Input/Output devices – external hardware

• Monitor: The monitor displays the output from the computer's brain for the user to see. It relies on the 'video card' to work. Many computers have a built in video card on the motherboard rather than need a separate card. However, if you are using high end graphics, such as found in gaming, many people opt for a separate, more powerful video card as built in mother board video cards are often not powerful enough to handle this kind of function.


• Keyboard: On a personal computer this is the primary way we communicate with the computer and enter data. There are many different types such as wired, wireless, ergonomic etc. Most keyboards a very similar although there can occasionally be differences in locations of some keys or features.


• Mouse: This is the 'pointing device'. This allows you to point at objects on the screen, click on them and move them. There are two types of mouse – optical and mechanical. Optical uses a light sensor whereas mechanical has a rolling ball that senses the movement. Alternatives to these include trackballs and touch-pads (as found on laptops).