Ch.2: Input Devices
I.C.T.
Chapter 2
Input Devices
Eng. Mustafa El-Komy 13 Theory Notes
Eng.
Omar El Safty
,Ch.2: Input Devices
I.C.T.
As the name suggests, input devices are hardware devices that allow data to be
input into a computer. Many such devices exist, ranging from the more common
ones, such as the keyboard, through to the more specialist devices, such as sensors
and barcode readers.
2.1 Pointing devices
They are used to move and control an on-screen pointer or cursor. They are
commonly used with graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
Mouse
The mouse is an example of a pointing device. The user controls the position of a
pointer on the screen by moving the mouse around.
Uses
• Move a pointer on the screen to select items and
options from drop-down menus.
• Draw objects on the screen.
Advantages
• Faster entry of chosen options.
• Faster navigation.
• Smaller than keyboard.
Disadvantages
• Difficult to use for people with disabilities.
• Not suitable to enter text or numeric data.
Touchpad
A pointing device found on most laptops. Used
instead of a mouse since it takes up less
space.
Use
• Used with laptop computers instead of a
mouse.
Advantages
• Integrated within the laptop computer.
• Takes less space
Eng. Mustafa El-Komy 14 Theory Notes
Eng.
Omar El Safty
, Ch.2: Input Devices
I.C.T.
Disadvantage
• More difficult to control compared to a mouse.
Tracker
ball
This pointing device has a large ball that the user spins.
Uses
• For use by people with limited motor skills, e.g.
young children or people with disabilities.
• Used by people with disabilities or RSI.
Advantage
• Easier to use than a mouse.
Disadvantage
• Slower to use compared to a mouse.
2.2 Other input devices
Keyboard
Allows text (abc...), numbers (123...) and symbols (%$@...) to be entered into a
computer
Uses
• Entering text for word processing.
• Applications where text has to be created rather
than copied.
Advantages
• Allows accurate entry of data.
• Quick entry of original text.
Disadvantages
• Constant use can lead to Repetitive Strain Injury.
• Must learn how to type to achieve high input speed.
Eng. Mustafa El-Komy 15 Theory Notes
Eng.
Omar El Safty
I.C.T.
Chapter 2
Input Devices
Eng. Mustafa El-Komy 13 Theory Notes
Eng.
Omar El Safty
,Ch.2: Input Devices
I.C.T.
As the name suggests, input devices are hardware devices that allow data to be
input into a computer. Many such devices exist, ranging from the more common
ones, such as the keyboard, through to the more specialist devices, such as sensors
and barcode readers.
2.1 Pointing devices
They are used to move and control an on-screen pointer or cursor. They are
commonly used with graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
Mouse
The mouse is an example of a pointing device. The user controls the position of a
pointer on the screen by moving the mouse around.
Uses
• Move a pointer on the screen to select items and
options from drop-down menus.
• Draw objects on the screen.
Advantages
• Faster entry of chosen options.
• Faster navigation.
• Smaller than keyboard.
Disadvantages
• Difficult to use for people with disabilities.
• Not suitable to enter text or numeric data.
Touchpad
A pointing device found on most laptops. Used
instead of a mouse since it takes up less
space.
Use
• Used with laptop computers instead of a
mouse.
Advantages
• Integrated within the laptop computer.
• Takes less space
Eng. Mustafa El-Komy 14 Theory Notes
Eng.
Omar El Safty
, Ch.2: Input Devices
I.C.T.
Disadvantage
• More difficult to control compared to a mouse.
Tracker
ball
This pointing device has a large ball that the user spins.
Uses
• For use by people with limited motor skills, e.g.
young children or people with disabilities.
• Used by people with disabilities or RSI.
Advantage
• Easier to use than a mouse.
Disadvantage
• Slower to use compared to a mouse.
2.2 Other input devices
Keyboard
Allows text (abc...), numbers (123...) and symbols (%$@...) to be entered into a
computer
Uses
• Entering text for word processing.
• Applications where text has to be created rather
than copied.
Advantages
• Allows accurate entry of data.
• Quick entry of original text.
Disadvantages
• Constant use can lead to Repetitive Strain Injury.
• Must learn how to type to achieve high input speed.
Eng. Mustafa El-Komy 15 Theory Notes
Eng.
Omar El Safty
