input devices

Question 1

What does ‘Input’ refer to in computing?

Answer 1

Entering data, programs, commands, and user responses into the memory of a computer

Question 2

What is an input device?

Answer 2

Any device that transfers data from the outside world into a computer

Question 3

Name two general categories of input devices.

Answer 3

• Manual input devices
• Direct data entry (DDE) devices

Question 4

What is a manual input device?

Answer 4

A device where the user must enter or transfer data into the computer themselves

Question 5

What is a keyboard?

Answer 5

A manual input device with alphabet keys, digit keys, and function keys

Question 6

What happens when you press a key on the keyboard?

Answer 6

A code is sent to the computer to indicate which key was pressed

Question 7

What is a keypad?

Answer 7

A block of buttons containing digits, symbols, or alphabetical letters

Question 8

What is the primary function of a mouse?

Answer 8

To move data directly into a computer by controlling a pointer on the screen

Question 9

True or False: The left button of a mouse is used to access menus.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

What is a document scanner used for?

Answer 10

To transfer pictures, graphics, and text to a computer

Question 11

How does a microphone input data into a computer?

Answer 11

By capturing spoken words and converting them into text or commands

Question 12

What is the function of a digitiser?

Answer 12

To convert drawings and images into data

Question 13

What is a webcam?

Answer 13

A type of digital camera connected to a computer for transmitting images over the Internet

Question 14

What is a touchscreen?

Answer 14

A screen that is sensitive to touch, allowing data input without a keyboard or mouse

Question 15

What is a touchpad?

Answer 15

A flat rectangular surface that senses finger movement to control a pointer

Question 16

What is a light pen?

Answer 16

A pointing device similar to a mouse, but rarely used today

Question 17

What is the purpose of remote-control devices?

Answer 17

To send data through signals to process instructions on another device

Question 18

What do biometric systems use to identify individuals?

Answer 18

Some part of a person’s body, such as fingerprints or facial recognition

Question 19

What is a barcode?

Answer 19

A group of vertical bars of different widths that represent numbers

Question 20

What information is typically encoded in a barcode?

Answer 20

• Country of origin
• Manufacturer
• Item code

Question 21

How are barcodes read into a computer?

Answer 21

Using a wand, fixed scanner, or camera-based barcode reader

Question 22

True or False: The price of a product is included in its barcode.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What do millions of people use to pay for their shopping?

Answer 23

Credit, debit, or store cards

These cards are equipped with a magnetic strip that is read during transactions.

Question 24

What is the term for the system that allows electronic payment at the point of sale?

Answer 24

Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS)

EFTPOS systems facilitate the transfer of account information and transaction costs into the banking system.

Question 25

What can damage the information stored on a magnetic strip card?

Answer 25

Scratches or soiling of the magnetic area ## Footnote Such damage can lead to the corruption of the stored data.

Question 26

What is a smart card?

Answer 26

A card with a built-in electronic circuit and gold-coloured contacts ## Footnote Smart cards are more sophisticated than magnetic swipe cards and can store more data.

Question 27

How do smart cards differ from magnetic strip cards?

Answer 27

They can carry all necessary functions and information on the card ## Footnote Smart cards do not require access to remote databases during transactions.

Question 28

What does OMR stand for?

Answer 28

Optical mark recognition ## Footnote OMR is used to input data from forms with precisely positioned marks.

Question 29

What is an example of an application of OMR?

Answer 29

Multiple-choice tests ## Footnote OMR forms are used to quickly and accurately mark answers in examinations.

Question 30

What does OCR stand for?

Answer 30

Optical character recognition ## Footnote OCR is used to scan and convert handwritten or printed text into editable files.

Question 31

What is a turnaround document?

Answer 31

A document with unique information printed by a computer and additional information added by a human ## Footnote It is processed again to transfer the added information to the computer.

Question 32

What does MICR stand for?

Answer 32

Magnetic ink character recognition ## Footnote MICR is used to read information on cheques printed with magnetic ink.

Question 33

What type of font can MICR readers read?

Answer 33

A special font that includes only numbers and a few punctuation marks ## Footnote This allows for fast and accurate reading of cheque information.

Question 34

What is a common use for sensors in the music industry?

Answer 34

Inputting data through MIDI systems ## Footnote Sensors can respond to being struck, generating various sounds.

Question 35

How does the Meteorological Office use sensors?

Answer 35

To collect data on weather conditions ## Footnote Sensors gather data on temperature, wind speed, humidity, and more to help predict the weather.

Question 36

What function do sensors serve in automatic doors?

Answer 36

They detect the presence of a person and trigger the door to open ## Footnote This automation enhances convenience and accessibility.

Question 37

True or False: OMR can be used for scanning handwritten documents.

Answer 37

False ## Footnote OMR is specifically designed for forms with precisely positioned marks.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: _______ is a method for reading information printed on cheques.

Answer 38

Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) ## Footnote MICR ensures accuracy and security in cheque processing.