Output Devices in Computers
After processing data, it is converted for display to users. Examples of output devices include monitors, projectors, printers, and speakers. These devices are responsible for reproducing data in a way that users can comprehend. Below are some common output devices:
- Monitor: This device receives data from the computer and presents it in the form of text, images, and other visual formats to users.
- Projector: A projector receives data and displays it as text and images on a wall or a specific screen for users.
- Speakers: These devices receive audio data from the computer and deliver it to the users for listening.
It is important to note that output devices can receive data from the computer and display it to users, but they cannot send data to other devices.
Input Devices in Computers
Below are some common input devices:
- Keyboard: Recognized as one of the most widely used input devices, it facilitates data entry into the computer and typically features 104 to 108 keys.
- Mouse: This device is used to control the computer’s pointer and consists of a small palm-sized box with a round ball that sends signals to the CPU when the mouse buttons are clicked.
- Joystick: A joystick is utilized for controlling the position of the pointer on the display screen.
- Scanner: Similar in functionality to a photocopy machine, a scanner is used to convert information on paper and transfer it to the computer’s hard drive for further processing.
- Microphone: A microphone is a device for inputting sound into the computer, where it is stored in a digital format.
Additionally, there are various other input devices such as digitizers, optical character readers (OCR), barcode readers, and optical mark readers (OMR).
Combining Input and Output Devices
Input devices are responsible for entering data into the computer, while output devices provide a means for outputting data to users or other devices. As a result, input and output devices (I/O devices) perform both functions simultaneously. These devices are often used for storage and communication; for instance, CD/DVD-ROM drives serve as storage devices, while Bluetooth technology is an example of a communication device.