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Input Device
An input device is used to give instructions, data, or control signals to a computer. It acts as a way for you to
communicate with the computer through commands. For example, a keyboard lets you type text, a mouse
lets you point and click, and a microphone lets you record sound. These devices translate your actions or
inputs into a form that the computer can understand and process. Without input devices, you wouldn’t be
able to interact with your computer or enter data.
Example: keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, web camera, etc.
Output Device
An output device is used to show or produce the results from a computer. It takes the information that the
computer has processed and turns it into something you can see or hear. For example, a monitor displays
what’s on the screen, a printer makes physical copies of documents, and speakers play sound. These devices
help you understand and use the information the computer has created. Example: Printer, plotter, speaker,
monitor, etc.
Peripherals Devices
Peripheral devices are external gadgets that connects to a computer, like keyboards, mice, printers and
scanners. They make your computer more useful by allowing you to type, click, print, scan and store data.
Peripherals devices can be categorised as follows:
Input Devices
There are various types of input devices. Some of the common input devices are as follows:
Keyboard
Keyboard is a standard input device. It is mainly used to type text
and to send the instructions to a computer with the help of keys.
Keyboard keys are the buttons that represent alphabets, numerics,
alphanumerics and special characters. The keys can be used individually
or in combination with other keys. The keyboard normally contains 101 to 108 keys.
Depending on the position or placement of the keys, the layout of a keyboard comes in various styles such
as QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY and DVORAK. QWERTY keyboard is the most commonly used keyboard. It
is based on the English language. Its name is derived from the sequence in which six alphabetical keys are
positioned on the upper line of the keyboard. AZERTY type keyboard is mostly used in France (‘A’ and ‘Z’
characters replace ‘Q’ and ‘W’ on such keyboards). QWERTZ type keyboard is widely used in Germany and
Central Europe.
Mouse
Mouse is a handheld pointing device that is used on a flat surface and is represented by a
pointer on the screen. The pointer on the screen moves when the mouse is moved by the
user. A mouse generally consists of two buttons and a scroll wheel on its top. By clicking the
buttons of a mouse, the user gives instructions to the computer. The mouse was invented
by Douglas Engelbart.
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