Information Communication Technology ICT – 2 Input and output devices | e-Consult
2 Input and output devices (1 questions)
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Answer:
Input devices are essential for computers to receive data from the user. Here's a breakdown of three different types:
1. Keyboard
- Characteristics: A keyboard consists of keys that represent letters, numbers, symbols, and special functions. Keyboards can be QWERTY, AZERTY, or other layouts. They can be physical (membrane or mechanical) or virtual (on a touchscreen).
- Uses: Typing text, entering commands, programming, data entry.
- Advantages: Fast and efficient text input, widely available, relatively inexpensive, good for complex data entry.
- Disadvantages: Can be noisy (mechanical keyboards), requires a flat surface, susceptible to spills, can cause repetitive strain injuries with prolonged use.
2. Touch Screen
- Characteristics: A touch screen displays information and allows users to interact with it by touching the screen with a finger or stylus. They can be resistive (pressure-sensitive) or capacitive (detect electrical changes).
- Uses: Smartphones, tablets, interactive whiteboards, point-of-sale systems, kiosks.
- Advantages: Intuitive and easy to use, combines input and output, compact, versatile.
- Disadvantages: Can be prone to smudging, less accurate than a keyboard for text input, can be expensive, requires a clean surface.
3. Pointing Device (Mouse)
- Characteristics: A pointing device allows users to control a cursor on the screen. Common types include mechanical (ball-based) and optical (laser-based) mice.
- Uses: Navigating menus, selecting items, drawing, gaming, graphic design.
- Advantages: Intuitive for navigating graphical interfaces, allows for precise selection, relatively inexpensive.
- Disadvantages: Requires a flat surface, can cause repetitive strain injuries, can be difficult to use for prolonged periods.