Input Devices

An input device is any hardware device that sends data to the computer, without any input devices, a computer would only be a display device and not allow users to interact with it, much like a TV. In the picture to the right, is a Logitech trackball mouse and an example of an input device. Below is a complete listing of all the different computer input devices that can be used on a computer.Input devices are things we use to put information INTO a computer.

Here are some examples of input devices.

                    Note:  An APPLICATION is a type of computer program.             Some applications are word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and games.

Here are some examples of input devices :

1 . Camera - most cameras like this are used during live conversations.  The camera transmits a picture from one computer to another, or can be used to record a short video.




2. Compact Disc (CD) - CDs store information.  The CD can then be put into another computer, and the information can be opened and added or used on the second computer.
Note:  A CD-R or CD-RW can also be used as an OUTPUT device.

3. Keyboard - The keyboard is a way to input letters or numbers into different applications or programs.  A keyboard also has special keys that help operate the computer.

4. Mouse - The mouse is used to open and close files, navigate web sites, and click on a lot of commands (to tell the computer what to do) when using different applications.

5. Digital Camera - A digital camera can be used to take pictures.  It can be hooked up to a computer to transfer the pictures from the camera to the computer.  Some digital cameras hold a floppy disk, and the floppy disk can be taken out of the camera and put directly into the computer.

6. Drawing Tablet - A drawing tablet is similar to a white board, except you use a special pen to write on it and it's connected to the computer.  Then the word or image you draw can be saved on the computer.

7. Microphone - A microphone is used to record sound.  The sound is then saved as a sound file on the computer.

8. Scanner - A scanner is used to copy pictures or other things and save them as files on the computer. 

9. Disk Drive - A disk drive can hold a CD or a floppy disk.  It reads the information on the disk so that the computer can use it.

10. Joystick - A joystick is used to move the cursor from place to place, and to click on various items in programs.  A joystick is used mostly for computer games.

11. Touch Screen - A touch screen is a computer screen or other screen that you can touch with your finger to enter information.  Examples of touch screens include a smart board, a microwave, a dishwasher, or an ATM at a bank.

12. Bar Code Scanner - A bar code scanner scans a little label that has a bar code on it.  The information is then saved on the computer.  Bar code scanners are used in libraries a lot.