INPUT DEVICES

INPUT DEVICES

An input device is a peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or information appliance. Examples of input devices include keyboard, mouse, scanners, digital cameras and joysticks, etc.

An input device is any hardware device that sends data to a computer, allowing you to interact with and control the computer.

KEYBOARD

A keyboard is the set of typewriter-like keys that enable you to enter data into a computer or other devices. Computer keyboards are similar to electro-typewriters but contain additional typing keys. A keyboard is the primary text input device.

A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter characters and functions into the computer system by pressing buttons or keys. It is the primary device used to enter text.

A keyboard typically contains keys for individual letters, numbers and special characters, as well as keys for specific functions.

TYPES OF KEYBOARD

A normal computer keyboard is composed of around 110 keys. Desktop computer keyboards, such as the 101-key US traditional keyboards or the 104-key windows keyboards, include alphabetic characters, punctuation symbols, numbers and a variety of function keys.

The internationally common 102/104 key keyboards have a smaller left shift key and an additional key with some more symbols between that and the letter to it right.

There are actually three different PC keyboard: The original PC keyboard with 84 keys, the AT keyboard also with 84 keys and the enhanced keyboard with 101 keys. The three differ somewhat in the placement of function keys, the control keys, the return key, and the shift key.

Laptop Size: Keyboards on laptops and notebook computers usually have a shorter travel distance for the keystroke, shorter over travel distance, and a reduced set of keys. They may not have a numerical keyboard.

Flexible Keyboard: The flexible keyboard allow the user to fold/roll the keyboard for better storage/transfer, however typing, the keyboard must be resting on a hard surface.

Thumb-sized: Smaller external keyboard have been introduced for devices without a built in keyboard such PDAs, and smartphones. Small keyboards are also useful where there is a limited workspace.

Multi-functional keyboard: Multi-functional keyboard provide additional function beyond the standard keyboard. Many are programmable, configuration computer keyboards and some control multiple PCs, workstations and work environments.

Evaluation

  1. What is computer input device
  2. List five (5) examples of input devices
  3. Define keyboard

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