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Topic 3.3 - Computer Input and Output (Io) Devices

Input devices are hardware used to supply data to a computer, essential for its functionality, with examples including keyboards and mice. Output devices convert information into a human-readable form, allowing users to understand computer operations, with examples such as monitors and printers. While a computer can function without output devices, they are crucial for user interaction and error indication.

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8 views

Topic 3.3 - Computer Input and Output (Io) Devices

Input devices are hardware used to supply data to a computer, essential for its functionality, with examples including keyboards and mice. Output devices convert information into a human-readable form, allowing users to understand computer operations, with examples such as monitors and printers. While a computer can function without output devices, they are crucial for user interaction and error indication.

Uploaded by

mc.scelly254
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TOPIC 3.

3 - INPUT AND OUTPUT (I/O) DEVICES

In computer input unit is defined as an input device, a piece of computer hardware


apparatus used to supply a data processing system including a computer or information
device with control and data signals. Examples of input devices are: Mouse,
keyboards, scanners, joysticks, and digital cameras.
Reasons for having an input device:
A computer cannot function without an input device. Without an input device there is
no way a computer can receive the data for processing. This way the computer will not
be useful.
An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment which converts
information into a human-readable form. It can be text, graphics, tactile, audio, and
video. Some of the output devices are Visual Display Units (VDU) i.e., a Monitor,
Printer graphic Output devices, Plotters, Speakers, etc.
Reasons for Having an Output Device
A computer can still function without an output device. However, without an output
device, there’s no way to determine what the computer is doing. There is no indicator of
errors, nor of the need for additional input. For example, if you detach your monitor
from your computer, the computer will still function, but it’s not going to be very
helpful.
Examples of Output Devices
1. Monitor
2. Printer
3. Headphones
4. Computer Speakers
5. Projector
6. GPS
7. Sound Card
8. Video Card
9. Braille Reader
10.Speech-Generating Device
1. Monitor
A monitor consists of a screen, circuitry, a power supply, buttons to adjust screen
settings, and a casing that contains all of these components. A monitor displays data
from a computer onto a screen.
2. Printer
The function of a printer is to create a copy of whatever is sent from the computer to the
printer. Printers take electronic data sent from a computer and generate a hard copy.
3. Headphones
Function: Headphones output audio from a computer through two individual
headphones for a single listener. Also known as earphones, headphones allow you to
listen to audio without disrupting other people in the vicinity.
4. Computer Speakers

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Function: Computer speakers are hardware devices that transform the signal from the
computer's sound card into audio. Speakers create sound using internal amplifiers that
vibrate at different frequencies according to data from the computer. This produces
sound out of the computer.
5. Projector
Function: As its name suggests this output device "projects" computer images or video
onto a wall or screen.
6. GPS (Global Positioning System)
Function: GPS is a radio-based navigation system that’s composed of a sender
computer and a receiver. The sender broadcasts signals to 24 satellites that ping to the
sender the exact location of the sender computer in the form of latitude and longitude
coordinates.

7. Sound Card
Function: The sound card controls the output of sound signals, enabling devices like
speakers and headphones to work. The sound card is known as an expansion card,
which means it can be added to the motherboard. Although a sound card is not essential
to a computer's basic functionality, you need one if you wish to play games, watch
movies, listen to music, and use audio and video conferencing.
8. Video Card
Function: As with the sound card, the video card is an expansion card that slots into the
motherboard. The video card processes images and video, enabling visuals to be seen on
a display. Most computers have basic video and graphics capabilities built into the
computer's motherboard, but for faster, more detailed graphics, a video card is required.
9. Braille Reader
Function: A braille reader is a peripheral device that enables a blind person to read text
displayed on a computer monitor. The text is sent by the computer to the device, where
it is translated into a braille format and made readable by pushing rounded pins up
through a flat surface. Braille readers are also called braille displays and come in
various sizes. Braille readers come in the form of separate devices from a keyboard or
as part of a keyboard.
10. Speech-Generating Device (SGD)
Function: SGDs, also known as voice output communication aids, generate text to
speech. A user types something and when the command is sent, the SGD reads the
sentence out loud.
Input devices
An input device allows data such as text, images, video or sound to be entered into a
computer system.
Examples of input devices:
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Microphone
 Scanner
 Assistive technology

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Operations of the input devices
 Keyboard - The most common input device used for entering text. Includes keys
for word processing and data inputting, and for performing specific functions.
 Mouse - The most popular pointing device used to control the cursor on the
screen and activated when moved across a flat surface. There are usually two
buttons that activate different features on the screen.
 Microphone - Used to convert analogue sound waves into a digital form that can
be saved and manipulated by the computer. A microphone can also be used to
input voice commands but they do not work well in noisy environments.
 Scanner - Works in a similar way to a photocopier. Captures images from the
source which are then converted into a digital form that can be stored.
 Assistive technology - Devices that are used by some people with disabilities to
access computers. For example, a sip/puff tube can be used by someone with a
disability such as paralysis to control a computer system.

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