Input devices of computer

Have you ever faced computer problems when the mouse doesn’t work or the keyboard gets stuck? These are problems with input devices. Input devices help us control the computer by typing, clicking, or talking to it. Let’s learn how these tools make using a computer fun and easy!

Let’s dive into the details of all input devices of computer.

What are the input devices of computer?

Input devices help us give commands to a computer. They let us type, click, or talk to the computer. Examples include a keyboard, mouse, and microphone. These devices send information to the computer so we can use it easily.

Types of input devices

Traditional Input Devices

Traditional input devices are older tools for giving commands to a computer. Here are some traditional input devices.

1. Keyboard
2. Mouse

Keyboard

A keyboard is a device for typing letters, numbers, and symbols into a computer. It has many keys; when you press them, the computer understands what you want to type or do.

Importance:

• It helps us to type words and numbers.
• Helpful for writing emails, assignments, and stories.
• It makes it easy to search for information.
• It allows us to use shortcuts for quick tasks.

Types

Here are some main types of keyboards.

1. Wired keyboard: Linked to the computer using a cable.
2. Wireless Keyboard: Connects to the computer wirelessly through Bluetooth.
3. Ergonomic keyboard: Designed to be more comfortable for your hands while typing.

Mouse

A mouse is a device that lets you move the cursor on the computer screen and click on things. You control it by moving it on a flat surface and pressing the buttons to select or open things.

Importance

• It helps you move the cursor on the screen.
• You can click on things to open them.
• It makes selecting text or pictures easy.
• It helps you play games and use programs.

Types

Here are the main types of computer mouse:

1. Wired Mouse: Linked to the computer using the cable.
2. Wireless Mouse: Linked to the computer using Bluetooth.
3. Optical Mouse: Uses a light sensor to move the cursor instead of a ball.

Pointing Devices

Pointing devices are input tools that help us move the cursor on the screen. These are the following devices, which are as follows:

1. Trackball
2. Touchpad

Trackball

A trackball is a pointing device that works like an upside-down mouse. You roll a ball with your fingers to move the cursor on the screen and press the buttons to select things.

Importance:

• It helps you move the cursor by rolling the ball.
• It doesn’t need much space to use.
• It’s easy to control for people who find a mouse difficult to use.
• You can click, scroll, and navigate using the buttons.

Types

Here are some types of trackball:

1. Mechanical Trackball: Uses a ball that moves on a surface to control the cursor.
2. Optical Trackball: Uses light sensors to detect the movement of the ball.
3. Wireless Trackball: Connects to the computer without wires using Bluetooth.

Touchpad

A touchpad is a small, flat surface found on laptops. You move your finger on it to control the cursor on the screen and tap it to click things.

Importance:

• You can move the cursor by sliding your finger on the touchpad.
• It’s easy to use without a mouse.
• It lets you scroll, click, and navigate easily.
• It’s useful for laptops and portable devices.

Types

These are the types of touchpads:

1. Standard Touchpad: The regular touchpad on most laptops to control the cursor.
2. Multi-Touch Touchpad: You can zoom or scroll with two or more fingers.
3. Clickpad: A touchpad where the whole surface clicks, allowing you to click anywhere.

Scanning and Reading Devices

Scanning and reading devices are input tools used to capture information from the outside world, like a scanner that reads documents or a barcode reader that scans items.

1. Barcode Scanner
2. Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

Barcode Scanner

It is a device that scans barcodes on items. It is used at grocery stores to scan product prices.

Importance:

• It helps find information about products quickly.
• It speeds up shopping and checkout at stores.
• It makes inventory tracking easy in stores and libraries.

Types

These are the different types of barcode scanners:

1. Laser Barcode Scanner: This laser beam is used to read barcodes from a distance.
2. CCD Barcode Scanner: It has many small sensors that capture light from barcodes.
3. Imager Barcode Scanner: Uses a camera to scan the barcode and works well in low light.

Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

This device reads marks on paper. It detects filled-in circles or squares on answer sheets or forms and sends the data to a computer.

Importance:

• It helps grade tests and surveys quickly.
• It makes reading answers from forms accurate and easy.

Types

These are the types of optical mark readers:

1. Sheet-fed OMR: It scans one sheet at a time and is used for grading exams.
2. Roll-fed OMR: It scans long forms or rolls of paper often used for surveys.
3. Handheld OMR: A small, portable scanner used for scanning documents or forms on the go.

Audio and Video Input Devices

These devices help capture sound and pictures and send them to a computer. Here are some audio and video input devices.

1. Microphone
2. Webcam

Microphone

A microphone is a device that picks up sound and sends it to a computer. It changes sound into a signal that the computer can understand.

Importance:

• It allows you to talk to the computer.
• It helps record your voice for videos or songs.

Types

Here are the different types of microphones:

1. Wired Microphone: It connects to the computer with a wire.
2. Wireless Microphone: It works without wires using Bluetooth.
3. USB Microphone: It connects to the computer through a USB port.

Webcam

A webcam is a small camera for your computer. You can use it to take pictures, make videos, or share them online.

Importance:

• It helps you talk to people using video calls.
• It enables you to take pictures or make videos on your computer.

Types

These are the types of webcams:

1. Built-in Webcam: It is already installed on some laptops.
2. External Webcam: It connects to the computer using a USB.
3. Wireless Webcam: It connects to the computer without using any cables.

Specialized Input Devices

Specialized input devices are tools for particular tasks, like helping people with disabilities or making gaming easier. There are some types of specialized input devices.

1. Joystick
2. Graphic Tablet

Joystick

A joystick is a device used to control video games or computer programs. It moves in all directions to help you play games or control things on the screen.

Importance:

• It helps you move characters or objects in video games.
• It makes gaming more fun and easier to control.

Types

The joystick consists of the following types:

1. Analog Joystick: Moves smoothly in all directions for better control.
2. Digital Joystick: Works with on/off buttons to move up, down, left, or right.
3. Flight Stick Joystick: Used for flight simulators to control an airplane or spaceship.

Graphic Tablet

A graphic tablet is a device that lets you draw or write on a computer screen. You use a special pen to create pictures or designs, just like drawing on paper.

Importance:

• It helps you draw and create designs easily on the computer.
• It is helpful for artists, designers, and anyone who loves to draw.

Types

Here are the main types of graphic tablets:

1. Wacom Tablet: Popular for detailed drawings and designs.
2. Huion Tablet: A good choice for beginners and affordable.
3. XP-Pen Tablet: Great for both drawing and editing on the computer.

How Input Devices Work

1. You use the device: First, you use devices like a keyboard, mouse, or microphone to give instructions to the computer.
2. The device sends a signal: When you press a key or click a mouse, the device sends a signal to the computer to show you what you want.
3. The computer understands the signal: The computer receives the signal and knows what to do with it, like typing a letter or opening a program.
4. The computer responds: Finally, the computer does what you asked it to do, like showing a letter on the screen or moving the cursor.

Conclusion

So, guys, it’s time to wrap up! In this article. We’ve covered input devices in detail. Now, you know how these tools help us control and use computers. I suggest trying different input devices at school or home to see what works for you. Keep exploring technology, and don’t be afraid to learn new things!

FAQs about input devices of computer

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) with easy answers for beginners: