Hardware

Hardware refers to any physical component of a computer system that you can touch or see. It includes all tangible parts such as input devices, output devices, storage devices, and processing units.

Input Devices

Input devices are hardware components used to feed data or control instructions into a computer. The information provided is used for storage, processing, or transmission.

Barcode Reader

A Barcode Reader (or Barcode Scanner / Point-of-Sale Scanner) is a handheld input device used to scan printed barcodes and convert them into digital data.

Gamepad

A Gamepad is an input device primarily used for playing video games. It is held with both hands and features multiple buttons and controls to manipulate on-screen actions.

Graphics Tablet

A Graphics Tablet enables users to write or draw digitally using a stylus, much like writing with a pen on paper. The tablet surface acts as the paper, and the stylus acts as the pen.

Joystick

A Joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that can move in multiple directions (X and Y axes). It is mainly used in gaming and simulations. The cursor moves in the direction of the stick until it returns to the center.

Keyboard

A Keyboard is a typewriter-style input device used to enter text, commands, and functions. The most common layout is QWERTY, named after the first six keys in the top letter row. Other layouts include AZERTY, QWERTZ, and HCESAR.

Microphone

A Microphone is an input device used to capture audio or voice signals. It connects to the computer’s mic port and is often used for voice recording, video calls, and multimedia applications.

Mouse

A Mouse is a pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion and translates it to the movement of a pointer on the screen.

a) Wired Mouse

A Wired Mouse connects to a computer using RS-232C, PS/2, ADB, or USB interfaces.

b) Wireless Mouse

A Wireless Mouse connects to the computer via Bluetooth or a USB receiver, offering more freedom of movement.

Scanner

A Scanner converts printed documents or images into a digital format for storage, editing, or transmission.

Trackball

A Trackball is a stationary pointing device with a movable ball on top. Users control the pointer by rotating the ball with their fingers.

Webcam

A Webcam is a digital camera connected to a computer, used to capture video and images for online meetings, streaming, and communication.

Output Devices

Output devices display or present processed data from the computer in a human-readable or usable form.

Monitor

• a) CRT Monitor – Cathode Ray Tube monitors were among the earliest display devices.

• b) LED Monitor – Light Emitting Diode monitors provide bright, energy-efficient displays.

• c) TFT Monitor – Thin Film Transistor monitors offer high-quality and fast-refreshing display output.

Plotter

A Plotter is a specialized output device used to draw vector graphics and large-scale images, often used in engineering and design applications.

Other Output Devices

1. Printers – Used to produce a hard copy of digital documents.
2. Projectors – Display images or videos onto a large surface.
3. Speakers – Output audio from the computer for multimedia playback.

Input-Output Devices

Some devices serve both as input and output devices.

1. Facsimile (FAX) – Sends and receives documents over telephone lines.
2. Headsets (Speakers + Microphone) – Combine audio input and output.
3. Modems – Convert digital signals to analog and vice versa for data transmission.
4. Network Cards – Facilitate data transfer between computers.
5. Touchscreens – Act as both input (touch control) and output (display) devices.