Input devices

Input devices provide us a way to give input or instruct the computer to perform a function.
It can be any information or data given to the processor and this processor gives the output by
some output device.
How Does an Input Device Work
An input device converts user actions or physical movements into signals that the computer
can understand and process.
 Signal Conversion: Input devices convert physical actions (e.g., pressing a key,
moving a mouse) into electrical signals that the computer can understand.
 Data Transmission: These electrical signals are transmitted to the computer’s
processor, typically via USB, Bluetooth, or wireless connections.
 Processing by the CPU: Once the signals reach the processor, the data is interpreted
and processed by the computer to carry out the desired task (e.g., typing a letter,
moving a cursor).
 User Interaction: The user interacts with the input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.),
and the device sends corresponding data to the computer based on user input.
 Feedback to the User: In some cases, input devices provide feedback (e.g., vibration
in a game controller or sound from a keyboard key press) to confirm the input was
registered.

1. Keyboard: The keyboard is the main input device of the computer that is used most often.
The keyboard is used to perform all typing tasks on the computer. The keyboard has many
types of keys for proper function.
 Alphanumeric Keys: The fundamental keys used to enter text, representing letters
and numbers.
 Function Keys (F1–F12): Keys in the top row that perform a variety of tasks,
frequently acting as shortcuts for commands or particular tasks.
 Modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt): These keys increase command choices by changing
how other keys behave when tapped in combination.
 Numeric Keypad: An additional set of keys for entering numbers that resembles a
calculator and is usually located on the right.
 Special keys: Keys have particular purposes for navigation, text editing, and system
control (Enter, Backspace, Tab).
 Arrow keys (Up, Down, Left, Right): Make navigating documents, menus, and
interfaces easier.
 Escape key (Esc): It is used to reverse a command and go back in time.
Advantages of Keyboard:
  Fast Typing: Speeds up writing and data entry.
 Shortcut Keys: Makes software use more efficient (e.g., Ctrl + S to save).
 Accurate Input: Enables precise text and number entry.
 Long-Term Use: Ideal for writing documents, coding, chatting, etc.
 Language Support: Can be set up for different languages and symbols.
2. Mouse: The mouse is also the main input device. With which the pointer on the computer
screen is controlled. That is why it is also called a pointing device. Mouse is used to open,
close, drag and drop files, icons on a computer. The use of the mouse has increased a lot with
the introduction of GUI (Graphic User Interface).
Different Types of Mouse
 Trackball Mouse: A mouse with a ball on top that you roll with your fingers to move
the cursor. The mouse stays still, making it good for small spaces.
 Mechanical Mouse: An older mouse with a rubber ball inside that rolls on a surface
to move the cursor. It uses moving parts to track motion.
 Optical Mouse: A mouse that uses a light sensor (LED or laser) to detect movement
on a surface, providing smoother and more accurate cursor control.
 Wireless Mouse: A mouse that connects to the computer without a cable, using
batteries and wireless signals (like Bluetooth or USB receiver) for freedom of
movement.
Advantages of Mouse:
 Easy Navigation: Allows smooth movement around the screen.
 Point-and-Click: Makes selecting, opening, and dragging files simple.
 User-Friendly: Intuitive for beginners and easy to learn.
 Precision: Helpful in graphic design, gaming, and editing.
 Supports Shortcuts: Extra buttons can be customized for quicker actions.
3. Scanner: A scanner is used to scan documents and enter them into the computer in digital
form. The scanned document can be saved as an image on the computer. You can also edit the
document if you want.
Types of Scanner
 Flatbed Scanner: A scanner with a flat glass surface where you place documents or
photos to scan. It creates digital images and is common for home or office use.
 Handheld Scanner: A small, portable scanner you move by hand over a document or
object to scan. It’s useful for quick scans but less accurate.
 Sheetfed Scanner: A scanner that pulls in sheets of paper one by one to scan, often
used in offices for scanning multiple pages quickly.
  Drum Scanner: A high-quality scanner that uses a rotating drum to scan images or
documents, providing very detailed and accurate results, often used for professional
printing.
 Photo Scanner: A scanner designed specifically for scanning photos, offering high
resolution to capture fine details and colors for digital photo storage.
Advantages of Scanner:
 Digital Copies: Converts physical documents/photos into digital format.
 Preserves Quality: Scans with high resolution for clear images/text.
 Saves Time: Fast way to digitize multiple pages/documents.
 Editable Output: Scanned text can be edited using OCR (Optical Character
Recognition).
 Paperless Workflow: Helps reduce paper use and organize files electronically.