We explain what input/output devices are in computing, their function and some examples.
What are input and output devices?
In computing, input/output devices (or bidirectional peripherals) are known as those electronic devices that allow both entering and extracting information of a system. For example: a touch monitor or a multifunction printer.
Input/output devices can carry out both the input and output tasks of information, which is why they are called “mixed” or Input/Output (I/O) (English for input/output). Some devices do it simultaneously and others do it in turns.
When these devices function as input devices or input They introduce new information into a system or computer, that is, enlarge the content of the database. For example: When a multifunction printer scans a document and enters it into the computer in image format.
On the other hand, when a mixed device functions as an output or output transmits information from a computer so that it can be interpreted by the user. This information can be transmitted in the form of image, text, audio, among others. For example: When a multifunction printer prints a document and reproduces an image or digital document on paper or other media.
Input/output devices are not very common Because most of the devices that connect to the computer as peripherals serve either to enter or extract information, there are few that perform both functions. Some devices that work only as an input device are the keyboard, mouse, or camera. Some devices that function only as output devices are speakers and headphones.
Examples of input/output devices
Some examples of I/O devices are:
- Multifunctional printers. They are devices that connect by cable or wirelessly to a computer or device and allow both printing documents (functioning as an output device) and scanning them (functioning as an input device).
- Touch screens. They are devices in which the user can see the information that the system emits and execute actions by pressing the screen. When the screen displays information to the user, this device works as an output device. On the other hand, when the user enters information by pressing the screen with his fingers, it works as an input device.
- Network devices. They are modems and network cards that allow the system to be connected to computer networks, from which information can be extracted or downloaded (and thus function as an input device) or sent (and thus function as an output device).
- Virtual reality headsets. They are devices that are placed on the head to simulate a real presence in a virtual environment. They function as an output device because they emit images and sounds of a virtual world in the viewers arranged in front of the eyes and, on the other hand, they function as an input device because they receive information from the user when they make certain movements to execute actions.
- Storage devices. They are devices that are used to store information (such as USB, DVDs, memory cards and CDs) and that, in some cases, are considered input/output devices. They can be considered input/output because they store information that can be extracted or entered into the computer. However, it is also believed that they are not part of this category because they are not considered input or output devices, but rather have a storage function.
References
- “Input and output devices” in Easy Technology.
- “Input/Output device (I/O Device)” in Techopedia.
- “Input & Output devices” in Khan Academy.
- “What are input and output devices?” on BBC Bitesize.
