In order
to use a computer to complete any task you must be able to give it instructions by entering commands, instructions or information. This
is accomplished through a variety of devices called input devices. Many of these are common and are easily recognized.
Devices such as a keyboard and mouse are examples that most people use every day. The keyboard allows you to enter text
into word processing software so that you can complete your assignment, or type in a search query on a web browser. The
mouse allows you to navigate around the screen and select options by clicking the button.
Once data has been entered into the computer and it has completed its function you must be able to either see or obtain
that information. This is accomplished by output devices. The most common include the computer monitor and the
printer. The monitor gives instant feedback on the screen and the image is referred to as a "soft copy", while the printer
allows you to create a "hard copy" of the information.
You will learn about other kinds of devices that can attach to the computer so that special information can be entered
into it and then viewed in a number of different ways.
