Difference Between Input and Output Devices

Generally, two types of computer hardware are used to interact with computers: Input devices and Output devices. These two types of devices are required for a computer to function appropriately. But are you aware of the difference between input and output devices used in a computer?

The main difference between input and output devices is that an input device is a hardware that allows a user to send information to a computer. In contrast, an output device is a hardware that allows a computer to send information to a user.

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In this article, we will discuss the difference between input and output devices in great detail. But before we start exploring the difference between input and output devices, let’s explore the list of topics listed under the table of contents (TOC) we will cover in this article.

Table of Contents (TOC)

• Difference Between Input and Output Devices
• What is an Input Device?
• What is an Output Device?
• Key Differences Between Input and Output Devices

Difference Between Input and Output Devices 

For a better understanding, let’s explore the difference between input and output devices in a tabular format. Here’s the table:

Benchmark	Input Device	Output Device
Definition	Hardware that allows a user to send information to a computer.	Hardware that allows a computer to send information to a user.
Controlled by	User	Computer
Function	Converts simple user instructions into machine language.	Converts machine language into simple user instructions.
Takes data from	The users.	The processor
It helps the computer in	Accepting the data.	Displaying the data.
Design complexity	More complex in comparison to output devices.	Less complex in comparison to input devices
Examples	Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone, Touchscreen, Scanner, etc.	Monitor, Speaker, Printer, Headphones, Projector, etc.

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What is an Input Device? 

Input Device Definition: An input device is a type of hardware that allows a user to send data, instructions, commands, or information to a computer.

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In short, input devices are used to input data or commands into the computer. Here are some examples of input devices along with their function:

• Microphone: This input device allows you to record audio.
• Camera: This input device allows you to capture images and videos.
• Scanner: This input device allows you to digitize documents or images.
• Keyboard: This input device allows you to type letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Mouse: This input device allows you to move a cursor on the screen and make selections.

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In layman’s terms, input devices are all the hardware you can use to provide information to the computer so that the computer can perform a specific task.

 

What is an Output Device? 

Output Device Definition: An output device is a type of hardware that allows a computer to send information or results to the user.

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In short, output devices are used to display or print the results of the computer’s processing. Here are some examples of output devices along with their function:

• Monitor: This output device displays text and images on the screen
• Printer: This output device prints documents, photos, graphics, etc.
• Speakers: This output device outputs audio.
• Projector: This output device displays images or videos on a larger screen.

In layman’s terms, output devices are all the hardware the computer uses to provide information or results of the task you requested. Output device allows you to see, hear or read the results of the computer’s processing.

Key Differences Between Input and Output Devices 

Here are the key differences between input and output devices:

• The input device takes data from users, but the output device takes data from the processor.
• Input devices are controlled by users, whereas computers control output devices.
• An input device helps a computer to accept data, but an output device helps a computer in displaying data.
• The input device converts simple user instructions into machine language, but the output device converts machine language into simple user instructions.
• An input device allows a user to send data, instructions, commands, etc., to a computer. In contrast, an output device allows a computer to send information or results to the user.

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Conclusion

The primary difference between output device and input device is that an input device is a hardware that allows a user to send information to a computer. In contrast, an output device is a hardware that allows a computer to send information to a user.

In this article, we have discussed what input and output devices are, along with examples and their functions. We also have discussed the difference between input and output devices in great detail. 

Happy Learning!!