What is computer input device and what are functions of input devices

Define input devices? Define types of input devices?

Answer) In computing, an input device is any peripheral ( piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and controls signals to an information processing system such as computer or other information appliance. In other words input devices are devices used to input data or information into a computer. Input devices include mouse, keyboard, touchpad (touch screen) joy stick and scanner.

Let’s define all input devices one by one:

1. Keyboard: it is used to type information or input information; there are several types of keyboard available of different layout and size. The standard keyboards ahs 101 keys, some keys have special use, they are called command keys, the three most common keys are control (ctrl), alternate (alt), and shift key. The keys are often classified as fallows

a. Alpha numeric.

b. Numeric keys, 

c. Functional keys and 

d. Special keys.

2. Mouse: it is a mechanical device with buttons on the top and rolling ball of locked in the base. Nowadays optical mouse are available. This helps in moving the cursor around the screen.

3. Touch pad: a touch screen is a video display screen that receives input from the touch of a finger. They are easy to use and convey information quickly.

4. Joy stick: it is used to play games. Lt is a pointing device whose vertical layer placed in a wall socket which can be fit in any directions to control cursor movement.

5. Scanner: it allows transferring picture and photographing to your computer.

   A scanner scans the image from the top to the bottom, one line at a time and transfers it to the computer as a series of bit or bitmap.