GATE CSE IT » Difference Between Input and Output Devices

Difference Between Input and Output Devices

Do you know about input and output devices but don’t know how they differ? This guide will discuss the difference between input and output devices.

Introduction

Numerous input devices, such as a mouse, microphone, keyboards, webcam, and more, transmit data to computers for processing. Output devices, such as monitor, printer, show the results of the processing performed through input devices. Input devices work only to input details to the systems, and output devices will accept the output after processing data from other devices.

One of the major differences between output and input devices is the fact that input devices can be used to provide input into the computer system to the users, while our devices reproduce the output signals to the user.

Many devices are used to take input from users or output data created by computers. Hence they are referred to in the field of input or output. This article determines the differences between the two.

What are Input Devices?

Input devices are part of the computing system that accepts input information and instructions and then converts them into patterns of electrical signals encoded in binary code, which is readable to the digital computer.

Example: Keyboard, mouse etc.

What are Output Devices?

The output devices form the part of a computer system that converts the digital signals into an understandable format for the user. The devices that output data are typically described as the reverse input devices. Output devices also transmit data from one computer to another.

Example: Monitor, printer etc.

Input/output can receive data from other users or a device (input) and transmit data to a different gadget (output).

The Difference Between Input and Output Devices

Point of Difference Input Devices Output Devices
Definition The input devices comprise hardware devices which transmit data and control signals to computers.Output devices are hardware devices that use computer data to complete the task.
Accessibility

A device that inputs data is used to receive instructions from a user and transmit them to the computer. It must be readily available to users.

If the mouse was in the computer’s tower casing instead of sitting at the top of the table, the device would be difficult (and hazardous) to use.

Output devices, on the contrary, do not depend on any sort of physical connection with the computer and could be used inside the computer as an integral component. Examples include the card expansions (video/sound) that fit into the motherboard’s slots. 
FunctionalityInput devices relay information to computers.Output devices receive the information via the PC. 
Physical Attributes and PriceInput devices are typically smaller than output devices and possess physical features focused on user-friendliness and comfort. Input devices usually handle data input using buttons, lenses, or microphones.Output devices are more powerful and are focused on the quality and the dimension of output. Input devices, which are smaller and less difficult to make, cost less than output devices. Keyboards and mice are cheaper than LCD monitors and printers.
ExamplesA keyboard, Optical Character Reader (OCR), and mouse microphone are a few types of input devices.Monitor, printer, and speaker are just a few examples of output devices.

Output devices relay the reaction from the computer as audio (speakers), an image (Monitor) and media equipment (CD and DVD drive). The goal that these pieces of equipment serve is to convert the machine’s reaction into an acceptable format for the user of the computer.

Keyboards, mice scanners, etc., are just a few of the input devices, while printers, headphones, monitors, and so on are among output devices. Another crucial component of the hardware system is the memory of the computer.

Output and input devices are two kinds of devices that the hardware is made of. The distinction between input device and output is the fact that input devices are helpful to transfer data into the computer, while the output device is useful to remove data from the computer.