Input Devices & Media

Manual data entry requires a user to physically input the data using a peripheral device e.g. a keyboard and mouse

The automatic method of data entry requires that data be sorted into batches which the computer or other system reads automatically without the assistance of a person.

Both are realtively easy to input data and familiar to most people, as well as being accessible. A mouse is very useful for navigating a Graphical User Interface, and with more added buttons and controls a mouse can perform an increasingly complex set of tasks quickly such as grouping etc.

Computer becomes basically redundant until a new one is bought if it breaks. Heavy incorrect use of keyboards & mouses can cause RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). Using a keyboard to input important data is risky because human errors are likely. The disadvantages of using a mouse are that it requires space so in less spacious environments such as public transport it is impractical. Mechancial mouses need to be regularly cleaned or they will clog up and stop working properly.

A concept keyboard is a type of input device where a plastic sheet with what are usually words or phrases as opposed to characters is laid over a series of programmable buttons.Concept keyboards are generally used when data needs to be input quickly and are best suited to when there are a limited range of choices.

The advantage of a concept keyboard is that it allows you to input data more quickly than the traditional keyboard because there are less buttons to press and they usually denote memes or phrases. An example would be in a childs learning toy where concept keyboards are used to mean 'cat' etc. These keyboards are also usually waterproof.

There is a limit to the complexity of the data you can input using a concept keyboard.

A touch screen is a type of interactive screen which allows the user to navigate software using their hands.

It is much faster to click on what you need to with a touchscreen than with a mouse or other interface.

Unless a stylus is being used, using a touchscreen monitor will be fairly inaccurate