1.1 Computer Hardware

The keyboard is still one of the most common methods of imputting data or instructions to a computer. The keys allow access to a range of alphanumeric charaters, special characters such as '/' or 'E' ana a number of commands by using the fuction keys. It also provides shortcuts to specific tasks, for example by pressing the keys Ctrl/ Alt/ Delete together, the task manager box appears on the screen 

It is not always possible or appropirate to enter data using a keyboard and so other devices are availble. 

A piont and click device, the mouse allows the user to communicate with the computer by placing a cursor at a particular point on the screen. The computer screen tracks the movement of the mouse and normally displays its location on the screen as a cursor.

This input converts a document or photograph into a digital file that a computer can read or display. Scanners have been developed for other uses such as biometrics. Examples include iris and fingerprint scanning, where the iris or fingerprint is illuminated and photographed.

sensors are physical devices such as thermometers, motion sensors and microphone that send signals to th computer. these signals enable the computer to decide whether an action must be triggered. For example, if a burgular alarm is set, any signal recieved from the motion sensor suggests that somone is in the building snd the computer triggers the alarm.

These records instructions from the user, or other sounds that the user wishes to collect. For those who cannot use a traditional keyboard or mouse, this is a very useful device for imputting data 

This can be used in a similar way to the keyboard by tapping on icons. It is also useful for entering data, such as handwriting or drawings of objects which cannot be captured easily in other ways. It can be hard to control if the sensitivity is set too high or too low, although this can often be adjusted via the software

This is predominatly an output devices, because it displays requests or information from the computer. It does, however, aid the user who is inputting data or instructions because it allows the user to check their work visually allowing them time to correct errors before confirming their decision.

This device may be handheld or static, and is used to capture information from a barcode by using a light source, scanner and decoder. They reduce the errors often introduced by manual input. In your coursework, this is recoverable as it can be pointed out and corrected but if, for example, you were dispensing powerful drugs, a wrong letter or digit could have serious consequences.