User:All.in.All.5/sandbox

INPUT DEVICES
=== ''Before we dive into the world of input and output devices, allow us to introduce ourselves. We are a passionate group of  5 students from the International University of Management (IUM), Ongwediva campus .'' ===

What are Input devices?
== Now, let's get down to the basics. You might be wondering, "What exactly are input and devices?" Well, you've probably used them every day without giving them much thought. Let's briefly discuss them. ==

1. MOUSE
Mice typically have two buttons, a scroll wheel and a sensor.

They are used to move the cursor on the screen, select objects and click on buttons.

FUNCTIONS OF A MOUSE

-The primary function of a mouse is to move the cursor on the computer screen

-The mouse is also used for pointing and selecting objects on the screen.

-Many mice come with a scroll wheel, which allows you to scroll vertically through documents

THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF MICE

1. A wireless mouse

2. A wired mouse

1. The WIRED mouse uses a cable to connect to the computer in order to work, whilst the WIRELESS mouse is connected to the computer wirelessly, that is, without any use of cables.

PARTS OF A TYPICAL COMPUTER MOUSE

1. Buttons:

- Left Button: Used for primary actions like selecting and clicking.

- Right Button: Used for context menus and secondary actions.

2. Scroll Wheel:

The scroll wheel is often located between the two main buttons and is used for scrolling.

3. Sensor:

The sensor is located on the underside of the mouse and detects the mouse's movement

 2. KEYBOARD 

A keyboard is a hardware input device used to enter text, characters, and various commands into a computer or other electronic devices

Keyboards typically consist of a set of keys mounted on a flat surface. The most common type of keyboard is the QWERTY keyboard, which is named after the first six letters in the top row of keys.

Types of keyboards:


 * Standard Keyboards: These are the traditional QWERTY keyboards with alphanumeric keys, number keys, function keys (F1, F2, etc.), and various control and navigation keys (e.g., arrow keys, Ctrl, Alt, Shift).
 * Laptop Keyboards: These are built-in keyboards on laptops and notebook computers. They are typically compact and integrated into the device's chassis.
 * Wireless Keyboards: These keyboards connect to a computer or device via wireless technologies such as Bluetooth or RF (Radio Frequency). They are often used with laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.
 * Virtual Keyboards: Virtual keyboards are software-based keyboards that appear on a computer or touchscreen device's display. Users can tap or click on virtual keys to input text. They are commonly used on smartphones and tablets.

 3. Touch screen 

A touch screen is an input device that allows users to interact with a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other electronic devices by directly touching the screen's surface.

The functions and capabilities of touch screens


 * Virtual Keyboards: Touch screens are often used to display virtual on-screen keyboards, which users can use for typing and text input. This is common on smartphones and tablets


 * Touch Gestures: Touch screens support various touch gestures, including:


 * 1) Tap: A single touch at a specific point on the screen.

2. Double Tap: Rapidly tapping the screen twice.

3. Swipe: Dragging a finger across the screen in a specific direction.


 * Accessibility: Touch screens can enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Features like larger touch targets, voice commands, and screen readers make devices more usable for a wider range of users


 * Gaming: Touch screens are integral to mobile gaming, enabling users to control characters and objects by tapping and swiping on the screen

 4. Microphone 

A microphone is an input device that converts sound waves, such as spoken words or musical notes, into electrical signals that can be processed, recorded, or transmitted by electronic devices.

Microphones are widely used for various applications, including voice communication, audio recording and speech recognition.

FUNCTIONS OF A MICROPHONE


 * 1) Sound Capture: The primary function of a microphone is to capture sound from the surrounding environment. When you speak into a microphone or produce any sound near it, the microphone's diaphragm or sensor converts the sound waves into electrical voltage variations.
 * 2) Voice Communication: Microphones are used in devices like telephones, cell phones, and headsets to enable voice communication. They capture the user's voice and transmit it over a network or to another device for remote communication.
 * 3) Audio Recording: Microphones are essential for recording audio content, such as music, podcasts, interviews, and sound effects. Professional studios, as well as home recording setups, use microphones to capture high-quality audio.
 * 4) Speech Recognition: Microphones are used in speech recognition systems and voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa) to capture spoken commands and convert them into text or perform specific actions based on the spoken input.
 * 5) Podcasting: Podcasters use microphones to record spoken content for podcast episodes. High-quality microphones are often used to ensure clear and professional audio.

 5. Scanner 

A scanner is an input device used to convert physical documents, images, or objects into digital form.

It captures the visual information from the source and creates a digital representation that can be stored, edited, or transmitted by electronic devices.

Scanners are commonly used for various purposes, including document scanning, image capture, and data entry.

Functions of a scanner


 * Document Scanning: Scanners are often used to convert printed documents, such as letters, contracts, and forms, into digital files. This process is known as document scanning. It allows for easy storage, and sharing of digital documents.


 * Scanners with barcode recognition capabilities are used in inventory management, retail, and libraries for scanning and cataloging items with barcodes.


 * Image Scanning: Scanners can capture images from photographs, drawings, paintings, and other printed or hand-drawn visuals. This is valuable for editing, and sharing images digitally.


 * Text Recognition (OCR): Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software can be used in conjunction with scanners to convert scanned text into editable and searchable text documents. OCR enables users to remove and edit text from printed materials.


 * 3D Scanning: 3D scanners capture the shape and dimensions of physical objects to create 3D models. They are used in industries like manufacturing, design, and 3D printing