What is input device, What are the different types of Input devices

An input device is a part of computer hardware that allows us to interact with the computer and provide data or instructions. Its main job is to send the information given by the user to the computer. It acts like a bridge between the computer and the user. The primary role of an input device is to input data and provide commands to the computer, and to establish a communication link between the user and the computer. We cannot give instructions to the computer without these devices. For example, with the help of a keyboard and mouse, we can instruct the computer to type text or select an item on the screen, What is input device, What are the different types of Input devices.

There exist numerous types of input devices. The most common device is the keyboard, which is meant for typing text and giving instructions to the computer. The other very important input device is the mouse; it helps in moving the pointer on the screen and clicking. On the contrary, a touchscreen works by directly touching the screen and hence is very common among mobile phones and tablets, What is input device, What are the different types of Input devices.

Input devices are meant to give data or instructions to the computer. Few of the common input devices include keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone, and webcam. Moreover, while gaming, it comprises joysticks and gamepads as a controller. For biometric identification, a fingerprint scanner or an iris scanner plays an important role. Digitization of the document or codes takes place using scanners or a barcode reader. Others include motion sensors, temperature sensors, and digital cameras. These assist in providing commands to the computer quite conveniently.

What are the input devices of computer

Keyboard

A keyboard is an input device used for the purpose of typing data and for giving numerous commands in a computer. It was invented based on a typewriter design and holds letters, numbers, special symbols, and control keys. QWERTY keyboard layout is one of the most popular keyboards in use today. It was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes, who made the first typewriter in 1868. Keyboards are now made of different types such as mechanical, membrane, and wireless keyboards. A keyboard is a vital part of any computer and is used for writing documents, programming, speeding up tasks with shortcut keys, and navigation.

Mouse

A mouse is an input device used to control the cursor on the computer screen. It was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964, and the first model was made of wood. The mouse is used for opening, dragging, and moving files and folders on the computer. It uses optical technology, which tracks the mouse’s movement accurately on the screen. The mouse has three main buttons: the left button, right button, and scroll wheel, which make navigation and selection easier. The wireless mouse has made it very convenient.

Scanner

A scanner is an input device that changes physical documents, images, and graphics into digital form. It was invented by Russell A. Kirsch in 1957 who made the first digital image scanner. It uses optical sensing technology to read the image on paper and present it digitally. The use of scanners in offices is document digitization, photo editing, and book scanning. They are available in types such as flatbed and handheld scanners.

Microphone

A microphone is an input device that captures sound and sends it as a digital signal. It was discovered by Emil Berliner in 1876. The uses include voice commands, audio recording, and video calls. Microphones are also applied in music, podcasting, and voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa. Modern microphones are of two types: condenser and dynamic, which decrease noise and offer clear sound, What are the input devices of computer.

Touchscreen

A touchscreen is an input device where the user can give commands by touching the screen itself. It was invented by E.A. Johnson in 1965. Such a device is used in smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays. Touchscreens come in two types: capacitive and resistive. This helps users tap, scroll, and swipe on the screen. The most important advantage is that there is no need for a mouse or keyboard.

Webcam

This input device records real-time video; it sends this data to a computer. For the first time, scientists of Cambridge University utilised it back in 1991. Presently, there are many common uses of this webcam: namely, video call, live transmission, and video surveillance. Moreover, webcams can record in high resolution or capture photographs with high resolution nowadays.

Graphics Tablet

A graphics tablet is an input device that has been especially developed for digital art and graphic designing. It was first discovered by Tom Dimon and L. Samuel Hurt in 1957. It has a tablet and a stylus, also called a digital pen, that allows the user to draw on the screen. It is highly precise and offers great control to artists and designers. It is applied for animation, photo editing, and professional designing.

Barcode Scanner

Barcode scanner is an input device that reads barcodes or QR codes and transmits data to the computer. It was invented in 1974 by Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver. Barcode scanners are used in retail stores, warehouses, and logistics, where identification and tracking of products are very important. It helps manage the inventory and quickens the checkout process.

Game Controller

It is a control input device that allows users to control characters and objects in video games. The first version was created in the 1970s. It comprises all the additional buttons, triggers, and joysticks, which enhance the gaming experience. This device is also useful in virtual reality and simulation games. Wireless game controllers have become a part of modern gaming.

Flash Drive

A flash drive is a portable storage device also called a USB drive. It was invented in 2000 by IBM and M-Systems. The major use of flash drives is for data transfer, backup, and portable storage. They are small, lightweight, and very easy to use. Flash drives are known for their fast and secure data transfer and can be carried anywhere.

Apart from computer, what are the other types of input devices

Other than computers, there are input devices that input data or commands into other systems, devices, or machines. There are several types of such devices and they are used in different fields like health, manufacturing, music, and many others.

Telephone

A telephone is an input device used to talk to others. It uses a microphone to convert our voice into a signal and sends it over long distances. When we talk, the telephone records our voice and transmits it to the other person, allowing us to communicate remotely. It is an essential and common communication tool that converts voice into data and sends it as input.

Pad & Sensor

Pads and sensors are input devices that help a device detect our actions. For example, a smartphone has a touchpad that lets us give commands by touching the screen. Sensors like temperature and motion sensors sense the surrounding environment and send that information to the system. These sensors are used in ATM machines or smart home systems.

Music Instruments

Input devices of music instruments are keyboards or guitars. They take in digital information as the signals sent by these instruments to a computer or music system as these instruments record or process the music. It will be used to create and listen to music by inputting the music as data into the system.

Robotic Controller

A robotic controller is an input device that controls robots or other machines. It could be a remote control, joystick, or another form. By using this device, we control robots such as flying drones or direct industrial robots to do their work. The device takes input from the user and processes it to control the machine.

Voice Assistant Device

Input devices include voice assistant devices, for example, Amazon Echo or Google Home. It is a listening input device that will understand our voice and perform the task when spoken to. We can ask it about the weather or control the smart home device. It changes our voice into data and gives a response based on it.

Joystick

A joystick is an input device for playing video games. It is hand-controlled, helping to move characters or machines in a game. With the help of a joystick, we can move in all different directions and, therefore, find it easy to play. This device sends instructions from our hands as input to the game system.

Health Monitor

Health monitor devices are input devices that collect information about our health. For instance, blood pressure measuring devices or sugar testing devices measure vital data from our body like blood pressure or sugar levels. Doctors use that information to treat patients. These devices take data from our body and send it as input to the processing system.

All of them have the key purpose of acquiring information in distinct ways and send it to the system to make them useful. They are all the input devices, as they all send external data or information towards the system enabling the device or system to carry out its intent based on such information, What is input device, What are the different types of Input devices.

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