Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Understanding Input

Input is any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer. Instructions can be entered into a computer in the form of programs (a series of related instructions that tell computer what and how to perform task), commands (direct program) and user responses (an instruction a user issue to question displayed by program). And we need input device (any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer) to interact with computer.

Types of input devices:

Keyboard

an input device containing keys for user to press to enter data and instructions into a computer. Usual keyboard found on market today is of QWERTY keyboard.

Pointing device

an input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen.

Mouse- a pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably. Types of mouse are mechanical mouse and optical mouse. Can be wired or wireless.

Trackball- a stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side.

Touchpad- a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion. Mostly used in laptop or notebook.

Touch screen

a touch sensitive display device. Found in all modern smartphones, tablets, or public machines such as ATM,autopay station.

Pen input

a pen like device used on screen to write, draw or make selections.

1) Stylus

2) Digital pen

Game Controllerr

an input device that directs movement and actions of on-screen objects in video games and computer games.

1) Game pads

2) Joysticks

3) Wheels

4) Light guns

5) Dance pads

6) Motion sensing controller

Digital Camera

a mobile device that allows users to take pictures and store them digitally.

Voice Input

process of entering input by speaking into a microphone. For example, Apple Siri or J.A.R.V.I.S from Iron Man.

Audio Input

process of entering any sound such as speech, music or sound effects into a computer.

Video Input

process of capturing full motion images and storing them on a computer's storage medium.

Digital Video Camera

recorded videos from Digital Video Camera can be transferred into a computer via USB port or Firewall port.

Web Cam

a type of digital video camera that specifically designed for computer usage such as online video conversation.

Scanners and Reading Device

1) Flatbed Scanner- a scanner that provides a flat, glass surface to hold objects for scanning.

2) Pen or Handheld Scanner- a scanner that is moved by hand over the material being captured.

3) Sheetfed Scanner- specifically designed for scanning loose sheets of paper.

4) Drum- a type of scanner used to capture highest resolution from an image.

5) Bar Code Reader- uses laser beams to read bar codes.

6) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader- reads information on RFID tag. Commonly used on tracking toll payments, airline baggage or student and staff cards.

7) Magnetic Stripe Card Reader- read magnetic stripe on back of cards such as credit cards, entertainment cards and bank cards.

8) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Reader- convert MICR characters into a form that computer can process. Commonly used on check processing in banking industry.

9) Data Collection Device- obtain data directly at location where the transaction or event take places. Commonly used in restaurants, factories, warehouses and by postmen.

Biometric Input

authenticates a person's identity by verifying a personal characteristics.

1) Fingerprint Reader- used to scan and identify a person's fingerprint.

2) Face Recognition System- used to identify a person's face feature.

3) Hand Geometry System- used to identify shape of a person's hand.

4) Voice Verification System- used to identify a person's voice.

5) Signature Verification System- used to identify a person's signature.

6) Iris Recognition System- used to identify a person's iris.

7) Retinal Scanner- used to identify a person's retinal.

Terminal

a computer that allows users to send data to and/or receive information from a host computer.

1) POS Terminal- records purchases, processes, payments and updates inventory.

2) Automated Telling Machine (ATM)- allows users to access their bank accounts.

3) DVD Kiosk- a self service DVD rental machine.

Input device is what allow user to send data and instructions to a computer (input) and basic input devices such as mouse and keyboard is a must for every computer. With good utilisation of input device and with improve design on input device, users can work more effectively.