Input and output

• Identify (at least 3) input devices

  • Keyboard• Numeric keypad • Mouse• Remote control• Scanners
• Describe the uses of a 'keyboard'

  Used to enter text into a computer i.e.• input of data into applications software• typing commands to the computer
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'keyboards'

  Advantages• fast entry of new text into a document• easy to use for most people • easier to do verification checks as the data is enteredDisadvantages• can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist use• slow method when compared to direct data entry• fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space
• Describe the uses of a 'numeric keypad'

  Used where only numerical information needs to be entered i.e.• at ATMs• Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet• POS terminals - I the barcode reader fails to read the barcode
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'numeric keypad'

  Advantages• faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric data• since many are small devices, they are very easy to carry aroundDisadvantages• sometimes have small keys which can make input more difficult• sometimes the order of the numbers on the keypad isn't intuitive
• Describe the uses of 'a mouse'

  Used to control the position of the pointer on the screen in any computer system i.e.• opening, closing and minimising software• grouping, moving and deleting files
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'mouse'

  Advantages• faster way to choose an option than using a keyboard• very quick way to navigate through applications and the internet• doesn't need a large desk area when compared to a keyboardDisadvantages• can be more difficult for people with restricted hand/wrist movement• easy to damage, older version clogs up with dirt quickly• difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available (e.g. on an aeroplane)
• Describe the uses of a 'touchpad'

  an alternative to a mouse, built in most laptopsUsed to control the position of the pointer on the screen in any computer system i.e.• opening, closing and minimising software• grouping, moving and deleting files
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'touchpad'

  Advantages• faster way to choose an option than using a keyboard• very quick way to navigate through applications and the Internet• aids portability (interstate into laptop) and useful if no flat surfaces are availableDisadvantages• people with limited hand/wrist movement find the device difficult to use• can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to a mouse• more difficult to use when doing certain operations e.g. drag and drop
• Describe the uses of a 'trackerball'

  alternative to a mouse. Used in:• applications where the user has a disability i.e. RSI• a control room environment where it is faster than a mouse to navigate through process screens• some luxury cars to select functions
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'trackerball'

  Advantages• doesn't need the same fine control as with a mouse• easier to use than a mouse if the operator is disabled • more accurate positioning of the pointer on screen than a mouseDisadvantages• not supplied with computers as standard, therefore more costly• user may need training side it isn't standard equipment
• Describe the uses of a 'remote control'

  Used to control the operation of other devices remotely using infrared signals i.e.• to alter functions on TVs, satellite systems, DVD players and hi-fi systems • to control multimedia systems • in industrial applications to remotely control processes
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'remote control'

  Advantages• can be operated from any reasonable distance unlike a corded mouse • some chemical processes are dangerous, being able to select operation from a distance is safer for the workerDisadvantages• difficult to use f the operator has limited hand/wrist movement• easier to block signal of walls in the building are very thick
• Describe the uses of a 'joystick'

  Used to control objects on a screen in computer games, flight simulators etc.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'joystick'

  Advantages• easier than a keyboard to navigate the screen• control is more realistic than using a mouseDisadvantages• more difficult to control the on-screen pointer than with other pointing devices
• Describe the uses of a 'driving wheel'

  Used to simulate the turning of a steering wheel in vehicle i.e.• in video/computer games• in simulators to mimic actual vehicle controls
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'driving wheel'

  Advantages• easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements; it's more natural• 'driving experience' is nearer to how an actual steering wheel and other controls operate in real lifeDisadvantages• can be rather expensive compared to a mouse or joystick• movements in steering can be too sensitive, giving an unrealistic "feel"• unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the driving wheel is non-existent
• Describe the uses of a 'touch screen'

  Removes the need for a keyboard; allowing a user simply to choose options on screen i.e.• PDAs, mobile phones and satnavs • interactive white boards• public and tourist information kiosks
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'touch screen'

  Advantages• faster entry of options than using keyboard or mouse• very easy method for choosing options• user-friendly - no training necessaryDisadvantages• are damaged easily• can lead to problems if operator has to use the system frequently (e.g. RSI)• screen can get dirty with constant touching; can reduce its responsiveness and make it difficult to read in strong light
• Describe the uses of 'scanners'

  Allows hard copies of images or text to be transferred to a computer i.e.• scan in barcodes at POS terminals • archiving old/valuable documents and books• scan in documents and convert into a format for use in various packages
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'scanners'

  Advantages• images can be stored for editing at a later date • much faster an more accurate than typing in documents again• possible to recover damaged documents and photos by scanning in and then using appropriate softwareDisadvantages• quality limited to how good a resolution the scanner is• can be fairly slow at scanning, especially if the colour scanning mode or high scanning resolution is chosen
• Describe the uses of a 'digital camera'

  Used to take high quality photos that can be viewed immediately on display and directly uploaded to a computer or printer
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'digital cameras'

  Advantages• easier to produce better quality photos than with a traditional camera• easier and faster to upload photos to a computer rather than having to scan in hard copies when using traditional methods• no need to develop film and print photos: saves money - saves paper; environmentally more acceptable - reduces use of chemicals used in developing traditional filmDisadvantages• the higher the resolution the more memory is needed to store it • require regular charging battery replacement• some cameras compress the images; reducing the quality
• Describe the uses of a 'microphone'

  Used to input sounds and voices i.e.• in voice-recognition software• in video conferencing or VoIP applications • as a sensor in burglar alarms
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'microphone'

  Advantages• faster to read text than to type it in using a keyboard• improves safety - car driver doesn't need to take their hands off the wheel to operate functions• extremely common and inexpensiveDisadvantages• sound files can use up a lot of computer memory• voice-recognition software isn't as accurate as typing in manually• needs to be quite near the sound source in order to work correctly
• Describe the uses of a 'sensor (general)'

  Used in both monitoring and control applications
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'sensors (general)'

  Advantages• more accurate readings taken when compared to human operators• no need for human intervention• readings are continuous - no break in the monitoring Disadvantages• faulty sensors can give spurious results
• Describe the uses of a 'temperature sensor'


  Used to input temperature readings to a microprocessor or computer i.e. Used in • automatic washing machines• central heating systems• automatic glasshouses
• Describe the uses of a 'pressure sensor'

  Used to input pressure readings to a microprocessor or computer i.e. Used in • burglar alarm systems• washing machines• robotics
• Describe the uses of a 'light sensor'

  Used to input light readings to a microprocessor or computer i.e. Used in • automatic glasshouses• street lighting control• automatic doors
• Describe the uses of a 'graphics tablet'

  Used with a stylus to produce freehand drawings i.e. • in CAD work• in countries where the written language uses complex characters - faster than typing in the characters with a keyboard
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'graphics tablet'

  Advantages• possible to modify drawings before they are input• can record levels of pressure, unlike other point and click devices• offer a very accurate method of drawingDisadvantages• more expensive than other pointing devices• menus are not often user-friendly• takes longer to produce a drawing vs. pen and paper
• Describe the uses of a 'video camera'

  A device that can capture and store moving images i.e. used in• film and TV business• common in the home
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'video camera'

  Advantages• sound and video are recorded at the same time• locations and buildings can be remotely monitored• digital video can be edited easily and manipulatedDisadvantages • takes up a lot computer storage space• editing requires a computer with a fast processor and a high performance graphics card
• Describes the uses of a 'web cam'

  Attached to PCs, integrated in laptops an smartphonesUsed to capture still and moving images i.e. • in video conferencing• as a more personal way of having a conversation while chatting online
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 'web cam'

  Advantages• possible to have an immediate face-to-face video chat like IM• allow people to keep in contact with each other without the need to travelDisadvantages• have very limited features and are often of poor quality • need to connected to the computer**(not an issue with laptops)
• Describe the use of a 'light pen'

  Used to draw or control elements directly into a computer i.e.• selecting objects o CRT screens• in CAD and manufacturing systems m
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of a 'light pen'

  Advantages • greater accuracy than touch screens• small • easy to use technologyDisadvantages • not that accurate when drawing• rather dated technology• only works with CRT monitors at the moment
• Identify (at least 3) direct data entry devices

  • Magnetic stripe reader• RFID reader• OCR• MICR• Barcode reader
• Describe 'magnetic stripe readers'

  Used to read data on the magnetic stripe found in the back of a identity and banking card i.e.• at ATMs• at EFTPOS terminals• security devices to allow entry to buildings, hotel rooms, etc.