A keyboard allows users to input text and commands, while a mouse tracks movement to control the cursor. Other input devices include trackballs, touchpads, graphics tablets, touchscreen monitors, joysticks, scanners, microphones, and webcams - each serving a specialized purpose like navigation, drawing, audio/video capture, or gaming control. Together, these various input mechanisms allow users to interact with digital information and programs in diverse ways.

1. Keyboard
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A keyboard consists of a series of keys that can be pressed to input commands or letters.
These are used to write documents but can be used to navigate user interfaces in lieu of a
mouse.
Mouse
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A mouse consists of a ball or laser that tracks the movement of the device. The computer
is able to register the movement of the mouse and translate it as movement of the cursor
on the screen. A mouse also contain buttons that allow the user to select objects, move
windows or open applications. Many also include a scrolling wheel to allow for scrolling
through long documents or Web pages.
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Trackball
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These devices work like a standard mouse except the users rolls a ball inside a base rather
than moving the device across the table top. Many users prefer a trackball to a mouse,
because it involves less wrist movement, reducing repetitive-motion issues.
Touchpad
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This is a device typically found on laptop computers. It works like a mouse or trackball,
except it's a flat panel you move your finger across. The motion of your finger registers
as cursor movement on the screen. Many touchpads now enable gestures to scroll through
documents or zoom in on a photo. Buttons are typically below the touchpad.
Graphics Tablet
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These devices are used like a piece of paper and a pencil. These allow artists to draw
more naturally in a graphics application. They have a stylus that looks like a plastic
pencil that you can use to draw on a flat panel. The device will register the pressure of the
user's hand to draw lighter or darker lines on screen. Many even have erasers on the back
that allow you to erase mistakes with the stylus.
Touchscreen Monitor

2. •
These devices double as an output and input device. They display the computer
environment on screen, and allow a user to manipulate and interface with it just by
touching the screen. These can take the place of a mouse and even a keyboard if a virtual
keyboard application is installed.
Joystick
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These devices are primarily used for computer gaming. They consist of a stick on a base
with various buttons that all have different functions. It operates similar to a yoke on an
aircraft, making them suitable for flight simulators.
Scanner
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These devices allow a user to input a photograph or document into the computer. By
placing a piece of media in a scanner, you can create an image file that can be opened and
manipulated on the computer.
Microphone
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This is a device used to input voice data and sound. You hold the microphone up to a
source, most likely a person's mouth, and it registers the sounds and inputs them into
audio recording applications. This will let you do many things, from recording a song to
talking to someone on Skype.
Webcam
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This is a small video camera that takes video and inputs it into the computer. These allow
you to record and send small videos or have a video chat with someone over the Internet.