1
Q
What are input devices?
A
Input devices are hardware devices used for the entry of instructions or data into the computer for processing.
2
Q
Name three examples of output devices.
A
- Printers
- Speakers
- Screens
3
Q
What is the primary function of a keyboard?
A
Keyboards are used to enter text into word-processed documents, numbers into spreadsheets, and text into online forms.
4
Q
What is one advantage of using a keyboard?
A
Text appears on the screen as you type, allowing for easy accuracy checks.
5
Q
What is one disadvantage of using a keyboard?
A
It can be a slow method for entering large amounts of text compared to dictating or scanning.
6
Q
What is the purpose of a numeric keypad?
A
Numeric keypads are used for entering only numeric data.
7
Q
What is one advantage of a numeric keypad?
A
It is smaller, making it easier to carry or move.
8
Q
What is one disadvantage of a numeric keypad?
A
Small keys might be hard to see.
9
Q
What are pointing devices used for?
A
Pointing devices are used to make selections from a graphical user interface.
10
Q
What is one advantage of using a mouse?
A
Enables rapid navigation through an application.
11
Q
What is one disadvantage of using a mouse?
A
Hard to use if the user has limited wrist/finger movement.
12
Q
What is a touchpad?
A
A touchpad is a pointing device used on laptops when there is no flat surface for a mouse.
13
Q
What is one advantage of a touchpad?
A
Can be used ‘on the move’ without needing an extra device.
14
Q
What is one disadvantage of a touchpad?
A
Controlling the pointer is harder than with a mouse.
15
Q
What is a trackerball?
A
A trackerball is a pointing device that allows you to move the pointer on the screen by rolling a ball.
16
Q
What is one advantage of using a trackerball?
A
Easier to use than a mouse for users with wrist/finger problems.
17
Q
What is one disadvantage of using a trackerball?
A
The cost, as trackerballs aren’t usually included with a computer system.
18
Q
What is the function of a remote control?
A
Remote controls issue instructions to control devices such as TVs and video players.
19
Q
What is one advantage of a remote control?
A
The user can operate a device wirelessly from a distance.
20
Q
What is one disadvantage of a remote control?
A
Infra-red signals can be blocked by objects, preventing operation.
21
Q
What is a joystick primarily used for?
A
Joysticks are used for playing computer/video games and in flight simulators.
22
Q
What is one advantage of using a joystick?
A
Ideal for quick movement in games.
23
Q
What is one disadvantage of using a joystick?
A
Entering text is very slow as you must select individual letters.
24
Q
What is a touch screen?
A
Displays that can detect the presence and location of a touch to the screen
25
What are common uses for touch screens?
Information kiosks, all-in-one computers, tablet computers, PDAs, smartphones
26
List three advantages of touch screens
* Very simple to use
* Easy to choose a particular option
* Easier to use while standing
27
List three disadvantages of touch screens
* Screen can get dirty
* Danger of spreading germs
* Items can be difficult to see on small screens
28
What is the function of magnetic stripe readers?
Read data stored in the magnetic stripes on plastic cards
29
List two advantages of magnetic stripe readers
* Faster input of data
* Avoids possible typing errors
30
List two disadvantages of magnetic stripe readers
* Can only store a small amount of data
* Magnetic stripes can be easily duplicated
31
What do chip readers do?
Read the data which is encrypted in the chip on a credit/debit card
32
What is the purpose of a PIN pad?
A small numeric keypad where the PIN is entered
33
List two advantages of chip readers and PIN pads
* Reduced fraud
* More storage capacity than a magnetic stripe
34
List two disadvantages of chip readers and PIN pads
* Not all countries use chip and PIN
* People can forget their PIN
35
What is the main use of scanners?
To scan photographs and other images on paper to digitize them
36
List two advantages of scanners
* Only way of digitizing old paper-based images
* Time can be saved by using OCR software to scan text
37
List two disadvantages of scanners
* Take up a lot of space
* Quality of the scanned item depends on the scanner's resolution
38
What do digital cameras store photographs on?
A memory card
39
What is a pixel?
The dots making up a digital image
40
List three advantages of digital cameras
* No film to develop
* Large number of photographs can be taken
* Digital images can be easily shared
41
List two disadvantages of digital cameras
* Photos might not be as high quality as those produced with film
* Requires computer skills to use digital photographs properly
42
What do microphones do?
Convert sound signals into data
43
List three uses of microphones
* Dictate letters and documents
* Take part in videoconferencing
* Input speech for VoIP
44
List two advantages of microphones
* Can be used by the disabled to input data
* Cheaper to buy than many other input devices
45
List two disadvantages of microphones
* Background noises can cause problems
* Sound files take up a lot of space
46
What do sensors do?
Measure quantities such as temperature, pressure, and light
47
List three advantages of sensors
* More accurate readings than humans
* Work when a human is not present
* Can work in dangerous environments
48
List two disadvantages of sensors
* Cost to purchase
* Dirt can negatively affect performance
49
What is a graphics tablet?
A flat board used to draw or write on using a pen-like device
50
List two advantages of graphics tablets
* More accurate to draw freehand than using a mouse
* Icons/buttons are on the tablet itself
51
What is an optical mark reader (OMR)?
A device that reads paper-based forms or cards with marks on them
52
List two advantages of OMR
* Almost 100% accuracy if forms are filled in correctly
* Fast at reading forms and analyzing results
53
List two disadvantages of OMR
* Only suitable for capturing certain data
* High rejection rate if instructions are not followed
54
What does an optical character reader (OCR) do?
Scans an image of the text and recognizes each character
55
List two advantages of OCR
* Fast way of inputting printed text
* Can recognize handwriting
56
List two disadvantages of OCR
* Text needs to be clearly typed or written
* Forms may be rejected if filled in incorrectly
57
What is a bar code reader?
Reads a series of light and dark bars to input data
58
List two advantages of bar code readers
* Faster than typing in numbers
* Greater accuracy compared to manual entry
59
List two disadvantages of bar code readers
* Bar codes can be damaged
* Laser scanners can be expensive
60
What do video cameras capture?
Both still and moving images
61
List two advantages of video cameras
* Easy to transfer video to the computer
* Can store many images/videos for later editing
62
List two disadvantages of video cameras
* Can erode privacy
* Difficult to produce good videos without training
63
What is a web cam?
A digital camera used for transferring still and video images over the internet
64
List two uses for web cams
* Videoconferencing
* Record video for websites
65
List two advantages of web cams
* Can see reactions of people during conversations
* Allows parents to see and speak to children remotely
66
List two disadvantages of web cams
* Limited features to improve image quality
* Picture quality can be poor at low resolution
67
What is a light pen?
An input device used for drawing directly on a screen
68
What is a web cam used for?
To allow people to view local traffic and weather conditions
## Footnote
Web cams can also facilitate communication by allowing users to see and speak with others.
69
What is one advantage of using a web cam?
Can see the reactions or people as you are talking to them
## Footnote
This feature enhances communication by providing visual feedback.
70
What is one disadvantage of using a web cam?
Limited extra features to improve image quality
## Footnote
This can affect the overall user experience when using the device.
71
What is a light pen?
An input device used as an alternative to a mouse or graphics tablet
## Footnote
Light pens enable direct interaction with the screen for drawing or editing.
72
What is one advantage of using a light pen?
Enables user to draw directly on the screen
## Footnote
This allows for more intuitive and precise input when creating graphics.
73
What is one disadvantage of using a light pen?
Can be uncomfortable to use for long periods
## Footnote
Users must maintain a similar hand position while drawing, which can lead to discomfort.
74
What type of screen can a light pen be used with?
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) screen
## Footnote
Light pens are incompatible with LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or TFT screens.
75
Define hard copy.
Documents that are on paper
## Footnote
Hard copies are tangible forms of documents as opposed to digital formats.
76
What do sensors measure?
Physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, etc.
## Footnote
Sensors play a crucial role in various applications by providing real-time data.
77
What is a touch screen?
A special type of screen that is sensitive to touch
## Footnote
Touch screens allow for direct interaction with the interface, enhancing user experience.
78
What is voice recognition?
The ability of a computer to ‘understand’ spoken words
## Footnote
This technology compares spoken input with stored data to facilitate interaction.
79
What is the primary function of output devices?
To output processed information from a computer.
80
What are the most popular output devices?
Monitor and printer.
81
What are monitors used for?
Displaying information that is not needed as hard copy.
82
What does CRT stand for in CRT monitors?
Cathode Ray Tube.
83
What is a characteristic of CRT monitors?
They are older and bulkier than modern TFT screens.
84
What are two advantages of CRT monitors?
* Can be used with a light pen for CAD software
* Wide angle of viewing for multiple users.
85
What are four disadvantages of CRT monitors?
* Bulky and take up a large amount of space
* Generate a lot of heat
* Glare on the screen can be problematic
* Heavy and present safety issues when moved.
86
True or False: CRT monitors can cause headaches and eyesight problems due to flicker.
True.
87
What are the disadvantages of CRT monitors?
* Bulky and take up a large amount of space
* Generate a lot of heat
* Glare on the screen
* Heavy and present a safety problem when moved
* Flicker can cause headaches and eyesight problems
## Footnote
CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube, an older technology used in monitors.
88
What does TFT stand for in TFT monitors?
Thin Film Transistor
## Footnote
TFT monitors are commonly used in modern desktops and laptops.
89
What are the advantages of TFT monitors?
* Very light
* Cheaper to run
* Thin and space-saving
* Less radiation than CRT monitors
* Easily positioned
* Do not get as hot as CRT monitors
* Less glare and eye strain
* Ideal for single-user viewing
## Footnote
TFT monitors consist of thousands of tiny pixels.
90
What are the disadvantages of TFT monitors?
* Not easy to repair
* Narrow viewing angle
## Footnote
This makes them less useful for group viewing.
91
What is the primary use of multimedia projectors?
To project computer screen content onto a larger screen for audience viewing
## Footnote
This allows for presentations to be seen by many people.
92
What are the advantages of multimedia projectors?
* Many people can view presentations
* Can show video to a large audience
## Footnote
This is particularly useful in educational and corporate settings.
93
What are the disadvantages of multimedia projectors?
* Lower image quality than computer screens
* Cooling fans create noise
* Require darkened rooms for optimal visibility
## Footnote
The image appears dim in well-lit environments.
94
What are the primary functions of printers?
To provide users with output in hard copy form
## Footnote
Printers output data onto paper.
95
What are the characteristics of laser printers?
* Mainly used by businesses for high speed
* Most print in black and white
* Colour laser printers are available but expensive
## Footnote
Laser printers are ideal for large networks.
96
What are the advantages of laser printers?
* Very quiet
* High printing speed
* Supplies last longer
* Reliable
* No wet pages
* Cheaper to run
* High quality printouts
## Footnote
These features make laser printers suitable for office environments.
97
What are the disadvantages of laser printers?
* More expensive to buy
* Colour lasers are very expensive
* High power consumption
* Larger size than inkjet printers
## Footnote
This can impact initial setup costs.
98
What are the characteristics of inkjet printers?
* Popular with home users
* Relatively cheap to buy
* Produce good quality prints
* Slower than laser printers
## Footnote
Inkjet printers work by spraying ink onto the paper.
99
What are the advantages of inkjet printers?
* Relatively small
* Do not produce ozone
* High quality print
## Footnote
This makes them suitable for home use.
100
What are the disadvantages of inkjet printers?
* High cost of ink cartridges
* Ink can smudge
* Cartridges have a short lifespan
## Footnote
This can make them costly for high-volume printing.
101
What are dot matrix printers used for?
Used in offices and factories for multi-part printouts
## Footnote
They are impact printers that create noise.
102
What are the advantages of dot matrix printers?
* Can print multi-part stationery
* Can use continuous stationery
* Cheaper to run than inkjet printers
## Footnote
These features make them useful for specific applications.
103
What are the disadvantages of dot matrix printers?
* Very noisy
* Low quality printouts
* More expensive than inkjet printers
* Unsuitable for graphics
## Footnote
This limits their use in environments where noise is a concern.
104
What are graph plotters used for?
Printing designs, plans, and maps with precision
## Footnote
They are ideal for CAD designs and large printouts.
105
What are the advantages of graph plotters?
* Can use larger paper sizes
* Can be adapted for cutting designs
* Produces high quality printouts
## Footnote
This makes them valuable in design and engineering fields.
106
What are the disadvantages of graph plotters?
* Slow to complete images
* Expensive to buy and maintain
## Footnote
This can limit their accessibility for some users.
107
What do applications that require sound need for output?
Speakers or earphones
108
What are common uses of computers related to audio?
Playing music or listening to the radio over the internet
109
Where are speakers usually located in laptops?
Built inboard
110
What is a common feature of desktop speakers?
Very basic speakers may be included
111
What can computers be used to control?
Many devices by sending commands to control devices
112
What are actuators?
Devices that respond to computer commands with movement
113
Give examples of actuators
* Switches
* Valves
* Lights
* Motors
114
What can computers control regarding motors?
Turn electric motors on or off
115
Provide examples of devices that use motors controlled by computers
* Automatic washing machines
* Pumps
* Greenhouses
* Microwaves
116
What is the function of a buzzer in control devices?
Acts as a warning sign or indicates process completion
117
List examples of devices that use buzzers
* Washing machines
* Microwaves
* Automatic cookers
118
What role do heaters play in control systems?
Can be switched on/off according to control signals
119
Examples of devices that use heaters controlled by computers
* Automatic washing machines
* Central heating
* Greenhouses
* Automatic cookers
120
How can lights and lamps be controlled?
Using a control system with a light sensor
121
List examples of applications for controlled lights/lamps
* Greenhouses
* Security lights
* Cars
