Input devices, output devices and backing storage

Machines that display the data temporarily stored inside the random access memory (RAM) of the computer are output devices.  PRINTER.WMF (9354 bytes)
Machines that let us enter data into a computer are input devices.   The most common input devices are the keyboard and mouse.

 

 MOUSE.WMF (12582 bytes)   
Backing storage devices store data that is in a computer's memory until it is needed again.  When a computer is switched off the data in RAM is lost. Common examples of backing storage devices are floppy disks, zip disks, CD-ROMs, and tapes. DISK35A.WMF (3136 bytes)

Read through this list of devices and click on the type that you think it is. 

   

Purpose of device
Name of device Example of Use Input Output Backing Store
Video Camera Monitor shoppers as part of security in a large superstore.
Scanner Capture text or an image from a document to save typing in.
CD-ROM Drive Encarta or other encyclopedia on a Read Only or Read/Write CD.
Digital Camera Take a photograph to display on a personnel record and transfer to PC.
Plotter Print a fitted kitchen design.
Hard drive Store systems and applications software.
Monitor View a  computer game.
Laser Printer Print a high quality business letter.
Microphone Record some guitar music using a PC and music software.
Joystick Play a game.
Loudspeaker Listen to the commentary stored on a CD-ROM.
Motor Control a mobile robot attached to a PC.
Ink Jet Printer Print a graph in colour.
Bar code Scanner Read a library book bar code.
Digital Tablet and Stylus Draw a picture freehand using the stylus.
Touch Sensitive Screen When making a choice from the menu in a tourism program.
Sensor, e.g. heat sensor Use data logging to record the room temperature every 10 minutes.
Zip Disk Drive Store large images for later use on a removable 100MB disk.
Tape streamer For weekly backups in case of system failure.
Optical Mark Reader Used for reading Lottery tickets and multiple choice examinations.