Input and output devices

IGCSE-ICT 0417
 Learning Intention
In this chapter, we aim to revise

2.1 Input devices

2.2 Direct data entry (DDE) devices
2.3 Output devices and their uses
 2.1 Input devices and their uses
Input devices are hardware tools that allow users to interact with
computers by sending data or control signals.

Joystick Ergonomic Numeric Driving Wheel

Digital Camera
Keyboard Keyboard

Remot Touch Microphon

Flatbed Mouse Tracke Touch
e Screen e
Scanner r ball Pad
control
 Keyboards
Uses of Keyboards
A keyboard is a tool that helps you input information into a computer by pressing
keys. Each key represents a letter, number, or function, allowing you to
communicate with the computer.
Advantages Disadvantages
Fast entry of new text into a document Can be difficult for users with limited arm/wrist
use
Well-known method Slower compared to direct data entry methods
Easy to use for most people Takes up valuable desk space
Facilitates verification checks as data is entered Frequent use can lead to repetitive strain injury
(RSI) in the hands and wrists.
 Numeric Keypads
Uses of Numeric Keypads
- Automatic teller machines (ATMs) - Mobile phones
- Point of sale terminals (POS) - Chip and PIN devices
- Fast entry of numeric data into spreadsheets

Advantages Disadvantages
- Faster than standard keyboards for numeric
- Small keys may make input more difficult
data entry
- Order of numbers on the keypad may not be
- Portable and easy to carry around
intuitive
 Mouse
Uses of a Mouse
- Opening, closing, and minimizing software - Grouping, moving, and deleting files
- Controlling pointer position, menu selection, scrolling - Image editing

Advantages Disadvantages
- Challenging for users with restricted hand/wrist
- Faster option selection compared to keyboard
movement
- Quick navigation through applications and
- Prone to damage and dirt accumulation
internet
- Requires less desk space than a keyboard - Requires a flat surface for optimal use
 Touchpad
Use of a Touchpad
- Same uses as a mouse

Advantages Disadvantages
- Challenging for users with limited hand/wrist
- Faster option selection compared to keyboard
movement

- Portable, integrated into laptops - May be harder to control pointer than a mouse

- No need for separate mouse, aids portability - Difficult for certain operations like drag and drop
 Tracker ball
Uses of a Tracker ball
A tracker ball is an input device used in computing that consists of a large ball held in a socket. The user moves the
ball with their fingers or palm to control the movement of the cursor on a computer screen. Unlike a traditional
mouse, where the entire device is moved across a surface, the tracker ball remains stationary, and only the ball
itself is rotated to navigate.
Advantages Disadvantages
Doesn't require fine control like a mouse Additional cost compared to standard mouse

- Easier for users with wrist/hand issues - May require training due to non-standard use

- More precise pointer positioning than a mouse

- More robust, Requires less desk space

 Joystick
Uses of a Joystick
- Video/computer games
- - Simulators

Advantages Disadvantages

Easier navigation than keyboard Less precise pointer control than a mouse

Realistic control for certain applications

 Remote Control
Uses of a Remote Control

Televisions, satellite systems, DVD/Blu-ray players, - Hi-Fi systems , - Multimedia systems, - Industrial applications

Advantages Disadvantages
Challenging for users with limited hand/wrist
Operable from a distance
movement
- Signal interference in environments with thick
- Useful in hazardous industrial environments
walls
 Touch Screens
Uses of Touch Screens
- Self-service tills (e.g., petrol stations), - Automatic teller machines (ATMs),
- - Point of sale terminals (e.g., restaurants), - Mobile phones, tablets, navigation systems,
- - Public information systems (e.g., airports), - Computer-based training (CBT)
- - Interactive whiteboards in education, - Also used as output devices

Advantages Disadvantages
- Faster option selection than keyboard/mouse - Limited input options
- Easy to use, minimal training required - Potential for strain and repetitive stress injuries
- User-friendly interface - Screen can get dirty, affecting responsiveness
 Light Pens
Uses of Light Pens
A light pen is a specialized input device that resembles a stylus, used primarily
with cathode-ray tube (CRT) displays.
1. Graphic Design and Digital Art 2. Interactive Presentations 3. Data Entry and
Annotation 4. CAD (Computer-Aided Design)

Advantages Disadvantages
- Greater accuracy than touch screens - Lag when drawing on screen

- Small and space-saving - Only compatible with CRT monitors

- Easy-to-use technology - Limited accuracy for drawing

 Digital Cameras
Uses of Digital Cameras
- Photography - Data-capture device (e.g., car reversing
aid)
- Dental diagnosis and color matching
Advantages Disadvantages
- Produce better-quality photographs easily - Requires computer literacy to use effectively
- Easy and fast uploading of photos to computers - Loss of artistry due to automatic correction
- Eliminates need for film development and - Images often need compression for memory
printing efficiency
 Microphones
Uses of Microphones
- Input for presentations, sampling, and special effects - Voice-recognition software
- Sensor for sound detection (e.g., intruder alarms) - Video-conferencing and VoIP
applications
Advantages Disadvantages
- Faster input of speech than typing - Sound files consume significant computer
memory
- Real-time sound manipulation with special - Voice-recognition software may lack accuracy
software
- Improved safety in voice activation systems
 Scanners
Uses of Scanners
-Document scanning for use in various software - Archiving valuable documents and books
- Digitizing printed photographs - Scanning barcodes at POS terminals

Advantages Disadvantages
- Images can be stored for later editing - Limited quality depending on scanner resolution
- Scanning can be slow, especially with high
- Faster and more accurate than typing with OCR
resolution
- Recovery of damaged documents/photos with
appropriate SW
 Analogue sensors
An analogue sensor is a device that detects changes in physical
properties, such as temperature, humidity, or pressure, and
converts these changes into a continuous electrical signal.

Type of
Applications
Sensor
Automatic washing machines, central heating systems, automatic
Temperature
glasshouses, ovens
Intruder alarm systems, washing machines, robotics, environmental
Pressure
monitoring
Automatic glasshouses, automatic doors, intruder alarm systems, street
Light
lighting control
Sound/Acoustic Intruder alarm systems, monitoring liquid and powder flow in pipes

Automatic glasshouses, environmental monitoring, factories (e.g., microchip

Humidity/Moisture
manufacture, paint spraying)

pH Automatic glasshouses, chemical processes, environmental monitoring

Merits and Demerits of Analogue sensors
Advantages of Using Disadvantages of Using
Sensors Sensors
Faulty sensors can give spurious results, e.g.,
More accurate readings taken when
dirty car bumper sensors may fail to detect
compared to human operators.
obstacles or give false alarms.
Most sensors are analogue and require
Readings are continuous – no break in the
conversion using an ADC (Analog-to-Digital
monitoring.
Converter).
Systems can be automatic, eliminating the
need for human intervention (important for
hazardous or precision processes).

Thermometer Pressure Light meter Digital Sound

Humidity Meter pH meter Level
 2.2 Direct data entry (DDE) devices
Direct Data Entry Devices (DDEs) are input devices that are used to input
data into a computer system or electronic device without manual
transcription.

That is data is captured and entered directly into a computer system

without the need for a person to type, write, or manually input the
information.

These devices are essential for capturing various types of data from the
physical world and converting it into a digital format that can be
processed, stored, and manipulated by computers.

DDEs play a crucial role in facilitating tasks such as data collection,

identification, authentication, and transaction processing.
2.2 Direct data entry (DDE) devices
 RFID
RFID
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Costly infrastructure, privacy
Tracking inventory in retail stores No line-of-sight requirement
concerns
Efficient and fast identification of Vulnerable to hacking and data
Access control in secure facilities
individuals theft
Automated tracking and sorting of Interference from metal or liquids
Tracking baggage in airports
luggage in some cases
 OCR
OCR
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Converting scanned documents into Accuracy depends on quality of
Can process various fonts and sizes
editable text files input
Extracting information from
Automated data entry and reduced Difficulty with handwriting
invoices or receipts for accounting
errors recognition
purposes
Digitizing old books or manuscripts Preservation of historical Time-consuming for large volumes
for preservation and easy access documents of documents
 MICR
MICR
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Processing checks in banks and High accuracy, resistant to
Requires special ink and paper
financial institutions tampering
Printing account numbers and
Fast processing of large Limited to specific documents
transaction details on bills and
volumes and formats
statements
Authenticating documents such as Secure verification of Costly implementation and
official checks and money orders financial documents maintenance
 BARCODE READER
Barcode Reader
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Scanning products at checkout counters in Limited data capacity, line-of-sight
Fast and accurate scanning
retail stores required
Managing inventory in warehouses and Improved inventory Vulnerable to damage or wear and
distribution centers management and tracking tear

Tracking assets and equipment in Easy identification and Limited information encoded in
businesses or organizations tracking of assets standard barcode
 CARD READER
Card Reader
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Reading credit or debit cards for Widely compatible with Vulnerable to magnetic
payment processing existing cards interference
Access control systems for buildings Convenient and fast access Limited security compared to
or restricted areas control biometric systems
Reading loyalty cards or Easy enrollment and
Potential for card cloning and
membership cards for customer participation in loyalty
fraud
rewards programs programs
 CHIP AND PIN READER
Chip and PIN Reader
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Processing debit and credit card
Enhanced security with
transactions at point-of-sale Requires physical contact
encryption
terminals
Securing online transactions with Reduced risk of fraud and Costly to implement EMV
EMV chip technology counterfeit transactions infrastructure
Providing authentication for Secure authentication for Limited support in some
electronic funds transfers financial transactions regions
 OMR
OMR
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Scoring multiple-choice exams and Fast and efficient grading of Limited to specific forms and
surveys standardized tests markings
Processing ballots in elections for Accurate and reliable vote Not suitable for handwritten
automated vote counting counting or complex forms
Evaluating feedback forms in Quick data processing for Difficulty with non-
customer satisfaction surveys large volumes of forms standardized forms
 QR CODE SCANNER
QR Code Scanner
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Making mobile payments using High data capacity, easy
Requires compatible software
digital wallets or payment apps to generate
Accessing website URLs or
Versatile and interactive Limited data security for
promotional content in marketing
marketing tool sensitive information
campaigns
Tracking products in supply chains Efficient and accurate Limited space for encoding
by scanning QR codes on packaging product tracking detailed information
QuiZ
 2.3 Output devices and their uses
Output devices is a hardware component of a computer system that receives
processed data from the computer and translates it into a format that can be understood
by humans.
Output devices display, project, or produce information and results from the computer's
processing.The main types are:

1. Monitors (screens)
» (CRT) monitor
» LCD
» TFT screen
2. Printers
» Laser printer
» Inkjet printer
» Dot matrix printer.
» Graph plotters
» 3D printers
3. Speakers
4. Actuators
 CRT Monitor
(CRT) Monitor
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Graphics design, video Excellent colour accuracy, fast
Bulky and heavy design
editing response times
Industrial applications, high Well-suited for high-speed and Limited screen size and aspect
refresh rates precise graphics ratio options
 LCD (TFT)Monitors
LCD (TFT) Screen
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Laptops, smartphones, Thin and lightweight design, low Limited color reproduction, risk
digital signage power consumption of dead pixels
Gaming, multimedia Backlight bleeding, potential for
Wide viewing angles, high resolution
content image retention
 Laser Printers
Laser Printer
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Office printing, networked Lower cost per page, suitable for high Limited color accuracy, expensive
environments volume toner
High-quality document Fast printing speed, precise text Higher initial cost compared to inkjet
printing reproduction printers
 Inkjet Printers
Inkjet Printer
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Photo printing, versatile media High-quality photo prints, lower upfront Slower printing speed, maintenance
printing cost issues
Lower cost per unit, versatile media Prone to clogging, higher cost per
Document printing, home use
compatibility page
 Dot Matrix Printers
Dot Matrix Printer
Multipart forms, industrial printing, Continuous forms printing,
transaction documents

Advantages Disadvantages
Inexpensive ribbon cartridges, durable Low resolution, noisy operation

Reliable for continuous printing in industrial env Limited print quality compared to modern printers
 Graph Plotters
Graph Plotters
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Engineering, High precision, large-format Slow compared to printers,
architectural drawings printing costly
Artwork reproduction, Customizable line widths and Limited compatibility with
technical drawings colors common file formats
 3D Printers
3D Printers
Prototyping, manufacturing, medical applications, Educational purposes,
product development
Advantages Disadvantages

Customizable design, rapid prototyping Limited material options, slow printing speed

Limited resolution compared to traditional

Cost-effective prototyping, intricate designs
manufacturing
 Speakers
Speakers
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Speaker output may disturb
Outputs audio for Speakers amplify sounds for
others in shared spaces like
multimedia presentations. larger audiences.
offices.
Assists visually impaired High-quality speakers can be
Everyone in a conference can
individuals by reading costly.
hear the audio clearly.
text on the screen aloud,
often in conjunction with
They enhance presentations
speech generation Speakers can occupy
with an engaging atmosphere.
software. significant desk space
 Actuators
Actuators
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Controls valves, pumps, Can be expensive,
Enables automation and precise
and motors in industrial especially for high-
control
machinery. performance models.
Requires regular
Operates automatic Reduces human effort in
maintenance to ensure
doors and windows. mechanical tasks.
durability.
 References:
Brown, G., & Watson, D. (2021). Cambridge ICT Information and Communication Technology (2nd
ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Doyle, S. (2016). Complete ICT for Cambridge IGCSE. Oxford University Press.