ict

• Computing device


  The all-encompassing term for any piece of equipment that can be connected to a computer's central processing unit (CPU)
• Examples of computing devices

  • Input devices
  • Output devices
• Input device


  When you want to enter data into a computer, you use an input device
• Mouse


  Used to control a pointer on screen, allowing the user to select items, drag and drop, control tools, and scroll
• Gaming mouse


  • Ergonomic design for comfortable extended use
  • Customisable buttons to program macros
  • Accurate and durable
• Trackball mouse


  • Operated by rolling a ball with fingers or thumb
  • Useful for people with RSI or limited finger movement
  • Can be used ambidextrously
• Touchpad


  Built into a laptop or keyboard, useful when there is limited space or no flat surface for a mouse
• Keyboard


  A quick way to enter data for those who can touch type, allowing them to look at a document or screen while typing
• Alternative keyboard layouts


  • Dvorak simplified keyboard
  • Colemak keyboard
• Braille keyboard


  Has raised patterns on the keys so people with vision impairments can feel which key to press
• Concept keyboard


  Each key has a symbol, allowing staff to enter orders more quickly
• Flatbed scanner


  Captures an image of a hard copy document and transfers it to a computer, can print or email the image
• Handheld scanner


  A portable version useful for scanning items that wouldn't fit in a flatbed scanner
• Digital camera


  Captures an image that can be transferred to a computer via USB or Bluetooth
• Webcam


  Allows users to communicate via video call or participate in online meetings, can also enable iris recognition
• Graphics tablet


  Allows the user to input drawings using a stylus, easier than using a mouse or trackball
• Joystick


  Used for input when playing computer games or using simulation software, provides intuitive control of moving objects
• Microphone


  Allows sound input for gaming, online meetings, or text/command input, particularly useful for people with disabilities
• MIDI keyboard


  Sends MIDI signals to the computer to allow playing of music
• QR code reader


  Usually built into a mobile phone, scans QR codes to access information or authenticate
• Barcode reader


  Transfers information held in barcodes to a computer, used in supermarkets and by staff
• Optical Mark Reader (OMR)


  Recognises the position of marks on a document and inputs this information into the computer, used for surveys, voting, exams etc.
• Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)


  Reads magnetic ink characters, mainly used by banks to process cheques quickly and securely
• Magnetic Stripe Reader


  Reads the information stored on the magnetic stripe on cards, used as a backup payment method
• Radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers

  Identify items with RFID tags, used for tracking, monitoring, access control and more
• Near-field communication (NFC)


  Evolved from RFID, used for short-range data transfer like contactless payments
• Sensors


  Record data and input it into the computer, can measure temperature, light, humidity, etc. and are useful in dangerous or unpleasant environments
• Biometric devices


  Input data about a person's unique physical characteristics for identification and security
• Output device


  Allows people to receive data from the computer, can be audio, visual or hard copy
• Screen/Monitor


  Displays the computer's output, important for viewing documents, images, videos and more
• Projector


  Displays the computer's output on a large screen, useful for presentations
• Speakers


  Allow the user to hear sound from the computer, important for blind/visually impaired users
• Headphones


  Allow individual sound output without disturbing others, useful for online meetings and gaming
• Types of printers


  • Ink-jet
  • Laser
  • Dot matrix
  • Thermal
  • Dye sublimation
• Plotter


  Outputs in vector graphics format to create large-scale drawings like maps and architectural plans
• Thermal printer


  Produces a printed image by passing paper with a special coating over a print head, consisting of tiny electrical heated elements. The coating turns black in the areas where heated, producing an image.
• Most thermal printers print only in black and white, although some two colour versions exist.
• Dye Sublimation printer


  Uses heat to print on materials other than paper for example plastic, fabric, and card. Can be used to print plastic identity badges or fabric banners.
• Plotter


  Outputs in vector graphics format, interpreting commands from the computer to produce shapes on the page. Used to create large scale drawings such as maps, architectural drawings and large signs and posters. A cutting plotter uses a knife to cut shapes into a material such as leather.
• 3D printer


  Used to create a 3D object such as a working model or prototype. Receives instructions from CAD software and uses additive manufacturing to print the object in layers using a liquid form of a substance such as plastic, resin, plaster or metal. The object is then dried or cured before the cleaning, polishing or painting process can take place.