Computer Components

Method of Data Input

In my experience, when printing questionnaires, I have found that the best method for data input is the use of a keyboard and a mouse. The keyboard and mouse allow the end-user to input data, such as characters, text, and basic commands. Keyboard manufactures have improved upon keyboard and mouse design over the years to compensate for wrist and hand injuries to the end-user.

Telephone surveys require the use of an input device that can recognize the human voice. With special software, the telephone headset acts as a microphone that can record and convert a caller’s response into a digital signal. Many companies have begun to use interactive phone devices that screen callers and prompt them to make a verbal request for service or answer a question of “yes or no”. It is not often that you can bypass a voice recognition program before you are connected to a live person.

To process bank checks and other documents more quickly, the industry developed magnetic ink character recognition devices. According to Stair/Reynolds, “With MICR, data is placed on the bottom of a check or other form using a special magnetic ink. Data printed with this ink using a special character set can be read by both people and computers”.

A method called radio-frequency identification (RFID) has played an important part in the retail outlets. RFID is a technology that employs a microchip with an antenna that broadcasts its unique identifier and location to receivers. The RFID can be placed on a retail tags to produce accurate inventory counts and faster store transactions.

To capture long documents, an optical data reader, such as a flat bed scanner may be the best method of data input. A handwritten document can be scanned and with special software, optical character recognition readers can convert the handwritten or typed document into digital data.

Method of Output

A liquid crystal display would provide the best quality of output for a hand held computer due to its small size. LCD monitors are flat displays that use liquid crystals-organic, oil-like material placed between two polarizers to form characters and graphic images on a backlit screen.

Printers of different speeds, features, and capabilities can be used to produce output for color photographs, resumes, memorandums, statistical reports and company annual reports. Newer printers all businesses to create customized printed output for each customer from standard paper and data input using full color.

Storage Devices

Different types of storage devices include, hard disk, floppy disk, ram, CD Rom, and Tape. A hard drive is a secondary storage device used to store large amounts of data, instructions, and information more permanently than