Input & Output Devices

Input Devices and Their Uses

● An input device is any hardware device that allows a user 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.

● Input devices are necessary for a computer to receive commands from its users and

data to process; they are 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:

Uses:

● Input of data into applications software

● Typing in commands to the computer

Advantages:

● Fast entry of new text into a document.

● Well-known method.

● Easy to use for most people.

● Easier to do verification checks as data is entered (can immediately compare the

source document with typed data on the screen).

Disadvantages:

● It can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist use.

● Slow method when compared to direct data entry.

● It is a fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space.

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 manually by the operator.

● Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards.

● Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.

Advantages:

● Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric data.

● Because many are small devices, they are very easy to carry around.

Disadvantages:

● Sometimes, they have small keys, which can make input more difficult.

● Sometimes, the order of the numbers on the keypad is not intuitive.

3. Mouse:
 Uses:

● 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.

Advantages:

● It is a faster method for choosing an option than a keyboard.

● It's a very quick way of navigating through applications and the internet.

● Does not need a large desk area when compared to a keyboard.

Disadvantages:

● 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.

4. Touchpad:

Uses:

● 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.

 Advantages:

● 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 surfaces are

available.

Disadvantages:

● People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to use.

● It can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a normal mouse.

● Drag and drop operations are more complicated using a touchpad.

5. Tracker ball:

Uses:

● 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.

Advantages:

● 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.

Disadvantages:

● 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.

6. Remote Control:

Uses:

● Televisions, satellite systems, DVD/Blu-ray players and Hi-Fi systems, to alter

controls such as volume, on/off, etc.

● Used to control multimedia systems.

● Used in industrial applications to remotely control processes.

Advantages:

● 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.

Disadvantages:

● Difficult to use for people with limited hand/wrist movements.

● Physical obstacles can easily block the signal.

7. Joysticks:

Uses:

● Used in video games.

● Used in simulators to mimic the actual controls.

Advantages:

● It is easier than keyboards for screen navigation.

● In some applications, the control is more realistic than using a mouse.

Disadvantages:

● The on-screen pointer is more difficult to use.

 8. Driving wheel:

Uses:

● Used in video games, especially car racing games.

● Used in simulators to mimic actual vehicle controls.

Advantages:

● It's a more realistic experience than both mouse and joystick.

● Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements.

Disadvantages:

● It is a rather expensive input device as compared to a mouse or joystick.

● Steering movements tend to be over-sensitive, which gives an unrealistic feel.

● Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the steering wheel is non-existent.

9. Touch screen (as an input device):

Uses:

● Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to choose from on-screen options.

● Point of sale terminals such as in restaurants.

● Interactive whiteboards in education.

● Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are selected during on-screen

testing.

Advantages:

● 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.

Disadvantages:

● 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.

10. Scanners:

Uses:

● Scanning documents and converting them into different formats

● Scanning in old documents to protect them in case the original is lost/damaged.

● Scanning in photographs for storage

● Scanning in barcodes at POS terminals.

Advantages:

● 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.

Disadvantages:

● Limited quality, depending on how good the scanner’s resolution is.

● Fairly slow input method, especially if color mode is selected.

11. Digital Cameras:

Uses:

● 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.

Advantages:

● Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a traditional camera.

● Uploading photographs to a computer is faster than scanning hard copies.

● Memory cards can store many thousands of photographs.

● There is no need to develop film and printouts; it saves money and is more

environmentally friendly.

● Unwanted images can quickly be deleted from a memory card.

Disadvantages:

● Need to be computer literate to know proper use.

● Loss of artistry due to clever software doing all the work.

● Images need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory used.

12. Microphones:

Uses:

● To input speech to be used in various applications.

● Input in voice recognition software for authentication.

● As a sensor to pick up sound in an intruder alarm system.

● Used in audio conferencing or VoIP applications.

Advantages:

● 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.

Disadvantages:

● Sound files use up a lot of computer memory.

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

13. Sensors:
 Uses:

● Temperature sensors are used in automatic washing machines, central heating

systems, ovens, and glasshouses.

● Pressure sensors are used in intruder alarm systems and washing machines.

● Light sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, doors, and street lighting control.

● 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 where moisture levels are crucial.

● pH sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, chemical processes and

environmental monitoring.

Advantages:

● 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.

Disadvantages:

● Faulty sensors can give spurious results.

● Most sensors are analogue; therefore, they require conversion using Analogue to

Digital Convertors.

14. Light pens:

Uses:

● Selecting objects on CRT screens

● Drawing on screens
 Advantages:

● Greater accuracy than touch screens

● Small makes them portable and capable of being used in small spaces.

● Easy-to-use technology.

Disadvantages:

● Lagging problems while drawing on the screen.

● It only works with CRT monitors.

● Rather dated technology.

Direct Data Entry & Associated Devices

1. Magnetic Stripe Readers:

Uses:

● On credit/debit card for use at ATMs

● Security device to allow entry to buildings, hotels, etc.

Advantages:

● Faster than keying in data manually.

● Error-free, no human intervention needed.

● Secure information isn’t in human-readable form.

● Robust, there are no moving parts.

Disadvantages:

● If the card is damaged, the data is lost.

● Doesn’t work at a distance.

● As the information isn’t human-readable, this can be a disadvantage in some cases.

2. Chip and PIN reader:

Uses:

● Where payments are made using cards

Advantages:

● It is more secure than contactless cards as the PIN acts as a second security layer.

● More robust system than Magnetic Stripe Cards

Disadvantages:

● Be very careful so the PIN isn’t seen by anyone while being typed in.

3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader:

Uses:

● Livestock tracking

● Retail, instead of barcodes, as they don’t need to be scanned in.

● Admission passes.
● Library books, to acknowledge the books which have been borrowed.

Advantages:

● No line-of-sight contact is needed.

● Very robust and reliable technology.

● Very fast read rate.

● Bidirectional data transfer.

● Bulk detection is possible.

Disadvantages:

● 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):

Uses:

● Used in MCQs checking.

● Used in reading voting papers.

Advantages:

● Very fast way of inputting survey results.

● It is more accurate because there is no human intervention.

● More accurate than OCR methods.

Disadvantages:

● 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.

5. Optical Character Recognition/Reader:

Uses:

● Processing passports and identity cards.

● Converting hard copy documents into electronic form.

● Used in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.

● Digitizing historic hard copies for archiving.

Advantages:

● It is a much faster data entry system than manual typing.

● No human intervention, its error free.

Disadvantages:

● System has difficulty in reading different handwritings.

● Still not a very accurate technique.

6. Barcode readers:

Uses:

● 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.

Advantages:

● Much faster than manually keying in data.

● Allow automatic stock control.

● They are a tried and trusted technology.

Disadvantages:

● Relatively expensive system to administer.

● Not fool-proof, barcodes can be swapped between items.

● Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic stripes.

7. Quick response (QR) code scanner:

Uses:

● used in advertising to contain information about the advertising company.

● Wi-Fi authentication

● Used in restaurants, you can see the menu by scanning.

Advantages:

● hold much more information than normal barcode.

● fewer errors than with barcodes.

● QR codes are easier to read because the cameras can even read them on a

smartphone.

● It is possible to encrypt QR codes.

 Disadvantages:

● More than one QR format is available.

● QR codes can be used to transmit malicious data.

Output Devices and Their Uses

1. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors:

Uses:

● Their large screens allow complex diagrams to be created in Computer-aided

design.

● Used with light pens to allow designs to be created.

Advantages:

● Can be seen at a wider range of angles, unlike LCDs.

● Allow the use of light pens.

Disadvantages:

● 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.

● Image burn-in is a common issue.

2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens:

Uses:

● Main output device for modern computers.

● Mobile phones, laptops, video games use LCD screens.

Advantages:

● Very efficient, low power consumption.

● Lightweight devices.

● Screens can made in various sizes.

● No flickering images.

● Very sharp image resolution.

Disadvantages:

● Colour and contrast from different angles are inconsistent.

● Motion blur is a common issue.

● Lower contrast than CRT monitors.

3. Touch screen (as an output devices):

Uses:

● ATMs

● POS terminals

● Information kiosks.

Advantages:

● Don’t need additional input devices.

● They are very interactive, and many functions, such as swiping, can be done.

● They add a high-tech feel to devices and interfaces.

Disadvantages:

● 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.

4. Multimedia projectors:

Uses:

● Training presentations to allow the whole audience to see images.

● Advertising presentations.

● Home cinema systems.

Advantages:

● More people can watch as they don’t have to crowd around a laptop.

● Avoids the need for several networked computers.

Disadvantages:

● Images can be fuzzy.

● Expensive to buy.

● Set-up can be complicated.

5. Laser printers:
 Uses:

● In uses where low noise is required.

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

Advantages:

● Printing is fast.

● They can handle very large print jobs.

● Quality is consistently high.

● Toner cartridges last for a long time.

Disadvantages:

● 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.

6. Inkjet printers:

Uses:

● Where low-output volumes are required.

● Where high-quality printing is required for single pages.

Advantages:

● High-quality output
● Cheaper than laser printers.

● Very lightweight

● Don’t produce ozone and volatile organic compounds.

Disadvantages:

● 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.

7. Dot matrix printers:

Uses:

● Used in environments where noise isn’t a major issue.

● Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.

● Widely used in till receipts.

Advantages:

● Can be used in varying environments unlike laser/inkjet printers.

● Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.

● Very cheap to run and maintain.

● Good for continuous printing.

Disadvantages:

● Very noisy

● Initial cost is more than an inkjet printer.

● Very slow, poor-quality printing.

8. (Graph) Plotters:

Uses:

● Producing architectural drawings

● Producing engineering drawings

● Drawing animation characters.

Advantages:

● Very high-quality output.

● can produce large, monochrome and color drawings very accurately.

● Can print on a variety on materials.

Disadvantages:

● Very slow printing.

● Expensive equipment to purchase initially.

● Have a very large physical footprint compared to a printer.

 9. 3D printers:

Uses:

● Custom-made prosthetic limbs.

● In aerospace, if parts of the aircraft are made using 3d printers they can be very

lightweight.

● Making spare parts for items that aren’t now manufactured, e.g., parts of a vintage

car.

Advantages:

● Manufacturing objects has become much easier.

● Even though the initial cost is high, it is still cheaper than the more conventional way.

● Parts for machinery that aren’t available can be made.

Disadvantages:

● Potential to make counterfeit items.

● Could lead to manufacture of dangerous items by almost anyone.

● Job loss potential.

10. Speaker:

Uses:

● Used in all phones and most computers.

● Helps visually impaired people.

● Plays downloaded sound files.

Advantages:

● Amplified sounds can be much louder than the original 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.

Disadvantages:

● Speaker output can disturb irrelevant people in the same area, e.g., an office.

● Sound quality is high only expensive speakers.

● They take up a lot of desk space.

11. Actuators:

Uses:

● Used to turn on motors, buzzers, and switches.

● Allow a computer to control physical devices,

Advantages:

● Allow remote operation of many devices.

● Relatively inexpensive devices.

Disadvantages:

● They are an additional device in the system that could go wrong.

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