Input Devices for a Computer
Computers are used by almost everyone for personal and professional purposes. Some years ago, Information Technology (IT) was not that developed, so the use of computer accessories and I/O devices was limited. However, today you will find a wide range of advanced input devices for computers. If you are wondering what an input device is, note that any computer hardware equipment which is used to add information or control PC functions is known as an input device.
Types of Input Devices
Keyboards
Computer keyboards are one of the most traditional input devices used even today. They have alphabetical, numerical, and functional keys which help the user to type in commands for computer operations. Nowadays, you will even find keyboards specifically meant to be used for gaming purposes. Backlit keyboards are also available for easy operation in dark conditions.
Mice
Just like the keyboard, mouse is another very important input device for a computer system. It is used to control the pointer on the screen for selecting matter and clicking on icons on the interface. The latest developments in computer mice are that they can even be used wirelessly on PCs and some are mainly used for gaming. Most of the interface operation controls are done by the mouse.
Joysticks
Joysticks are primarily used for computer gaming. These are input devices that are connected to a computer to manage game controls such as moving front, behind and sideways, shooting, or other gaming tasks. The devices are believed to make the gaming experience more enjoyable. As a result, hardcore games prefer joysticks over keyboard controls.
Headsets
Headsets are headphones with microphones for online verbal communication. Headsets particularly meant for talking have just one speaker, with a microphone. Whereas, others have two, which can also be used for communication purposes, listening to music, or gaming without disturbing others. You can connect these devices to the computer using either a standard 3.5 mm jack or a USB connection.
Scanners
Scanners are widely used for professional communication. Image scanners do the job of making a soft copy image of printed materials, pictures, or even objects. These are very useful in transferring documents from one office to the other in just no time. Today, scanning machines are even available in advanced printer combos available in computer stores.
Webcams
'Webcam' is a term referred to 'web camera'. This is a small camera mounted on a desktop or built in a laptop, which does the job of viewing and capturing real-time live videos of the subject. These are mainly used for video chat such as in 'Skype'. These devices function with the help of a software and an Internet connection. They can even be used to record a home video and post it on the web.
Touchpads
Touchpad or trackpad is a term that is typically associated with the input control on laptop computers. A touchpad is a sensitive surface which, when moved a finger on, detects the motion of the user's finger and controls the pointer on the screen. On laptops, it works very much in the same way as a computer mouse. It is also used on iPod models with the click wheel.
Touchscreens
Touchscreens are one of the latest developments in the computer technology. As the name suggests, these screens can be operated by just touching the appropriate place on the screen surface. Such screens can be found on laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, entertainment devices, and many other latest gizmos. You can control touchscreen functions using your fingertips or using a stylus tool.
These are some of the commonly used input devices. With the advancements in IT, many more such devices may be invented in the future.
