Alister Education / Computer Education / Input and Output Devices
COMPUTER EDUCATION · LESSON 06

Input and Output Devices

Learn how computers receive information and present results through input and output devices.

BeginnerDevices6 min
CPUprocessingRAMworking memorySSDlong-term storagePhysical components you can touch

Input devices

Input devices send data or commands to a computer.
Keyboard

Enters text, numbers and commands.

Mouse

Controls a pointer and helps select items.

Microphone

Captures sound as input.

Camera

Captures images and video.

Scanner

Converts physical documents or images into digital data.

Touchscreen

Acts as both a display and an input surface.

Output devices

Output devices present information from the computer to the user or another system.
Monitor

Displays text, images and video.

Speakers

Produce audio.

Printer

Creates a physical copy of digital content.

Projector

Displays computer output on a larger surface.

Some devices do both

A touchscreen can display information and accept touch input. A multifunction printer can scan documents as input and print them as output.