TechTayari

S2 · Computer Studies I · Grade 10 · ages 15–16

Input & Output

Devices and how to choose them

Grade 10 · 1.3 Input/Output (I/O) DevicesCBE strandFree · works offline

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The full lesson adds narration, an interactive mission and a 10-question bank, and the quiz explains any mistakes.

Input devices

Input devices turn things in the real world into data the computer can process. Keyboards and mice are the familiar ones. Others include touch screens, microphones, cameras and scanners, and sensors that measure temperature, light or movement.

Automatic data capture

Some input devices read data without anyone typing. A barcode or QR code reader at the supermarket, Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) for multiple-choice answer sheets, Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) for the numbers on bank cheques, and fingerprint readers (biometrics) for identity.

Output devices

Output devices present processed data to people. A monitor or projector gives soft copy, which you can see but not hold. A printer gives hard copy on paper; inkjets spray tiny ink drops, laser printers fuse toner with heat. Speakers and headphones give sound output.

Both input and output

Some devices do both jobs. A touch screen shows information and accepts taps. A headset has speakers and a microphone. A storage drive receives data and gives it back later.

Connecting devices

Devices connect through ports and wireless links: USB for most accessories, HDMI for screens and projectors, audio jacks, and wireless such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Pick devices by the job: speed, accuracy, cost, the volume of data, and the needs of the user, for example screen readers for blind users.

Key points

  • Input devices turn the real world into data: keyboards, mice, cameras, sensors.
  • Some devices capture data automatically, like barcode readers and OMR answer sheets.
  • MICR reads the special magnetic numbers on bank cheques.
  • Monitors give soft copy; printers give hard copy on paper.
  • Touch screens and headsets are both input and output.
  • USB, HDMI and Bluetooth connect devices to the computer.
  • Choose a device for the job: speed, accuracy, cost and who will use it.

Try it for real: Device detective

  • List every input and output device in your school's computer room or at home.
  • Find the ports on a computer or laptop and name each one.
▶ Start the interactive lesson