Chapter 6 : Understanding Input

• Define input and differentiate among a program, command, and user response
• Identify the keys and buttons commonly found on desktop computer keyboards, and describe how keyboards for mobile computers and devices differ from desktop computer keyboards
• Describe different mouse types
• Describe various types of touch screens and explain how a touch-sensitive pad works
• Describe various types of pen input, and identify other types of input for smart phones
• Summarize the purpose of various game controllers
• Explain how resolution affects the quality of a picture captured on a digital camera
• Describe the uses of voice recognition, Web cams, and video conferencing
• Discuss how various scanners and reading devices work
• Summarize the various biometric devices
• Discuss how POS terminals, automated teller machines, and DVD kiosks work
• Identify alternative input devices for physically challenged users

What is Input?

• Input is any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer
• Instructions can be entered into the computer in the form of programs, commands, and user responses
• An input device is any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer

What is a Keyboard?

• A keyboard is an input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into a computer
• Most desktop computer keyboards have between 101 and 105 keys
• Most desktop computer keyboards have a numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard
• Most desktop computer keyboards have function keys, CTRL keys, ALT keys, and arrow keys
• The insertion point, also known as the cursor, is a symbol on the screen that indicates where the next character you type will appear
• An ergonomic keyboard has a design that reduces the chance of wrist and hand injuries
• Ergonomics incorporates comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of the workplace
• Keyboards on mobile devices typically are smaller and/or have fewer keys
• Some phones have predictive text input, which saves time when entering text using the phone’s keypad

What is a Pointing Device?

• A pointing device is an input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen
• A pointer is a small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a pointing device
• A mouse is a pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably
• A mouse can be wired or wireless

What is Voice Device?

• Voice input is the process of entering input by speaking into a microphone
• Voice recognition is the computer’s capability of distinguishing spoken words
• Audio input is the process of entering any sound into the computer
• Music production software allows users to record, compose, mix, and edit music and sounds
• Video input is the process of capturing full-motion images and storing them on a computer’s storage medium
• A Web cam is a type of digital video camera that enables a user to capture video and still images
• A Web cam is a type of digital video camera that enables a user to send e-mail messages with video attachments
• A Web cam is a type of digital video camera that enables a user to add live images to instant messages
• A Web cam is a type of digital video camera that enables a user to broadcast live images over the Internet
• A video conference is a meeting between two or more geographically separated people