Input devices are vital parts of a computer system. Any machine that feeds data into a computer is considered an Input Device. This information that is entered may be in the form of text, sounds or graphics. For example, a key board, mouse, microphone, scanner, digital camera, and PC video camera are input devices, whereas a display monitor and a printer are output devices. Input devices other than the keyboard are sometimes called alternate input devices. Mice, trackballs, and light pens are all alternate input devices. Because a keyboard, scanner and a microphone are three of the main input devices used with a computer, you can find either or all of these devices where ever there is a computer system.
A computer computer keyboard is a device partially modeled after the typewriter’s keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons, or keys that act as electronic switches. Using a keyboard, a person can type a document, use keystroke shortcuts, access menus, play games and perform a variety of other tasks. A keyboard typically has characters engraved or printed on the keys, and each press of a key will corresponds to a single written symbol. However, to produce some symbols requires pressing and holding several keys simultaneous or in sequence. While most keyboard keys produce letters, numbers or signs, other keys or simultaneous key presses can produce actions or computer commands. When you look at all the extras and options that are available for new computer keyboards, it can be hard to believe that their original design came from mechanical typewriters that didn’t even use electricity. Now you can buy new designed keyboards that have little resemblance to flat, rectangular models with ordinary square keys. Some flashier models light up roll up or fold up, and others offer options for programming your own commands and shortcuts. But no matter how fancy these designs are most keyboards operate using similar functions.
Scanners have become an important part of...