Keyboards
Used for inputting text and instructions using a number of software application. 1. Keyboards are used to input text and commands into a computer. They are also used to type in unusual selections of characters such as passwords. 2. Allow accurate entry of data. Allow quick entry of original text. Numeric keypads Used specifically to enter numbers. 1. They are used in situations where only digits have to be entered. 2. They are small and compact and can be carried easily. They are easy to cover up when entering a PIN. Mice A pointing device controlled by users to control the pointer. 1. Mice are used to move the pointer on the screen as well as for selecting items. They can be used to draw objects in drawing and art packages. 2. Allow faster entry of the chosen option. They are small and more compact. Touchpad Incorporated into laptops and is meant to simulate the use of the mouse. 1. Can be used in much the same way as a mouse is with a desktop computer. It can be used to move the pointer on the screen. 2. Allow fast entry of the chosen option. Integrated within the laptop computer and don’t have to be plugged in. Tracker balls An upside-down mouse-like device. 1. They can used for any application by people with disabilities or RSI where the use of a mouse would be too difficult. They are used to control applications where objects on a screen are used to control a process. 2. They do not require the fine control that a mouse does. They can be more accurate when positioning the pointer on a screen. Video digitizers Used to input video to a computer from a television or video camera. Remote controls Used to control other devices remotely by emitting an infrared signal to the external device. 1. They are mainly used with home-entertainment devices such as telexisions. 2. They can be any distance from the device and still operate it. People who have difficulty walking find it easier to control devices. Joysticks A joystick carries out similar functions to the mouse and tracker ball. 1. They are used with video/computer games. They are used in the training of airline pilots to control various aspects of flying an aircraft. 2. Allow faster entry of the chosen option. They can be used to control objects in three dimensions. Magnetic strip readers Used to read information from magnetic strips found on plastic cards. 1. Can be used anywhere a payment is made using a bank or credit card. They are used to prevent unauthorized access to restricted buildings or hotel rooms. 2. Allow faster entry of data. Data entry is more accurate. Smart card readers Similar in appearance to a magnetic strip card, but information is stored on a chip on the card. 1. They can be used as payment cards, loyalty card, identification cards and public transport tickets. They are used as electronic passports and I driving licenses. 2. Allow immediate updating, thereby preventing fraud. The cards do not need to be in immediate contact with the reader and so receive less damage through regular use. Chip and PIN readers A type of smart card reader, but tend to be used only at EFTPOS terminals. 1. Chip and PIN readers are used wherever a payment needs to be made. 2. Allow secure transactions to take place. They save time in the transaction. Scanners Used to enter hardcopy images into a computer. 1. Scanners are used to scan documents and images into computer. 2. Allow images to be stored for further editing. Using OCR on printed documents saves time. Using a barcode scanner is quicker. Digital cameras Camera 1. They are used by professional photographers in their work and by amateur photographers for personal use. They are used to insert photos directly into all types of software. 2. Produce better quality. It is quicker to upload a number of images than to scan them in. It is quicker to upload images. A memory card can hold more images than a roll of film. Microphones Can be connected directly to the computer to input sounds. 1. Used most often to input speech for incorporation, they are also used to input dictated text for use with voice recognition software. 2. Changes to the sound/voice can be done in real time rather than recording it and inputting the recording. It is quicker to input text by speaking into the microphone rather than typing it in. MIDI instrument Musical instruments connected to a computer using a musical instrument digital interface. 1. A performance can be directly recorded onto a computer and stored as a MIDI file. MIDI files can in turn be used to supplement other instruments. 2. Allow files to be produced that can be manipulated. Any errors in performance can be removed. |
Graphics tablets
Used together with a stylus or puck to trace round maps or hand-drawn images. 1. Graphics tablets are often used to create computer graphics. Tablets are used to produce technical drawings and in computer-aided design(CAD) 2. Allow alterations to occur as the drawings are input, rather than later. They are more accurate way of drawing than using a mouse. MICR devices MICR is the system used in the processing of bank cheques. 1. They are used in banking applications for the processing of cheques. The customer accounts are updated after processing. 2. More secure and accurate than OCR as they can’t be tampered with. OMR devices The use of a reader to input data from pencil or pen marks on a form. 1. They are used for the processing of many types of form. A form of OMR is used to input barcodes. 2. It is a quick method of data entry. It is easy for the user to fill in the form or paper to be processed. OCR readers The software used after documents have been scanned and saved into the computer, converting the image into understandable text. 1. OCR is used with purpose-built readers such as multiple line OCR readers to process passports and ID cards and to sort mail. 2. It is a faster method of data entry. It is easier method of entering data for people with disabilities. Barcode readers Used to represent information about product. 1. They are used in all kinds of shops and are used in library. 2. Faster and more accurate. RFID readers Attached to objects so that the object can be identified through the use of radio waves. 1. They are used in passports in a number of countries. They are used in pet identification. 2.. They are more difficult to copy than a barcode. Tags are very robust Video cameras Used to take moving pictures. 1. They are used by both professional film-makers and by people making home movies. They are also found in mobile phones. 2. Can record video and put them into the computer. Webcams Similar to video cameras but are connected directly to the computer 1. High quality webcams are sued by businesses in videoconferencing to input moving pictures from a fixed position into a computer. 2. they can be online constantly. They provide elderly or disabled people with the opportunity to stay in touch visually with friends and relatives without leaving their home. Sensors A device used to input data about physical changes in an environment that is being monitored or controlled. The reading is more accurate than those taken by humans. Temperature sensors 1. Used in automatic washing machines. 2. the machine will work under a particular temperature. Pressure sensors 1. Can be used with burglar alarms, normally under carpets by doors and windows. 2. Good for our safeness. Light sensors 1. Used in computer-controlled greenhouses, with preset values input to the microprocessor. 2. convenience Sound sensors Can be used in microphone. They can also be used in burglar-alarm systems whereby if the preset value is exceeded the microprocessor switches on the alarm. Humidity sensors Sometimes referred to as moisture sensors and are used to detect the amount of moisture present. Touch Screens Users can choose from options on the screen simply by pressing the option on the screen with a finger or a stylus. 1. They are used in many applications 2. Allow faster entry of the chosen option. It is easier to select options than by using a mouse. There is less likelihood of selecting a wrong option. Pointer In graphics-based computer environments, an on-screen symbol, such as an arrowhead, that is controlled by a mouse or other input device and is used as a means of indicating (and selecting) locations or choices on the screen |