Input Devices

An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. There are dozens of possible input devices such as microphones, graphics tablets, scanners, digital cameras and mobile phones. But the two most common ones are a keyboard and mouse.

 

Microphone

A microphone  is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. Microphones connect to the computer using the "mic" port on the computer sound card. A microphone can be used for Teleconferencing, Video Conferencing, In-Game Chat (Gaming) and Music Recording.

Mouse

A computer mouse is a device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. The main goal of any computer mouse is to translate the motion of your hand into signals that the computer can use. A ball inside the mouse touches the desktop and rolls when the mouse moves. A computer mouse is used to tell a computer what to do, including moving the cursor and choosing different things on the computer screen.

Graphics Tablet

A graphics tablet is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images, animations and graphics, similar to the way a person draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data or handwritten signatures. It can also be used to trace an image from a piece of paper which is taped or otherwise secured to the surface.

Keyboard

The keyboard is one of the most common types of input devices that is used with a computer. A keyboard consists of letters, numbers and other types of keys that perform different types of functions when used with a computer system. A keyboard can connect to the computer through a cord as well through a wireless connection.

Scanner

A scanner is a device that captures images from photographic prints, posters, magazine pages, and similar sources for computer editing and display. Scanners come in hand-held, feed-in, and flatbed types and for scanning black-and-white only, or color. Scanner’s are also used for making copies of image’s or document’s. It needs ink to be able to make copies of image’s or documents to work.

Digital Camera

A digital camera is used to store images digitally rather than recording them on film. Once a picture has been taken, it can be downloaded to a computer system, and then manipulated with a graphics program and printed.

Mobile Phone

Nowadays mobile phones can be connected to different types of output and input devices. There are bluetooth headsets for those who want a hands-free experience when making calls. You can also connect mobile phones to speakers if you want to play music or watch videos on them.