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Parts we can touch
Hardware means the physical parts of a computer. The keyboard, mouse, monitor, and parts inside the case are hardware. A drawing program is not a physical part.
Input: entering data
We enter letters with a keyboard and use a mouse to select things and move the pointer. A scanner turns a picture on paper into computer data. These are input devices.
Output: receiving the result
A monitor displays images, a printer prints, and speakers and headphones play sound. A projector displays an image on a larger surface. These are output devices. A touchscreen does both: it displays an image and receives touch input.
Try it yourself
Imagine typing the letter A and printing it. Which device enters it, where do you see it, and which device puts it on paper?
See an example answer
The keyboard enters the letter. The monitor displays it. The printer prints it on paper.
Check your knowledge
Choose one answer for each question. You can revise your answers and check again.
Answer key
- Keyboard. Pressing keys enters letters and other characters.
- An output device. A printer puts the result on paper.
- Inputs an image from paper. A scanner turns content on paper into digital data.
- A mouse. A mouse is a physical device we can touch.
- Both an input and an output device. It displays an image and also receives input when touched.