Input and Output Devices

Keyboard

A typewriter-style device which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches.

• Input

• Output

• Both

Mouse

A small handheld device which is moved across a mat or flat surface to move the cursor on a computer screen.

• Input

• Output

• Both

Speaker

A device which converts an electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound.

• Input

• Output

• Both

Scanner

A device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting or an object and converts it to a digital image.

• Input

• Output

• Both

Joystick

A lever that can be moved in several directions to control the movement of an image on a computer or similar display screen.

• Input

• Output

• Both

VDU

Stands for "Visual Display Unit." A VDU displays images generated by a computer or other electronic device. The term VDU is often used synonymously with "monitor," but it can also refer to another type of display, such as a digital projector.

• Input

• Output

• Both

Touch Screen

A display device which allows the user to interact with a computer by touching areas on the screen.

• Input

• Output

• Both

OMR

An OMR (Optical Mark Reader) reads or scans marks made by pencil on a printed form into the computer.

• Input

• Output

• Both

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.

• Input

• Output

• Both

Inkjet Printer

Inkjet printers use cartridges that contain the ink. The ink flows through a set of tiny nozzles onto the paper. Inkjet printers are more often used in the home because they are relatively cheap to buy.

• Input

• Output

• Both