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Input and Output Devices

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INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
In computing, input/output, or I/O, refers to the communication between an information processing system (such as a computer), and the outside world possibly a human, or another information processing system. Inputs are the signals or data received by the system, and outputs are the signals or data sent from it. The term can also be used as part of an action; to "perform I/O" is to perform an input or output operation. I/O devices are used by a person (or other system) to communicate with a computer. For instance, a keyboard or a mouse may be an input device for a computer, while monitors and printers are considered output devices for a computer. Devices for communication between computers, such as modems and …show more content…

Disadvantages of using a mouse include
_ It is not easy and convenient to input text with a mouse.
_ Issuing commands by using a mouse is slower than by using a keyboard. _ A mouse is not accurate enough for drawings that require high precision. _ A mouse usually requires a flat surface to operate.
_ A mouse needs more desk space to operate when compared with a trackball. Trackball
A trackball is a stationary pointing device with a ball mechanism on its top.
Advantages of a trackball include
_ A trackball is good for limited desk space because the user does not have to move the entire device.
Disadvantages of trackball include
_ A trackball is usually not as accurate as a mouse.
_ The ball mechanism of trackballs also requires more frequent cleaning than a mouse.
Touchpad
Is a small pressure- and motion-sensitive area on a portable computer that you can use to move the mouse pointer. When you move your finger across the pad, the mouse pointer on the screen moves in the same direction. A touch pad is an alternative to a mouse.
Advantages of a touch pad include
_ Easy and Fast one finger control.
_ Ideal for portable devices
Disadvantages of using a touchpad include
_ Expensive & found in specific devices e.g. laptops
Touchscreen
A touch screen is an input/output touch-sensitive display.
Touch screens are often used for information kiosks located in department stores, hotels, airports, and museums. Touch screens are also used for ATM machines to

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