Input Devices

 

In this article we have to gain knowledge about the input devices in a convenient and effective manner. Let’s start with the article.

Input Devices: - The devices through which a computer can understand the data and instructions given by human are known as Input Devices. In another words we can say that the devices which are mainly used to provide input in the form of (Text, Picture, Audio, and Video) to the computer system are defined as input devices. These are the input devices. Some of the input devices which are mostly used are as follows:

(1.)        Keyboard: - It is discovered by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868. There are total 105-108 keys in a normal keyboard. There are 12 function keys (F1 – F12) in the keyboard. Other keys such as ESC key, Numeric Keys, Alpha Numeric Keys, Cursor Control Keys (Page Up, Page Down, Home, and End). There are some special purpose keys also given in a keyboard. Special Purpose Keys are as follows (Insert key, Caps lock key, Tab key, Shift key, Windows key, Enter key, Backspace key, Delete key, Ctrl key, Spacebar key).

(2.)       Mouse: - It is invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1960. Mouse is launched in 1968 for use. The first mouse was made of wood. It is basically a pointing device. This is used to move one object from one place to other. There are three main buttons in a mouse (Left Side Button, Right Side Button, and Scroll Button). It is directly connected with the graphical user interface (GUI).

Dragging: It is a process through which we can move any type of object such as (file, photo, songs, and videos etc.) from one place to other.

(3.)   Scanner: - It is an input device which is used for sending a photo into computer in the format of (0, 1). It is of 3 types. (I) Hand Held Scanner (II) Page Scanner (III) Flat Bed Scanner.

(4.)  Light Pen: - It is basically used in the designs and drawing process for Computer Aided Designs (CAD) industries. It is also a pointing device.

(5.) Joystick: - It is also one of the mostly used input devices. It works on the principle of X and Y Coordinates. It is mostly used in gaming industries and also works as a flight simulator device. It is also a pointing device like mouse.

(6.) Touch Screen: - In this device screen is touched by user to perform the task as per the user’s instructions given to the device. Touch Screen is mostly used in ATM Machines, Airline Reservations, Super Markets, and Smart Phones.

(7.) Optical Mark Reader (OMR): - Optical Mark Reader is used for identifying the signs made on the paper. It is used in competitive exams.

(8.)Bar Code Reader (BCR): - It is mostly used in super markets, malls, Banks, Libraries and different commercial fields. Bar Code Reader is used to read the bar code given on the product in the form of black and white lines through which we can get information related to that product.

(9.)QR Code Reader: - The full name of the QR Code Reader is Quick Response Code Reader. QR Code is now replacing the Bar Code because it is square in shape and easy to read and understand. 4- Bit technology is used in QR Code for transfer of information.

(10.)Stylus: - Stylus is also a pointing device. This is used to control the screen of a smart phone. It is in the form of a pen or a thin stick.

(11.) Microphone: -Through the help of this device we are able to convert the audio format into the digital format to make audio clips in a more convenient way.

(12.)  TrackBall: - It is an option which is used as a replacement for mouse. It is also a pointing device in which the pointer is controlled through a ball. Trackball is specially used in medical & computer aided design (CAD) fields.

(13.)Webcam: - Webcam is used to see and get the correct and accurate information of any distant place located in the world and in space also. It is also used in video chat process through desktop and laptops.

(14.)  Optical Character Reader (OCR): - OCR is mainly used to read the characters given in the file. The fonts of OCR are already stored in some specific computers which are known as OCR Standards. OCR Standards includes letters, number and symbols which are read through a specific light source. It is a combination of scanner and special software which converts written or printed data into ASCII data.

(15.)  Speech Recognition: - It is mainly used by those users who are not able to use their hands to operate keyboard. They use this technique. This technique is also known as Voice Recognition Technique.

(16.) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR): - It is the other form of Optical Character Recognition technique. In this technique magnetic ink is used to read the printed data given. This is used in banks to clear the cheques and drafts given by the user.