Input Devices

The one input device that many people have is the computer keyboard, and it is considered a human interface device, or a device that takes input from people and gives the output. There are many different types of keyboards, so choose the one that works best with your needs. Wireless keyboards rely on WiFi to keep you connected, making them ideal for anyone who wants to cut down on wires and cords. Gaming keyboards let you easily maneuver and work your way through your favorite games. Bluetooth keyboards offer another great way to go cordless, and they often connect more seamlessly than wireless keyboards do.

Your pointing input devices are the devices that you'll use to move your cursor around the screen to complete specific commands. Tools range from standard corded mouses to wireless gaming mice to touchpads to PC game controllers. At the end of the day, which pointing input device you use depends on what you're doing and what you feel most comfortable with. Whether you're an artist, writer or gamer, choose the one that is easiest for you to complete your tasks. Some people can't live without their touchpads, while others never leave home without their wireless gaming mouses.

Video input devices are the ones that you use to digitize video or any other sorts of images that you take outside and transfer or upload into the computer. These devices include digital cameras, digital camcorders, webcams, fingerprint scanners, image scanners and portable media players.

Composite input devices are input devices that have different input elements on a single machine. Gaming devices are the first things that come to mind when people think about composite devices since they have at least two different forms of input. The most common types of composite devices are gamepads, gaming joysticks and paddle.

Audio input devices are the ones that capture sound. These devices allow you to send audio signals to a computer so that you can record, process or perform certain commands. Some examples of audio input devices include microphones and digital instruments like MIDI keyboards. A microphone allows you to speak into the computer and record information, or it will enable you to control and manage computer commands with your voice. Nearly everyone needs audio input devices, including musicians, gamers and writers.