In the input-process-output cycle, input
for the process should be provided through a device. Devices used to provide data and instructions to the computer are called input devices.Some important computer input devices
are listed below.·
Mouse
·
Keyboard
·
Scanner
·
Miccrphone
·
Web camera
MouseA mouse is used to point to and select
options displayed on the monitor. It is usually connected to the system unit ny
means of a long wire.although wireless mouse devices are also increasingly
available. A mouse may have two or three buttons. The left button is the most
frequently used button. Newer mouse devices called scroll mouse or wheel mouse
come with a wheel between theleft and right buttons. This wheel enables you to
smoothly scroll through screens of information. Optical mouse is another advanced
pointing device that ises a light emitting component instead of the mouse ball.
It detects movement my sensing changes in the light reflected by the
light-emitting component. Nowadays, wireless mouse devices are also available. When you move theon a flat surface,you will
see an arrow moving on the screen correspondingly. This arrow is known as the
mouse printerIt is good practice to use a mouse pad instead of just
any flat surface. A mouse a small mat with a plastic surface and a rubber or plastic-based
cushion on which you can move the mouse. It provides greater traction than
smooth surfaces and this makes it easier to move the mouse pointer with greater
precision. The mouse ball is likely to glide and not roll on smooth glass or
wooden surfaces.KeyboardThe keyboard is used for typing text into the
computer.lt is also known as the standard input device. A computer keyboard is
similar to that of a typewriter,but it has additional keys as well. The most
commonly available computer keyboard has 104 keys.There are different types of keys on the keyboard. The
keys are categorized as:§
Alphanumeric keys, including letters and numbers.
§
Punctuation keys, such as the colon (J), the
semicolon (;), the question mark (?), single quotes (‘) and double quotes (“)
§
Special Keys, such are, control keys and Function
keys (F1 to F12). There keys have
different functions depending on where they are used. For example, the enter
key starts a new paragraph in aword processor, but in the command line, it
executes a command.
Function keys are special keys that are used to perform specific
functions. They are labeled as F1 F2 F3 and so on, up to F12. The functionality
of the keys differs from software. The function of F1 key in most software is
to provide kelp with the software. Software
refers to computer instructions or data that can be stored electronically.ScannerA scanner is used to make an exact copy of a picture
or a photograph, For example, if you are a creating a report on an event at
your school,you can use scanner to scan photographs or logos and insert them
into the report.MicrophoneA microphone is a device used to record
sound.Microphones convert sound waves into audio signals.Web CameraA Web Camera is a device capable of converting visuals
into digital form. When connected to a computer, iy functions as the eye of the
computer. You can use it to take a phototgraph of yourself and store it in the
computer or for video conferencing.