Using a keyboard, mouse and touchpad | Computing for Year 2 PDF Download

Understanding Computer Input Devices

Computers are versatile machines that serve various functions. When we interact with a computer, we communicate information to it. This information dictates the tasks the computer should perform. There exist multiple methods to convey information to computers.

Input Devices: Essential Tools for Data Input

• Keyboard: A primary input device used for typing and issuing commands.
• Mouse: Enables pointing, clicking, and selecting items on the screen.
• Touchpad: Commonly found on laptops, allowing for cursor control through touch gestures.

Keyboard Functions

The keyboard is a crucial tool for various tasks:

• Typing: Used for creating documents, presentations, and more.
• Issuing Commands: Providing instructions to the computer, such as search queries.
• Controlling Characters: In gaming, keyboards help maneuver characters and interact with the game environment.

Keyboard Usage Across Different Computers

Keyboards are integral to different types of computers in various ways:

• Desktop Computers: Keyboards are essential peripherals for desktops, typically connected via wires or wirelessly. 
• Laptop Computers: Laptop computers come with a built-in keyboard that can be used immediately once the laptop is turned on.
• Touch Screen Computers: Touch screen devices, such as tablets and smartphones, utilize on-screen keyboards. These keyboards appear on the screen when needed, allowing users to tap the keys they wish to use, and disappear when no longer required.

Mouse: A Computer Peripheral for Navigation

A mouse serves as an alternative input device that allows users to interact with computers by pointing, clicking, and dragging. It is an essential tool for navigating digital interfaces.

Introduction to Mouse and Touchpad

• Mouse:
  • A mouse is a device designed to be held and used with a computer.
  • You can connect a mouse to a computer either with a wire or wirelessly.
  • By moving the mouse, you can control the pointer on the screen.
  • For selecting programs or actions, you move the pointer to the icon and click the mouse button.
• Touchpad:
  • Most laptops come with a touchpad which serves the same purpose as a mouse.
  • You control the pointer on the screen by moving your finger on the touchpad.
  • Moving your finger in different directions moves the pointer accordingly.
  • Touchpads may have buttons or be pressable to select programs or actions.

Mouse vs. Touchpad

• Mouse Usage:
  • A mouse is an external device that requires a surface to function, offering precise control over the pointer.
  • It is commonly used with desktop computers and some laptops.
  • Example: Wired and wireless mice come with different designs and functionalities.
• Touchpad Usage:
  • A touchpad is integrated into laptops, allowing for pointer control directly on the laptop surface.
  • It is more portable and convenient for laptop users, eliminating the need for an external device.
  • Example: MacBooks feature large, responsive touchpads for intuitive control.

Glossary

Here are the meanings of some important words:

• Computer: A device capable of executing instructions stored in its memory.
• Input: Data provided to a computer or digital device through input devices.
• Keyboard: An input device with keys for letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Mouse: An input device with a pointer for navigating on-screen.
• Touchpad: An input device with a pointer controlled by fingers.
• Wireless: Transmission of information without physical wires.