Kinds of Input Devices
Different Kinds of Input Devices
Computers support various input and output devices to maximize functionality.
An input device is any piece of hardware that provides data and controls various signals as they process through the computer. If a computer did not use any input devices, users would watch the activity, as opposed to interacting with it. Each type of input device serves its own purpose, ranging from a simple pointing device to a webcam. Have a question? Get an answer from Online Tech Support now!
1. Mouse o A mouse is a type of pointing device that allows you to navigate through the computer. Without a mouse, you would not be able to point to selections or open them using the buttons. Mice come in various types, from the basic wired and wireless models to trackpads, used on laptops, to trackballs, which allow you to navigate by moving a ball with your thumb or finger instead of physically straining the wrist.
Keyboard
o A keyboard allows you to type characters or press specialized buttons for functions on the computer. Keyboards are available in both wired and wireless models, and some offer additional customizable buttons that you can program to carry out functions such as opening a program or controlling the volume.
Composite Devices o A joystick or gamepad allows you to play a game on a console or computer. A joystick lets you control motion with a stick, similar to what you'd find in a flight simulation game. It also contains push buttons to carry out additional controls within the game. A gamepad uses various buttons and joysticks to control a character or motion in a game. Gamepads have more buttons than joysticks and are common with consoles such as the PS3 or Xbox.
Webcam
o A webcam captures your image, both still and live, and displays it on the computer screen. Many laptops have webcams built into the screen, while desktops use a USB connection. Webcams are useful for people to communicate across long distances. A digital camera
Computers support various input and output devices to maximize functionality.
An input device is any piece of hardware that provides data and controls various signals as they process through the computer. If a computer did not use any input devices, users would watch the activity, as opposed to interacting with it. Each type of input device serves its own purpose, ranging from a simple pointing device to a webcam. Have a question? Get an answer from Online Tech Support now!
1. Mouse o A mouse is a type of pointing device that allows you to navigate through the computer. Without a mouse, you would not be able to point to selections or open them using the buttons. Mice come in various types, from the basic wired and wireless models to trackpads, used on laptops, to trackballs, which allow you to navigate by moving a ball with your thumb or finger instead of physically straining the wrist.
Keyboard
o A keyboard allows you to type characters or press specialized buttons for functions on the computer. Keyboards are available in both wired and wireless models, and some offer additional customizable buttons that you can program to carry out functions such as opening a program or controlling the volume.
Composite Devices o A joystick or gamepad allows you to play a game on a console or computer. A joystick lets you control motion with a stick, similar to what you'd find in a flight simulation game. It also contains push buttons to carry out additional controls within the game. A gamepad uses various buttons and joysticks to control a character or motion in a game. Gamepads have more buttons than joysticks and are common with consoles such as the PS3 or Xbox.
Webcam
o A webcam captures your image, both still and live, and displays it on the computer screen. Many laptops have webcams built into the screen, while desktops use a USB connection. Webcams are useful for people to communicate across long distances. A digital camera