Know and understand characteristics of input and output devices

1. Types and Components of Computer Systems

1.1 Input Devices

Input devices are the tools we use to give information to a computer. Think of them as the mouths of the computer – they “talk” to the machine by sending signals.

• 🟢 Keyboard – the classic typewriter, used for typing text and commands.
• 🟢 Mouse – a small remote control that moves the on‑screen pointer.
• 🟢 Scanner – like a photocopy machine that turns paper documents into digital images.
• 🟢 Microphone – captures sound, similar to a radio microphone.
• 🟢 Camera – takes pictures or video, just like a smartphone camera.
• 🟢 Touch screen – lets you “touch” the display to interact, like a smartphone.

1.2 Output Devices

Output devices are how the computer shows or delivers the processed information. They are the voices of the computer – they “speak” the results back to us.

• 🟢 Monitor – a screen that displays images and text, like a TV.
• 🟢 Printer – produces a hard copy of documents, similar to a photocopy machine.
• 🟢 Speakers – convert digital audio into sound, like a radio.
• 🟢 Projector – projects images onto a larger surface, like a movie screen.

1.3 Input‑Output Relationship

The computer follows a simple flow: Input → Process → Output. Example: You type a message on the keyboard (input), the computer stores it (process), and the monitor shows the text (output).

$Input \;\rightarrow\; Process \;\rightarrow\; Output$

1.4 Quick Reference Table