INPUT DEVICES SHOWING THEIR FEATURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, barcode readers.

VIDEO INPUT DEVICES

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

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

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