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Input:
The Data and Instructions given to the computer is known as Input.
Method:
There are two methods of entering data and instructions into
computer. There are as follows:
1. Direct input.
2. Indirect input.
Direct input:
In this method, Data goes directly to the computer from source.
For example; a speech enters into computer directly through microphone.
The devices used for direct input are called source data input devices.
Scanning devices, digital camera and microphone are example of direct
current.
Indirect input:
In this method, some intermediate handling is required to
enter data. The data enter in computer through keyboard or mouse is
example of indirect input.

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1. Input devices:
The component used to enter data and instructions into the
computer are called input devices. Input devices takes data and instruction from
user and convert it in a form that is understandable by the computer. There are
three general types of input devices these are:
1. Keyboard
2. Pointing devices
3. Source data-entry devices

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Keyboard:
Keyboard is the most commonly used input device. Data is mostly
entered using keyboard. The buttons on keyboard are called keys. A standard keyboard contains
over 100 keys. The arrangement of keys on the keyboard is called keyboard layout. The most
popular keyword layout is QWERTY. The letters Q,W,E,R,T,Y appear on top row of main area of
keyboard.
Keys on keyboard:
The keys on the computer keyboard are often classified are as
follows:
Numeric keypad:
Numeric keypad is located on right hand side of most keyboards. It has
arithmetic operators keys i.e. +, -, *, / that are used in arithmetic operators and digits
from 1 to 9. It also has a key Num Lock. When this key is off, the keypad can’t be used
to type numbers.
Functions keys:
Function keys F1 to F12 are located on the top of keyboard. The
function keys are used to perform special function, for example F1 key is used to get
help in window.
Alphanumeric keys:
Alphanumeric keys include all letters keys in alphabet (A to Z) and
all digits from 0 to 9.
Tab key:
to move the cursor to next tab stop. It is also used in dialog boxes to move from one
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option or field another.
Enter key:
Enter key is used to enter command or input data in computer.
Backspace key:
Backspace key is used to delete a single letter or number to left of cursor.
Alt key:
Alt key is used to combination with other keys to perform special functions. For example,
Alt + F4 is used to close a file or program.
Shift key:
Shift key is used to type capital letter or symbols.
Arrow keys:
The keys that move the cursor are called Arrow keys. These keys have an up
arrow and right arrow. Mostly arrow keys are used for playing games.
Esc key:
Esc key is used to terminated commands or current task.
Delete key:
Delete key is used to remove a single letter or number to the right of cursor on
screen. It is also used to delete the selected objects.
Print screen:
It is used to capture everything that appears on screen
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 Mouse:
Mouse is a popular pointing device. It is used to input instructions with a pointer on
screen. Mouse is moved on a flat surface to control the movement of cursor on screen.
A mouse usually has two or three buttons which are used to perform different tasks
such as selecting an object or opening a program etc. It may also include a wheel that
can be rolled with finger to scroll. Mouse typically connects to the computer through
USB port or wireless connections.
Types of Mouse:
Different types of mouse are as follows:
Mechanical Mouse:
Mechanical mouse contains a rubber or metal ball inside it. The movement of cursor
depends on movement of ball. This mouse is normally used on mouse pad. Mouse pad
is a small pad of rubber to provide easy movement of mouse. It protects the mouse
from dust and dirt.
Optical Mouse:
Optical mouse contain no ball inside it. It uses a device that emits light to detect the
mouse movement. Optical sensor or laser is used in these types of mouse. It is more
expensive than mechanical mouse. Most mice today are optical.
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Wireless Mouse:
It is also called as cordless mouse. It is a type of mouse that does not require a write
to work. It transmits data using wireless technology like radio waves or infrared light
waves.
Air Mouse:
Air mouse is a motion-sensing mouse. It can be used to control objects, media players
and slide shows by moving the mouse in specific directions through air. For example,
the user can raise the mouse up to increase the volume of media player. The air mouse
works in the air by detecting land motion. It does not need to work on the surface.
Touch Mouse:
A touch mouse is a touch sensitive that recognizes touch gestures. It can also detect
the movement of mouse and traditional clicks and scroll operations. For example, the
user can press a location on a touch mouse to click, sweep thumb on mouse to scroll
pages or slide multiple fingers across the mouse to zoom.