Chapter 5: Input - Discovering Computers 2012

Vocabulary flashcards covering input concepts, input devices, digital cameras, biometrics, terminals, and assistive technologies from Chapter 5.

Input

Any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer.

Program

A series of related instructions that tells a computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.

User Response

An instruction a user issues by replying to a question displayed by a program.

Input Device

Any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer.

Keyboard

An input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into a computer.

Insertion Point

A symbol on the screen, also known as the cursor, that indicates where the next character you type will appear.

Ergonomic Keyboard

A keyboard designed to reduce the chance of wrist and hand injuries.

Ergonomics

The discipline that incorporates comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of the workplace.

Predictive Text Input

A feature on mobile devices that saves time when entering text using the phone's keypad.

Pointing Device

An input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen.

Pointer

A small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a pointing device.

Mouse

A pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably and is the most widely used pointing device on desktop computers.

Trackball

A stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side.

Touchpad

A small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion.

Pointing Stick

A pressure-sensitive pointing device shaped like a pencil eraser that is positioned between keys on a keyboard.

Touch Screen

A touch-sensitive display device.

Pen Input

An input method where a user touches a stylus or digital pen on a flat surface to write, draw, or make selections.

Game Controller

An input device that directs movements and actions of on-screen objects in video games and computer games.

Digital Camera

A mobile device that allows users to take pictures and store them digitally.

Resolution

The number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device.

Pixel

The smallest element in an electronic display.

Voice Input

The process of entering input by speaking into a microphone.

Voice Recognition

The computer's capability of distinguishing spoken words.

Audio Input

The process of entering any sound into the computer.

Music Production Software

Software that allows users to record, compose, mix, and edit music and sounds.

Video Input

The process of capturing full-motion images and storing them on a computer's storage medium.

Web Cam

A type of digital video camera that enables a user to capture video and still images, send emails with video attachments, add live images to instant messages, broadcast live images over the Internet, or make video telephone calls.

Video Conference

A meeting between two or more geographically separated people.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Technology that involves reading characters from ordinary documents.

Turnaround Document

A document you return to the company that creates and sends it.

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Technology that reads hand-drawn marks such as small circles or rectangles.

Bar Code Reader

An optical reader, also called a bar code scanner, that uses laser beams to read bar codes.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

A technology that uses radio signals to communicate with a tag placed in or attached to an object.

Magnetic Stripe Card Reader

A reading device that reads the magnetic stripe on the back of cards such as credit cards, bank cards, and entertainment cards.

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition)

Devices that read text printed with magnetized ink.

Data Collection Devices

Devices that obtain data directly at the location where the transaction or event takes place.

Biometrics

Technology that authenticates a person's identity by verifying a personal characteristic.

Terminal

A computer that allows users to send data to and/or receive information from a host computer.

POS Terminal

A terminal that records purchases, processes payment, and updates inventory.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

A terminal that allows users to access their bank accounts.

DVD Kiosk

A self-service DVD rental machine.