2. The computer keyboard's primary
function is to allow the user to input
commands that instruct the
computer on what to do. The user
may input a series of numbers,
letters and symbols using the
keyboard. More modern devices carry
extra buttons that provide the user
with features like volume control,
instant email access and tools to
control the computer's media player.
KEYBOARD
3. The mouse devices allow the user to
control the on-screen cursor. By moving
the mouse around, the user decides
where to position the arrow key on the
screen. Clicking the right mouse button
while the arrow is positioned on an area
of interest will instruct the computer to
execute the corresponding command.
Some mouse devices come equipped
with track features, which allow the user
to move the wheel to scroll up and down
pages on websites or in document files.
MOUSE
4. Gaming enthusiasts may opt to use a
joypad as a means of enjoying their
favorite computer games. The device
features a directional pad for moving
characters or objects up, down or to
the left or right, and several buttons
that execute a variety of game-related
tasks. Users can configure their
joypads in the computer's Control
Panel, a step that allows them to
assign certain buttons to perform
certain functions.
JOYSTICK
5. A Webcam allows users to film
themselves while they're on their
computer. Users can either save
the videos into the system, or run
a "streaming" video application
which broadcasts their every move
live over the Internet to viewers all
over the world. Computers with
higher CPU speeds and more RAM
will be able to view live Webcam
streams more fluidly than those
with lower CPU speeds and less
RAM.
WEBCAM
6. A computer microphone
gives the user the ability to
transmit his voice through
his computer. Computer
microphones are most
commonly included as part
of a headset apparatus that
people can use to speak and
listen to other computer
users via the Internet.
MICROPHONE
7. Hybrid input devices provide a
combined single interface for multiple
types of input signals to be transferred
to the computer processor. These
devices are usually used in computer
video games, and carry different
features for gamer accessibility, like
volume control, position control, etc. The
domain of hybrid input devices contains
sophisticated and simple hardware
devices, including gamepads, game
controllers, mechanical gaming
paddles.
HYBRID INPUT DEVICES
8. Audio input devices can be
further categorized as
audio signal capturing or
audio signal generating
devices. Audio signal
capturing devices carry a
microphone to capture
audio signals from external
environment, while audio
signal generating devices
use internal electronic
circuitry to produce audio
signals.
AUDIO INPUT DEVICES
9. Video input devices are
used to transfer video
signals to a computer
system. These video
signals are transferred in
the form digital bits, which
are first captured from
external world as analog
optical signals. Some
frequently used video input
devices with computer
systems include webcams,
digital video cameras,
VIDEO INPUT DEVICES
10. Trackballs are a mouse variation,
essentially a mouse lying on its back.
Because the device is stationary, it does
not require as much space on your
desktop. The ball moves as you rotate it
with your thumb, your fingers, or the
palm of your hand; this saves wrist
fatigue and reduces hand and arm
movement. Trackballs are especially
popular with those experiencing
problems with arthritic hands.
Trackballs come in various sizes and
shapes.
TRACKBALLS
11. Light Pens let you move
the pointer and select
items on the display
screen by directly
pointing to the objects on
the screen with the pen.
LIGHT PENS
12. Touch Screens allow you
to use your finger to
touch the screen and
choose objects. A special
computer monitor or a
monitor fitted with
special hardware is
necessary to provide
touch screen
capabilities.
TOUCH SCREENS
