IGCSE ICT Theory
Chapter two
Manual Input Devices:
- QWERTY Keyboard
- Concept Keyboard: icons and phrases
- Numeric Keyboard
- Mouse
- Touchpad
- Remote control
- Joysticks
- Driving Wheel
- Touchscreens
- Graphics tablet
- Webcams
- Light pens
- Microphones: sound inputted, manipulated, and converted using ADC.
Direct Data Entry:
- Magnetic stripe readers: read the magnetic stripe usually on back of cards. Contains
information like expiry date, sort code, account number, etc.
ADV: Fast, error free, secure
DIS: stripe can be damaged
- Contactless card reader: allows payment without PIN under 25$. Reads radio waves from
chip in card. RFID.
ADV: faster, no typing error
DIS: limited transaction, errors may charge twice
- Chip and PIN reader: slot for card where chip is read, then PIN is entered.
ADV: secure, robust
DIS: fraud
- RFID: use radio waves to read and capture information from a tag, from several metres. Uses
microchip that stores/processes information, and an antenna that transmits the data. Can be
passive (use readers radio waves to relay data) or battery-powered (embedded battery to
power RFID). Used in livestock tracking.
ADV: distance, fast, bulk detection
DIS: interruption, tag collision, expensive
- MICR: reads magnetic ink usually at bottom of checks.
ADV: no human error, secure
DIS: expensive
- OMR: reads marks in pencil or pen, then stores the data. Questionnaires or Multiple-choice
exam.
ADV: fast, accurate
DIS: incorrect filling out
- OCR: takes scanned text and turns to computer readable format
ADV: fast, customers can add information
DIS: handwriting issues, inaccuracy
- Barcode readers: read information in form of a barcode, holding 30 digits.
ADV: faster, trusted, stock control
DIS: damages, expensive
- QR Codes: matrix of dark squares in light background, 7000 digits.
Chapter two
Manual Input Devices:
- QWERTY Keyboard
- Concept Keyboard: icons and phrases
- Numeric Keyboard
- Mouse
- Touchpad
- Remote control
- Joysticks
- Driving Wheel
- Touchscreens
- Graphics tablet
- Webcams
- Light pens
- Microphones: sound inputted, manipulated, and converted using ADC.
Direct Data Entry:
- Magnetic stripe readers: read the magnetic stripe usually on back of cards. Contains
information like expiry date, sort code, account number, etc.
ADV: Fast, error free, secure
DIS: stripe can be damaged
- Contactless card reader: allows payment without PIN under 25$. Reads radio waves from
chip in card. RFID.
ADV: faster, no typing error
DIS: limited transaction, errors may charge twice
- Chip and PIN reader: slot for card where chip is read, then PIN is entered.
ADV: secure, robust
DIS: fraud
- RFID: use radio waves to read and capture information from a tag, from several metres. Uses
microchip that stores/processes information, and an antenna that transmits the data. Can be
passive (use readers radio waves to relay data) or battery-powered (embedded battery to
power RFID). Used in livestock tracking.
ADV: distance, fast, bulk detection
DIS: interruption, tag collision, expensive
- MICR: reads magnetic ink usually at bottom of checks.
ADV: no human error, secure
DIS: expensive
- OMR: reads marks in pencil or pen, then stores the data. Questionnaires or Multiple-choice
exam.
ADV: fast, accurate
DIS: incorrect filling out
- OCR: takes scanned text and turns to computer readable format
ADV: fast, customers can add information
DIS: handwriting issues, inaccuracy
- Barcode readers: read information in form of a barcode, holding 30 digits.
ADV: faster, trusted, stock control
DIS: damages, expensive
- QR Codes: matrix of dark squares in light background, 7000 digits.
