Intro to Computer Science / Unit 1: Computing Systems
1.3 Input and Output Devices
Notes
An input device sends data into a computer. An output device sends information out to the user.
- Input examples: keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, touchscreen, scanner.
- Output examples: monitor, speakers, printer, headphones.
- Some devices do both, such as a touchscreen (shows the display and senses touch).
- Computing is often described as input, process, output: data goes in, the CPU processes it, and results come out.
- Example: you type a letter (input), the CPU turns the key press into a character (process), and it appears on the monitor (output).
Practice
Which of these is an input device?
A microphone sends sound data into the computer.
A fitness watch counts steps with a motion sensor and shows the number on its screen. Which statement is correct?
The sensor sends data in; the screen presents results to the user.
In the input, process, output model, which step does the CPU mainly perform?
The CPU processes the data between input and output.
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