Chapter 6 : Understanding Input

• Input is any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer.
• Instructions can be entered into a computer in the form of programs (a series of related instructions that tell computer what and how to perform task), commands (direct program) and user responses (an instruction a user issue to question displayed by program). 

Types of input devices:

• Keyboard is an input device containing keys for user to press to enter data and instructions into a computer. 
• Keyboard consists of Windows Keys, Application Keys, Toggle Keys, Function Keys, Letter Keys and Numeric Keys. 
• Can be wired or wireless.

• Pointing device is an input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen.

1. Mouse- a pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably. Types of mouse are mechanical mouse and optical mouse. Can be wired or wireless.
2. Trackball- a stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side.
3. Touchpad- a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion. Mostly used in laptop or notebook.
4. Pointing Stick- a pressure sensitive pointing device shaped like a pencil eraser that is positioned between keys on a keyboard. Mostly used in laptop or notebook.

• Touch screen- a touch sensitive display device. Found in all modern smartphones, tablets, or public machines such as ATM.

•  Pen input- a pen like device used on screen to write, draw or make selections.

1.  Stylus
2.  Digital pen

•  Game Controllers- an input device that directs movement and actions of on-screen objects in video games and computer games.

1.  Game pads
2.  Joysticks
3.  Wheels
4.  Light guns
5.  Dance pads
6.  Motion sensing controller

•  Digital Camera- a mobile device that allows users to take pictures and store them digitally.

•  Voice Input- process of entering input by speaking into a microphone. For example, Apple Siri or J.A.R.V.I.S from Iron Man.

•  Audio Input- process of entering any sound such as speech, music or sound effects into a computer.

1. Video Input- process of capturing full motion images and storing them on a computer's storage medium.
2. Digital Video Camera- recorded videos from Digital Video Camera can be transferred into a computer via USB port or Firewall port.
3. Web Cam- a type of digital video camera that specifically designed for computer usage such as online video conversation.

• Scanners and Reading Device

1. Flatbed Scanner- a scanner that provides a flat, glass surface to hold objects for scanning.
2. Pen or Handheld Scanner- a scanner that is moved by hand over the material being captured.
3. Sheetfed Scanner- specifically designed for scanning loose sheets of paper.
4. Drum- a type of scanner used to capture highest resolution from an image.
5. Bar Code Reader- uses laser beams to read bar codes.
6. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader- reads information on RFID tag. Commonly used on tracking toll payments, airline baggage or student and staff cards.
7. Magnetic Stripe Card Reader- read magnetic stripe on back of cards such as credit cards, entertainment cards and bank cards.
8. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Reader- convert MICR characters into a form that computer can process. Commonly used on check processing in banking industry.
9. Data Collection Device- obtain data directly at location where the transaction or event take places. Commonly used in restaurants, factories, warehouses and by postmen.

•  Biometric Input- authenticates a person's identity by verifying a personal characteristics.

1. Fingerprint Reader- used to scan and identify a person's fingerprint.
2. Face Recognition System- used to identify a person's face feature.
3. Hand Geometry System- used to identify shape of a person's hand.
4. Voice Verification System- used to identify a person's voice.
5. Signature Verification System- used to identify a person's signature.
6. Iris Recognition System- used to identify a person's iris.
7. Retinal Scanner- used to identify a person's retinal.

1. Terminal- a computer that allows users to send data to and/or receive information from a host computer.
2. POS Terminal- records purchases, processes, payments and updates inventory.
3. Automated Telling Machine (ATM)- allows users to access their bank accounts.
4. DVD Kiosk- a self service DVD rental machine.

Types of input devices for physically challenged users:

•  Keyguard
•  Keyboard with larger keys
•  On-screen keyboard
•  Various pointing device
•  Head-mounted pointer
•  Gesture recognition
•  Computerised Implant Device