This document discusses input, output, and storage aspects of information and communication technology. It covers common input devices like keyboards and mice, as well as alternative input methods like speech recognition and scanners. When choosing an input device, the document recommends considering data type, volume, user preferences, cost, and location of use. The output section covers visual output devices like monitors and printers, as well as audio output. Special output methods for accessibility are also outlined.

1. AQA INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION INFO1
TECHNOLOGY

2. CONTENTS
 Input
 Output
 Storage
 Software
 Health and Safety
 Analysis and Design
 Implementation and Testing
 Evaluation

3. INPUT SECTION 1

4. DATA T YPES
 Text
 Still and moving images
 Numbers
 Sound
These are the only 4 possible input data types.

5. INPUT AND INPUT DEVICES
Most Common Input Devices:
Manual Input
 QWERT Y keyboard
 Pointing device
Alternate Input Devices:
Automatic Input
 Speech recognition
 Card readers (both magnetic strip and smart card)
 RFID (radio frequency identification)
 Scanners
 OMR (optical mark recognition)
 OCR (optical character recognition)
 Barcode readers
 MICR (magnetic ink character recognition)

6. SPECIAL PURPOSE INPUT DEVICES AND METHODS
DEVICES:
 Trackball
 Foot mouse
 Ergonomic keyboard
METHODS:
 Pointer speed of mouse can be adjusted.
 Speed of mouse clicks can be adjusted.
 Buttons on mouse can be adjusted for left or right hand use.
 Single keystrokes replacing combined (i.e. CTRL ALT DEL).

7. CHOOSING AND INPUT DEVICE
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN INPUT DEVICE
 Type of data.
 Volume of data.
 User preferences.
 Cost considerations.
 Where the device is used.

8. OVERVIEW
 Using a keyboard and mouse would not involve any extra
expensive in terms of hardware, but would involve a great deal
of operator time as well as possible health and safety risks
(i.e. RSI caused by using a keyboard).
 OCR input would involve purchasing both software and
hardware and forms would need to be redesigned (if a form is
used in a bank for example). If forms are filled carefully, data
input would be quicker than manual input (keyboard and
mouse). Some people may find it dif ficult to fill a form where
letters have to be wrote in each box.
 Voice recognition would needs the forms to be read out slowly
and would be the slowest method of input. The software would
perform poorly on names not recognized in the dictionary.
Accents and other factors can af fect how data is interpreted.

9. OUTPUT SECTION 2

10. OUTPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
Visual:
 M o n i to r s ( LC D , T F T, C R T )
 D i g i t al p r o j e c to r s
 I n te r a c t iv e w h i te b o a r d s
 Plasma screens
 M o b i le p h o n e s s c r e e n s
 P DA s
P r i n te r s :
 I n k j et
 Laser
 M u l t i - f un c t io n ( P S C o r P r i n t , S c a n , C o py )
 Dot-matrix
 P l o t te r s
 P h o to p r i n t i ng
Audio:
 S p e a ke r s
 Headphones

11. SPECIAL PURPOSE OUTPUT DEVICES / METHODS
 Increasing the size of the font.
 Adjusting screen resolution.
 Magnifying the display by zooming in (increases scrolling).
 Adjusting color contrast – certain colors are more visible for
people with visual impairments.
Using sound rather than visual may also be useful:
 Text can be read as it is typed, spell check can be set to
audible rather than visual.

12. CHOOSING AN OUTPUT DEVICE
Monitors and Screens – To Consider
 What kind of image needs to be viewed?
Graphic / Web designer will need a larger screen with higher
screen resolution for finer details reproduction, this will
eliminate the need to scroll.
Of fice worker / Administrator will work mostly with text and
will need space on their desk so therefore would require a
smaller screen but large enough to view text clearly without
strain, so a TFT monitor maybe appropriate.
 Where is it going to be viewed?
 Who is going to view it?