Example of Input Devices

The input devices They are mechanisms or devices that are connected to a computer to transmit data that it interprets. The users or the same device are those that introduce information to the computer; that is why they are called "entry". The information enters the computer and is processed and interpreted. Input devices complement the functions of a computer and facilitate certain activities for users.

This type of device is classified within what we call hardware; that is, they are physical parts that are part of the computer system. They are devices that we can touch, that are tangible. They differ from software, which is anything intangible that makes a computer work, such as computer programs or the operating system.

The input devices are also known as peripherals. The term peripheral It is the one used in computer terminology; refers in general to any device that works as a auxiliary tool for the computer and connected externally. That is, the peripherals are independent from the computer's processing unit or CPU and from the computer's internal memory.

We can find different types of computer peripherals or devices. In addition to input devices or peripherals, there are also output peripherals, storage peripherals, and peripherals that are both input and output.

14 Examples of input devices:

1. Mouse or mouse.

The mouse or mouse is a manual peripheral that the user handles by moving it over a surface. It is used to interact with on-screen computer functions; commands are given to the computer and it interprets and executes them. The movement that the user makes with the mouse is usually represented and reflected by means of a cursor, which is usually shaped like an arrow.

The mouse works from a laser light, which is reflected off the surface to detect the user's movement. The mouse also generally has two buttons, one of which is used to select what is seen on the screen, and a scroll, which is used to slide the screen up or down.

1. Keyboard.

The keyboard is a peripheral that consists of different buttons or keys, each of which corresponds to some graphic sign, such as letters, punctuation marks, numbers, mathematical symbols, among others. The keyboard inputs information to the computer. It is used mainly for writing; although it is also possible to execute certain functions of the computer through the keyboard.

The keyboards can be classified according to their character layout (Spanish keyboard, Latin American keyboard, United States keyboard). They are also classified according to physical characteristics, such as ergonomic, flexible, wireless, wired.

1. Trackball or trackball

The trackball is a manual peripheral that, like the mouse, works for the user to interact with the functions of the computer. It works by means of a ball that is embedded in the device. The user rotates the ball, the movement is detected and reflected on the screen by means of a cursor. Like the mouse, they generally have two buttons on their surface, which are used for different functions, such as selecting or scrolling menus.

1. Scanner

The scanner is an external and independent device that connects to the computer with the function of scanning documents or photos. That is to say, physical documents or photos are taken and the scanner is responsible for creating a digital copy that it saves on the computer. The files can be saved in different formats, as required by the user. Also, the resolution of the image or document can be adjusted; this is generally measured in pixels per inch (dpi).

1. Joystick or joystick

The joystick or joystick is external hardware that connects to a computer, through the USB port, in order to interact with the computer. It is generally used to handle video games. It consists of a lever, which is fixed to a base, and different buttons, located on the lever and on the base. The user moves the stick in different directions to control movement on the screen.

1. Digitizing tablet

The digitizing tablet is a peripheral that connects to the computer externally and digitizes everything that the user writes or draws on the surface of the tablet. It consists of a tablet, with a surface whose size varies according to the model, and a special pencil with which to draw on the tablet. This peripheral is widely used in the fields of animation, illustration and graphic design. Some pen tablet models contain an eraser on top of the pen, which emulates an eraser from a graphite pen.

1. Webcam or webcam

The webcam or web camera is external hardware that connects to the computer and serves to transmit images or video to it. Most computers today already have the webcam built into the top of the screen; However, before it was usual for this device to be connected externally to the computer. The images taken are then transmitted to the computer screen.

1. Microphone

A microphone is an input device that is wired or wirelessly connected to your computer and is used to transmit audio signals to your computer. A microphone can be used by the user to record audio or to communicate with another user through some software or chat program or through an Internet page. Some computers already have a built-in microphone; however, if the user is looking for a better audio quality (especially if what he requires is to record audio files) external microphones may be required.

1. Photo camera

Digital still cameras can function as input devices for a computer since the cameras Captured images or captured videos can be transmitted to the computer by means of a memory or a cable. The photographs or videos are stored and can be viewed on the computer so that the user interacts with them in different ways, as either just by viewing or editing them, or by using them in conjunction with software, such as photo editing or photo editing programs. video.

1. Code bar scanner

The barcode reader is an input peripheral that consists of a device that, by means of a laser, detects the information contained in a barcode; This information is analyzed and decoded by a decoder and then transmitted to the computer. Bar code readers can be wired or wireless.

1. Optical pencil

The optical pen is a peripheral that consists of a device in the form of a pencil or pen, which has some buttons. The function of this device is for the user to interact with the computer screen. In this way, the user can select items to be displayed on the screen or create illustrations or drawings by moving the stylus over the screen surface. It could be said that it fulfills the functions that a mouse or mouse would have, but with a different form of interaction on the part of the user.

There are two types of stylus in general: cordless and cordless; likewise, either works through the computer's USB port.

1. Multifunction printers

Multifunctional printers are considered as input and output peripherals, since they fulfill both functions depending on their use: they can send information to the computer or, alternatively, receive information that the user enters in the computer and execute the order or orders that the Username. As input peripherals, this type of printer allows you to scan files or documents; By digitizing these physical files, they send information to the computer, which is processed. The files are saved in different formats, such as pdf, jpg, png, etc.

1. Fingerprint sensor

A fingerprint sensor, also known as a fingerprint reader, is an external device that connects to to the computer and serves to read people's fingerprints and transmit this information to the computer. They can have several uses, one of them is the identification of the fingerprint to be able to access a computer. In this way, greater security for the user is guaranteed; since only those who have a certain fingerprint could access the system.

1. Gamepad or controller

The video game controller is external hardware that is connected to the computer and is used for the user to send orders and interact with a video game. A controller consists of different buttons and levers, which the user moves or presses to control the game; There may be different combinations of signals between the buttons to give more complex commands and expand the possibilities of interaction with a game. Video game controllers are generally designed to be held and operated with both hands.