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Input Devices vs. Output Devices

the main difference between input devices and output devices is that the devices that are used to get input signals from the user are known as input devices whereas the devices that are used to display the output signals to the user are the output devices.

Key Differences

An input device in simple words is one that helps the computer get the data from the user and enters it in the computing system. An output device in simple words is the one that helps the computer to display the data and results after the process completes.
An input device takes the data from the user and then sends it to the processor for further steps, whereas an output device takes the data from the processor after the actions complete and then sends it back to the user.
Samantha Walker
Feb 08, 2017
Input devices are more complicated as they have complex coding the ensures that the user can interact with the computer correctly whereas the output devices are simpler for the user since they only see the results and do not have to learn the processes.
The main type of output devices includes Monitor. (LED, LCD, CRT, etc.), Printers of all kinds, Plotters, Projector, LCD Projection Panels, Computer Output Microfilm (COM), Speaker and Head Phone.
The main type of input devices includes a Keyboard, Image Scanner, Microphone. Pointing device. Graphics tablet. Joystick. Light pen. Mouse. Optical. Pointing stick. Touchpad. Touchscreen. Trackball. Webcam. Softcam and Refreshable braille display.

Comparison Chart

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Devices that are used to get input signals from the user.
Devices that are used to display the output signals to the user.
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Working

Helps the computer get the data from the user and enters it in the computing system.
Helps the computer to display the data and results after the process completes.

Carrier

Takes the data from the user and then sends it to the processor for further processing.
Takes the data from the processor after the actions complete and then sends it back to the user.

Examples

Keyboard, Image Scanner, Microphone, Pointing device, Graphics tablet, Joystick.
Monitor, Printers of all kinds, Plotters, Projector, LCD Projection Panels, Computer Output Microfilm, Speakers.
Samantha Walker
Feb 08, 2017

Input Devices vs. Output Devices

Using a computer may seem an easy task because of the tools that are attacked with the device and helps in managing the system properly. But when it comes to know about them and how they work, such devices are categorized as input and output devices. Both of them have different functions yet similar to each other and hence, distinguished. The input devices take the data from the user and enters it to the processor to take specific actions whereas the output devices take the data from the processor and send to the user in different forms. Input devices include Keyboard, Image Scanner, Microphone, Mouse, Joystick, etc. whereas output devices include Monitor, Printers of all kinds, Plotters, Projector, Speakers, etc.

What are Input Devices

An input device in simple words is one that helps the computer get the data from the user and enters it in the computing system. It is hardware that takes the data from the fingers of the user and then processes the information through the keys into the system. Several ways to classify these input devices exist but they are done so in the following manner. The first thing to keep in mind with such devices is that they have modality in input, that means a mechanical motion or an audio input goes in them. Another thing to keep in mind is that does the data flow in a discrete manner or not. This action gets known with the help of pressing the keys. Also, whether the input is floating in a continuous manner or not. This work gets known through the position of a mouse. The last factor to know is if the number of degree of freedom for a system involved is known. This action becomes either a two-dimensional mouse or a three-dimensional one. The most appropriate tools that become regarded as input devices are a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, software, mic among others. A keyboard has all the keys with numbers, symbols, and alphabets that help in entering the data, according to the language that the person using this computer understands. A mouse is a device to point at various systems and then click them to open and access the files. Hence, the purpose of these devices becomes known.

What are Output Devices

An output device is entirely opposite to an input device, and it does not take rocket science to understand the purpose of such devices. These play a significant role in the information and other data becoming visible to the user. If there is a calculation going on within the system through the keyboard, then the results after all the processes get displayed on the monitor. Similarly, whenever we play a song from the computer by clicking on the file, the sound comes out through the speakers. These devices have all variable purposes and include display projection, reproduction, among others. The best example, in this case, is that of a printer. Whenever we read a file on the computer and need to get in the physical form, a printer makes life easier by providing appropriate tools that make that soft copy into a hard copy. Another purpose for these output devices become that they get used for sending data from one computer to the other device or the user. Some of the primary examples of output devices will include monitors, projectors, speakers, headphones, and printers. As explained earlier, the output takes the form of the requirement. It is in the shape of the image whenever we want to see a picture; it is text-based when the user intends to read a document. It is sound when the interaction between two people is required. With the development taking place, now many devices have the functions of acting as an input and output device at the same time.

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