Input and Output Devices

In computing, they are known as mixed or bidirectional input and output devices or peripherals , those electronic devices that allow theinput and output of information , i.e. inputting and extracting data from the system, either as part of a support mechanism. (physical) or not.

In other words, the input and output devices perform the tasks of the input and output devices at the same time , which is why they are called “mixed”, or Input / Output (I / O), often spoken in English. : Input / Output (I / O).

In this context , when we talk about input , we are specifically referring to the act of feeding the computerized system with information, that is, expanding the content of its database . This can be done using input devices such as a keyboard, mouse  or camera.

On the other hand, when we talk about output or output , we are referring to the recovery or copying of information available in the computerized system, often transferring it to a physical support or another. This can be done using output devices such as a printer, a screen or monitor, or a digital projector.

What are input devices?

Input devices are the hardware components that allow the insertion of data and commands to be processed by the computer, being able to capture and send information provided by the user so that the machine can perform tasks.

Therefore, it is through them that the user will provide the orders to be executed by a computer so that he can later obtain the results of this processing.

Examples of input devices

• Mouse : allows interaction through the cursor and the keys.
• Keyboard : used in typing words, numbers and commands.
• Webcam : used for inserting videos and images.
• Scanner : allows the insertion of copies of documents and images.

What are output devices?

Output devices are responsible for displaying the processing results after inputting data or commands by the user.

Therefore, these hardware components are responsible for transforming the data that are on the computer into something that we can identify with our senses.

Examples of output devices

• Monitor : Displays visual results after processing entered data or commands.
• Printer : Allows you to view printed visual results.
• Soundbox : emits sounds according to what happens on the computer.
• Video Projector : Allows you to project video onto a surface.

Main differences

Comparison parameters	Input Device	output device
Definition	A computer receives information that needs to be processed.	Connected to a computer to display information received by it.
control	The information sent is regulated by the user in the input device.	Incoming data is handled by the processor in the output device.
Interpretation	The input device decodes user-supplied data into machine-understood data.	Output devices alter internal data to be readable by the user.
Purpose	It helps the device to accept external data.	It helps the device to display internal data.
Complexity	Input devices are generally more complex.	Output devices are generally less complex.