Module No.

and Title : Module 1 Types and Components of Computer

Systems
Lesson No. and Title : C2- Input and Output Devices
L1- Input Devices
L2- Output Devices
L2- Control Devices
Learning Outcomes:
In this chapter you will learn about:
● Input devices
● the uses of each device
● the advantages of each device
● the disadvantages of each device
● Output devices
● the uses of each devices
● the advantages of each device
● the disadvantages of each device
● Control applications and uses of each device

Time Frame :
Introduction:

Hello my dear students! Welcome to Chapter 2, in this Chapter you will

learn the uses, the advantages and disadvantages of input and output devices. Keep
Fighting! And Enjoy Learning!

Activity:

● Give atleast 10 examples each of input devices and output devices and give a
short definition. Create a table

Analysis:

● It is necessarily to learn this devices why or why not? Give a discussion

Abstraction:
2.1 INPUT DEVICES
As the name suggests, input devices are hardware devices that allow data
to be input into a computer. Many such devices exist, ranging from the more
common ones, such as the keyboard, through to the more specialist devices, such as
barcode readers. A number are described in this section.

2.1.1 Keyboards
 These are the most common input devices and are used to input text,
numbers and instructions into the computer. Most use the QWERTY layout (this
name comes from the keys on the top row, which spell out ‘QWERTY’).

Ergonomic keyboards have also been developed recently. These are

designed to reduce health-related problems associated with the standard keyboard
(e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Uses
● Keyboards are used to input data into applications
software (e.g. text into word processors, numbers
into spreadsheets, etc.).
● They are also used for typing in commands to the
computer (e.g. Prnt Scrn, Ctrl+P to print out, etc.)

Advantages
● Keyboards enable fast entry of new text into a document.
● They are a well-tried technology and a well-known method of entry.
● Most people find them easy to use.
● It is easy to do verification checks as data is entered, as it appears on the
screen simultaneously.

Disadvantages
● Users with limited arm/wrist use can find keyboards hard to use.
● Entering data using a keyboard is slow when compared to direct data entry
(e.g. optical mark recognition).
● Keyboards are fairly large devices that use up valuable desk space.

The concept keyboard uses icons or phrases instead of standard letters.

These are often used in, for example, fast food restaurants, offices and shops, where a
single key represents an item. For example, the symbol shown in the photo represents
‘add tax’. The person using the keyboard only needs to touch this key to calculate the
tax on an invoice.

Advantages
● Concept keyboards enable fast data entry, as there is no need to type in whole
commands.
● They are waterproof, which is useful in a restaurant environment.
● These keyboards are tamper proof and so are useful in certain applications
(e.g. at unmanned airport information kiosks), preventing people from keying
in information which could potentially corrupt the computer system.

2.1.2 Numeric Keypads

A numeric keypad is used to enter numbers only (although some have a

function key to allow input of alphabetic characters).

Uses
 ● Numeric keypads are used in automatic teller machines
(ATMs), where customers can key in their personal
identification number (PIN), an amount of money, etc.
● Telephones have numeric keypads to allow phone numbers, etc. to be keyed
in.
● Electronic point of sale (EPOS) terminals have numeric keypads in case the
barcode reader fails to read the barcode and the number has to be keyed in
manually by the operator.
● Chip and PIN devices have numeric keypads for entry of PIN, amount of
money, etc.
● They are used to enable fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.

Advantages
● Numeric keypads are faster than standard keyboards for entry of numeric
data.
● Since many are small devices (e.g. mobile phones), they are very easy to
carry around.

Disadvantages
● They can be difficult to use, due to very small keys.
● It is difficult to use them for entering text.
● Sometimes the order of the numbers on the keypad isn’t intuitive.

2.1.3 Mice / Mouse

The mouse is an example of a pointing device. A ball

is used underneath the mouse to detect movement, so by moving
the mouse around the user can control the position of a pointer
on the screen. There are usually two buttons, which have
different functions: very often the left button is used to select
something by double clicking it and the right button brings up
drop-down menus (see Figure 2.1). Many mice also have a
scroll button, which speeds up the process of moving through a
document.

Recent developments have produced the optical mouse

(where movement is detected by reflected light rather than the
position of a moving ball) and the cordless mouse (which is an example of a
wireless device). The advantage of an optical mouse is it has no moving parts and it
also doesn’t pick up any dirt. This makes it more robust and improves its
performance, since the older type of mouse can ‘skid’ on certain surfaces reducing
the control of the pointer.

Uses
● Mice can be used for opening, closing and minimising
software.
● They can be used for grouping, moving and deleting
files.
● They are very useful when editing images, for example
 controlling the size and position of a drawing pasted into
a document.
● Mice are used for controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to allow
selection from a menu or selecting an icon and for scrolling up and down/left
to right.

Advantages
● It can be faster to select an option using a mouse rather than a keyboard.
● Mice enable rapid navigation through applications and the internet.
● Mice are small and so take up little area.

Disadvantages
● People with restricted hand/wrist movement can find it hard to operate a
mouse.
● Mice are easily damaged and the older type of mouse also quickly becomes
clogged up with dirt.
● They are difficult to use if there is no flat surface readily available (e.g. on an
aeroplane).

2.1.4 Touchpads

Touchpads are used in many laptop computers as a

pointing device. The pointer is controlled by the user
moving their finger on the touchpad and then gently tapping
it to simulate the left hand button of a mouse (i.e. selection).
They also have buttons under the touchpad which serve the
same function as the left and right buttons on a mouse.

Uses
● The uses of a touchpad are the same as those of a mouse.

Advantages
● It can be faster to select an option using a touchpad rather than a keyboard.
● Touchpads enable rapid navigation through applications and the internet.
● Since the touchpad is integrated into the laptop computer, there is no need for
a separate mouse, aiding portability.
● They can be used even when there are no flat surfaces available.

Disadvantages
● People with limited hand/wrist movement find touchpads difficult to use.
● It can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared with a mouse.
● They are more difficult to use when doing certain operations such as ‘drag
and drop’.

2.1.5 Trackerballs
 Trackerballs are similar to a mouse, except that the ball is on the top of the
device and the user controls the pointer on the screen by rotating the ball with the
hand. Some trackerballs have two buttons which have the same function as the left-
and right-hand mouse buttons. If they have a third button, this is equivalent to a
double click.

Uses
● They have the same pointing/cursor control capability
as a mouse.
● They are used in applications where the user has a
disability (such as RSI).
● They are used in a control room environment, where it is faster than a mouse
to navigate through process screens and is more robust than a mouse.

Advantages
● Trackerballs do not need the same fine control as a mouse.
● People with limited hand/wrist movement find it easier to use than a mouse.
● The pointer can be positioned more accurately on the screen than with a
mouse.
● They take up less desk space than mice since they are stationary.

Disadvantages
● Trackerballs are not supplied with the computer as standard, so they are more
expensive.
● User may need training since they are not standard equipment.

2.1.6 Remote Control

A remote control is used to control the operation of other devices remotely

by using infra red signals. The buttons on the keypad are used to select options (such
as television stations, sound levels on a hifi, timings on a DVD recorder, etc.).

Uses
● Most home entertainment devices such as a television,
satellite system, DVD player/recorder, hifi systems, etc.
have remote controls.
● Remote controls are also used to control multimedia
systems
● They are used in industrial applications to remotely
control processes, stop and start machinery, etc.

Advantages
● Remote controls enable devices to be operated from any
distance, which is particularly useful for people with
disabilities.
● Some chemical processes are hazardous, so it is safer to
operate equipment from a distance.
Disadvantages
● People with limited hand/wrist movement can find them hard to use.
● The signal between the control and the device can be easily blocked.

2.1.7 Joystick

Joysticks have similar functions to mice and trackerballs.

By gripping the stick, a pointer on the screen can be controlled and
buttons are used to make selections. Often they have another button
on the top of the stick that is used for gaming purposes, e.g. to fire
a weapon.
Uses
● Video/computer games are often controlled by joysticks.
● They are used in simulators (e.g. flight simulators) to mimic actual controls.

Advantages
● It is easier to navigate round a screen using a joystick rather than a keyboard.
● Control is in three dimensions.

Disadvantages
● It is more difficult to control the on-screen pointer with a joystick than with
other devices, such as a mouse.

2.1.8 Touch Screen

With this system the user can choose an option by

simply touching the button/icon on the screen. The selection
is automatically made without the need for any pointing device.

Uses
● Touch screens are used for self-service tills, e.g. petrol stations, where the
user just touches the screen to select the fuel grade and payment method.
● Touch screens are used where selections are made on screen, for example
ATMs, point of sale terminals (e.g. at restaurants), public information systems
at airports, railway stations, tourist offices.
● Personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones and satellite navigation
systems use touch screens.
● Interactive white boards used for education are large touch screens.
● Touch screens are used in computer base training (CBT) where selections are
made in answering on screen testing.

Advantages
● Touch screens enable faster entry of options than using a keyboard or a
mouse.
● It is very easy to choose options.
● It is a user friendly method for inputting data, so no training is necessary.
 ● Touch screens are tamper proof, preventing people from keying in
information which could potentially corrupt the computer system (e.g. at
unmanned ticket collection kiosks).
Disadvantages
● There is a limited number of options available.
● Using touch screens frequently can lead to health problems (e.g. straining of
arm muscles, RSI, etc.).
● The screen can get very dirty with constant touching

2.1.9 Magnetic Stride Readers

These are used to read information on the magnetic

stripe found, for example, on the back of a credit card
(see Figure 2.2). The stripe contains useful information,
such as the account number, sort code, expiry date and start date.

Uses
● Credit and debit cards have magnetic stripes that are used
by ATMs or EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer point of
sale) terminals.
● Security cards for entry to buildings, hotel rooms, etc.
use magnetic stripes.
● Travel systems (e.g. train and underground tickets) use
● magnetic stripes.

Advantages
● Data entry is faster compared with keying in using a keyboard or keypad.
● The system is error free, since no typing is involved.
● The information held on the magnetic stripe is secure: because it cannot be
read directly by a person; and, since there is no typing, there is not the risk of
somebody observing your key strokes.
● They can prevent access to restricted/secure areas.
● Magnetic stripes are unaffected by oil, water, moisture, etc. here are no
moving parts, so they are physically very robust.

Disadvantages
● If the magnetic stripe gets damaged (e.g. due to exposure to a strong magnetic
field or excessive use) the data is lost.
● The card needs to be in close contact with the reader, so magnetic stripe
readers don’t work at a distance.
● Since the information is not human readable, this can be a disadvantage in
some applications (e.g. hotel room numbers are not printed on the card, so
there needs to be another way of showing the information for the customer).

2.1.10 Smart Card Readers

Smart cards contain chips (see Figure 2.3) and are similar to magnetic stripe
cards. With these cards the information is stored on the chip (e.g. PIN and personal
data). The data stored on the chip can be updated (e.g. on loyalty cards). For
example, certain oil companies use these cards: when a customer buys fuel at a filling
station, the loyalty card is swiped and ‘points’ are added to the
card; these points can be used for air miles, money off next
purchases, and so on. The storage capacity of the chip is
much greater than a magnetic stripe, so more information
(such as customer details) can be stored.

Uses
● Loyalty cards, ID cards and public transport passes use
smart cards.
● Smart cards can be used to track customer/passenger
movements (e.g. on a metro system). They are used
with satellite systems to decode program signals.
● Smart cards are used for electronic passports and driving
licenses.

Advantages
● Some smart cards (e.g. transport tickets) are used instead
of money, reducing the need to carry cash.
● The chip on the card does not need to be in contact with reader, so there is
less damage compared with a magnetic stripe reader.
● Data is more secure, since it is easier to copy information on a magnetic stripe
than it is to copy information on a chip.

Disadvantages
● If the card is lost, information stored on the chip could be used in identity
theft

2.1.11 Chip & Pin Readers

Chip and PIN readers are similar to smart card readers,

but are used at EFTPOS terminals. The device has a slot into which
the card is placed and the chip is read. The PIN is entered using the
keypad. A small screen is also part of the reader, which gives
instructions to the operator.

Uses
● Chip and PIN readers are used where payments are made using
cards (restaurants, supermarkets, travel agents, etc.).

Advantages
● Chip and PIN readers provide a more secure payment system than requiring a
signature or using a magnetic stripe, since the PIN typed in must match up
with PIN stored on chip.
● Chip and PIN readers provide a more robust system than magnetic stripe
readers, since the chip does not need to be in contact with the reader.
Disadvantages
● Since the customer types in the PIN, they need to be careful that it isn’t read
by somebody else, thus giving an opportunity for fraud.

2.1.12 Scanners

Scanners are used to enter information on hard copy

(e.g. text documents, photographs) into a computer. The most
common type is the flat bed (as shown here) which is made up
of a glass panel and lid. The hard copy document or photo
is scanned by a light source and produces a computer-readable
image.
The subsequent image can then be manipulated using
a drawing package. Images can also be used with optical character
recognition (OCR) software to allow the information to used
in a word processor, desktop publishing, presentation software, etc. Specialist
scanners exist which are designed to carry out a specific task, e.g. barcode scanners
(discussed later in this section).

Uses
● Scanners are used to scan in documents and convert them into a format for
use in various software packages.
● Old and valuable documents and books can be scanned, thus protecting the
originals from damage through handling and also producing records in case
the paper copies are lost or destroyed.
● Non-digital photographs need to be scanned if they are to be stored on
computer.

Advantages
● Images can be stored for editing at a later date (paper documents cannot be
edited unless they are scanned first)
● Scanners are much faster and more accurate (i.e. no typing errors) than
typing in documents again.
● It is possible to recover damaged documents and photographs by scanning
them and then using appropriate software to produce an acceptable copy.

Disadvantages
● The quality can be limited, depending on how good the scanner resolution is.

2.1.13 Barcode Readers

Barcode readers are used to read information in the form of a bar code
(illustrated in Figure 2.4). The readers are usually in the form of a barcode scanner
and are often built into POS terminals in supermarkets. Handheld scanners or wands
(as shown here) are also very common for reading barcodes if portability is required
(e.g. if the barcodes are on large or fixed objects).
Uses
● Barcode scanners are used in supermarkets and other
shops where the goods are marked with a barcode; the
barcodes are used to give information about the product,
which enables automatic stock control, itemised billing,
etc. to take place.
● They are used in libraries, to scan both users’ library
cards and barcodes on books, in order to keep track of
books on loan.
● They are used as a safety function in many companies
to ensure that electrical equipment is checked on a
regular basis. Barcodes are placed on an item to identify
it and a database holds all the information related to
that barcode so it is possible to interrogate the system as part of a safety audit.

Advantages
● Scanning barcodes is much faster than keying in data manually and fewer
mistakes are made.
● When barcodes are used as a way of recording data, they can improve safety.
● Barcodes enable automatic stock control.
● Barcode scanning is a tried and trusted technology.
● When an item price is changed, only the central database needs to be updated.
There is no need to change the prices individually on each item.

Disadvantages
● Barcode scanning is a relatively expensive system to administer since every
item in the shop needs a barcode and every barcode needs to be entered on to
the central database. Also, there is a need to invest in the computer
technology together with staff training, which can all be very expensive.
● The system is not foolproof – barcodes can be swapped around on items!

2.1.14 OMR Devices

Optical mark recognition (OMR) is a system which

can read marks written in pen or pencil. The places where
the pen or pencil marks can be made are clearly shown on the
form, for example:
1 ●–● 2 ● ● 3 ● ●
In this example, a pencil mark has been made between the dots on answer 1.
The position of the mark is stored in the computer’s memory after being read by the
OMR device.

Uses
● OMR devices are used to read questionnaires, multiple-choice examination
papers and many other types of form where responses are registered in the
form of lines or shaded areas.

Advantages
 ● It is a very fast way of inputting the results of a survey, etc. – the documents
are fed in automatically and there is no user input.
● Since there is no typing, it is more accurate than keying in the data.
● OMR is more accurate than OCR (discussed later in this section).

Disadvantages
● The forms need to be carefully designed to make sure that the marks/shading
are correctly positioned to gather accurate information.
● There can be problems if the forms haven’t been filled in correctly and
sometimes they have to be manually checked before being read by the OMR
device – this is both time consuming and expensive.

2.1.15 OCR Readers

Optical character recognition (OCR) is the name

given to software that takes scanned text and converts it
into a computer readable form. The text can then be
used in various application packages such as word processors,
desktop publishers and presentation software.

Uses
● One of the most recent uses is in the processing of passports and identity
cards.
● OCR is used when scanning in documents so that they can be modified using
a word processor or desktop publisher package.

Advantages
● It is a much faster data entry system than manually keying in data.
● Since no manual data entry, the number of errors is also reduced.

Disadvantages
● The system still has difficulty reading handwriting.
● It is still not a very accurate technique.

2.1.16 MICR Devices

Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) is a

system which can read characters printed in a special ink
(containing iron particles). Only certain characters written in
a standard font can be read, for example the characters at
the bottom of a bank cheque (see Figure 2.5). These
characters are converted into a form that the computer can
understand and then stored in a computer file.

Uses
 ● It is primarily used to process cheques in banking operations.
When a cheque is presented its value is then printed on the
cheque in the special ink. The cheques are all gathered
together (either at the end of the day or after some specified
period) and then read using a batch processing method.

Advantages
● MICR offers greater security than OCR since the printed characters cannot be
altered.
● There is no manual input, thus errors are reduced.
● Even if somebody writes over the magnetic ink characters (e.g. with a
signature) they can still be read.

Disadvantages
● Only certain characters can be read and the number of different characters is
very limited.
● It is a more expensive method than other methods used in direct data entry

2.1.17 Digital Cameras

Digital cameras are rapidly replacing traditional,

film-based cameras. Once photographs are stored in
memory, they are easily transferred to a computer using a
universal serial bus (USB) connection (see Figure 2.6). Once
saved, the images can be manipulated (e.g. cropped, re-sized,
contrast altered, etc.).

Uses
● Digital cameras produce photographs for transfer to a
computer directly or to print out by connecting directly
to a printer.
● Many digital cameras also allow short video clips to be
● produced.
● Photographs can be uploaded directly into applications software such as word
processors, desktop publishers, etc.

Advantages
● It is easier to produce better quality photographs than with a traditional
camera.
● It is easier and faster to upload photographs to a computer rather than having
to scan in hard copies when using traditional methods.
● There is no need to develop film and print out photographs any more – this
saves money and is also environmentally more acceptable (saves paper and no
longer need the chemicals used in developing the films).
● It is easy just to delete an image from memory if it is not satisfactory and take
the photograph again.
 ● The memory cards can store several hundred photographs. A traditional
camera was limited by the number of photographs that could be taken on a
roll of film.

Disadvantages
● The camera user needs to be computer literate to use the cameras properly; also
the transferring, storing and manipulating of the images via a computer
requires some understanding of how computers work.
● There is some artistry lost since clever software now corrects errors in the
photographs (e.g. incorrect exposure, removal of red eye, etc.).
● The resolution is not yet as good as traditional cameras, although this is
improving all the time. The quality of photographs depends on the number of
pixels (many cameras now offer more than 10 mega pixels per image), quality
of lens, etc.
● Images often need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory used (a
single image can use more than 2 Mbytes of memory, for example).
● It is possible to fill up computer memory very quickly with several
photographs of the same subject in an attempt to find the ‘perfect’ snap shot.

2.1.18 Webcam

Webcams are similar to digital video cameras; however,

they are connected directly to the computer (through a USB port)
and they do not have a memory. The information that the
webcam picks up is transmitted directly to the computer. Many
computer systems now have webcams built into the top of their
monitors as standard equipment.

Uses
● While chatting online, many people use webcams as a more personal way of
having a conversation.
● They are used to enable video conferencing to take place

Advantages
● Webcams can be left on constantly, only being activated as required.
● They allow people to keep in contact with each other without the need to
travel, so they are particularly useful for elderly or disabled people.

Disadvantages
● Webcams have very limited features and the picture is often of poor quality.
● They need to be connected to the computer, although this is less of an issue
with laptop computers when the webcam is built into the monitor lid.

2.1.19Microphones

Microphones can be connected directly to a computer.

Sounds can be inputted and then manipulated. The input sound is
converted to an analogue signal and then converted into a
digital signal. The computer’s sound card usually does this
automatically (i.e. it acts as an analogue to digital converter (ADC).

Uses
● Microphones are used to input speech/sounds to be used in various
applications, e.g. presentations, sampling (in films, music, etc.), special
effects (films).
● They are used in voice recognition software, which can have a number of
purposes, for example:
● conversion of speech into text that can be used in, for example, a
word processor
● recognition of commands (e.g. some cars now have voice-activated
systems to switch on the lights, turn up the radio volume, etc.).

Advantages
● It is faster to read in text than to type it in using a keyboard.
● Using special software, it is possible to manipulate sound in real time rather
than working on a recording done at some earlier stage.
● If used in a voice activation system, this has the advantage of improving
safety since, for example, car drivers don’t need to take their hands off the
wheel to operate a switch or alter the radio station etc.

Disadvantages
● Sound files can use up a lot of computer memory.
● Voice recognition software isn’t as accurate as typing in manually (for
example, the software can’t distinguish the difference between ‘their’ and
‘there’).

2.1.20 Sensors

This section deals with analogue sensors. A sensor is a

device which inputs data to a computer, where the data is a
measurement of some physical quantity which is
continuously changing (e.g. temperature, light, moisture,
etc.). These physical quantities are analogue in nature.
Since computers only understand digital data (i.e. 1s and 0s), the information from
the sensors needs to be converted into a digital form. This is done using an analogue
to digital converter (ADC).

Uses
● Sensors are used in monitoring and control applications – the type of sensor
depends on the application (see Table 2.1). When monitoring, the data sent to
the computer is often transferred directly to a spreadsheet package (e.g. taking
measurements in a scientific experiment, measuring atmospheric pollution,
etc.).
Advantages
● Readings taken using sensors are generally more accurate that those taken by
human operators.
● Readings are continuous, so there is no break in the monitoring.
● Because it is a continuous process, any necessary action (control system) or
warning (monitoring system) will be initiated immediately.
● The system can be automatic, removing the need for human intervention. This
is particularly important if the process is hazardous or needs precise
control/monitoring.

Disadvantages
● Faulty sensors can give spurious results (e.g. if the sensors on the rear bumper
of a car which monitor for obstacles become dirty, they may either not
identify an obstacle or give a continuous alarm).

2.1.21 Graphics Tablet

A graphics tablet is used with a stylus to produce freehand

drawings for example. The images produced can then be
stored in a file on a computer.

Uses
● Graphics tablets are used to produce drawings, computer graphics, etc.
● In countries where characters are complex (e.g. China, Japan), they are used
as a form of input since it is faster than typing in the characters using a
keyboard.
● They are used in computer aided design (CAD) work.

Advantages
● It is possible to modify drawings before they are input.
● They offer a very accurate method of drawing, which is better than using a
mouse or trackerball.
Disadvantages
● They are more expensive than other pointing devices, such as a mouse.

2.1.22 Light Pen

Light pens contain sensors that send signals to a

computer whenever light changes are detected. At the moment,
the devices only work with cathode ray tube (CRT)
monitors (see Section 2.1) because they rely on the screen
image being built up row by row by an electron beam. The
screen is refreshed 50 times every second, so the computer is able to determine the
pen’s position by noting exactly when the light pen detected the electron beam
passing its tip. Systems to operate with thin film transistor (TFT) monitors are still
at the development stage.

Uses
● Light pens are used for selecting objects on CRT screens.
● They are also used for drawing on screen (e.g. with CAD packages)

Advantages
● Light pens are more accurate than touch screens.
● They are small, so can be used where space is an issue.
● They are easy to use.

Disadvantages
● There are problems with lag when drawing on screen.
● At the moment, they only work with CRT monitors.
● They are not very accurate when drawing.

2.2 OUTPUT DEVICES

As the name suggests, output devices are hardware devices that allow data to be
output from a computer. Some devices hold the data temporarily (such as a printer)
whereas other devices produce permanent output in the form of a hard copy (such as
a printer producing output on paper). There is a third type of output device which is
used to control processes in conjunction with sensor input devices.

2.2.1 CRT monitors

CRT Monitors are the least expensive type of monitor,

although they are becoming increasingly rare as TFT monitors
are now taking over. They come in various sizes. They use an
electron gun to fire against a phosphor screen, which creates a
picture that is made up of tiny dots. Each dot is coloured red,
green or blue – the intensity of each coloured dot makes up the
vast range of colours interpreted by the eye.

Uses
 ● CRT monitors are used as the primary output device for computers so the user
can see immediately what they are typing in.
● They are used with light pens, for example to allow designs to be created on
screen.

Advantages
● CRT monitors still produce a higher quality image than TFT monitors.
● The angle of viewing is still better than with a TFT monitor.
● They work with light pens in computer-aided design and computer-aided
manufacturing (CAD/CAM) applications.

Disadvantages
● CRT monitors tend to be rather heavy and are a weight hazard if not
supported properly.
● They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended (especially as they get
older).
● They consume considerably more power than the modern TFT monitors.
● They can flicker, which can lead to headaches and eyesight problems with
prolonged use.

2.2.2 TFT Monitors

TFT monitors are taking over from CRT monitors as the

main output device. One of the reasons for the rapid
development of laptop computers can be attributed to the
advancements made in TFT technology. The screen is made up
of thousands of tiny pixels, which are made up of transistors
controlled by a microprocessor. Each pixel has three transistors,
coloured red, green or blue; the intensity of each governs the effective colour of the
pixel seen by the eye.

Uses
● TFT monitors are used as the primary output device for computers so the user
can see immediately what they are typing in.
● They are an integral part of laptop computers.
Advantages
● TFT monitors are lightweight, so do not pose the same risks as CRT monitors.
● They produce less glare than CRT monitors and also emit less radiation.
● They consume much less power and do not generate as much heat as a CRT
monitor.
Disadvantages
● The angle of viewing a TFT monitor is fairly critical, with the image
appearing unclear when viewed slightly from the side. This can be an issue if
several people are looking at a screen at the same time.
● The definition is sometimes not as good as CRT monitors.
● TFT monitors cannot yet be used with light pens, so these monitors cannot be
used in CAD if light pens are used to create and edit drawings.
2.2.3 Laser Printers

Laser printers produce very high-quality hard copy

output. The print rate per page is very quick if a large number
of pages are being printed. They rely on large buffer memories,
where the data for the whole document is stored before the pages
can be printed out.

Uses
● Laser printers are used where noise levels need to be kept low (e.g. in an
office).
● They are the best option for fast high quality high volume printing.

Advantages
● Printing is fast for high volumes. If only a few pages are to be printed they are
little faster than inkjet printers.
● They can handle very large print jobs.
● The quality is consistently high.
● Toner cartridges last for a long time, so laser printers can be a cost effective
option, particularly if colour outputs are not required.

Disadvantages
● Laser printers are expensive to buy.
● They are only really fast if several copies are being made.
● Colour laser printers tend to be expensive to run, since four cartridges (three
colours plus black) are needed as well as diffuser kits, etc.
● They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds because of their method
of printing and type of toner/ink used. These have been linked to health
hazards in the office.

2.2.4 Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are used to produce good quality hard

copies. Although the quality is not quite as good as that from
laser printers, it is far better than that from dot matrix printers.
Unlike laser printers, inkjet printers do not have large buffers, so printing is done a
bit at a time. This is why printing is sometimes paused, since the whole page can’t be
stored in the buffer and it has to wait for the computer to send more data.

Uses
● Inkjet printers are used where low output volumes are required.
● If high-quality printing is required for single pages (or only a small print job)
then these printers are ideal, for example they are very good at producing
photo quality printouts.
● 3D inkjet printers are now being used in industry to produce prototypes (see
below).

Advantages
● The output is of high quality.
 ● Inkjet printers are cheaper to buy than laser printers.
● They are very lightweight and have a small footprint (i.e. take up little space).
● They do not produce ozone and volatile organic compounds, unlike laser
printers.

Disadvantages
● The output is slow if several copies needed, as there is little buffer capacity to
store the pages.
● The ink cartridges run out too quickly to be used for large print jobs.
● Printing can ‘smudge’ if the user is not careful.
● Inkjet printers can be expensive to run if they are used a lot, since original ink
cartridges are expensive.

2.2.5 3D Inkjet Printers

These are a new type of printer that produce solid 3D

models using modified inkjet technology. In this
technology, known as ‘tomography’, thin layers of fine
powder (plaster, resin and starch) are bonded together as a 3D
model is slowly built up (each layer is only about 0.25 mm thick).
Figure 2.7 shows some items produced on a 3D inkjet printer –
these are known as prototypes.

Uses
● Inkjet printers are used to
produce prototypes which
actually work from CAD
packages, photograph images,
stored drawings, etc.
● Scale models are produced in
colour before the real thing is
manufactured.
● The ultimate objective is to produce organic objects (such as replacement
human organs) using this layering technology.

Advantages
● 3D inkjet printers save a lot of money, since making prototypes by other
methods is very time consuming and expensive.
● Physical scale models are produced with working parts, which gives a better
idea of how the end product will look.
● The powders used can often be ground up and re-used.

Disadvantages
● 3D inkjet printers are expensive to buy.
● They are slow at producing their output.
● The end product can sometimes be a little rough and often needs further work
to be done on it.
2.2.6 Dot Matrix Printers

Dot matrix printers are a type of impact printer, where

a printhead (made up of a matrix of pins) presses against an
inked ribbon. They tend to be slow, noisy and the output is not
good quality. They are still useful, however, where
multi-part or continuous stationery (e.g. long reams of
perforated paper) is being used.

Uses
● They can be used in noisy environments (e.g. garage workshops) and in
applications where print quality is not very important.

Advantages
● Dot matrix printers can be used in environments which would be a problem
for laser or inkjet printers (e.g. dusty, dirty or moist atmospheres).
● Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
● They are very cheap to run and maintain.
● They are easy to use if continuous stationery is required (e.g. long print jobs
such as wages slips).

Disadvantages
● They are very noisy and so not good in an office environment.
● They cost more than an inkjet printer to buy.
● They are very slow and the printing is of poor quality.

2.2.7 Plotters

Plotters (also known as graph plotters) are devices that

produce hard copies, but operate in a different way to printers.
They are not limited to normal printer paper size and are capable
of producing highly accurate, very large drawings and posters.
The most common types are pen plotters (which use
coloured pens to draw), electrostatic (similar method to laser printers) and inkjet
plotters. With pen plotters the coloured pens are controlled by a computer and the
paper can move backwards and forwards to allow accurate shapes to be drawn.

Uses
● Plotters are used to produce large drawings (e.g. blueprints of buildings,
factories, etc.) and are often used with CAD applications.
● They are used to produce large pictures for use on billboards or giant posters.
They can also print on plastic-coated paper.
● If the pens are replaced with cutting tools, it is also possible to make large
signs.

Advantages
● They can produce huge printouts.
● The print quality is extremely high.
Disadvantages
● They are slow in operation.
● They are expensive, both to buy and to maintain.

2.2.8 Speakers

Speakers can be connected directly to a computer or are

built into the monitor or casing (as in a laptop computer). Digital
data from the computer is converted into analogue form, using a
digital to analogue converter (DAC). The signal is then amplified
through the speakers.

Uses
● Speakers are used to output sound from multimedia presentations.
● They are used in home entertainment centres.
● They can help blind people (together with speech generation software)
through audio output of text on the screen.
● They are used to play downloaded sound files.

2.2.9 Multimedia projectors

Multimedia projectors receive signals that can be either

analogue or digital, although most modern projectors only work
with digital inputs. The signal source is usually from a computer,
television or DVD player. The image from the source is magnified
and projected onto a large screen. The devices usually work with
a remote control, but can also use virtual mouse technology which actually becomes a
cordless PC mouse with the same features as a mouse. It is then possible to direct the
computer presentation without being tied to the computer. Another feature of the
virtual mouse is the laser pointer. Most multimedia projectors take input from various
types of video format such as NTSC, PAL or SECAM.

Uses
● Multimedia projectors are used for training presentations (to allow the whole
audience to see the images from a computer).
● They are also used for advertising presentations (large images showing
product features of, for example, a new car, can be shown at exhibitions,
shopping malls, etc.).
● Home cinema systems (projecting the images from a DVD or television) use
multimedia projectors.

Advantages
● They enable many people to see a presentation rather than all of them
crowding round a small computer screen.
● They avoid the need for several networked computers. For example, when
looking at a video clip on an internet site, everybody can see the video on the
large screen rather than logging on to a number of computers.
Disadvantages
● Images can sometimes be fuzzy.
● Multimedia projectors are expensive to buy.
● Setting up projectors can be a little difficult.

2.3 CONTROL DEVICES

Control devices are another type of output device. They are used to control
processes in conjunction with sensor input devices. This section gives an overview of
actuators and the devices that they operate.

2.3.1 Actuators

Actuators are transducers and are used to take signals from a computer and
convert them into some form of motion, for example operating motors, pumps,
switches and valves. As part of the control process, digital signals are sent from the
computer to an actuator to operate a device. Usually, conversion of the digital signal
to analogue is required first (using a DAC).

2.3.2 Motors

The motor is turned on or off by the actuator.

Uses
● Motors are used in many domestic appliances, such as automatic washing
machines (to make the drum rotate), cookers (to switch on fans), water pumps
in central heating systems and automatic greenhouses to open windows and
switch on fans.
● In industry, they are used to control robot arms.
● In computers, they operate fans, disk drives and DVD drives.

2.3.3 Buzzers

The buzzers are switched on or off by the actuator.

Uses
● Buzzers are used in cookers and microwave ovens to tell the operator when
the cooking process is complete.
● They are used in burglar alarm systems to warn if intruders are present.

2.3.4 Lights
 The actuator is connected to the switch that turns the lights
on or off.

Uses
● They are used for security lights.
● Lights are used in greenhouses to control the lighting conditions.

5.3.5 Heaters

Actuators are connected to switches which turn the heater

on or off.

Uses
● Heaters are used in automatic washing machines, cookers and central heating
systems.
● Heaters are used in automatic greenhouses to control the temperature.

Application:

1. What you have learn in this lesson? Make a short discussion.

2. What are the importance’s of these input, output, controller devices in the
computer? Give a discussion

References:

IGCSE
Information and Communication Technology
Graham Brown and David Watson

Congratulations! You did a great job for this lesson! You can now proceed to the next
lesson.