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What is a computer system
3. Computer input
As mentioned on the previous page, a computer system needs an input, in the form of data. Somehow the data has to get into the computer and this is done by using an 'input device.'
For example, if you want to create an email, you might use a keyboard to type your message. As you press the key you will see the text appear on the screen. The keyboard is an 'input device' as it enables you to put data into the computer system.
KEY TERM: An input device is an example of hardware. Hardware is the word used to describe the physical parts of a computer system.
Examples of input devices
| Input device | Task | The input data |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Make a new paragraph in your document | You press the 'return' key, then the keyboard sends the 'return' digital code as input to the CPU. After processing, a paragraph break is added to the document. |
| Mouse | Save a document | You click on the save icon using your mouse. The input data from the mouse is sent to the microprocessor which causes the document to be saved. |
| Touch screen | Open an app on your phone. | The touch screen picks up your finger movements on the screen and produces input data for the computer system to act upon. |
| Microphone | Record your voice | The microphone system picks up sound and converts it into digital input data (via the sound card or chip). |
| Heat sensor | Keeps the house at a stable temperature. | The heat sensor detects the surrounding temperature and produces an input into the computer system. |