What are Input and Output Devices of Computer? Difference between Input and Output Devices - With Examples
Input Devices
Input devices are hardware devices that allow a user to input data or instructions into a computer or other electronic device. These devices are essential for interacting with a computer system and enabling it to perform various tasks. Input devices come in different types and varieties, each with its own specific function and features. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of input devices and their examples.
Types of Input Devices:
Direct input devices are hardware devices that directly interact with the computer and convert physical actions into digital signals. Examples of direct input devices include keyboards, mice, touchscreen displays, and game controllers.
Indirect input devices, on the other hand, require an intermediate device or medium to interact with the computer. Examples of indirect input devices include scanners, digital cameras, and microphones. These devices capture physical actions, such as images or sound, and convert them into digital signals using an intermediate device or software.
Examples of Input Devices:
Keyboard: The keyboard is one of the most common input devices used for entering data and commands into a computer system. It consists of a set of keys that are used to input characters, numbers, and symbols. There are different types of keyboards available in the market such as wired and wireless, ergonomic, mechanical, and gaming keyboards. Some popular examples of keyboards include the QWERTY keyboard, AZERTY keyboard, and Dvorak Simplified Keyboard.
Mouse: The mouse is another common input device that allows users to interact with a computer system by moving the cursor on the screen. It consists of two or more buttons and a scroll wheel that can be used to click, select, and scroll through the content on the screen. There are different types of mice available in the market such as wired and wireless, gaming mice, trackballs, and touchpads. Some popular examples of mice include the Logitech MX Master 3, Apple Magic Mouse, and Razer DeathAdder Elite.
Touchscreen: A touchscreen is an input device that allows users to interact with a computer system by touching the display screen. It is commonly used in smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and can be used to input data, select options, and navigate through the content on the screen. Some popular examples of touchscreen devices include the Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Microsoft Surface Pro
Scanner: A scanner is an input device that allows users to input images and documents into a computer system by scanning them. It works by capturing images and converting them into digital data that can be stored on a computer. Scanners come in different types such as flatbed scanners, handheld scanners, and sheet-fed scanners. Some popular examples of scanners include the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e, Canon imageFORMULA DR-C225 II, and Epson Perfection V600.
Webcam: A webcam is an input device that allows users to input video and images into a computer system by capturing them through a camera lens. It is commonly used in video conferencing, live streaming, and video recording applications. Some popular examples of webcams include the Logitech C920 HD Pro, Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000, and Razer Kiyo.
Game controller: A game controller is an input device that allows users to input commands into a computer system by pressing buttons and moving joysticks. It is commonly used in gaming applications and comes in different types such as gamepads, joysticks, and racing wheels. Some popular examples of game controllers include the Xbox Wireless Controller, PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller, and Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel.
Output
Output is the information that is produced by a computer or electronic device and presented to the user. Output devices are the devices that display or present this information to the user. The main function of output devices is to convert digital signals from a computer or electronic device into a human-readable form. There are various types of output devices available, which are used to display different types of information.
Soft Copy Output refers to the electronic or digital output produced by a computer or electronic device, which can be viewed on a screen or display panel. Examples of soft copy output include text documents, images, videos, and audio files.
Hard Copy Output refers to the physical output produced by a printer or other output device, which can be held in hand or displayed on paper or other material. Examples of hard copy output include printed documents, photographs, blueprints, and posters.
Types of Output:
There are four main types of output: text, graphics, audio, and video. Text output displays alphanumeric characters, while graphic output displays images, pictures, and diagrams. Audio output produces sound, while video output displays moving pictures.
Output Devices
Monitor:
The monitor is the most commonly used output device that displays information in the form of text, graphics, and video. It comes in different sizes, resolutions, and types. The types of monitors include CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors.
Printer:
Printers are output devices that produce hard copies of the information generated by a computer or electronic device. Printers come in different types, such as inkjet, laser, and dot matrix printers. Inkjet printers use ink cartridges to produce images, while laser printers use toner and a laser beam to create images. Dot matrix printers create images by striking pins against an ink ribbon to form dots.
Speakers:
Speakers are output devices that produce audio output from a computer or electronic device. They come in various sizes and types, such as headphones, earphones, and external speakers. They are essential for audio output in multimedia applications and gaming.
Projector:
Projectors are output devices that display images on a large screen or wall. They are used in classrooms, boardrooms, and home theaters to present presentations, videos, and movies. Projectors come in different types, such as DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors.
Plotter:
Plotters are output devices that produce large-scale graphics, such as blueprints and technical drawings. They are commonly used in engineering, architectural, and design applications. Plotters use pens or other marking tools to produce images on large sheets of paper or other materials.
Digital Signage:
Digital signage is a type of output device that displays multimedia content, such as advertisements and information, on a screen or display panel. It is commonly used in public places, such as airports, shopping malls, and train stations, to provide information to the public.
In conclusion, output devices are the devices that present information produced by computers or electronic devices to the user. They are essential components of computer systems, and there are various types of output devices available to display different types of information. Monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, plotters, Braille displays, and digital signage are some of the most commonly used output devices.
Difference Between Input & Output Devices
Here's a chart outlining the basic differences between input and output devices:
| Input Devices | Output Devices |
|---|---|
| Used to enter data and instructions into a computer system | Used to display or produce information from a computer system |
| Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam | Examples: monitor, printer, speaker, projector, headphones |
| Convert human-readable data into machine-readable data | Convert machine-readable data into human-readable data |
| Sends data to the computer system | Receives data from the computer system |
| Required for the computer to accept and process user input | Required for the user to receive feedback or results from the computer |
In summary, input devices are used to enter data and instructions into a computer system, while output devices are used to display or produce information from a computer system. Input devices convert human-readable data into machine-readable data and send it to the computer system, while output devices convert machine-readable data into human-readable data and receive it from the computer system. Both input and output devices are necessary for the computer to accept and process user input, and for the user to receive feedback or results from the computer.
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