1. Input By Hollee Smalley

2. What is Input? Input is any data or instructions entered into the memory of a computer.

3. What are input devices? An input device is any hardware component that allows users to enter data or instructions. Popular input devices include: the keyboard, mouse, stylus, digital pen, microphone, digital camera, and scanner.

4. The keyboard A keyboard is an input device that contains keys users press to enter data into a computer. Computer keyboards have a typing area that includes letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks, and other basic keys. Function keys are programmed to issue commands.

5. Keyboard connections Desktop computer keyboards are usually attached via a cable to a small serial port. A cordless keyboard is a battery powered device that transmits data using wireless technology, such as radio waves or infrared light waves.

6. Keyboard Ergonomics An ergonomic keyboard has a design that reduces the chance of wrist and hand injuries. The goal of ergonomics is to incorporate comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of the items in the workplace.

7. Pointing devices A pointing device is an input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen. A pointer is a small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as the user moves a pointing device.

8. Pointing devices cont. A mouse is a pointing device that allows users to control the movement of the pointer. It is the most widely used pointing device on the desktop computer. –A mechanical mouse translates the movement of a ball in its underside into signals the computer can process, –An optical mouse uses devices that emit and sense light to detect the mouse’s movement. –A cordless mouse transmits data using wireless technology.

9. Other pointing devices A trackball is a stationary device with a ball that one rotates to move the pointer. A touch pad is a flat, pressure-sensitive device that you slide your finger across to move the pointer. A pointing stick is a device positioned on the keyboard that you push to move the pointer.

10. Other pointing devices cont. A joystick is a steering wheel type device that you turn to stimulate driving a vehicle. A light pen is a light-sensitive device that you press at the screen to select an object. A touch screen is a touch-sensitive display device that you interact with by touching areas if the screen. A stylus or digital pen uses pressure to write text and draw lines.

11. Voice input Voice input is the process of entering data by speaking into a microphone. Voice recognition is the computer’s capability of distinguishing spoken words. Most voice recording programs are a combination of speaker-dependent software, which makes a profile of your voice, and speaker-independent software, which has a built-in set of word patterns.

12. Audio input Audio input is the process of entering any sound into the computer such as speech, music, and sound effects.

13. Input devices for mobile users The primary input device for a PDA is a basic stylus. The primary for a tablet PC is a digital pen, with which you can write on the device’s screen.

14. Digital cameras A digital camera allows users to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally. Resolution describes the sharpness and clearness of an image. The image is downloaded to a computer’s hard disk via cable or copied from the camera’s storage media.

15. Video input Video input is the process of capturing full- motion images into a computer and storing them onto a storage medium, like a hard drive. –A PC video camera enables users to capture video and still images and then send or broadcast the images over the internet. –A web cam displays its output on a web page.

16. Scanners and reading devices A scanner is a light-sensitive input device that reads printed text and graphics and translates the results into a form the computer can process. –A flat-bed scanner works like a copy machine except it creates a file of the document. –An optical reader uses a light to read marks and codes and converts them into digital data.

17. Data collection devices Data collection devices obtain data directly at the location where the transaction or event takes place. Data collection devices are used in factories or warehouses, anywhere cleanliness is not easily controlled.

18. Terminals A terminal consists of a keyboard, monitor, video card, and a memory. Terminals have three basic categories: –Dumb terminal-has no processing power, therefore, cannot function as an independent device. –Smart terminal- has a processor, giving it the capability of performing some functions independent of the host computer. –Special-purpose terminal- perform specific tasks and contain features uniquely designed for use in a specific industry.

19. Biometric input A biometric device translates a personal characteristic into digital code that is compared with a digital code stored in the computer to identify an individual. –Fingerprint scanner- captures curves and indentations of a fingerprint. –Face recognition system- capture a live face image. –Voice verification- compares live speech with a stored voice pattern, –Iris recognition system- reads patterns in the iris of the eye.

20. Input devices for the physically challenged users The Americans with Disabilities Act requires any company with 15 or more employees to make reasonable attempts to accommodate the needs of physically challenged workers. Some example to help those who are physically challenged: –Voice recognition –On-screen keyboards –Keyguards- allows one to rest hands on the keyboard without accidentally pressing any keys.