Chapter # 3

Interacting With Your Computer

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for interpreting and executing most of the
commands from the computer's hardware and software. It is often called the "brain" of the
computer. Inputs are the signals or data received by the system, and outputs are the signals or
data sent from it.

Keyboard

The keyboard, like a typewriter, is used for entering characters (such as letters, numbers, and
symbols). It is an essential input device for a computer, as it is what lets us enter commands.

The Standard keyboard layout

A keyboard layout is any specific mechanical arrangement of the keys of a computer .The
mechanical keyboard merely sends key codes to the associated computer; software in the
computer, usually part of the operating system, totally determines how the codes are interpreted,
and this can be changed in software.

The Alphanumeric Keys

Those are the keys that contain alphabet symbols (upper or lower case) and numerals (0-9).
Everything else is a punctuation, control, function, or special key.

The Modifier Keys

The Modifier keys on the keyboard that is only used in conjunction with another key. For
example, on a compatible computer, the ALT, CTRL, and Shift keys are modifier keys. On the
computer, the Control, Option, and Shift keys are modifier keys. Modifier keys are often used in
conjunction with other keys to perform computer keyboard shortcuts.

The Numeric Keypad

A numeric keypad, numpad or tenkey for short, is the small, palm-sized, seventeen key section
of a computer keyboard, usually on the very far right. The numeric keypad features digits 0 to 9.
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Numeric keypads are useful for entering long sequences of numbers quickly, for example in
spreadsheets, financial/accounting programs, and calculators. Input in this style is similar to that
of a calculator or adding machine.

The Function Keys

Function keys are special-purpose keys, numbered F1 through F12, used to communicate
specific fictions to the operating system. These keys simplify tasks that might otherwise require
several key strokes. These keys can also be used with other keys to increase the number of
functions available. These keys are generally located at the top of the keyboard.

The Cursor-Movement Keys

Cursor control keys move the cursor from one place to another on the display screen. The cursor
is the indicator on the display screen. Cursor control keys have an arrowhead printed on them
pointing in the direction that the key will move. Some keyboards have a separate set of keys for
cursor movement; others have the cursor movement keys incorporated into the numeric
keyboard. As long as the NUM LOCK key is OFF, the cursor movement keys function. Some
software packages use the cursor control keys in combination with each other or with other keys
to increase the number of ways and the speed with which you can move the cursor. Another
cursor movement key — the SCROLL LOCK/BREAK key – controls screen scrolling. When in
the BREAK mode and used in conjunction with the CTRL key, the SCROLL LOCK key will
interrupt program execution.

Special Purpose Keys

The special-purpose keys in the keyboard of a computer are made to perform certain functions
like Esc, Ctrl, Alt, Backspace, Enter, Tab, Shift, Caps lock, Break, Num Lock Print Screen,
Scroll Lock, etc. The Esc key is used to exit a program. The Tab is used to move the cursor a
selected number of spaces to the right. The Shift+Tab move the cursor to the left. Alt (Alternate)
is used to alternate or modify a function. Backspace is used to delete one character to the left.
Del is used to delete the character on which the cursor is placed. Shift is used to produce letters
in upper case. When the "caps lock" is on, then the shift case creates letters in lower case.
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How the Computer Accepts Input from the Keyboard?

All information is entered into the computer through an input terminal. When we talk of input
devices, we’re referring to devices that accept data on its original format, example includes
keyboard and mouse

Step 1

Data is entered through input devices e.g. keyboard.

Step 2

Control Unit (CU) After receiving instruction from the main memory to sent signal and
commands , CU sent signal and commands to various part of the computer system to prepare and
accept the data. After the data is processed it is sent back to main memory which stores it
temporarily before the next command is executed. The data is sending to secondary storage
devices after secondary storage device had received command from the Control Unit.

The Mouse

A mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its
supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands,
with one or more buttons. It sometimes features other elements, such as "wheels", which allow
the user to perform various system-dependent operations, or extra buttons or features that can
add more control or dimensional input. The mouse's motion typically translates into the motion
of a cursor on a display, which allows for fine control of a graphical user interface.

Using the Mouse

You can use your mouse to interact with items on your computer screen. You can move objects,
open them, change them, throw them away, and perform other actions, all by pointing and
clicking with your mouse.
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Basic parts

A mouse typically has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary
button (usually the right button). The primary button is the one you will use most often. Most
mice also include a scroll wheel between the buttons to help you scroll through documents and
WebPages more easily. On some mice, the scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button.
Advanced mice might have additional buttons that can perform other functions.

Mouse Button Configurations

The mouse has a primary and secondary mouse button. You use the primary mouse button to
select and click items, position the cursor in a document, and drag items. You use the secondary
mouse button to display a menu of tasks or options that change depending on where you click.
The primary mouse button is normally the left button on the mouse. For accessibility needs, or
for left–handed mouse use, you can reverse the buttons and use the right mouse button as the
primary button. This procedure tells you how to reverse the function of the right and left mouse
buttons through Mouse Properties in Control Panel.

Variants of the Mouse

The Mouse is handy tool, some people do not like using mouse are have difficult and other
required too much. A real problem when you are not working at a desk. Now hardware
companies made different devices in the alternative use of mouse.

Trackballs

A trackball is stationary pointing device that contains a movable ball rotated with the fingers or
palm. From one to three keys are located in various positions depending on the unit. Containing a
ball that can be freely rotated by hand in any direction so as to move or position the cursor.
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Trackpads (Touchpad)

Containing a ball that can be freely rotated by hand in any direction so as to move or position the
cursor. A touch pad is a device for pointing (controlling input positioning) on a computer display
screen. It is an alternative to the mouse. Originally incorporated in laptop computers, touch pads
are also being made for use with desktop computers. A touch pad works by sensing the user's
finger movement. Trackpads include two or three buttons that perform the same function as
mouse buttons.

Pointers in the Keyboard

Many portable computers now feature a small joystick positioned near the middle of the
keyboard, typically between the G and H keys. The joystick controlled with either forefinger or it
controls the movement of the pointer on screen.

PRODUCTIVE TIPS
Saving Time with Keyboard Shortcuts

 CTRL+C: Copy
 CTRL+X: Cut
 CTRL+V: Paste
 CTRL+Z: Undo
 CTRL+B: Bold
 CTRL+U: Underline
 CTRL+I: Italic
 CTRL+Y: Redo
 CTRL+Q: Remove paragraph
 CTRL+A: Select all the
 CTRL+SHIFT+<: Decrease the font size
 CTRL+SHIFT+>: Increase the font size
 CTRL+SPACEBAR

Ergonomics and Input Devices

Ergonomics means the relationship between the human being and the tools he uses in the work
place. Like: human interacting with computer hardware. In this subject people study how to
design computer systems and other tools that can reduce risk of strain and injuries.
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Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are conditions caused by placing too much stress on a joint, and
they vary in type and severity. Most RSIs are linked to the stress of repetitive motions at the
computer or overuse injuries in sports. RSI in kids may occur from heavy computer or video
game use, playing musical instruments, or the repetitive motion of sports like tennis.

Avoiding Keyboard-Related Injuries

If you use a computer frequently, you can avoid RSIs by adopting a few good work habits, and
by making sure that your hardware and workspace are setup in an ergonomically friendly way.

AT ISSUE

Computer Voting – is it a good thing?

The dispute over electronic voting is as heated as a debate between presidential candidates. The
risk versus the benefits are discussed, investigated and argued, but what are the facts that lie
beneath the fuss? The key function of an electronic voting system is to obtain voter preferences
and report the – reliably and accurately. Some assert that electronic systems are safer than other
methods of voting because they implement security checks and audit trails and tougher to tamper
with than paper ballots.

Devices for the Hand

Most of the input devices are designed in a manner that it can be used easily with your hands.
Like touch screens, PDAs and palm tops they are user friendly and even simple than keyboard
and mouse.

Pens
Many tablet PCs like palm tops use a pen (pin) as an input device to communicate with the
computer. This sort of device is often called stylus. We can write or input the data into the
computer via a pen by writing on a special pad or on the screen. This pen also serves as the point
device like mouse.
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Touch Screens
Touch screens has sensors which accept the command when a user put a finger on the screen to
select an option. It is more user-friendly because it does not require other hardware input devices
to interact with the computer. A human directly enters the data into the computer with his or her
finger. Touch screens work well in a dust free area.

Game Controllers
Game controllers are also like an input device in which game controllers gives the input to the
computer, computer process on it and gives out put in the form of graphics and sound. Game
controllers are of two types’ game pads and joysticks. Joy sticks are popular in racing games and
game pad are mostly used in fighting games.

Optical Input Devices

When computer uses light as a source to recognize things we call it optical input devices which
includes:

Bar Code Reader

The most widely used optical device in the world is bar code reader which we often found in the
super markets like Metro, Makro, Wall mart. The most common type of Bar code reader is
flatbed model. On the point of sale terminal in a mall or super market the cashiers use Bar code
readers to identify and record the price of the products by using bar code reader. Bar codes are
the computerized patterns of prints that appear on the product.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Optical character recognition devices uses light source to recognize data. Like scanner translate
the printed images and differentiates into different primary colors. We can put data into the
computer’s memory in the form of photographs and can edit it according to our will.

Audio Visual Input Devices

Multimedia facilities of a computer comprises of audio and visual combinations which enable a
user of a computer to hear sound, to record sound and even see movies and dramas. Audio-
Visual devices include:

Microphones
Microphones are the input devices which are used to record voices and sound in the computer.
Microphones has made possible to make audio and visual conferences on the computer, and can
record lectures in the class rooms.
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Video Input
In the rapid growth of multimedia and the internet it has become possible to visualize the persons
on the computer. Through video conferencing we can see people sitting in other corner of the
world talking with us via a web cam. The web cam digitizes the images and input into the
computer in the form of pixels. Pixels are the dots of the image which forms a complete picture.

Digital Cameras
Digital cameras work similar to that of the web cam but it has an additional edge over the web
cam that digital cameras are the portable hand held cameras which capture the image and digitize
it electronically. While old traditional cameras used a coated film for the photos. Digital cameras
capture the image, compress it and then store it on a memory card inserted into the camera. One
image is captured it will be copied to the computer where it can be edited, printed or can be
transmitted to other via internet.