Chapter 6

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). And we need input device (any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer) to interact with computer.

Types of input devices:
A) Keyboard- an input device containing keys for user to press to enter data and instructions into a computer. Usual keyboard found on market today is of QWERTY keyboard. Keyboard consists of Windows Keys, Application Keys, Toggle Keys, Function Keys, Letter Keys and Numeric Keys. Can be wired or wireless.

B) Pointing device- 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.

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

D) Pen input- a pen like device used on screen to write, draw or make selections.
1) Stylus
2) Digital pen

E) 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

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

G) 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.

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

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

J) 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.

K) 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.

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

Types of input devices for physically challenged users:
1) Keyguard
2) Keyboard with larger keys
3) On-screen keyboard
4) Various pointing device
5) Head-mounted pointer
6) Gesture recognition
7) Computerised Implant Device

In conclusion, input device is what allow user to send data and instructions to a computer (input) and basic input devices such as mouse and keyboard is a must for every computer. With good utilisation of input device and with improve design on input device, users can work more effectively.