Input Devices and Their Uses

 An input device is any hardware device that allows a user to enter

data or instructions into a computer directly.
 An input device can send data to another device, but it cannot
receive data from another device.
 Input devices are necessary for a computer to receive commands
from its users and data to process; they are under the user's control
or can be direct data entry.
Input devices can be complicated because they must ensure the user can
interact with the computer correctly.
1. Keyboards:
Uses:
 Input of data into applications software
 Typing in commands to the computer
Advantages:
 Fast entry of new text into a document.
 Well-known method.
 Easy to use for most people.
 Easier to do verification checks as data is entered (can immediately
compare the source document with typed data on the screen).
Disadvantages:
 It can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist use.
 Slow method when compared to direct data entry.
 It is a fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space.

2. Numeric keypads:
Uses:
 Automatic teller machines (ATMs), where the customer can key in
their PIN, amount of money, etc.
 Mobile phones allow phone numbers, etc., to be keyed in.
 Point of sale terminals (POS) in case the barcode reader fails to read
the barcode – the number has to be keyed in manually by the
operator.
 Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards.
 Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.
Advantages:
 Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric data.
 Because many are small devices, they are very easy to carry
around.
Disadvantages:
 Sometimes, they have small keys, which can make input more
difficult.
 Sometimes, the order of the numbers on the keypad is not intuitive.

3. Mouse:
Uses:
 Opening, closing and minimizing software
 Grouping, moving and deleting files.
  Image editing, for example, controls the size and position of a
drawing pasted into a document.
 Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection.
Advantages:
 It is a faster method for choosing an option than a keyboard.
 It's a very quick way of navigating through applications and the
internet.
 Does not need a large desk area when compared to a keyboard.
Disadvantages:
 It can be more difficult for people with restricted hand/wrist
movement than using a keyboard for data entry.
 Easy to damage, the older type of mouse quickly becomes clogged
up with dirt.
 Difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available.
4. Touchpad:
Uses:
 Opening, closing and minimizing software
 Grouping, moving and deleting files.
 Image editing, for example, controls the size and position of a
drawing pasted into a document.
 Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow selection.
Advantages:
 Faster than a keyboard for choosing options.
 Used to navigate applications and the internet.
 Because the touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer, there
is no need for a separate mouse; this aids the portability and is a big
advantage if no flat surfaces are available.
Disadvantages:
 People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to
use.
 It can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a
normal mouse.
 Drag and drop operations are more complicated using a touchpad.
5. Tracker ball:
Uses:
 A good alternative to a mouse for people with conditions such as
RSI.
 Used in an industrial control room environment.
 Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as radio.
Advantages:
 Does not need the same fine control as a mouse.
 It is easier to use than a mouse if the operator has problems with
their wrist.
 More accurately position the pointer on the screen.
 They are more robust than a mouse.
 Needs less desk space than a mouse or keyboard.
Disadvantages:
 It is not supplied with the computer as a standard; therefore, it is
more costly.
  Users may need training because it is not standard equipment.

6. Remote Control:
Uses:
 Televisions, satellite systems, DVD/Blu-ray players and Hi-Fi
systems, to alter controls such as volume, on/off, etc.
 Used to control multimedia systems.
 Used in industrial applications to remotely control processes.
Advantages:
 It can be operated from any reasonable distance.
 In some conditions, e.g., in chemically hazardous environments, we
can control and measure from safe distances.
Disadvantages:
 Difficult to use for people with limited hand/wrist movements.

7. Joysticks:
Uses:
 Used in video games.
 Used in simulators to mimic the actual controls.
Advantages:
 It is easier than keyboards for screen navigation.
 In some applications, the control is more realistic than using a
mouse.
Disadvantages:
 The on-screen pointer is more difficult to use.

8. Driving wheel:
Uses:
 Used in video games, especially car racing games.
 Used in simulators to mimic actual vehicle controls.
Advantages:
 It's a more realistic experience than both mouse and joystick.
 Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements.
Disadvantages:
 It is a rather expensive input device as compared to a mouse or
joystick.
 Steering movements tend to be over-sensitive, which gives an
unrealistic feel.
 Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the steering wheel
is non-existent.

9. Touch screen (as an input device):

Uses:
 Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to choose from on-screen options.
 Point of sale terminals such as in restaurants.
 Interactive whiteboards in education.
 Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are selected during
on-screen testing.
Advantages:
  Faster entry of options than using a keyboard or mouse.
 Very easy method for choosing options.
 User-friendly method – no training necessary in its use.
 Option to expand the size of the display if necessary.
Disadvantages:
 A limited number of input options are available.
 This can lead to problems if an operator uses the system frequently
(straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc., are all possible).
 The screen can get very dirty with constant touching.

10. Scanners:
Uses:
 Scanning documents and converting them into different formats
 Scanning in old documents to protect them in case the original is
lost/damaged.
 Scanning in photographs for storage
 Scanning in barcodes at POS terminals.
Advantages:
 Images can be stored for editing at a later date.
 When used with OCR, they are much faster and more accurate than
typing the documents in.
 It is possible to recover damaged documents by scanning and
producing an acceptable copy.
Disadvantages:
 Limited quality, depending on how good the scanner’s resolution is.
 Fairly slow input method, especially if color mode is selected.

11. Digital Cameras:

Uses:
 Taking photographs is still better than using smartphones and
tablets.
 Data-capture device, e.g., as a reversing aid in cars.
 Dentistry, to help capture pictures for better diagnosis.
 The creation of virtual reality tours around houses, buildings, etc.
Advantages:
 Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a traditional
camera.
 Uploading photographs to a computer is faster than scanning hard
copies.
 Memory cards can store many thousands of photographs.
 There is no need to develop film and printouts; it saves money and
is more environmentally friendly.
 Unwanted images can quickly be deleted from a memory card.
 Higher quantity of pictures can be taken in a shorter time.
 Resolution of images is clearer compared to traditional ones.
Disadvantages:
 Need to be computer literate to know proper use.
  Loss of artistry due to clever software doing all the work.
 Images need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory
used.

12. Microphones:
Uses:
 To input speech to be used in various applications.
 Input in voice recognition software for authentication.
 As a sensor to pick up sound in an intruder alarm system.
 Used in audio conferencing or VoIP applications.
Advantages:
 It is faster to read text than it is to type it in.
 It is possible to manipulate sound in real time rather than working
on a completed recording.
 It improves security if used as an authentication system.
Disadvantages:
 Sound files use up a lot of computer memory.
 Reading data is more error-prone than typing in.

13. Sensors:
Uses:
 Temperature sensors are used in automatic washing machines,
central heating systems, ovens, and glasshouses.
 Pressure sensors are used in intruder alarm systems and washing
machines.
 Light sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, doors, and street
lighting control.
 Sound/acoustic sensors are used in intruder alarm systems,
monitoring liquid and powder flow in pipes.
 Humidity/moisture sensors are used in automatic glasshouses,
environmental monitoring, and in factories where moisture levels
are crucial.
 pH sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, chemical processes
and environmental monitoring.
Advantages:
 Readings are more accurate as compared to human operators.
 Readers are continuous, with no breaks in the monitoring.
 Because it is a continuous process, any action or warnings needed
will be initiated immediately.
 Automatic systems don’t need human intervention.
Disadvantages:
 Faulty sensors can give spurious results.
 Most sensors are analogue; therefore, they require conversion using
Analogue to Digital Convertors.
14. Light pens:
Uses:
 Selecting objects on CRT screens
 Drawing on screens
Advantages:
  Greater accuracy than touch screens
 Small makes them portable and capable of being used in small
spaces.
 Easy-to-use technology.
Disadvantages:
 Lagging problems while drawing on the screen.
 It only works with CRT monitors.
 Rather outdated technology.

 Physical obstacles can easily block the signal.