Objectives Identify the different types of input, output, and storage devices and their functions. 2. Demonstrate the proper connection and handling of input, output, and storage devices. 3. Show care and responsibility in using computer devices and peripherals.
What are the main parts of a computer system unit? • What are the basic hardware components from the previous topic. Review
Input, Output, Storage Devices Grade 10-CSS Prepared by: Teacher Melvy D. Español
What Is an Input Device? An input device allows users to enter data or control signals into a computer. It's the bridge between human actions and digital information.
Keyboard Function: Primary device for entering text and commands. Key Specs: Layout: QWERTY (standard) Key count: ~104 keys Connectivity: USB / Bluetooth Extra features: backlit keys, programmable hotkeys
Mouse Function: Controls on-screen pointer movement through optical/laser sensor—point, click, drag, scroll. Key Specs: Connection: Wired (USB), Wireless (Bluetooth) Sensor type: Optical or laser Buttons: Left, right, scroll; some with extras DPI: Sensitivity level
Scanner Function: Converts physical documents/images into digital formats like PDF or JPEG; some use OCR to recognize text. Key Specs: Type: Flatbed, sheet-fed, handheld Resolution: DPI Color depth: e.g., 24-bit File formats: PDF, JPEG, PNG
Microphone Function: Captures audio, used for recording, chats, dictation, and voice commands. Key Specs: Type: USB or analog (3.5 mm jack) Polar pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional
Graphics Tablet Function: Draw or write using stylus; captures digital input for art, signature, or notation. Key Specs: Display: With or without built-in screen Sensitivity: Pressure levels Active area size Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth
Touchpad & Touchscreen Touchpad Function: Built-in or external pointing device on laptops; detects finger motion for cursor movement. Specs: Technology: Capacitive or matrix Gesture support: Multi-finger scroll, pinch, tap zones Touchscreen Function: Integrated input/output display; users directly interact with UI through touch/finger/stylus. Specs: Touch type: Resistive vs capacitive, multi-touch capable Gesture support: Tap, swipe, pinch, zoom Stylus compatibility
What Is an Output Device? An output device is computer hardware that transforms processed information into forms perceivable by humans—text, graphics, sound, or physical media.
Monitor: Visual Output Function Displays text, images, videos, and graphics, allowing users to see what the computer is doing. Specifications Types: LCD with LED backlight, OLED, CRT (less common) Resolution: Full HD, 4K Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, USB-C
Printer: Hard-copy Output Function Produces physical copies (documents, photos) from digital data. Specifications Types: Inkjet (rich color), Laser (fast & efficient), Dot-matrix, 3D printers Print quality: DPI resolution Connectivity: Wired USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Speakers: Audio Output Function Reproduces sound—music, alerts, speech—from computers. Specifications Types: Built-in laptop, external wired, Bluetooth speakers Features: Bass/subwoofer, surround sound, volume control
Headphones: Personal Audio Output Function Delivers sound directly to the user’s ears; ideal for privacy or concentration. Specifications Types: Wired, wireless (Bluetooth), noise-canceling Use Cases: Online classes, gaming, focused listening
Projector: Large-scale Visual Output Function Projects computer visuals onto screens or walls, fitting for group settings. Specifications Technology: LED or laser projectors Resolutions: HD, 4K support Connectivity: HDMI, USB, wireless mirroring
Plotter & Braille Display Plotter: Precision Graphics Output Prints detailed line drawings (maps, blueprints) precisely via pen mechanisms. Features pen-based vector printing, large-format media, often color-capable. Braille Display: Tactile Output Converts screen text into Braille via raised pins; aids visually impaired users. Connects via USB or Bluetooth, available in keyboard-sized or compact forms for education and professional use.
What Is a Storage Device? A storage device is hardware used to store digital data that remains even when the power is off, enabling long-term data retention.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Function Uses magnetic spinning disks and a read/write head to store large volumes of data. Specifications Capacity: Hundreds of GB to multiple TB Performance: Slower read/write speeds; mechanical Cost: More affordable per gigabyte
Solid-State Drive (SSD) Function Uses integrated circuits (flash memory) to store data, no moving parts. Specifications Speed: Much faster data access; Durability: Resistant to shock, silent, low power Capacity: Up to ~100 TB Cost: More expensive per GB than HDD; finite write cycles
USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive) Function Portable plug-and-play storage using flash memory and USB interface. Specifications Capacity: MB to several TB; 4 TB common in 2024 Durability: No moving parts; highly portable; risk of data degradation over time
Memory Card (e.g., SD, microSD) Function Flash memory devices used in cameras, phones, and other portable electronics. Specifications Types: SD, microSD, CompactFlash, Memory Stick Capacity: Many GB to TB scales Use: Easily removable and ideal for storage expansion in mobile devices
Optical Discs (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) Function Disks that store data; require a disc drive to read/write. Specifications Types: CD-ROM (≈700 MB), DVD, Blu-ray Characteristics: Removable, prone to physical damage, write-once or rewritable
Other Storage Devices (Historical) Magnetic Tape Used for large backups; sequential access. Floppy Disk Low capacity (e.g., 1.44 MB), portable but obsolete.
Summary of Storage Devices HDD Magnetic disks High capacity, slower Cheap, reliable but mechanical SSD Flash memory Fast, up to 100 TB Fast, durable; pricey per GB USB Flash Drive Flash + USB interface Portable, TBs Convenient but can degrade over long term Memory Card Flash memory Portable, variable Great for mobile, small size Optical Discs Laser-readable discs MB–GB, moderate speed Physical, limited capacity Legacy (Floppy/Tape) Magnetic, historical Very low capacity Obsolete, educational interest