Input Devices

Input devices are devices which can connect to your computer to enable you to store different information onto the computer.

Mouse

 

A mouse is an input device which allows the user to point to specific information on screen and to open up certain windows and programs that the user wishes to use. A mouse makes it easier to open programs as all you have to do is click or double click on a icon rather than type a combination in to open the program or to use different features on the computer. Although Touch pads on laptops and even touch screen computers are becoming ever more popular.

Keyboard

 

A keyboard is an input devise which connects to the computer normally via a USB connection or wirelessly, although laptops have keyboards built in and touch screen keyboards on different mobiles and tablets are becoming more popular. A keyboard allows the user to enter information and data into the computer and can be used to play some games and can also be used to give some commands such as Control-Alt-Delete which brings up the window used to log off or shut the computer down.

Digital Camera

 

A digital camera is a device which can take pictures or videos digitally and then connect to your computer, either via USB connection or you can insert the memory card straight into the computer if it has a socket for the memory card, this enables you to transfer the media onto the computer to view, store or upload to the internet.

Microphone

A microphone is an input device that is somtimes built into the computer, although you can connect an one through a USB connection which allows you to speak into the computer and save voice notes or any recordings onto the computer for later reference.

Webcam

A webcam is an input device which allows you to take videos on your computer. Webcams are becoming more popular as they can connect to your computer which can connect to the internet and enable the user to talk face to face with another webcam user or have a video conference. Some computers or laptops come with built in webcams but a lot of webcams are plugged in via a USB connection.

Scanner

A scanner is an input device, sometimes built into a printer, which allows the user to scan different physical documents such as photos, letters or newspaper articles and save a digital copy onto a computer connected to the scanner, normally by USB but wireless scanners are becoming ever more popular.

Graphics Tablet

A graphics tablet is an input device which can be used to enable the user to draw a picture or graphics or a hand written signature and can be used to trace a picture and save it to the computer’s memory to work on later, send to the internet or simply to have a digital copy.

Mobile Phone

A mobile phone is an input device as it allows you to send information via USB or possibly Bluetooth or email to your computer to save information or data to your computer to have another copy of a document saved.