Input Devices Purpose and Examples
What is an Input Device?
Computers are electronic devices for processing, storage, and retrieval of data based on the instructions fed into them. However, it is impossible to communicate and command with computers without an input device. What is an input device? An input device is generally a piece of equipment that sends information to a primary device. The input device definition stems from the idea of connecting and seeking control of a primary device, such as a computer, by connecting a piece of hardware to it. Input devices are peripheral devices that connect to computers to provide user input.
What are the input devices of a computer? There are different types of input devices (they will be discussed in more detail later), and it is important to understand how the input devices differ from the output devices. Output devices are instruments that receive information from the computer. Input devices differ from output devices in that input devices send data signals to the computer while output devices receive data from the computer. Both input and output devices must be compatible with the computer so that the computer can recognize them.
Input Device Defined
An input device for a computer allows you to enter information. The most fundamental pieces of information are keystrokes on a keyboard and clicks with a mouse. These two input devices are essential for you to interact with your computer. Many other input devices exist for entering other types of information, such as images, audio and video. Input devices represent one type of computer peripheral - the other two types are output devices and storage devices.
What is the Purpose of an Input Device?
The purpose of an input device is to enable computer operators to have control of the computer and send data such as text, images, or sounds to the computer. An input device such as a keyboard will feed text characters for word processing and enable the computer user to perform specific control functions. Input devices convert raw data into formats understandable by the computer for processing by the central processing unit (CPU) to produce an output. Therefore, the input device acts as a link in communicating with the processing unit.
Input devices are essential to the overall functionality of a computer because they allow users to add, edit, or feed a new set of data or instructions to the computer. Input devices enable users to interact with the computer by either inputting numerals, characters, or gaming instructions into the computer. For example, the computer can run by itself without an input device. Still, a user cannot be easily able to change instructions and settings, fix errors, correct inaccurate data, or carry out other user interactions without an input device. Since it is not possible to communicate to the computer processing system without an input device, it would not be easy to have a computer do what human users desire without the input device.
Types of Input Devices
Parts of the computer that receive input include a touchscreen, keyboard, and modem. The information that computer input device systems can record includes text, pointing, movements, audio, and video. Types of input devices include keyboards, pointing devices, and data entry devices.
- Keyboards- Are primary input devices used to key in information and other command functions in the form of text into the computer. Keyboard buttons enable users to execute specific commands to the computer. Some modern computers are manufactured with on-screen virtual keyboard software as a backup just in case the hardware fails. Typical keyboards use applying pressure on keying buttons as a modality of data input. The keyboard is a discrete input since it involves pressing buttons. Discrete input devices work in the concept that signals are either on or off. They include photocell sensors, open and close switches, and push buttons. Continuous input goes one further step than discrete input by letting users move their hands from one point to another to finish inputting information into the computer. For instance, typing a sentence on a keyboard requires that fingers move from one key to another until the desired work is put together. Additionally, keyboards have one degree of freedom; i.e., the keyboard keys can perform only one specific function at a time.
- Pointing devices- Are input devices that enable a user to move the computer's cursor when selecting, pointing, or manipulating any text or object. Pointing devices include a computer mouse, trackball, stylus, and touchpads. Pointing devices use movements as a modality of input. The movement of pointing devices across the computer screen is fast enough, which makes them discrete input devices. Pointing devices have several degrees of freedom. For example, the 3D navigator mouse designed for computer-aided design (CAD) applications has six degrees of freedom.
- Data entry devices- Refer to all input devices used to send data into the computer. These include optical character recognition (OCR) and scanners that use vision as a modality of input. Laser scanners, for instance, are both discrete and continuous and have two degrees of freedom.
Examples of Input Devices
There are several examples of input devices. These include:
- Mouse- A mouse is mainly used to point and move the cursor on the computer screen and click a corresponding position or object using clicking buttons. The mouse has right and left click buttons and a middle roller key button. Modern computer mice use laser technology to track and control the cursor's movement. Additionally, some modern computer mice are wireless.
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- Joystick- A gaming joystick is used for movement and controlling characters such as vehicles in virtual reality games. It also doubles as a pointing device, just like a mouse. Joysticks have multiple buttons for more specific game features.
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- Webcams- Are used to capture images and convert them to digital form. A webcam is used for video conferencing and can simultaneously record audio and video. Webcams cannot operate without being connected to the computer.
- Trackpads- These are primarily embedded on laptops to help navigate the screen. However, one can still connect an external mouse to a laptop. Trackpads have a surface that detects touch and movement of fingers to move the cursor correspondingly.
- Scanner- This input device enables the conversion of hardcopy images into a softcopy digital format. The technology reads characters and pictures and transfers them to the computer storage for further manipulation.
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- Microphones- These are voice input devices that read sounds from the surroundings and convert them to electrical sound waves that the computer can store. Microphones can be used for sound presentations or voice calling.
Due to advancements in technology, touchscreen technology has become widely used as a computer interaction module. Touchscreen technologies differ from traditional input devices such as keyboards and mice in that they do not use buttons but instead operate on a touch of the screen to point to the desired element. Playing a mobile screen game by moving the whole device, however, is not a touchscreen technology.
Devices used to play computer-based games include keyboards, gamepads, and joysticks. A joystick or gamepad is not necessary while playing computer-based games. However, they make playing such games more fun, especially fast-action games.
Lesson Summary
Computers are electronic devices that can receive, process, store, and retrieve data. The components that aid in a computer's functionality can be broadly categorized into input devices and output devices. Input devices send information signals and commands to the computer, whereas output devices receive data signals from a computer. Types of input devices include keyboards, pointing devices, and data entry devices. Computer input devices record types of inputs, including text, audio, videos, etc. Input devices can be broadly categorized according to the input modality, whether discrete or continuous, and the number of degrees of freedom involved. Some examples of input devices include:
- Webcams- Are used for video conferencing and can simultaneously record video and audio.
- Trackpads- Are usually made intact with laptops to help navigate the screen.
An external mouse can still be connected to a laptop at the user's convenience. Touchscreen technology differs from traditional input systems such as the keyboard because they do not use buttons, but rather operate through the touch of elements on the screen. Devices used in computer-based games include joysticks and gamepads. A joystick or gamepad is unnecessary while playing computer-based games. However, they make games a little more fun, especially the fast-action games.
Examples of Input Devices
A keyboard is the most fundamental input device for any computer system. In the early days of computing, it was typically the only input device. A keyboard contains keys for letters and numbers as well as for specialized tasks, such as Enter, Delete, etc.
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When operating systems started to use graphical user interface (GUI), the mouse was developed as a pointing device. Typically, a mouse resides on a flat surface, and by moving the mouse, you can move the pointer on the screen. One or more buttons on the mouse allow you to enter instructions by clicking. Most models also include a wheel for scrolling.
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Desktop computers have a separate keyboard and mouse, but for laptops, these are integrated into a computer system itself. In laptops, the mouse is actually substituted with a touchpad or trackpad. This is a specialized surface that follows the motion of your finger. You can still connect an external mouse to a laptop if you prefer.
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Another common input device is an image scanner. A typical desktop or flatbed scanner is a device that optically scans printed images and paper documents and converts them into digital images. In most scanners, you place the document on a glass plate and place an opaque cover over it. A bright light moves across the image, and the reflection is captured by a sensor, which converts the document to a digital image.
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Audio and video can be recorded using a microphone and video camera, respectively. Due to the popularity of video conferencing using services like Skype, these are now typically integrated in most laptops and monitor displays for desktops; however, you can also connect an external webcam, which can record both audio and video.
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If you use your computer to play games, you can use the keyboard and mouse to interact with the game, but this has limitations, especially for fast-action games. Instead, you may want to use a joystick or gamepad. A joystick is a pivoted stick that you can move around with your hand to simulate movement - sort of like what a helicopter pilot uses. A gamepad is a hand-held controller with a series of unique buttons to provide inputs specific for computer-based gaming. A gamepad looks very much like the controllers used for video consoles.
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While keyboards and mice have been around for decades, a more recent development is the use of touch screen technology. A touch screen has become the primary input method for smartphones and tablet computers. Instead of using a mouse, you simply use your finger to click directly on the screen. What if you want to type something? Most touch screen devices have a virtual keyboard that appears on the screen when needed.
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Lesson Summary
Input devices allow you to interact with your computer. These include devices for text, pointing, gaming, images, audio and video. These devices are becoming increasingly integrated into computer usage. The latest generation of tablet computers has all these input methods built into the tablet itself.
Learning Outcomes
After this lesson is done you should be able to:
- Explain the role of input devices
- Recall and describe a variety of input devices currently available
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Create your account
Input Device Defined
An input device for a computer allows you to enter information. The most fundamental pieces of information are keystrokes on a keyboard and clicks with a mouse. These two input devices are essential for you to interact with your computer. Many other input devices exist for entering other types of information, such as images, audio and video. Input devices represent one type of computer peripheral - the other two types are output devices and storage devices.
Examples of Input Devices
A keyboard is the most fundamental input device for any computer system. In the early days of computing, it was typically the only input device. A keyboard contains keys for letters and numbers as well as for specialized tasks, such as Enter, Delete, etc.
![]() |
When operating systems started to use graphical user interface (GUI), the mouse was developed as a pointing device. Typically, a mouse resides on a flat surface, and by moving the mouse, you can move the pointer on the screen. One or more buttons on the mouse allow you to enter instructions by clicking. Most models also include a wheel for scrolling.
![]() |
Desktop computers have a separate keyboard and mouse, but for laptops, these are integrated into a computer system itself. In laptops, the mouse is actually substituted with a touchpad or trackpad. This is a specialized surface that follows the motion of your finger. You can still connect an external mouse to a laptop if you prefer.
![]() |
Another common input device is an image scanner. A typical desktop or flatbed scanner is a device that optically scans printed images and paper documents and converts them into digital images. In most scanners, you place the document on a glass plate and place an opaque cover over it. A bright light moves across the image, and the reflection is captured by a sensor, which converts the document to a digital image.
![]() |
Audio and video can be recorded using a microphone and video camera, respectively. Due to the popularity of video conferencing using services like Skype, these are now typically integrated in most laptops and monitor displays for desktops; however, you can also connect an external webcam, which can record both audio and video.
![]() |
If you use your computer to play games, you can use the keyboard and mouse to interact with the game, but this has limitations, especially for fast-action games. Instead, you may want to use a joystick or gamepad. A joystick is a pivoted stick that you can move around with your hand to simulate movement - sort of like what a helicopter pilot uses. A gamepad is a hand-held controller with a series of unique buttons to provide inputs specific for computer-based gaming. A gamepad looks very much like the controllers used for video consoles.
![]() |
While keyboards and mice have been around for decades, a more recent development is the use of touch screen technology. A touch screen has become the primary input method for smartphones and tablet computers. Instead of using a mouse, you simply use your finger to click directly on the screen. What if you want to type something? Most touch screen devices have a virtual keyboard that appears on the screen when needed.
![]() |
Lesson Summary
Input devices allow you to interact with your computer. These include devices for text, pointing, gaming, images, audio and video. These devices are becoming increasingly integrated into computer usage. The latest generation of tablet computers has all these input methods built into the tablet itself.
Learning Outcomes
After this lesson is done you should be able to:
- Explain the role of input devices
- Recall and describe a variety of input devices currently available
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
- Activities
- FAQs
Computer Input Devices
This activity will give you the chance to consider the various computer input devices you learned about in the lesson and determine which devices are appropriate for the scenarios described below. For each scenario assume that there are no input devices attached to the computer. Describe all of the input devices that will be needed, using the list below, and explain why you chose each device and what its contribution is to the scenario. In some instances, there may be more than one correct answer, so explain which one you would prefer and why.
Input Devices
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Microphone
- Game controller
- Webcam
- Scanner
- Printer
- Headphones
- Speakers
Scenarios
1. Barbara wants to upload some pictures into an online scrapbook, adding text and laying out the images in a cohesive design. Which input devices will she need?
2. Billy wants to play an online game with his friends. They like to chat while playing in order to better communicate as they work together. His parents insist that he choose the quietest method possible as they're watching a show in the same room. Which devices will he need?
3. Becky has a major school report due tomorrow, which she plans to keyboard and hand in to her teacher. Which devices does she need?
Discussion and Solutions
1. Barbara will need a scanner to scan the pictures for her scrapbook as well as a keyboard and mouse to add captions to the images and design her book.
2. Billy will need a keyboard and mouse at the very minimum. In order to chat with his friends, he could also use a microphone and a headset, which would be quieter than speakers. He could also use a game controller instead of the mouse.
3. Becky will need a keyboard and mouse as well as a printer in order to compose and later turn in her school report.
What are examples of input devices?
Examples of input devices include touchpads, microphones, and joysticks. Touchpads are pointing and clicking devices, microphones are sound input devices, and the joystick is a gaming input device.
What are input and output devices?
Input devices refer to instruments that send information to computers. Output devices receive information from computers. Both input and output devices enable users to interact with the central processing unit of a computer.
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