Unit Test Input / Output Devices

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A condition suffered by people who often use the wrong wrist positions when performing typing for extended periods of time (years)

Image Scanner

A device that converts paper images into an electronic form that can be stored in a computer's memory, the image can then be manipulated or saved

Touchpad

A pointing device with a specialized surface that can convert the motion and position of your fingers to a relative position on the screen - common on laptops

Digital Camera

A special type of input device that stores pictures digitally and then transfers them to the computer's memory - This can also be output, since this device has a small monitor to show the image

Game Controller

A special type of input device used for games - such as joysticks and wheels

Screen Readers

Assists people who are blind or otherwise visually impaired - reads the screens content

Mufti-function Printer

Combines a variety of output options such as printing, copying scanning and faxing

Magnetic Scanner

Device that reads encoded information on the back of credit cards that contains the users encoded account number

Optical Character Recognition

Device using a light source to read characters, marks, and codes; the data is then converted into digital data.

Input Devices

Enable you to enter data and commands into the computer.

Output Devices

Enables the computer to give you the results of the processed data.

Wired Gloves

Input device for virtually reality environments

Liquid Crystal Display LCD

More expensive and modern monitor, these panels produce an image by manipulating light within a layer of liquid crystal cells

Cathode Ray Tube CRT

One of the earliest types of monitors that is similar to a TV that uses a set of tubes to display images on the screen

CD/DVD/Flash Drive

Output devices that can also be used as storage and input devices. The computer sends data to these devices, where it is embedded and can be later retrieved

Projector

Project the computer image onto a screen, most commonly used for presentations

Keyboard

The most commonly used input device for entering numeric and alphabetic data into a computer

Speakers

These generate sound such as music or instructions

Headphones

These generate sound such as music or instructions and allow you to hear it privately

Plasma Monitor

These monitors are more expensive that a CRT monitor and consist of a tiny amount of gas that is activated by an electrical charge that illuminates miniature colored fluorescent lights arranged in a panel-like screen

Right Pinky Finger

This finger is used to press the "enter" key

Either Pinky Finger

This finger is used to press the "shift" key when capitalizing a letter

Right Ring Finger

This finger should "reach" for the letter 0

Left Pinky Finger

This finger should "reach" for the letter Q

Left Pointer Finger

This finger should "reach" for the letter T

Either thumb

This finger should press the space bar

Stylus

This is a pen-like writing instrument that allows you to input information by writing on a PDA or other mobile device

Two Spaces

This is the amount of space placed behind a period at the end of a sentence

Tab

This should provide the spacing needed to begin a paragraph

Biometric

Type of information verification that provides security features such as a fingerprint reader, retinal scan or voice recognition

Ergonomic

Type of keyboard designed to provide users with more natural, comfortable hand, wrist and arm positions

Specialized Keyboard

Type of keyboard that has special keys that represent items such as those used in fast food restaurants

Trackball Mouse

Type of mouse that has a ball located on the top that rolls around and as the mouse is moved sensors inside the mouse determine the direction and distance of the movement

Optical Mouse

Type of mouse that uses a laser to detect the mouse's movement and has no moving parts

Bar code Scanner

Type of scanner that reads bar lines that are printed on products such as in a grocery store

Monitor

Typically used by desktop computers to display the results of the processed data - called a soft copy because it is temporary.

Plotter

Used by engineers, architects and graphic artists for large format printing, drawings and drafting

Printer

Used to produce a paper or hard copy of the processed results. It is called a hard copy because it is permanent

Right Pointer Finger

Which finger should sit on the letter J when you're in the correct "home row" position