Input & Output Devices
Every device connected to a computer is either an input device or an output device. Some devices are both.
What is an Input Device?
An input device sends data into the computer. When you type on a keyboard, you send letters into the computer. That makes the keyboard an input device.
What is an Output Device?
An output device brings results out of the computer to you. The monitor shows you pictures and text. That makes it an output device.
Data flows: Input → CPU processes → Output comes back to you
📥 Input Devices
- Keyboard – Types letters, numbers
- Mouse – Points and clicks
- Microphone – Records voice
- Scanner – Reads paper images
- Webcam – Captures video
- Joystick – Controls games
- Touchscreen – Accepts finger touch
📤 Output Devices
- Monitor – Shows visuals
- Printer – Prints on paper
- Speakers – Plays sound
- Headphones – Personal sound
- Projector – Projects on wall
- Plotter – Draws large designs
Devices That Are Both Input and Output
A touchscreen takes your finger touch as input and shows pictures as output — so it does both jobs. A headset with a microphone records your voice (input) and plays sound (output).
💡 Fun Fact: A touchscreen is used on ATMs, hospital kiosks, and tablet computers. One finger touch gives the computer a command!
✏️ Exercise
Q1. Is a printer an input device or an output device?
✅ A printer is an output device. It takes data from the computer and prints it on paper.
Q2. Name the device used to record your voice into a computer.
✅ A Microphone records your voice into a computer.
Q3. Give one example of a device that is both input and output.
✅ A Touchscreen is both an input and output device.
Q4. Sort these into Input or Output: Speaker, Scanner, Projector, Joystick
✅ Input: Scanner, Joystick | Output: Speaker, Projector
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