Input and output devices
Anything that is used to control a computer system or to send data to it is an input device.
Input devices include:
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Track pad
- Graphics tablet
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Scanner
Devices that the computer system uses to send out or display information from the processor are called output devices.
Output devices include:
- Monitor
- Speaker
- Printer
- Projector
- Plotter
Some devices act as both input and output:
- Touchscreen - fingers control a device through selecting icons. Screen also outputs images. Used for tablets, smartphones and some supermarket self-scan checkouts.
- Interactive white board - a touch-sensitive surface linked to a computer and a projector.
- Games controller - feedback gives outputs that the user can sense based on inputs, eg a rumbling sensation to reflect an explosion or collision onscreen.
- Haptic glove - wearable technology that gives designers touch feedback based on virtual surfaces and objects
A games controller, a mobile phone and a haptic glove
