INPUT DEVICES

In computing, an input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to aninformation processing system such as a computer or other information appliance.

Camera - most cameras like this are used during live conversations.  The camera transmits a picture from one computer to another, or can be used to record a short video.
Compact Disc (CD) - CDs store information.  The CD can then be put into another computer, and the information can be opened and added or used on the second computer. Note:  A CD-R or CD-RW can also be used as an OUTPUT device.
Keyboard - The keyboard is a way to input letters or numbers into different applications or programs.  A keyboard also has special keys that help operate the computer.
Mouse - The mouse is used to open and close files, navigate web sites, and click on a lot of commands (to tell the computer what to do) when using different applications.
Digital Camera - A digital camera can be used to take pictures.  It can be hooked up to a computer to transfer the pictures from the camera to the computer.  Some digital cameras hold a floppy disk, and the floppy disk can be taken out of the camera and put directly into the computer.
Drawing Tablet - A drawing tablet is similar to a white board, except you use a special pen to write on it and it's connected to the computer.  Then the word or image you draw can be saved on the computer.
Microphone - A microphone is used to record sound.  The sound is then saved as a sound file on the computer.
Scanner - A scanner is used to copy pictures or other things and save them as files on the computer.
Disk Drive - A disk drive can hold a CD or a floppy disk.  It reads the information on the disk so that the computer can use it.
Joystick - A joystick is used to move the cursor from place to place, and to click on various items in programs.  A joystick is used mostly for computer games.
Touch Screen - A touch screen is a computer screen or other screen that you can touch with your finger to enter information.  Examples of touch screens include a smart board, a microwave, a dishwasher, or an ATM at a bank.
Bar Code Scanner - A bar code scanner scans a little label that has a bar code on it.  The information is then saved on the computer.  Bar code scanners are used in libraries a lot.