Input Devices

The computer is undoubtedly among humanity’s most important inventions. It’s the ability to store data and compute it gives us the ability to tackle problems easily that would be impossible to handle otherwise. This proves that computers are ingenious devices, and so is their make. However, to use a computer, one must be able to navigate and interact around. And that wouldn’t be possible without the input devices.  

Of course, computers are now all high-end and come with cutting technology. But, like all other electronic equipment, they too had humble beginnings. The very first computers were electro-mechanical. This means that they used mechanical components as part of the computing process. The Harvard Mark I was one of the most significant examples of such machines. Cut to the present, today we are used to thinking of our computers as an ecosystem. And why shouldn’t we? From big and chunky systems, they are now lightweight, flat-screened and come with advanced technology. It is evident that, with such importance, every part of a computer system is significant for it to work correctly. And out of all the parts, the computer input devices are the most important. But what exactly are the input devices? Keep reading to know! 

Types of computer input devices 

The computer input devices are basically, hardware pieces that feed in data or information into the computer system. In other words, the input devices either interact with or control the computer in some way. Can you imagine working on a computer without typing on a keyboard and pointing to a mouse? It is merely impossible, right? Well, such is the importance of the input devices. That’s why you need to get them right, and for that, you must understand their various available options. Yep! There are many more input devices other than a keyboard and mouse. Moreover, they are available in different makes and models. Below enlisted are some major computer input devices. This will help you understand their functions and buy the one according to your application. 

Exploring the keyboards – Virtual, wired, wireless keyboards and many more

Of course, you all know what a keyboard is. They are input devices that let you type in and give commands to your computer. In other words, it is a device that you use to insert characters into the computer. Every key on the keyboard usually corresponds to a single character or symbol. However, you require a combination of keypunches to produce the desired characters. Now, most likely, your keyboard comes with a QWERTY layout. This they inherited from the century-old keypunches and teleprinter devices. Today there are a variety of keyboards available in the market that are suitable for various uses. Flexible keyboards, thumb-sized, wired, wireless, gaming keyboards, membrane, chiclet, ergonomic and even Arabic keyboards are a few popular ones these days. 

The computer mouse – Understanding a gaming mouse and a Bluetooth mouse

A computer is a fantastic device; however, it becomes useless if one is not able to navigate through it. And to do that, you need a mouse. To put it differently, your computers use the mouse as a pointing device in the operating system. When it comes to its design, you will find two or more buttons, one or more wheels. Moreover, it is a device designed to be held in a single hand. With this input device, you can easily click, drag, copy, and execute programs on the system. Typically, the original mouse came with a mechanical ball. However, it now comes with the latest optimal version. The newest editions are both lightweight and quick. Today you’ll find various types of mice, including trackball mouse, mechanical, wireless, gaming and Bluetooth.  

The barcode readers – examining the device 

Barcode readers or POS (Point-of-sale) are smart, handheld input devices. This is why it makes doing business easier and more efficient for companies. Moreover, it enhances the speed of feeding in data, especially when you want to track and store information about goods. A barcode reader usually consists of a scanner, a decoder, and a cable that is used to connect the reader with the computer. However, you can also connect them through a serial port, keyboard port, or an interface device called a wedge. Once connected, the reader works by directing a beam of light across the bar code printed on the product and measuring the amount of light that is reflected. The scanner converts this light energy into electrical energy. This is then converted into data by the decoder and forwarded to the computer. 

The PC game controllers – Assessing their merits, demerits and functions 

Of course, playing video games on the computer system is fun. Indeed, you have your mouse and keyboards for shooter and strategy titles. Maybe you also have a touch screen for smartphone puzzles. But, nothing beats the dedicated input devices like game controllers for playing games on a PC. That is why primary game controllers come with a gamepad or two that you can connect to your PC with some tinkering. There are now countless gamepads and other types of controllers out there that you can hook up to your PC. For example, there are game controllers like Xbox controller for PC, Switch Pro controller, PlayStation 4 and more. All of these controllers have the benefit of rock-solid build, high-quality and reliable PC compatibility.