
 Advantages:
 The angle of viewing is still better than with most TFT monitors.
 They work with light pens in CAD/ CAM applications.
 Disadvantages:
 They tend to be rather heavy and present a safety hazard if not supported properly.
 They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended.
2.3.1.2 Thin film transistor (TFT) monitors
 TFT monitors are taking over from CRT monitors as the main output device. The screen is made up of
thousands of tiny pixels, which are made up of transistors controlled by a microprocessor.
 Each pixel has transistors that are coloured red, green or blue – the intensity of each governs the
effective colour of the pixel seen by the eye.
 Uses:
 They are used as the primary output device for computers so the user can see immediately
what they are typing in.
 They are an integral part of laptop computers.
 Advantages:
 They are lightweight
 They consume much less power.
 Disadvantages:
 The angle of viewing a TFT is fairly crucial otherwise image isn’t very clear.
2.3.1.3 Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors and Light Emitting Diode (LED) monitors
 In LCD monitors, the front layer of the monitor is made up of liquid crystal diodes. These tiny diodes are
grouped together in threes or fours, which are known as pixels.
 The three colours that are grouped together use red, green and blue diodes. Those who use groups of
four include a yellow diode.
 Modern LCD monitors are backlit using light emitting diode (LED) technology. This gives the image
better contrast and brightness. When LEDs are used, matrix of tiny LEDs is used behind the LCD
screen
 Advantages:
  LEDs reach maximum brightness almost immediately.
 LEDs give a whiter and brighter light which sharpens the image and makes the colours appear
more vivid.
 Disadvantages:
 As LCD doesn’t emit any light, some form of backlit technology needs to be used. LCD
monitors used cold cathode
 CCFL had a slightly yellowish tint

2.3.1.4 Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) monitors

 OLED make use of organic materials to create semi-conductors that are very flexible.
 Organic films are sandwiched between two charged electrodes (one is a metallic cathode and the other
a glass anode) When an electric field is applied to the electrodes they give off light.
 This means no backlighting is required., which allows for very thin screens.
 Advantages:
 OLEDs give a brighter light than LEDs.
 OLEDs do not require backlighting like LCD screens – OLEDs generate their own light.

2.3.2 Multimedia projectors

 Projectors receive signals that can be either analogue or digital. The signal source is usually from a
computer, television or DVD player. The image from the source is magnified and projected on to a
large screen.
 Uses:
 Training presentations
 Advertising presentations.
 Advantages:
 Enables many people to see a presentation rather than crowding round a small computer
screen.
 Avoids the need of several networked computers.
 Disadvantages:
 Images can sometimes be fuzzy.
 Expensive to buy from the outset.

2.3.3 Printers
2.3.3.1 Laser Printers
  Laser printers produce very high-quality hard-copy output. The print rate per page is very quick if a
large number of pages are being printed. They rely on large buffer memories where the data for the
whole document is stored before the pages can be printed out.
 Uses:
 Used where noise low is required.
 If fast, high-quality, high-volume printing is required is required then laser printers are the best
option.
 Advantages:
 Printing is fast.
 The quality is consistently high
 Disadvantages:
 Only really fast if several copies are being made.
 Colour laser printers tend to be expensive to run.
2.3.3.2 Ink Printers
 Inkjet printers are used to produce good quality hard copies. They don’t have large buffers, therefore
printing is done a bit at a time. This is why printing is sometimes paused since the whole page can’t be
stored in the buffer and it has to wait for the computer to send more data.
 Uses:
 Used where low output volumes are required.
 Used in 3-D inkjet printers are now being used in industry to produce prototypes.
 Advantages:
 High-quality output.
 Cheaper to buy than laser printers.
 Disadvantages:
 Slow output if several copies needed.
 Printing can smudge if user is not careful.

2.3.3.3 Dot Printers

 Dot matrix printers are a type of impact printer where a print head presses against an inked ribbon.
They tend to be slow, noisy and the output is not that good. They are still useful, where multi-part or
continuous stationary is being used.
 Uses:
 They can be used in noisy environments and in applications where print quality is not that
important.
  Used in applications where multi-part stationary or the fact they are an impact printer is of
value.
 Advantages:
 Very cheap to run and maintain.
 Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
 Disadvantages:
 Very noisy – not good in an office environment.
 Very slow, poor-quality printing.
2.3.3.4 3-D Printers
 3-D printers are primarily used in computer-aided design (CAD) applications. They can produce solid
objects that actually work. The solid object is built layer by layer using materials such as powered resin,
powdered metal, paper or ceramic.
 3- D printers use additive manufacturing (object is built up layer by layer) and subtractive
manufacturing (removal of material to make an object).
 Uses:
 Prosthetic limbs can be made to fit exactly on to the injured body part.
 In aerospace, manufacturers are looking at making wings and other aeroplane parts using 3-D
technology.
 Advantages:
 The manufacturing of items has become much easier than ever before.
 3-D printers can manufacture items relatively quickly.
 Disadvantages:
 All new technologies in the hands of the wrong people can lead to dangerous or illegal
activities.
 There is a potential for job losses if this technology takes over from some types of
manufacturing.
2.3.4 Speakers
 Speakers can be connected directly to a computer or are built into the monitor or casing.
 Digital data from the computer is converted into analogue form and signal amplified through the
speakers. A sound card interface is needed in the computer to ‘drive’ the speakers.
 Uses:
 Output sound from multimedia projectors.
 Play downloaded sound files
2.3.5 Control application
2.3.5.1 Actuators
  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 valves.
2.3.5.1.1 Motors
 The motor is turned on or off by the actuator.
 Uses:
 Used in automatic washing machine to make drum rotate.
 Control of robot arms in industry.
2.3.5.1.2 Buzzers
 The buzzers are switched on or off by the actuator.
 Uses:
 Used in cookers and microwave ovens to tell the operator when the cooking process is
complete.
 Used in burglar alarm systems to warn of intruders.
2.3.5.1.3 Lights
 The actuator is connected to the switch that turns the light on or off.
 Uses:
 Security lights.
 Used in glass houses to control the lighting conditions.
2.3.5.1.4 Heaters
 Actuators are connected to the switches that turns the heaters on or off.
 Uses:
 Used in automatic washing machines to heat up the water if necessary.
 Control the heating in a central heating system.