Input Devices

KeyboardA keyboard has keys which are marked with characters, and that are set out in a pattern; it's used to enter the characters e.g. letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and it can be used to enter commands into a computer. A keyboard can also be used for typing letters, memos or reports in to spreadsheets or a database.

Specialist KeyboardA specialist keyboard has keys which are labeled, but it's set out differently to a regular keyboard. Specialist keyboards can be designed for disabled users, e.g. they can have braille on the keys for users who are visually impaired, or they can be engineering keyboards for specialised character entry.

MouseA mouse is used to move a pointer on a screen, and it has one or more buttons which are clicked to select items from an on-screen menu.

MicrophoneA microphone is used to convert sounds to electrical signals, which can be digitised* They are used when talking on a mobile phone, using video call or using audio call.*convert (pictures or sound) into a digital form that can be processed by a computer.

Key PadA key pad is smaller than an ordinary keyboard, meaning that it has fewer keys; a keypad normally only has numbers and symbols like # and * on it. A key pad is often used for entering the price of an item.

Touch PadA touchpad is a touch sensitive panel that responds to fingers. Instead of using a mouse, you can use a touchpad to move a pointer on screen, or by tapping which acts like a mouse click.

Remote Control Remote controls input commands/instructions into computer systems or equipment, and it can be wired or wireless. It can also be used to send command signals to wheelchairs or TVs. In businesses, remote controls are often used to control training equipment and TVs.

ScannerA computer scanner uses reflected red light from documents or photographs to capture a digital version of the document or photograph, allowing it to be used in software applications such as word processors.

Bar Code Reader/ScannerA bar code scanner/reader scan the lines or the matrix of a barcode and convert them for input into a computer system. The barcode can then be used to look up the items details in a database.

Chip and PIN ReaderThe chip in the card is read in a slot, and there's a keypad for entering the PIN (Personal Identification Number). Card details are read from the card and checked using the PIN entered by the purchaser when using a debit or credit card.

Magnetic Stripe ReaderA magnetic stripe reader is used when the ard chip cannot be read (or if the card doesn't have a chip). It reads the data from the card when the card is 'swiped' through a slot on the reader.

MIDIMIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a special interface for connecting musical instruments to computer systems and for sorting/transmitting musical data.

SensorsSensors convert physical variations, like temperature, pressure or light, into electrical signals. They can be used for measuring the temperature or light levels in offices, which could then be used to control an air conditioning system.

CameraCameras use light sensitive receptors to convert light into electrical signals that are stored as still or moving images. They are used for taking photographs, capturing videos or for video surveillance in CCTV.