Dawood Public School

ICT Handout: Input/Output Devices

Grade: VIII

Computers can only interact with the world using input and output devices. Inputs receive data for the
computer and outputs send information from the computer.

Input Devices
Input devices can send data to another device, but it cannot receive data from another device; they cannot
receive or reproduce information (output) from the computer. The main function of input devices is to provide
data and control signals to an information processing system like a computer.
Common examples of input devices include:

● Digital camera
● Mouse
● Scanner
● Bar-code reader
● Keyboard
● Touch Screen
● QR code reader

Scanners

A scanner is an electronic device that can scan handwritten or printed

documents and pictures and transform them into a digital file format.
There are two different types of scanners, which are:
Two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D).
2D scanners are the most common types of scanners and are used to input
hard-copy (paper) documents. The image is converted into an electronic form which can be stored in a
computer.
3D scanners take multiple snapshots of an object. The shots are then fused into a 3D model, an exact
three-dimensional copy of the object, which you can rotate and view from different angles on your computer.
Application of Scanner

● Computed tomographic (CT) scanners are used to create a 3D image of a solid object. MRI is also an
example of 3D scanners. 3D scanners are widely used in industrial design, engineering, and
manufacturing, due to their ability to quickly and precisely capture the required data.
● Creating custom healthcare solutions, such as back braces, implants, prostheses, and even personalised
wheelchairs has also become faster and easier. The required data can easily be captured by a 3D
scanner, processed in specialized 3D software, and then sent for manufacture via a milling machine or a
3D printer.
● 3D technologies are now more than ever before bringing history back to life and making it easily
accessible to people around the world by creating highly accurate digital replicas of various artifacts.

Advantages Disadvantages
● Flatbed scanners are very accurate and ● Images produced by the scanner can take up a
can produce reasonably high-quality lot of memory space.
images. ● Images lose some quality in the scanning and
digitising process.
● Any image which is digitised by the
● The quality of the final image is dependent on
scanner can then be included on
the quality of the original image.
electronic documents.
● Images once digitised can be enhanced
with a graphics application.

1
Barcode Reader
Barcode readers (and the input devices on the following pages) are classed as automatic input devices.
A barcode reader is an automatic input device which is used to scan or 'read'
the barcode by using a visible red light. The reflected light is translated into
digital data that is interpreted by the computer to identify the product and
price from the database.
Applications
Barcodes are used to identify products in stores. They provide information to
a computer system, which is used to track inventory, pricing, and other data.
Barcodes are also used to track shipments, verify product authenticity, and manage returns.
Advantages Disadvantages
● A barcode reader is considered to be ● For using a barcode technology, a barcode reader
more accurate than entering data by must be purchased which is quite expensive. The
hand. Even higher than RFID technology. prices are even higher if it is a 2D barcode
● The ability to track data fast and scanner.
accurately can lead to better decision ● Barcode readers are easily vulnerable to physical
making in each department. damages.
● Within a fraction of seconds all the ● Barcode readers are able to scan only a limited
necessary details of the product are amount of information. That information is only
given. about the product and manufacturers.
● The entire training process of a barcode
reader is less expensive and simple.

Quick response (QR) codes

Normal bar-codes can hold up to 30 digits; QR codes can hold over 7000 digits. This gives a wider range for
storage of information. QR codes are designed to be scanned anywhere, as phones are now accessible
anywhere and internet access can now be roamed; it is important to have QR codes to be accessed at any
range.
Application
● Bus Stops and Train Stations.
● Business Cards.
● On Packaged Food.
● Customer Surveys.
● Coupons.
● Boost App Downloads.
● Product codes

Advantages Disadvantages
● There is no need to write vital details ● It requires a phone with a camera which makes it
down; we can simply scan and capture costly for the common users to afford.
the desired information. ● Codes dependability on a smartphone. However,
● Almost free and inexpensive. In addition, Users must be equipped with a camera’s phone
it can embed any type of media and is and the correct reader software that can scan the
easy to use. image of the QR codes.
● It does not require an understanding of ● Smartphones used to scan QR codes are often
writing code. expensive and costly in comparison with simpler
● It stores a large amount of information phones.
and multiple uses of these codes. ● The user is not too familiar with this technology.
● Another main advantage is a quick ● Advertisers have to educate consumers about
response through QR codes. In addition, new technology to reduce scepticism.
no license required to create or use.

2
 Mouse
It is one of the most common input devices you will use.
A mouse is also called a 'pointing device' because it enables you to control what
happens on the screen by moving the mouse on your desk and pointing.
Many of the older styles of mouse used a ball which moved against two internal
rollers to record the direction that the mouse was being moved in. Recent versions
of the mouse use 'optical' or 'wireless' technology to track mouse movement.

Advantages Disadvantages
● Ideal for use with desktop computers ● They need a flat space close to the computer.
● Usually supplied as part of a new ● Older style mice which have roller balls can
computer system. become clogged with grease and grime and lose
● Most computer users are familiar with their accuracy until cleaned.
them and require little training. ● Excessive use can lead to health problems such as
● Works well in conjunction with a repetitive strain injury (R.S.I.)
keyboard for data entry. ● If the battery wears out in a wireless mouse, it
cannot be used until it has been replaced.

Keyboard
The keyboard is the most common and widely used input device.
Most keyboards are called 'QWERTY' keyboards. This name comes
from the first six letters on the top row of the alphabet keys.

Types of Computer Keyboard

1. Apple Macintosh Keyboards also called ADB keyboard as it
connects to the Apple desktop bus and comes with two varieties in standard and extended which
features 15 extra function keys.
2. Ergonomic Keyboards are broad and different shaped with spaces between two set of keys that makes
you work easier.
3. Multimedia Keyboards are similar to standard keyboard that has several additional keys and buttons for
multimedia purpose like volume, brightness and video controls
4. Gaming Keyboards consists of programmable keys, macro functions or digital displays that can be used
for playing games. It can be connected through wire by USB and also wireless.
5. Membrane Keyboards are often covered by transparent and plastic shell which is mostly use in medical
facilities. It can also be used in mobile or landline phones. Internet Keyboards are specially designed for
the Internet users that include special keys like email launch, browser launch, home, back and forward
key.
6. Wireless keyboards are used without connectors that can be delivered through PS/2 or USB cables

Advantages Disadvantages
● Most computers come with a ● It is easy to make mistakes when typing in data
keyboard supplied. ● If you can't touch type, it can be time consuming to
● People are used to using keyboards to enter data.
enter data, they need very little ● Keyboards are not suitable for creating diagrams.
training. ● Disabled people often find keyboards difficult to use.
● A skilled typist can enter data very ● Excessive use can lead to health problems such as
quickly repetitive strain injury (R.S.I.).
● Specialist keyboards are available e.g.
ergonomic, gaming keyboards.

Touch screen

A touch screen is the only device which works as both an input and an output device. You
view the options available to you on the screen (output) and you then use your finger to
touch the option that you have chosen (input).

3
Application
● Touch screens work particularly well with a menu driven interface. For example, a cashpoint (ATM) at a
bank would first of all ask which service you want. You touch the option 'withdraw cash' on the screen.
You are then presented with another choice, 'how much cash do you want to withdraw?'. Once you
have chosen how much, you then get other options such as 'do you want a receipt?'.
● Another major use of touch screens are on smart phones and modern tablet computers. Each 'app' is
accessed by an icon on the touch screen.
● Touch screens are easy to use and are often found in public places such as cashpoints at banks, ticket
collection terminals at theatres or airports, information centres at museums.

Advantages Disadvantages
● Easy to use - intuitive, don't need much ● Not suitable for inputting large amounts of data
training. ● Not very accurate - selecting detailed objects
● No extra peripherals such as a mouse are can be difficult with fingers.
needed. ● Tiring to use for long periods.
● Software can alter the screen while it is ● More expensive than alternatives such as a
being used, making it more flexible than mouse (unless it is part of the computer \
a concept keyboard which has a smartphone in any case).
permanent overlay. ● Less useful as a control input to a standard
● Touch screen is the main interface on computer that makes use of the mouse \
smartphones and tablet computers. keyboard combination e.g. laptop, desktop pc.
● Can make use of finger gestures to make
sophisticated actions such as zooming
and selecting.

Digital Cameras
Modern digital cameras link to a computer system via a USB port or by using
Bluetooth (which enables wireless transfer of photo files). Cameras nowadays
are controlled by a microprocessor which can carry out different tasks such
as:
● adjust the shutter speed
● focus the image automatically
● operate the flash automatically
● adjust the aperture size
● adjust the size of the image
● remove ‘red eye’ when the flash has been used
Modern technology is also caught up with camera, new smart phones have built in cameras which you can
access easily by opening the camera app. However, the drawback is usually poor-quality lens and limited
storage space of photos but many phones are improving on these factors such as the new iPhone products.

Advantages Disadvantages
● we save time and we can make a bigger ● Impractical in fast moving situations like
number of pictures on these digital ones. You sport photography. Must need a proper
no longer have to wait to process the film focused to capture images.
and risk to damage it. ● Expensive. Due to the higher quality, inner
● Digital camera has a lot of features like face components, and features, DSLRs tend to be
detection, night vision, motion detection and expensive luxuries.
so on, depending on the camera model. ● The fact is that these new digital one need
These features make the photo better and more energy in order to use all those
they allow the photographer to take pictures functions
on night too with almost the same quality as
on day.
● The video function is a feature that the
majority of digital cameras have. This is a
great advantage because you can record and
also take pictures on the same camera

4
Output Devices
An output device is a piece of hardware that is used to display or output data which has been processed or has
been stored on the computer.
There are many different kinds of output devices.
● Printers (Laser , Inkjet, 3D printer)
● LCD/LED
● Projector (LCD/DLP)
Printer
Printers are another common output device. They are used to create a 'hard'
copy of your work i.e. something that you can hold, hand to someone else or
file away. Most printers produce their output on paper.
However, paper isn't the only thing that you can print things onto, for example
some printers are able to print directly on to CD or DVD disks with a suitable
holder.

Laser Printer
● Laser printers are used in many workplaces because they are quiet, they print a large number of sheets
very quickly and they produce high quality documents.
● They print in the same way as photocopiers. Powdered ink, called 'Toner', is fused onto paper by heat
and pressure. You can purchase a laser printer which prints black and white copies only or you can pick
a colour laser printer. Black and white versions are relatively cheap to purchase and you only need to
buy black toner (which is also expensive).
● Colour laser printers offer good quality for work such as flyers or other commercial material.

Advantages Disadvantages
● High quality printouts - better ● Most expensive printer type to buy, especially colour
than ink-jet or dot-matrix. lasers.
● Fast printouts - faster than ink-jet ● Toner is more expensive than ink-jet cartridges.
or dot-matrix. ● Expensive to repair - lots of complex equipment inside.
● Prints very quietly - quieter than ● Fairly bulky - larger than ink-jet printers.
ink-jet or dot-matrix.
● Cost per page is low - cheaper
than ink-jet or dot-matrix.

Ink-Jet Printer

Ink-jet printers have been popular for a long time because they are relatively cheap to buy and most of them
can combine both black and white and colour printing at the same time.
These printers use cartridges that contain the ink. They operate by heating the ink as it flows through a set of
tiny nozzles. The heating process causes a small droplet of ink to form. This is then released as a single dot
which forms part of a letter or image. This is why the printouts often come out of an ink-jet printer still slightly
wet.
Colour ink-jet printers are ideal for use at home where only a few documents need to be printed and the
quality of the printout doesn't need to be perfect. They can produce superb photographic prints if suitable
high quality photo paper and inks are used.
Advantage Disadvantages
● Cheap to buy - cheaper than a laser ● Noisier than a laser printer (but not as noisy as a
printer. dot-matrix).
● More compact than a laser printer. ● Colour printing can be extremely slow.
● Cartridges cost less to replace than ● Cost of printouts per page are more expensive
toners. than a laser printer.
● Produce good quality printouts better ● Cartridges need to be replaced more often than
than a dot-matrix but not as good as a a laser printer.
laser. ● Ink will smudge while it is still wet. If not used
● Speed - faster than a dot-matrix but not for a while, the cartridges can dry out.
as fast as a laser.

5
Speakers
Most computers are fitted with a small internal speaker which can produce
beeping sounds to alert you if you make an error.
Computers can also be fitted with a sound card (or chip) which will enable sound to
be output through external speakers. These usually produce a much higher quality
sound than the internal speaker.

Advantages Disadvantages
● Everyone in the room can hear the output ● The output from speakers can disturb others
from the computer. who are trying to work.
● They can help create an atmosphere or ● High quality external speakers can be
ambiance to accompany a presentation. expensive.
● They help blind people to use the computer
because text can be converted into sound.

Monitor
A monitor is an electronic that displays information on a screen or other display device. It’s an output
peripheral that graphically displays the computer’s processed data, making it easier for users to interact with
the system.

LCD monitor
LCD stands for Liquid crystal display and is the most widely used monitor in the
world. It tends to take up less space, less electricity, generate less heat, and are
thinner and lighter than the ageing CRT monitors.
● The advantages of LCD monitors include their compact size which makes
them lightweight. They also don’t consume much electricity as CRT
monitors, and can be run off of batteries which makes them ideal for
laptops. Images transmitted by these monitors don’t get geometrically
distorted and have little flicker.
● However, this type of monitor does have disadvantages, such as its
relatively high price, an image quality which is not constant when viewed from different angles, and a
monitor resolution that is not always constant, meaning any alterations can result in reduced
performance.
LED monitor
An LED (Light Emitting Diode) display is among the newest techs out there and can be flat or curved. These
monitors consist of light-emitting diodes rather than cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), are brighter than
other monitors, and boast up to 4k resolutions. LED displays are more common among gamers who play HD
and high-definition games since they consume less power than LCD monitors.
● The advantages of LED monitors are that they produce images with higher contrast, have less negative
environmental impact when disposed, are more durable than CRT or LCD monitors, and features a very
thin design. They also don’t produce much heat while running.
● The only downside is that they can be more expensive, especially for the high-end monitors like the
new curved displays that are being released. LED screens have a bright display that runs through both
daytime and night.
3D Printer
3D printing uses digital files to create solid objects by placing sequential material layers. 3D printing, also
known as additive manufacturing, is defined as a process in which a digital file is used to create a
three-dimensional solid object.
Applications
● 3D printing is used to manufacture moulds for making jewellery, and even the jewellery itself.
● 3D printing is becoming popular in the customizable gifts industry, with
● products such as personalized models of art and dolls, in many shapes

6
 ● In less than 24 hours, a 400-square-foot house was constructed in a suburb of Moscow with 3D printing
technology.
● The possibilities for quickly erecting houses and other structures with 3D printing are intriguing when
time is critical such as to create emergency shelters for areas after a natural disaster.
● From vets who have made a 3D-printed mask to help a dog recover from severe facial injuries to
surgical guides, prosthetic limbs and models of body parts, the applications for 3D printing to impact
medical strategies is vast.
Advantages Disadvantages
● 3D printing allows you to produce parts and ● It’s true that there are not very many
components that are different, as well as designs people who know how to use 3D
that are unique. printers, but this is slowly changing as
● 3D printing has allowed us to print designs that teachers are now trained in using the
were previously not possible to create. The printers.
designer can create a unique, customized design. ● The printers can be extremely expensive,
● The reliability of 3D printing is very high, as this is but they are improving the technology
an automated process where you do not have to every day.
worry about errors. With this technology, it is ● It can damage parts which require them
possible to achieve what you need in a short time to be replaced.
with no problems.

Digital projector
A digital projector is a device which connects to a computer and is used to
project the video output from the computer onto a wall or screen.
In classrooms they are often used with electronic whiteboards.
The projector can be portable and placed on a stand or it can be
permanently fixed to the ceiling.

Uses of digital projectors:

● Classroom teaching
● Staff training sessions
● A presentation to an audience
● Home cinemas

Although most digital projectors are fairly large in size, new technology is currently being developed to
incorporate digital projection into small hand-held devices.
Types of a Projector
● Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
● Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

The meaning of Liquid Crystal Display is approximately clear from its name. The word LCD resembles two states
of matter, the liquid and the solid. A Liquid Crystal Display uses liquid crystal to project an image or object.
These types of display panel is generally used in computer, Laptops, TVs, portable video games and cell
phones. Displays in LCD technology are much thinner as compared to CRT technology.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a video innovation made by Texas Instruments that is utilized for front and back
projection units. DLP is used in both back and front projections. It is regular for back projection in TVs an d also
utilized in front projectors for units intended for organizations and classrooms. Digital Light Processing (DLP) is
the leading projection technology used in 90% of world's digital cinemas and 100% of IMAX cinemas.

DLP Projectors LCD Projectors

Pros: Pros:
● Offers high contrast ratios and ● Portability: LCD projectors are portable and
black levels, which makes them can be easily moved from room to room,
ideal for watching movies. making them ideal for presentations and
● DLP projectors are usually meetings in different locations.
lightweight and compact, making ● Cost-effective: LCD projectors are generally
them easy to install and move more affordable than interactive
around. whiteboards, making them a good choice

7
● They offer excellent color accuracy for individuals or small businesses on a
and image quality, even in well-lit budget.
rooms. ● Flexibility: LCD projectors can be mounted
on a ceiling or tripod, allowing for more
flexible placement options.
Cons: Cons
● DLP projectors use a color wheel ● An LCD projector requires a separate
that can produce rainbow artifacts computer, laptop, or device to display
that can be distracting to some content, making it less convenient for some
viewers. users.
● They can have a limited color ● LCD projectors do not have the interactive
gamut compared to other types of features of an interactive whiteboard, such
projectors. as the ability to write or draw on the
● They may require a bit more projected image.
maintenance due to the color ● LCD projectors require regular
wheel and the lamp. maintenance, such as bulb replacements,
which can add to the overall cost of
ownership.