CAP 100 Chapter 6

Stylus

Is a penlike device typically used with tablets and mobile devices. A ________ uses pressure to draw images on a screen. Often, a ________ interacts with the computer through handwriting recognition software.

Mouse Mouse Pointer Wheel Button Optical Mouse Cordless/Wireless Mouse Touch Pad

A mouse controls a pointer that is displayed on the monitor. The mouse pointer usually appears in the shape of an arrow. It frequently changes shape, however, depending on the application Some mice have a wheel button that rotates to scroll through information on the monitor. Optical mouse is the most widely used. It emits and senses light to detect mouse movement. A cordless or wireless mouse uses radio waves or infrared light waves to communicate with the system unit. These devices eliminate the mouse cord and free up desk space. A touch pad operates by touching or tapping a surface. It is widely used instead of a mouse with laptops and some types of mobile devices.

Output devices

Are any hardware used to provide or to create output. They translate information that has been processed by the system unit into a form that humans can understand. Examples: -monitors (display screens), *** -printers, -audio-output devices.

E-book readers (e-readers)

Are dedicated mobile devices for storing and displaying e-books and other electronic media, including electronic newspapers and magazines. Have displays that are typically 6 inches and use a technology known as e-ink. E-ink produces images that reflect light like ordinary paper, making the display easy to read. 2 Examples: -Amazon's Kindle -Barnes & Noble's Nook Simple Touch

Game controllers

Are devices that provide input to computer games. 4 most popular and specialized...: -joysticks, -gaming mice, -gamepads, -motion-sensing devices

Webcams

Are specialized digital video cameras that capture images and send them to a computer for broadcast over the Internet. Are built into many smartphones and tablets, while others are attached to the computer monitor.

Flat-Panel Monitors

Are the most widely used type of monitor today. Compared to other types, they are thinner, are more portable, and require less power to operate. Almost all __________ displays are backlit, meaning that a common source of light is dispersed over all the pixels on the screen. 3 basic types: -LCD, -LED, -OLED.

RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags

Are tiny chips that can be embedded in almost everything. They can be found in consumer products, driver's licenses, passports, and any number of other items. These chips contain electronically stored information that can be read using an _____ reader located several yards away. They are widely used to track and locate lost pets; to monitor production and update inventory; and to record prices, product descriptions, and locations of retail items

Magnetic card reader

Encoded information is stored on a thin magnetic strip located on the back of the card Chip cards contain microchips to encrypt data and improve security.

Output

Is processed data or information. Typically takes the form of text, graphics, photos, audio, and/or video. For example, when you create a presentation using a presentation graphics program, you typically input text and graphics. You also could include photographs, voice narration, and even video. The output would be the completed presentation.

Ergonomics

Is the study of human factors related to things people use. It is concerned with fitting the task to the user rather than forcing the user to contort to do the task. For computer users and manufacturers this means designing input and output devices to increase ease of use and to avoid health risks.

The design of portable computers presents ergonomic challenges.

Laptops do not allow correct positioning of keyboard and screen; raise level of laptop and use external keyboard. Tablets with virtual keyboards cause improper alignment of user's head; take frequent breaks, move while working, use cover or stand, use external keyboard. Smartphones require extensive use of thumbs; keep wrists straight, head up, and shoulders straight and use other fingers.

Inkjet printers

Spray ink at high speed onto the surface of paper. This process produces high-quality images in a variety of colors, making it ideal for printing photos. They are the most widely used type of printer, reliable, quiet, and inexpensive. The most costly aspect of inkjet printers is replacing the ink cartridges.

Card readers

interpret encoded information located on a variety of cards. -most common: magnetic card reader

Input

is any data or instructions entered into a computer. they can come directly from you or from other sources

Handwriting recognition software

translates handwritten notes into a form that the system unit can process.

Character and Mark Recognition Devices

scanners that are able to recognize special characters and marks 3 types: -Magnetic-ink character recognition (MICR)- used by banks to automatically read those unusual numbers on the bottom of checks and deposit slips. A special-purpose machine known as a reader/sorter reads these numbers and provides input that allows banks to efficiently maintain customer account balances. -Optical-character recognition (OCR)- uses special preprinted characters that can be read by a light source and changed into machine-readable code. A common OCR device is the handheld wand reader. These are used in department stores to read retail price tags by reflecting light on the printed characters. -Optical-mark recognition (OMR)- senses the presence or absence of a mark, such as a pencil mark. OMR is often used to score standardized multiple-choice tests.

Printers

translate information that has been processed by the system unit and present the information on paper.

Features of monitors

*Clarity*- refers to the quality and sharpness of the displayed images. It is a function of several monitor features, including: -Resolution/pixels- Images are formed on a monitor by a series of dots, or pixels (picture elements). Resolution is expressed as a matrix of these dots or pixels. The higher a monitor's resolution (the more pixels), the clearer the image produced. (ex. 1,920 pixel columns by 1,080 pixel rows for a total of 2,073,600 pixels.) -Dot pitch- Is the distance between each pixel. The lower the dot pitch (the shorter the distance between pixels), the clearer the images produced. (ex. 0.30 mm) -Contrast ratios- Indicate a monitor's ability to display images. It compares the light intensity of the brightest white to the darkest black. The higher the ratio, the better the monitor. (ex. 500:1 and 2000:1) -Size or active display area- Is measured by the diagonal length of a monitor's viewing area. (ex. 15, 17, 19, 21, 24) -Aspect ratio- indicates the proportional relationship between a display's width and height. (ex. 4:3 and 16:9)

Other printers

-Cloud printers (Google Cloud Print is a cloud printing service)- are printers connected to the Internet that provide printing services to others on the Internet. -Thermal printers (use heat elements to produce images on heat-sensitive paper)- Use heat elements to produce images on heat-sensitive paper -Plotters (use data from graphics tablets and other graphical devices)- Are special-purpose printers for producing a wide range of specialized output.

Other monitors

-Digital or interactive whiteboards- are specialized devices with a large display connected to a computer or projector. -Ultra-high-definition television (UHDTV)- delivers a much clearer and more detailed wide screen picture than regular HDTV. -Digital projectors- project the images from a traditional monitor onto a screen or wall.

3 basic types of flat-panel monitors

-LCD (liquid crystal display)- is widely used for older monitors and is typically less expensive. -LED (light-emitting diode) monitors- use similar technology with a more advanced backlighting technology. They produce better-quality images, are slimmer, and are more environmentally friendly as they require less power and use fewer toxic chemicals to manufacture. Most new monitors are LED. -OLED (organic light-emitting diode) monitors- replace the LED monitor's backlighting technology with a thin layer of organic compound that produces light. By eliminating the backlight, OLED monitors can be even thinner with better power efficiency and contrast ratios.

Types of Keyboards

-Traditional keyboards- Full-size keyboards are widely used on desktops and larger computers. Standard keyboard has 101 keys. Toggle keys turn features on and off (Caps Lock key). Combination keys perform actions when combinations of keys are held down (Ctrl key). -Laptop keyboards- Used on laptop computers. Smaller than traditional keyboard with fewer keys. Typically does not have numeric keypad or standard location for function and navigation keys. -Virtual keyboards- Primarily used on mobile devices and tablets. Does not have a physical keyboard. Keys displayed on screen and selected by pressing a key's image. (iPad, iPhone, etc) -Thumb keyboards- used on smartphones and other small mobile devices. Designed primarily for communicating via texting and connecting to the web. (Blackberry)

4 most popular and specialized game controllers

-joysticks: control game actions by users varying the pressure, speed, and direction of a control stick. -gaming mice: are similar to traditional mice with higher precision, faster responsiveness, programmable buttons, and better ergonomics -gamepads: are designed to be held by two hands and provide a wide array of inputs, including motion, turning, stopping, and firing -motion-sensing devices: control games by user movements. For example, Microsoft's Kinect motion-sensing device accepts user movements and spoken commands to control games on the Xbox One.

Types of pointing devices

-the mouse, -touch screen, -game controller, -stylus

Optical Scanners (scanner)

Accepts documents consisting of text and/or images and converts them to machine-readable form. Don't recognize individual letters or images. They recognize light, dark, and colored areas that make up individual letters or images. Typically, scanned documents are saved in files that can be further processed, displayed, printed, or stored for later use. 4 types: -Flatbed scanner- like a copy machine. The image to be scanned is placed on a glass surface, and the scanner records the image. -Document scanner- similar to a flatbed scanner except that it can quickly scan multipage documents. It automatically feeds one page of a document at a time through a scanning surface. -Portable scanner- typically a handheld device that slides across the image, making direct contact. -3D scanner- use lasers, cameras, or robotic arms to record the shape of an object. Like 2D scanners, most 3D scanners cannot recognize light, dark, and colored areas.

Combination devices

Combine input and output capabilities. Devices include: -headsets: combine the functionality of microphones and headphones; integral part of serious video game systems. -multifunctional devices (MFD): typically combine capabilities of scanner, printer, fax, and copy machine. -virtual reality head-mounted displays and controllers: creates 3D simulated immersive experiences. VR hardware includes head-mounted displays and controllers. -drones (unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV): take input from a controller and send output video and sound to the user. -robots: use cameras, microphones, and other sensors as inputs; outputs can be as complex as exploring damaged nuclear reactors to as simple as taking a photo.

Scanning devices

Convert scanned text and images into a form that the system unit can process. 5 types: -optical scanners, -card readers, -bar code readers, -RFID readers, -character & mark recognition devices.

Audio-input devices

Convert sounds into a form that can be processed by the system unit. By far the most widely used audio-input device is the microphone. Can take many forms, including the human voice and music.

Image capturing devices

Create or capture original images. These devices include digital cameras and webcams.

3D printers (additive manufacturing)

Create three-dimensional shapes or objects by adding very thin layer after layer of material until the final shape is fully formed. They have been available for decades; however, recent price reductions have increased their popularity.

Monitor (display screens)

Present visual images of text and graphics. Vary in size, shape, and cost.

Pointing device

Provide an intuitive interface with the system unit by accepting physical movements or gestures such as a finger pointing or moving across a screen and converting these movements into machine-readable input. Examples: -the mouse, -touch screen, -game controller, -stylus

Digital cameras

Record images digitally and store them on a memory card or in the camera's memory. Most record video too.

Features of printers

Resolution- for a printer is similar to monitor resolution. It is a measure of the clarity of images produced. Printer resolution, however, is measured in dpi (dots per inch) (ex. 1,200 by 4,800 dpi.). The higher the dpi, the better the quality of images produced. Color- capability is provided by most printers today. It is more expensive to print in color than black. The most common black ink selection is grayscale, in which images are displayed using many shades of gray. Speed- is measured in the number of pages printed per minute. Avg personal printer, prints 15-19 pgs/min for single-color (black) output and 13-15 pgs/min for color output. Memory- within a printer is used to store printing instructions and documents waiting to be printed. The more memory, the faster it will be able to print large documents. Duplex printing- allows automatic printing on both sides of a sheet of paper

Some recommendations to avoid physical discomfort associated with heavy computer use:

To avoid eyestrain and headache, take a 15-minute break every hour; keep everything you're focusing on at the same distance; and clean the screen periodically. To avoid back and neck pain, use adjustable equipment; adjust chairs for height, angle, and back support; position monitors at eye level or slightly below. Use footrest, if necessary, to reduce leg fatigue. To avoid repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome, use ergonomically correct keyboards; take frequent, short rest breaks; and gently massage hands.

Audio-output devices

Translate audio information from the computer into sounds that people can understand. The most widely used are speakers and headphones. These devices connect either by cable to an audio jack on the system unit or by a wireless connection. Bluetooth technology is widely used to connect wireless devices.

Voice recognition systems

Use a microphone, a sound card, and special software. Siri, Cortana, and Google Now are digital assistants that use this. Specialized portable voice recorders are widely used by doctors, lawyers, and others to record dictation. Some systems are able to translate dictation from one language to another, such as from English to Japanese.

Laser printers

Uses a technology similar to that used in a photocopying machine. Laser printers use a laser light beam to produce images with excellent letter and graphics quality. More expensive than inkjet printers, laser printers are faster and are used in applications requiring high-quality output. 2 categories: -Personal laser printers- are less expensive and are used by a single user. -Shared laser printers- typically support color, are more expensive, and are used (shared) by a group of users.

Touch screen

allows users to select actions or commands by touching the screen with a finger or penlike device

Multitouch screens

an be touched with more than one finger, which allows for interactions such as rotating graphical objects on the screen with your hand or zooming in and out by pinching and stretching your fingers. Commonly used with: tablets & smartphones, & some laptop computers & desktop monitors

Keyboard

an input device that convert numbers, letters, and special characters that people understand into electrical signals. these signals are sent to, and processed by, the system unit. types: -Traditional keyboards -Laptop keyboards -Virtual keyboards -Thumb keyboards

Input devices

are hardware used to translate words, numbers, sounds, images, and gestures that people understand into a form that the system unit can process. Examples of this hardware: keyboards and pointing, scanning, image capturing, audio-input devices.

E-books (electronic books)

are traditional printed books in electronic format. These books are available from numerous sources, including many public and private libraries, bookstore websites, and the cloud.

Bar code readers

either handheld wand readers or platform scanners, they contain photoelectric cells that scan or read bar codes, or the vertical zebra-striped marks printed on product container There are a variety of different codes, including: -UPC (Universal Product Codes)- are widely used by retail stores to automate the processes to check out customers, to change product prices, and to maintain inventory records. -MaxiCode codes- is widely used by the United Parcel Service (UPS) and others to automate the process of routing packages, tracking in-transit packages, and locating lost package