An input device is a hardware device that transfers data to a computer system and allows us to control it. It is any hardware device that sends data to a computer, allowing you to interact with and control it. Input devices can be categorized based on the modality of input (e.g., mechanical motion, audio, visual, etc.) and whether the input is discrete (e.g., pressing of key) or continuous (e.g., a mouses position, though digitized into a discrete quantity, is fast enough to be considered continuous) . Some common examples of input devices include:
- Keyboard: The most common and very popular input device which helps to input data to the computer.
- Mouse: A device that allows you to move the cursor on the screen and select items.
- Scanner: A device that digitizes images or documents and converts them into a digital format that can be stored on a computer.
- Microphone: A device that captures sound waves and converts them into digital signals that can be processed by a computer.
- Joystick: A device that allows you to control movement in games or simulations.
There are many other input devices, such as cameras, touchscreens, and virtual reality devices, that allow users to interact with computers in different ways. Input devices are necessary for users to enter data and interact with computers, and they serve as an interface between the outside world and the computer for proper communication.
