Computer Input Devices

Once upon a time, the only way one could get data into the computer memory was banging the keys on the keyboard. However, with the speed of advancement, newer and faster devices have been created. This helps one get loads and loads of information transferred into the computer, without having to do much manual work. Those who are tech-savvy will have the list of computer input devices on their fingertips. However, if you still are wondering what these devices are, this article will help answer your discombobulation.

What are Computer Input Devices?

These devices are hardware components that help you transfer information, data, etc. to the computer. Without the devices, your computer will be more or less like a television set. These devices help you send data into the computer or even help you retrieve the data into a hard copy. So an input device is any peripheral device that helps provide data and control signals of a computer. The input devices can be classified into the following categories:

• Modality of input like audio, video and mechanical devices.
• A continuous input device like the mouse whose position is fast enough to be considered as continuous.
• The freedom provided to the user while using the device like a 2 dimensional mouse or 3 dimensional navigator (especially for CAD applications).

Many devices also are classified according to their pointing ability. These pointing devices are classified as:

• Direct input where the pointing is done directly in space where the cursor is seen. For example, touchscreen pointers and light pens.
• Indirect pointers in case of a trackball or mouse.
• Pointers for touchscreen where the positional information are absolute or relative where the mouse is lifted and positioned according to need.

List of Input Devices

These input devices help in manipulating various information on the computer. The following are some of the most commonly used input devices.

Keyboard: The oldest and most widely used computer input device is the keyboard. It is available with the desktop computers, laptops, etc. The computer keyboard contains all the alphabetical and numerical keys for input of data and commands. The keyboard is generally connected to the computer with a wire but nowadays wireless keyboards are also very common.

Mouse: The small hand-held computer device that helps make selection and navigation of the screen easy is the mouse. The computer mouse displays a cursor on the screen that serves as a guide for opening files and folders, and making selections. The mouse, like the keyboard, is either connected with the computer through a wire or has a wireless connection.

Graphics Tablets: The graphic tablet uses a pen-like computer input device that is called a stylus. This helps one write on tablets or touchscreens like a pen. Some tablets and stylus have buttons, that help the user use it like a mouse. Many latest tablet models, allow the user to use their fingers instead of a stylus.

Joysticks: If you are an ardent fan of gaming and love to play many advanced games, then you may be aware of a joystick. This is a movable stick with a button or two that helps one control the movements of characters in the game. Many latest joystick models come with different buttons to help you make complex movements with just a push with your fingers.

Scanners: Scanners help you make virtual photocopies of your hard copy document or even a photograph. You can copy a digital image of the document you wish to copy and save it on the computer or take prints. This copy can be edited by running a graphics program.

Headsets: The headsets devices that have an earphone as well as a microphone. This helps you record your voice, dictate data or even commands to the computer. Some headsets help you keep your hands free for working on different tasks. You can even add voice recognition software, so that only your voice will be accepted by the computer to dictate commands.

Examples

There are different devices that help you share information with your computer in different formats. The following are a few examples that help you digitize images and videos from other devices into your computer.

Computer Input Device Examples for Video Formats

• Web cam
• Image scanner
• Digital camera
• Barcode reader
• Fingerprint scanner
• 3D scanner
• Laser rangefinder
• Video capture hardware
• MIDI Keyboard

Computer Input Device Examples for Medical Imaging

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computerized Tomography (CAT Scan)
• Positron emission tomography
• Ultrasonography

These are some of the devices that help you store data from other devices into your computer. Technology continues to come up with more advanced modes of transfer of information and data. The computer input devises listed in this article are some of the commonly used devices today.