UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS

CAIE IGCSE
ICT
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
Prepared for Foad Ajjawi for personal use only.

Chapter 2 : Input and output devices

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Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.

1. Input & Output Devices

Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric
1.1. Input Devices and Their Uses data.
Because many are small devices, they are very easy to
An input device is any hardware device that allows a user carry around.
to enter data or instructions into a computer directly.
An input device can send data to another device, but it
cannot receive data from another device.
Sometimes, they have small keys, which can make input
Input devices are necessary for a computer to receive
more difficult.
commands from its users and data to process; they are
Sometimes, the order of the numbers on the keypad is not
under the user's control or can be direct data entry.

Input devices can be complicated because they must ensure

the user can interact with the computer correctly.

1. Keyboards:
intuitive.

3. Mouse:
Input of data into applications software
Typing in commands to the computer

Opening, closing and minimizing software

grouping, moving and deleting files.
Fast entry of new text into a document.
Image editing, for example, controls the size and position
Well-known method.
of a drawing pasted into a document.
Easy to use for most people.
Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow
Easier to do verification checks as data is entered (can
selection.
immediately compare the source document with typed
data on the screen).

It is a faster method for choosing an option than a

keyboard.
It can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist
It's a very quick way of navigating through applications
use.
and the internet.
Slow method when compared to direct data entry.
Does not need a large desk area when compared to a
It is a fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space.
keyboard.

It can be more difficult for people with restricted

hand/wrist movement than using a keyboard for data
entry.
Easy to damage, the older type of mouse quickly becomes
clogged up with dirt.
Difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available.
2. Numeric keypads:

Uses:

Automatic teller machines (ATMs), where the customer

can key in their PIN, amount of money, etc.
Mobile phones allow phone numbers, etc., to be keyed in.
Point of sale terminals (POS) in case the barcode reader
fails to read the barcode – the number has to be keyed in 4. Touchpad:
manually by the operator.
Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards.
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Opening, closing and minimizing software

grouping, moving and deleting files.
Image editing, for example, controls the size and position
of a drawing pasted into a document.
Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow
selection.

Faster than a keyboard for choosing options.

Used to navigate applications and the internet.
Because the touchpad is integrated into the laptop
computer, there is no need for a separate mouse; this
aids the portability and is a big advantage if no flat
6. Remote Control:
surfaces are available.

People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device Televisions, satellite systems, DVD/Blu-ray players and Hi-
difficult to use. Fi systems, to alter controls such as volume, on/off, etc.
It can be more difficult to control the pointer when Used to control multimedia systems.
compared to a normal mouse. Used in industrial applications to remotely control
Drag and drop operations are more complicated using a processes.

It can be operated from any reasonable distance.

In some conditions, e.g., in chemically hazardous
environments, we can control and measure from safe
distances.

Difficult to use for people with limited hand/wrist

touchpad. movements.
Physical obstacles can easily block the signal.
5. Tracker ball:

A good alternative to a mouse for people with conditions

such as RSI.
Used in an industrial control room environment.
Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as
radio.

Does not need the same fine control as a mouse.

It is easier to use than a mouse if the operator has
problems with their wrist.
More accurately position the pointer on the screen.
They are more robust than a mouse.
Needs less desk space than a mouse or keyboard.

It is not supplied with the computer as a standard;

therefore, it is more costly.
Users may need training because it is not standard
equipment. 7. Joysticks:
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9. Touch screen (as an input device):

Used in video games.

Used in simulators to mimic the actual controls.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to choose from on-
screen options.
Point of sale terminals such as in restaurants.
It is easier than keyboards for screen navigation. Interactive whiteboards in education.
In some applications, the control is more realistic than Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are
using a mouse. selected during on-screen testing.

The on-screen pointer is more difficult to use. Faster entry of options than using a keyboard or mouse.
Very easy method for choosing options.
User-friendly method – no training necessary in its use.
Option to expand the size of the display if necessary.

A limited number of input options are available.

This can lead to problems if an operator uses the system
frequently (straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc., are all
possible).
The screen can get very dirty with constant touching.

8. Driving wheel:

Used in video games, especially car racing games.

Used in simulators to mimic actual vehicle controls.

It's a more realistic experience than both mouse and

joystick.
Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering 10. Scanners:
movements.

Scanning documents and converting them into different

It is a rather expensive input device as compared to a formats
mouse or joystick. Scanning in old documents to protect them in case the
Steering movements tend to be over-sensitive, which original is lost/damaged.
gives an unrealistic feel. Scanning in photographs for storage
Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the Scanning in barcodes at POS terminals.
steering wheel is non-existent.

Images can be stored for editing at a later date.

When used with OCR, they are much faster and more
accurate than typing the documents in.
It is possible to recover damaged documents by scanning
and producing an acceptable copy.
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Used in audio conferencing or VoIP applications.

Limited quality, depending on how good the scanner’s
resolution is.
Fairly slow input method, especially if color mode is
It is faster to read text than it is to type it in.
It is possible to manipulate sound in real time rather than
working on a completed recording.
It improves security if used as an authentication system.

Sound files use up a lot of computer memory.

Reading data is more error-prone than typing in.
selected.

11. Digital Cameras:

Taking photographs is still better than using smartphones

and tablets.
Data-capture device, e.g., as a reversing aid in cars.
Dentistry, to help capture pictures for better diagnosis.
The creation of virtual reality tours around houses,
buildings, etc.
13. Sensors:

Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a

traditional camera. Temperature sensors are used in automatic washing
Uploading photographs to a computer is faster than machines, central heating systems, ovens, and
scanning hard copies. glasshouses.
Memory cards can store many thousands of photographs. Pressure sensors are used in intruder alarm systems and
There is no need to develop film and printouts; it saves washing machines.
money and is more environmentally friendly. Light sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, doors,
Unwanted images can quickly be deleted from a memory and street lighting control.
card. Sound/acoustic sensors are used in intruder alarm
systems, monitoring liquid and powder flow in pipes.
Humidity/moisture sensors are used in automatic
glasshouses, environmental monitoring, and in factories
Need to be computer literate to know proper use.
where moisture levels are crucial.
Loss of artistry due to clever software doing all the work.
pH sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, chemical
Images need to be compressed to reduce the amount of
processes and environmental monitoring.
memory used.

Readings are more accurate as compared to human

operators.
Readers are continuous, with no breaks in the monitoring.
Because it is a continuous process, any action or warnings
needed will be initiated immediately.
Automatic systems don’t need human intervention.

Faulty sensors can give spurious results.

12. Microphones:
Most sensors are analogue; therefore, they require
conversion using Analogue to Digital Convertors.

To input speech to be used in various applications. 14. Light pens:

Input in voice recognition software for authentication.
As a sensor to pick up sound in an intruder alarm system.
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Selecting objects on CRT screens

Drawing on screens
Where payments are made using cards

Greater accuracy than touch screens

Small makes them portable and capable of being used in It is more secure than contactless cards as the PIN acts as
small spaces. a second security layer.
Easy-to-use technology. More robust system than Magnetic Stripe Cards

Lagging problems while drawing on the screen. Be very careful so the PIN isn’t seen by anyone while
It only works with CRT monitors. being typed in.
Rather dated technology.

1.2. Direct Data Entry & Associated

Devices 3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader:

1. Magnetic Stripe Readers:

Livestock tracking
Retail, instead of barcodes, as they don’t need to be
On credit/debit card for use at ATMs
scanned in.
Security device to allow entry to buildings, hotels, etc.
Admission passes.
Library books, to acknowledge the books which have been
borrowed.
Faster than keying in data manually.
Error-free, no human intervention needed.
Secure information isn’t in human-readable form.
No line-of-sight contact is needed.
Robust, there are no moving parts.
Very robust and reliable technology.
Very fast read rate.
Bidirectional data transfer.
If the card is damaged, the data is lost. Bulk detection is possible.
Doesn’t work at a distance.
As the information isn’t human-readable, this can be a
disadvantage in some cases.
Tag collision
As they use radio waves, they are easy to jam/interrupt.
Easy to hack into the signal.
RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode
system.

4. Optical Mark Reader/Recognition (OMR):

Used in MCQs checking.

2. Chip and PIN reader: Used in reading voting papers.
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Much faster than manually keying in data.

Allow automatic stock control.
Very fast way of inputting survey results. They are a tried and trusted technology.
It is more accurate because there is no human
intervention.
More accurate than OCR methods. Relatively expensive system to administer.
Not fool-proof, barcodes can be swapped between items.
Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic
Designing the forms can be complicated to ensure the
marks are correctly positioned.
If there are problems, they need to be manually checked,
which can be time-consuming.

stripes.

7. Quick response (QR) code scanner:

5. Optical Character Recognition/Reader:

used in advertising to contain information about the
advertising company.
Wi-Fi authentication
Processing passports and identity cards. Used in restaurants, you can see the menu by scanning.
Converting hard copy documents into electronic form.
Used in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
systems. hold much more information than normal barcode.
Digitizing historic hard copies for archiving. fewer errors than with barcodes.
QR codes are easier to read because the cameras can
even read them on a smartphone.
It is a much faster data entry system than manual typing. It is possible to encrypt QR codes.
No human intervention, its error free.

More than one QR format is available.

System has difficulty in reading different handwritings.
Still not a very accurate technique.

6. Barcode readers:

Used in supermarkets for stock control.

In libraries, to keep track of books.
As a safety function to ensure checking of electrical
equipment on a daily basis.
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QR codes can be used to transmit malicious data.

Main output device for modern computers.

Mobile phones, laptops, video games use LCD screens.

Very efficient, low power consumption.

Lightweight devices.
Screens can made in various sizes.
No flickering images.
Very sharp image resolution.

Colour and contrast from different angles are

inconsistent.
Motion blur is a common issue.
Lower contrast than CRT monitors.

1.3. Output Devices and Their Uses

1. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors:

Their large screens allow complex diagrams to be created

in Computer-aided design.
Used with light pens to allow designs to be created.

3. Touch screen (as an output devices):

Can be seen at a wider range of angles, unlike LCDs.
Allow the use of light pens.
ATMs
POS terminals
Information kiosks.
They are very heavy and bulky.
They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended.
They use a lot more power than LCDs.
Their flickering can lead to headaches. Don’t need additional input devices.
Image burn-in is a common issue. They are very interactive, and many functions, such as
swiping, can be done.
They add a high-tech feel to devices and interfaces.

They tend to get dirty with frequent use.

Frequent use results in straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc.
If large amounts of data are input/output, they aren’t very
accurate, and the interface isn’t very fast.

2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens:

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They are only considerably fast if several copies are being

made.
Color laser printers are expensive to run.
They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds
because of their printing method and toner.

4. Multimedia projectors:

Training presentations to allow the whole audience to see

images.
Advertising presentations. 6. Inkjet printers:
Home cinema systems.

Where low-output volumes are required.

More people can watch as they don’t have to crowd Where high-quality printing is required for single pages.
around a laptop.
Avoids the need for several networked computers.

High-quality output
Cheaper than laser printers.
Images can be fuzzy. Very lightweight
Expensive to buy. Don’t produce ozone and volatile organic compounds.
Set-up can be complicated.

Slow output if many copies are needed.

Can’t do large print jobs.
Printing can smudge if user isn’t careful.
Can be expensive if used a lot.

5. Laser printers:

In uses where low noise is required.

If fast, high quality, high-volume printing is required.

7. Dot matrix printers:

Printing is fast.
They can handle very large print jobs.
Quality is consistently high.
Toner cartridges last for a long time. Used in environments where noise isn’t a major issue.
Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
Widely used in till receipts.
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Can be used in varying environments unlike laser/inkjet Custom-made prosthetic limbs.

printers. In aerospace, if parts of the aircraft are made using 3d
Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced. printers they can be very lightweight.
Very cheap to run and maintain. Making spare parts for items that aren’t now
Good for continuous printing. manufactured, e.g., parts of a vintage car.

Very noisy Manufacturing objects has become much easier.

Initial cost is more than an inkjet printer. Even though the initial cost is high, it is still cheaper than
Very slow, poor-quality printing. the more conventional way.
Parts for machinery that aren’t available can be made.

Potential to make counterfeit items.

Could lead to manufacture of dangerous items by almost
anyone.

8. (Graph) Plotters:

Producing architectural drawings

Producing engineering drawings
Job loss potential.
Drawing animation characters.

10. Speaker:

Very high-quality output.

can produce large, monochrome and color drawings very
accurately. Used in all phones and most computers.
Can print on a variety on materials. Helps visually impaired people.
Plays downloaded sound files.

Very slow printing.

Expensive equipment to purchase initially. Amplified sounds can be much louder than the original
Have a very large physical footprint compared to a sound.
Amplified sounds can be enough to be heard by a huge
crowd.
Very simple technology.
They are especially useful for blind people, for instance,
reading e-books.

Speaker output can disturb irrelevant people in the same

area, e.g., an office.
Sound quality is high only expensive speakers.
printer.

9. 3D printers:
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They take up a lot of desk space.

Used to turn on motors, buzzers, and switches.

Allow a computer to control physical devices,

Allow remote operation of many devices.

Relatively inexpensive devices.

They are an additional device in the system that could go

wrong.
As analogue devices, signals need to be converted using a
DAC.

11. Actuators: