Input and Output Devices of Computer: Here is the list of Input and Output Devices of Computer are detailed here. The computers and Input and Output Devices of Computer are mentioned here for clarification. Each device's explanation is done here. The differences between every type are noted here for easy identification. Points about the devices consisting of both the Input and Output characteristics are listed. The input and output devices of computer is useful for students preparing for government exams. Finally, some basic FAQs about the Input and Output Devices of Computer are noted here for easy identification.

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About Computers

The computer is a man-made device that provides tons and tons of information related to all kinds of fields with meaningful data. There are some input and output devices of computer. The computer processes the inputs given by the user and provides the essential output that the user needs. It mainly consists of a CPU which is abbreviated as a Central Processing Unit, Monitor, Printer, Keyboard, Speaker, Etc. Here, the Monitor, Printer, Keyboard, and Speaker act as input and output devices of computer. The arithmetic or logical operations are carried out by all types of computers. Modern computers can be used to perform genetic operations. Nowadays, all types of computers are essential and also used in all types of fields.

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About Input and Output Devices of Computer

The Computer functions are based on both input and output devices. From the input devices of Computer, we can give instructions to the computer to perform actions to process the output. Humans use hardware which is both Input and Output Devices of Computer 

to communicate with computers. The indications of the name (Input and output devices of computer) show that computers are capable of sending data which is input, and receiving data which is output. By allowing users to interact with the computer, the input devices provide data or commands. The output devices of the computer allow the user to see and hear the data, and to receive the results of the processing computer. Both the Input and Output Devices of Computer are necessary to function.

Input Devices of Computer are the hardware that uploads data feed from user to process. For example., Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone, etc.,. It also creates the interface between the user and the computer.

Output Devices of Computer are the hardware that produces the result based on the input after processing. It converts the data from machine language to user language. For example., printers, monitors, projectors, etc.

Below is the list of input and output devices of computer mentioned and explained separately.

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List of Input Devices of Computer

Some of the commonly used input devices of computer are as follows;

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• JoyStick
• Light pen
• Track Ball
• Scanner
• Graphic Tablet/Digitizer
• Microphone
• Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
• Barcode Reader
• Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

 

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Input Devices of Computer - Keyboard

A keyboard is a main input device with keys for arrows, numbers, functions, and letters to command the computer.

• The keys are the upgraded version of typewriter keys.
• It inputs the data to the computer. 
• Keyboards have extra keys for different actions compared to typewriters.
• 101/102 and 84 keys are normal keyboards available in the commercial market.
• Many computers are connected through USB cables but advanced keyboards are connected through wifi to computers.

 

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Input Devices of Computer - Mouse

The mouse is a pointing device that is used to give input by clicking the 3 keys(left-click key, right-click key, and scroll ball at center) on the mouse. 

• A mouse lets you select icons and open files on a computer by sending signals to the CPU.
• In the past, the Mouse used a ball to move the cursor, modern ones use a sensor.
• Laptops use touchpads as a mouse alternative.
• It moves the cursor faster than the arrow keys but can't input text directly.

Input Devices of Computer - Joystick

The joystick is also used to move the cursor all around the display like the mouse.

• It is used in CAD(Computer Aided Design) and also to play games on the computer.
• A perpendicular stick consists of a spherical ball at both lower and upper ends. We can move the joysticks in four directions.

Input Devices of Computer - Light pen

A light pen is a digital pointing device like a pen. It is used to give inputs to the computer by touching the display. 

• It is also known as a stylus which is a light independent tool.
• It is a tiny tube that has a photocell and an optical system.
• The photocell sensor feeds a signal to the CPU when the light pen is moved across the screen while pushing the pen button.

Input Devices of Computer - Trackball

A trackball is mostly used in a laptop and notebook instead of a mouse. 

• It has a half-inserted ball connected to the mouse sensor.
• Trackball requires a small amount of space compared to the mouse.
• The whole device is not moved to move the cursor like the mouse which is differently shaped as buttons, balls, and squares.

Input Devices of Computer - Scanner

The scanner is the machine that converts information in paper or something else to the hard disk of the computer via., scanning a digital format.

• It scans high-resolution images as a digital copy and can be edited before printing.

Input Devices of Computer - Graphic Tablet/Digitizer

A graphic tablet/digitizer converts the analog information into the digital form.

• The signals from a television or camera are transferred to the computer hard disk via., transforming into a series of numbers.
• It transforms the graphics or pictorial data into binary inputs to the computer.
• Some advanced digitizers are used to draw and fine works of image-related software or applications.

Input Devices of Computer - Microphone

A microphone is also called a mic and it is used in most countries for recording sound.

• It transfers the sound(input) into digital or electrical signals and it is also stored in a device.
• It is used in different software to record sound for presentations, music, calls, conferences, etc.,

Input Devices of Computer - Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

The Magnetic Ink Character Recognition(MICR) is fast and less prone to errors.

• It is mainly seen in banks to process more amount of checks.
• Code numbers or cheque numbers in the cheque are printed basically with the help of specialized ink which can be only seen by sensors of the machine.
• This method of processing is known as the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition(MICR).

Input Devices of Computer - Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Optical Character Recognition(OCR) is similar to a scanner used to scan texts that are printed and convert them into machine-readable digital code instead of creating HDR images.

• Ordinary scanners cannot scan documents that are in the format fed to the OCR because the format fed to the OCR is predefined.
• It stores the text as a machine-readable digital code in the system memory.

Input Devices of Computer - Barcode Reader

A barcode reader proceeds the input data which is in barcode format.

• The barcodes are usually used in price tags, numbering goods or books, etc., 
• Different types of barcode scanners are available in the commercial market like handheld barcode scanners, barcode scanners on the tabletop, etc.,
• The light source is passed through the barcode, then converts the signal into the alphanumeric value and provides the data of that object where the barcode reader is connected.
• It is also an optical scanner device.

Input Devices of Computer - Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Optical Mark Recognition(OMR) identifies the marks made by the pen or pencil. 

• The format of OMR is predefined and cannot be scanned by normal scanners.
• It is mainly used to automize the answer sheet analysis of examinations which is mainly multiple choice questions.

Other Input Devices of Computer

Here are some more input devices. i.e.,

• Web cameras 
• Biometric Devices
• Wii Remote
• Portable Media Player, etc.

List of Output Devices of Computer

The most commonly used output devices of computer are as follows;

1. Monitor/Display Screen
2. Printer
3. Speakers
4. Headphones
5. Projector
6. Plotter
7. Braille Reader

Output Devices of Computer - Monitor/Display Screen

A monitor is considered as a primary output device of computer and is also known as a visual display unit(VDU).

• This is the device that displays the icons, texts, multimedia, etc., on the screen.
• This was arranged in a well-defined rectangular form of display.
• The monitor displays the actions performed by the computer.
• The quality of the multimedia depends upon the pixel’s size.
• The list of monitors mostly available in today’s market are;

 

Monitor/Display Screen	Key points
LCD monitor (Liquid Crystal Display)	It is thinner and lighter than the old CRT monitor.
LED monitor (Light Emitting Diode)	It is used by gamers who play high-definition games.
OLED monitor (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)	It uses organic materials(Carbon, wood, plastic, polymers) to transform the electric current and light.
Cathode-ray tube (CRT) Monitor	It is the heaviest and oldest monitor and has outdated technology.
Plasma monitor	The minuscule coloured fluorescent lights (RGB) show the resemblance of small neon lights that produce image pixels.
Flat panel display monitor	It is mainly used in the aerospace industry to display all aircraft information (pictorially sometimes).

Output Devices of Computer - Printer

The printer is useful for printing the outputs on paper or other sheets. There are many types of printers available in today’s market and used for different purposes i.e.,

Printers	Types	Key points
Impact Printers [Here, Characters can be printed on the ribbon].	Character Printers	It can print one character at a time. For Ex., the Dot Matrix Printer, and Daisy Wheel Printer.
	Line Printers	It can print one line at a time. For Ex., Drum Printer, Chain Printer.
Non-Impact Printers [Here, Characters are not printed on the ribbon].	Laser Printers	It uses laser lights to produce dots for print.
	Inkjet printers	They use spray technology for printing.

Output Devices of Computer - Speakers

After getting a command from the computer, the speakers produce sound as an output. As technology grows, the development of speakers results in wireless speakers running with Bluetooth connection. 

Output Devices of Computer - Headphones

Headphones differ from speakers in the sound frequency. It is also known as earphones, headsets, etc. It is mainly used by a single person and also it can be wireless. It is available in many shapes and sizes in today’s market.

Output Devices of Computer - Projector

The projector helps to display videos and images on big screens like theatres, auditoriums, etc. In the past, the images were created by shining the light through a small transparent lens on the projector. Nowadays, laser technology is used to display images or videos on the screen. It can be connected to a computer or laptop.

Output Devices of Computer - Plotter

Plotter is used to produce high-quality drawings, designs, and graphics. To draw continuous lines on paper or other suitable materials it uses one or more pens or markers. The graphics card is mandatory to use this.

Output Devices of Computer - Braille Reader

Braille Reader is used for blind users. By Converting text into braille characters, it enables them to access digital information. It helps people with lower vision or blindness by running their fingers over the device.

Other Output Devices of Computer

Here are some more output devices. i.e.,

• Television 
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Video cards

Dual Function Devices

Below is the list of devices that have the characteristics of both input and output devices of computer. 

• USB(Universal Serial Bus) Drive 
• CD (Compact Disk) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) 
• Headset
• Facsimile

Input Device vs. Output Device

Note down the five differences between the input and output devices of computer.

Criteria	Input device	Output Device
Definition	Hardware that uploads data feed from the user to process.	Hardware that produces the result based on the input after processing.
Controller	User (Humans)	Computer
Examples	Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone, etc.	Monitor, Speaker, Printer, etc.
Roles	Accepting the data.	Displaying the data.
Function	Converts simple user instructions into machine language.	Converts machine language into simple user instructions.

Input and Output Devices of Computer - FAQs

Q: What is the use of input and output devices of computer?

Input devices send information to the computer whereas output devices transform electronically produced data into user-understandable format. 

Q: Who are the controllers of the input and output devices of computer?

Humans(Users) and computers are the controllers of the input and output devices of computer. 

Q: Is ‘Headset’ an output or input device of a computer?

‘Headset’ performs both input and output characteristics because it has a mic and speaker.

Q: Where can I download input and output devices of computer PDF?

On this page, You can download the input and output devices of computer PDF.

Q: What is the use of ‘scanner’?

It is the machine that converts information in paper or something else to the hard disk of the computer via., scanning a digital format.