Chapter 7

INPUT DEVICES

l  Input is any data and instructions entered into the memory of a Computer

Pointing Devices

A pointer is a small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a users moves a pointing devices

l  A mouse is a pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably

l  Optical mouse, laser mouse, and touch mouse

Touchpad A touchpad is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion

Pointing stick A pointing stick is a pressure-sensitive pointing device shaped like a pencil eraser that is positioned between keys on a mobile computer keyboard

Trackball A trackball is a stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side

Keyboards

Most desktop computer keyboards have:

l  Typing area

l  Function keys

l  Toggle key

l  Directional keys

l  Media control buttons

l  Internet control buttons

There are various types of keyboards in addition to standard keyboards found on desktops

                           

·         An ergonomic keyboard has a design that reduces the chance of repetitive strain injuries

·         Ergonomics incorporates comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of the workplace

OUTPUT DEVICES

·         Output is data that has been processed into a useful form.

Printers

·         A printer produces text and graphics on a physical medium

·         Type of printers :

-       Ink-jet printers

-       Photo printers

-       Laser printers

-       All-in-one printers

-       Thermal printers

-       Mobile printers

-       Plotters

-       Large-format printers

Ink-jet Printers

•       forms characters and graphics by spraying tiny drops of liquid ink onto a piece of paper

•       Color or black-and-white

•       Speed is measured by the number of pages per minute (ppm) it can print

Photo Printers

•       Produces lab-quality pictures

•       Many use ink-jet technology

•       Pictbridge allows you to print photos directly from a digital camera.

•       Print from a memory card.

Laser Printer

•       High speed

•       Produces high quality printed photos

•       Able to print either colour or in black and white

Thermal Printers

•       generates images by pushing electrically heated pins .against the heat-sensitive paper

Plotters

•       used to produce high-quality drawings

•       Large-format printers create photo-realistic quality color prints

Mobile printer

·         a small, lightweight, battery-powered printer that allows a mobile user to print from a mobile device

Label Printers

·         a small printer that prints on an adhesive-type material that can be placed on a variety of items

Impact printers

·         form characters and graphics on a piece of paper by striking a mechanism against an inked ribbon that physically contacts the paper

Data Projector

·         a device that takes the text and images displaying on a computer or mobile device screen and projects them on a larger screen.