SH1603

Basic Input Devices

I. What are Input Devices?
 Hardware components that convert information supplied by the user into data that
a computer can understand.
 Directly controlled by the user and function as methods of communication between
the user and the computer.

A. Types of Input Devices

 Primary Input Devices are input devices that are considered essential for a
computer; if a primary input device is removed from the PC, the PC will not
work or function normally.
 Secondary Input Devices are input devices that serve as auxiliary methods
of input; such devices are non-essential to a computer’s operation.

B. Input Device Classifications

 Pointing Devices are used to control the movement of a pointer in GUI
application programs wherein the movement and button presses on the device
as interpreted by the computer as movement and item selection by the pointer.
 Imaging and Video Devices translate images and video in a form that a
computer can use and process; images and videos are converted into digital
form which can then be stored and manipulated by applications programs.
 Audio Input Devices convert sound and audio into digital form; samples and
recordings are stored in common audio file formats for playback and
processing.
 Composite Devices combine multiple input devices into a single device; such
devices are developed for comfort and function.
 Wireless Devices use wireless interfaces to make the devices function; this
eliminates the need for space occupied by unnecessary peripherals such as
cords.

II. Computer Keyboard

 One of the primary input devices for a computer system.
 Consists of rectangular keys labeled with letters of the alphabet, numbers, special
characters, and other functions.
 Mainly used to type characters, access menus, play games, and perform a variety
of tasks.

A. Keyboard Interface Connectors

 The 5-pin DIN Connector is introduced by IBM and was used in AT and older
motherboards; it is now considered obsolete.
 The 6-Pin Mini DIN Connector, more commonly known as the PS/2
Connector, was used in ATP, LPX and NLS motherboard form factors. It was
the benchmark standard for keyboard interface connectors until it was
superseded by USB connectors.

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 The 6-Pin SDL Connector was an interface connector developed by AMP; it

looks similar to an RJ42 telephone connector except for the wires and springs
to hold itself in place.
 The USB Connector connects a keyboard using the standard USB interface
connector; this allows keyboards to be connected and disconnected without
rebooting.

III. Common Keyboard Types

 The 101-key Enhanced Keyboard was introduced by IBM in 1987 and was
designed to conform to international standard specifications.
 The 104-key Windows Keyboard was designed by Microsoft for Windows. The
design was specifically customized for Windows applications by adding 3 new
Windows-specific keys in its layout.
 Ergonomic Keyboards are keyboards sporting a variety of shapes and sizes that
do not conform to international standards; designs were created for better comfort
and function, such as arm positioning, key macros, and one-button key
combinations.
 Wireless Keyboards are keyboards that send a wireless signal to an interface
connected to the computer; this keyboard type eliminates the use physical
connections such as cords and wires.
 On-Screen Keyboards or Virtual Keyboards are essentially software-based
keyboards flashed on the monitor screen to allow character input using another
input device such as the mouse.

IV. Computer Mouse

 Input device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a screen.
 The user’s movement of the mouse corresponds into the motion of a pointer on a
screen
 Can be used for pointing graphic items on the screen as well as access, control
and activate application programs.

A. Mouse Components
 The Housing is the actual shape of the mouse and holds its internal
components.
 The Movement Sensor and Transmitter Device are internal mouse
peripherals that detect movement and button presses, which are then
transmitted to the PC for processing.
 Mouse Buttons are the main interaction component which allows the mouse
to make selections, execute programs, and access additional menus; most
types of mice come with the standard Left Mouse Button and Right Mouse
Button.
 The Mouse Wheel allows easier browsing large amounts of content that cannot
fit on the screen; rolling the wheel is equivalent to scrolling up or down across
pages or content.

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 The Interface is what the mouse uses to communicate with the computer
system; the interface directly connects to a port in the motherboard, which
interprets input into code.

B. Mouse Interface Connectors

 The Serial Connector is the oldest known mouse interface connector used for
AT and Baby AT motherboard form factors; it uses a 9-Pin DB Connector that
uses serial transmission technology.
 The PS/2 Connector was commonly used in LPX, NLX and ATX motherboard
form factors, this interface connector is similar to the one used on PS/2
keyboards.
 The USB Connector connects a mouse using the standard USB interface
connector; this, like USB keyboards, allow the mouse to be connected and
disconnected without rebooting the computer system.
 Wireless Signal Receivers directly connected to a PC allows it to receive and
interpret signals transmitted by a wireless mouse.

V. Common Mouse Types

 The Mechanical Mouse uses a rotating trackball and two metal rollers inside the
mouse to detect movement.
 The Optical Mouse was developed in 1999 by Agilent Technologies and uses a
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) and a Photodiode Sensor to detect movement; it is
designed to work on every surface without the use of a mouse pad.
 The Laser Mouse was developed by Sun Microsystems in 1998 and works
similar to the optical mouse; it uses an infrared laser instead of.
 An Ergonomic Mouse is a mouse that can have a variety of shapes and sizes;
like ergonomic keyboards, this type of mouse caters to comfort and function.
 A Wireless Mouse is a mouse that does not have any wires or cords to connect
itself to the computer; instead, it uses different types of signals (such as Bluetooth
and Radio Frequency/RF) to communicate with its receiver connected on the
computer system.

References:
 Gookin, D. (2008). Troubleshooting your PC for dummies (3rd ed.). Wiley
Publishing, Inc.
 Messmer, H-P. (2002). The indispensable PC hardware book. Boston: Addison-
Wesley.
 Mueller, S. (2011). Upgrading and repairing PCs (19th ed.). Que Publishing.
 Press, B. and Press, M. (2004). PC upgrade and repair bible: desktop edition.
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
 Shelly, G. and Vermaat, M. (2009). Discovering computers 2009. Course
Technology.

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