Page 135 - Computer - 4

SPECIALISED HARDWARE DEVICES

Hardware refers to all the physical parts of a computer which can be seen and
touched. Input devices, output devices, storage devices, and the CPU are examples

of hardware. You have learned about the common hardware devices used with a
computer. Some hardware devices are used to perform special functions. Let us
learn about these.

Specialised Input Devices
Input devices are used to input data and instructions into a computer. They accept

input from the user and convert it into binary form (0 and 1) that a computer can
understand. Mouse, keyboard, trackball, joystick, scanner, light pen, microphone,
and webcam are some commonly used input devices. Let us learn about some
specialised input devices.

Stylus

Stylus is also a pen-shaped input device used to work with touch-
enabled devices. It enables you to select options, enter text, and
give commands.

Graphics Tablet
Graphics Tablet is an input device that consists of a flat surface
on which the user writes and draws using a stylus. The text and

drawings appear as digital images on the computer screen. It
is commonly used to capture handwritten signatures and by
artists to make sketches.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Reader

A MICR Reader is an input device used to read characters
printed using special magnetic ink on a document.

MICR is commonly used in banks to process cheques.
Each cheque has a MICR code which consists of some
important information about the customer account and
the bank. MICR reader enables banks to read and process

thousands of cheque transactions in a short period of
time.

133