Input and Output Devices
By Katie Piper
The difference between an input and an output devices
Input Devices
An input device is a piece of hardware that is used to enter data into a computer.
There are many different kinds of input devices. They are split into two categories - manual input devices and automatic input devices.
Examples of input devices include:
- A Keyboard
- A Mouse
- Drawing Tablet
- Bar code scanner
- Touch screen
- Joystick
- Microphone
Output Devices
An output device is a piece of hardware that is capable of representing information from a computer.
Examples of output devices include:
- A Monitor
- Headphones
- A Printer
- A Speaker
- Disk Drives
Headphones
Headphones give sound output from the computer. They are similar to speakers, except they are worn on the ears so only one person can hear the output at a time.
Printer
A printer prints whatever is on the monitor onto paper. Printers can print words, numbers, or pictures
Monitor
A monitor is the screen on which words, numbers, and graphics can be seem. The monitor is the most common output device.
Devices that are both input and output devices
- A tablet
- An Interactive whiteboard
- A mobile phone
- Digital camera
- An iPod
These devices are classed as both an input device and an output device because they feature properties of both.
For example a tablet is both because it has a touch screen which also works as a monitor.