What Is An Input Device?
An input device is essentially a piece of hardware component used to provide data and control
signals to an information processing system such as computer or information device. Common
inputs devices on modern computers include keyboards, mouse and touch screen which are used
to enter commands and data directly. Other examples of input devices include scanners, digital
cameras, joysticks, microphones, moouse, keyboard, touch pad, finger print reader, pen and
barcode reader.
What Is An Output Device?
An output device is any hardware component that use received data from a computer to
perform a task. The data received by the output device can be text, graphic, tactile, audio or
video. Three most commonly used output devices are a printer, a monitor and speakers. A printer
is used to generate a hard copy or graphics on a physical medium such as paper. Speakers are
used for communicating with the user by voice or for playing music or the soundtrack to a movie
whereas a monitor displays visual output such as text, graphics and videos on a screen. Other
examples of output device include printer, monitor, speaker, headphone, projector LCD projection
panels, computer output microfilm, plotters, GPS, sound card, video card.
Difference Between Input And Output Devices In Tabular
Form
BASIS OF
INPUT DEVICE OUTPUT DEVICE
COMPARISON
An input device is any hardware An output device is any
device which enables the user to hardware component that use
Description
enter data and instructions into a received data from a computer
computer. to perform a task.
An output device can receive
An input device can send data to
data from another device and
another device but it cannot
Functionality generate output with that data,
receive data from another
but it cannot send data to
device.
another device.
Output devices are necessary
Input devices are necessary for a
for a computer to share its
computer to receive commands
Necessity results and prompt users for
from its users and data to
more information and
process.
commands.
Control Input devices are controlled by Output devices are controlled by
the user. the computer.
Input devices are relatively
Output devices are simpler for
complicated as they have
the user since they only see the
Nature complex coding that ensures that
results and do not have to learn
the user can interact with the
the processes.
computer correctly.
