Computer Input and Output Devices

The functioning of a computer system is based on the combined usage of both input and output devices. Using an input device we can give instructions to the computer to perform an action and the device reverts to our action through an output device. 

In this article, we shall discuss the various input and output devices which can be connected to a computer, along with their functions. Also, some sample questions based on this topic have been given further below in this article. 

This topic is not just important to have a basic awareness of how a computer device works but is also equally important for competitive exam aspirants. This is because Computer Knowledge is a part of the syllabus for major Government exams conducted in the country. 

Let us first discuss the exact definition of an input and output device:

Input Device Definition: A piece of equipment/hardware which helps us enter data into a computer is called an input device. For example keyboard, mouse, etc. 

Output Device Definition: A piece of equipment/hardware which gives out the result of the entered input, once it is processed (i.e. converts data from machine language to a human-understandable language), is called an output device. For example printer, monitor, etc. 

List of Input and Output Devices PDF:-Download PDF Here

List of Input Devices

Given below is the list of the most common input devices along with brief information about each of them.

1. Keyboard

• A simple device comprising keys and each key denotes either an alphabet, number or number commands which can be given to a computer for various actions to be performed
• It has a modified version of typewriter keys
• The keyboard is an essential input device and computer and laptops both use keyboards to give commands to the computer

2. Mouse

• It is also known as a pointing device
• Using mouse we can directly click on the various icons present on the system and open up various files and programs
• A mouse comprises 3 buttons on the top and one trackball at the bottom which helps in selecting and moving the mouse around, respectively
• In case of laptops, the touchpad is given as a replacement of the mouse which helps in the movement of the mouse pointer

3. Joy Stick

• It is a device which comprises a stick which is attached at an angle to the base so that it can be moved and controlled
• Mostly used to control the movement in video games
• Apart from a computer system, a joystick is also used in the cockpit of an aeroplane, wheelchairs, cranes, trucks, etc. to operate them well

4. Light Pen

• It is a wand-like looking device which can directly be moved over the device’s screen
• It is light-sensitive
• Used in conjunction with computer’s cathode ray tube

5. Microphone

• Using a microphone, sound can be stored in a device in its digital form
• It converts sound into an electrical signal
• To record or reproduce a sound created using a microphone, it needs to be connected with an amplifier

6. Scanner

• This device can scan images or text and convert it into a digital signal
• When we place any piece of a document on a scanner, it converts it into a digital signal and displays it on the computer screen

7. Barcode Reader

• It is a kind of an optical scanner
• It can read bar codes
• A source of light is passed through a bar code, and its aspects and details are displayed on the screen

All the devices mentioned above are the most commonly used input devices. Several other such types of equipment are used in different fields which can be counted as an input device.

For the reference of candidates and to help them with the common computer-related terms, given below are links to difference between articles which will make these terms easily understandable:

• Difference Between Search Engine and Web Browser
• Difference Between RAM and ROM
• Difference Between Hardware and Software
• Difference Between IPV4 and IPV 6
• Difference Between Firewall and Antivirus
• Difference Between WWW and Internet
• Difference Between Virus and Malware

List of Output Device

The commonly used output devices have been listed below with a brief summary of what their function is and how they can be used.

1. Monitor

• The device which displays all the icons, text, images, etc. over a screen is called the Monitor
• When we ask the computer to perform an action, the result of that action is displayed on the monitor
• Various types of monitors have also been developed over the years

2. Printer

• A device which makes a copy of the pictorial or textual content, usually over a paper is called a printer
• For example, an author types the entire book on his/her computer and later gets a print out of it, which is in the form of paper and is later published
• Multiple types of printers are also available in the market, which can serve different purposes

3. Speakers

• A device through which we can listen to a sound as an outcome of what we command a computer to do is called a speaker
• Speakers are attached with a computer system and also are a hardware device which can be attached separately
• With the advancement in technology, speakers are now available which are wireless and can be connected using BlueTooth or other applications

4. Projector

• An optical device which presents an image or moving images onto a projection screen is called a projector
• Most commonly these projectors are used in auditoriums and movie theatres for the display of the videos or lighting
• If a projector is connected to a computer, then the image/video displayed on the screen is the same as the one displayed on the computer screen

5. Headphones

• They perform the same function as a speaker, the only difference is the frequency of sound
• Using speakers, the sound can be heard over a larger area and using headphones, the sound is only audible to the person using them
• Also known as earphones or headset

To learn more about the Fundamentals of Computer, candidates can visit the linked article.

Input and Output Devices – Sample Questions

As discussed earlier, input and output devices are an important topic for candidates preparing for Government Exams. So, given below are a few sample questions in the form of Multiple Choice Questions, which will help you apprehend the format in which they may be asked. 

Q 1. The _____________ pen is an input device which is used to select and display objects on a computer screen.

1. Ink
2. Light
3. Magnetic
4. Character Reader
5. None of the above

Answer: (2) Light

Q 2. The small element at the base of a mouse is called _________.

1. Roller
2. Ball Pin
3. TrackBall
4. RollerBall
5. None of the above

Answer: (3) TrackBall

Q 3. Which of the following is NOT an input device?

1. Barcode Reader
2. Scanner
3. Touchpad
4. Microphone
5. Speaker

Answer: (5) Speaker

Q 4. Which of the following is an example of a pointing device?

1. Mouse
2. Scanner
3. Printer
4. Barcode Reader
5. All of the above

Answer: (1) Mouse

Q 5. What all keys can be found on a keyboard?

1. Alphabet keys
2. Numerical keys
3. Command keys
4. Start button
5. All of the above

Answer: (5) All of the above

Apart from these, to practise questions from other subjects which are a part of the syllabus, aspirants can visit the following links:

List of Input and Output Devices PDF:-Download PDF Here

For any further assistance regarding the upcoming competitive exams, to get the best study material and preparation tips, visit BYJU’S.