Facts about input output - Essay Example

Facts about inputs and outputs Inputs are necessary for a computer system to provide outputs. Input commands are processed by the central processing unit (CPU) which contains two separate divisions; one for arithmetic operations and the other for logical operations. Raw data is given to the CPU whereas finished data is delivered by the CPU. In other words, raw data is given through inputs while finished data is obtained through outputs from a computer system. Various equipment are used for inputting data and to obtain the outputs from a computer system.

Input and output equipment are usually connected externally to the central processing units and they are commonly known as peripheral devices or I/O devices. Key board, mouse, pen drive, CD, joystick, scanner, camera, microphone, monitor, printer, speakers etc are some of the commonly used peripheral devices for inputting data and getting output from a computer system. This paper briefly analyses various aspects of inputs and outputs as far as a computer system is concerned. A computer cannot take decisions as its own.

In other words, without inputs a computer cannot function properly. Inputs are necessary for a computer to act in a particular manner. It should be noted that system software helps a computer system to boot properly and open the desktop menu in front of the user. However, after booting computer needs some specific instructions to carry out different types of works. Mouse and keyboard are commonly used for inputting instructions to the computer. For example, if the user wants to prepare a document or make some calculations, he should input the data either through the keyboard or through the mouse.

CPU recognizes these input data properly and process it properly. The processed data will be delivered as output either on the screen or through printers. Different serial and parallel ports are available on a computer system for connecting input and output devices. “Keyboards typically connect through a PS/2 or USB port. Many keyboards include special function keys that simplify playing music or browsing the Web. Some keyboards include a built-in USB port that can be used to connect other peripheral devices”(Computer Tips and Trix).

Same way, mouse is also connected to a computer through a PS/2 or USB port. Printers, pen drives and scanners are mostly connected to the serial ports of a computer. Even though monitors were used primarily for displaying outputs in the past, at present they are used as input devices also. The arrival of touchscreens helped users to use the screens both as an input and output device nowadays. It should be noted that the latest operating system (Windows 8) from Microsoft has the ability to support touchscreens as the input and output devices.

To conclude, inputs are instructions which help a computer system to deliver the outputs. Inputs are given as raw data whereas outputs are obtained as finished data. Keyboards and mouse are the most common input devices whereas monitor and printer are the most common output devices. The arrival of touchscreens help the users to use it both as an input and output device. Works Cited “Computer Tips and Trix”. Web. 06 February 2013.