Banking Exam Question - What are the Difference between Input Devices & Output Devices? Also Explain about Softcopy & Hardcopy Output with Example

Introduction - Input Devices & Output Devices

Computer is an electronic machine that accepts data using input device then store and processes them to generate desired output. A computer has four functions.

• Accepts data = input
• Processes data = processing
• Produces output = output
• Storage result = storage

1) Input devices

The term input refers to the activities required to record data and to make it available for processing. The input can also include the steps necessary to check, verify and validate data contents. Input devices are those devices which are used to enter data and instructions into the computer. Some of input devices are as follows:

• Keyboard
• Numeric keypads
• Mouse, touchpad
• Remote controls
• Joysticks
• Video cameras, web cams
• Scanners, OCR, OMR

a) Keyboard: 

It is a very common, general purpose input device that allows text (a to z), number (0-9) and symbols to be entered into a computer. It has a set of button has a symbol assigned. It is used to enter alphanumeric data into the computer and to perform special functions.

b) Pointing devices:

These devices are used to move an on-screen pointer of cursor (usually an arrow). They are commonly used graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

• Mouse: It is a pointing devices found on most PCs. Sensors on the buttom of the mouse detect when the mouse us moved. Data about this movement is sent to the computer. It is often used to control the pointer in a GUI. It has right and left click button.

2) Output devices

Output devices are used to display results of processing to the user. They perform the following functions:

1. Receive results from memory
2. Convert data into human readable form
3. Display result to the user

There are two types of output form
a) Softcopy output devices: it gives temporary result which can be touch. Such as monitor, speaker, multimedia projector, LCD projector etc

b) Hardcopy output devices: 

It gives hardcopy output form and gives permanent result such as printer, plotter etc.

List of output devices

• Monitor
• Printer
• Plotter [drum, ink-jet, flat bed, electrostatic]
• Speaker
• Multimedia projector
• Direct view storage device
• Liquid crystal display
• Sound card
• Video card