UNIT 4 INPUT OUTPUT DEVICES 4.0 INTRODUCTION and 4.1 OBJECTIVES

 4.0 INTRODUCTION

In the previous unit, we have discussed the history of computer systems and methods to store data in computers. In this unit we shall discuss something about input/output devices and their functions. Input/output devices constitute a major part of a computer system. These are also called peripheral devices. Without I/O devices, a user cannot communicate with the computer. They are required to enter data and instructions in a computer so that the computer can process that data and provide the result to the user through output devices. In computer, inputs are the signals and data received by the system and outputs are the signals and data which are generated from the system. First we will discuss briefly about input/output devices and then move on to the function and structure of input and output devices. And finally, we will discuss about recent trends in input devices such as digital camera, barcode reader, magnetic ink character recognition and magnetic stripe reader such as ATM machines and Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS). 

4.1 OBJECTIVES After studying this unit you should be able to understand:

 the basic concepts of input/output devices;

 functions of input/output devices;

 types of input/output devices;

 types of Ports;

 types of monitors, printers, scanners and graphics tablet; and

 newer technologies in computer hardware.