To use a computer, we must have some means of entering data into the computer for it to use in its computations. There are a wide variety of input devices, and we will mention only the most commonly used types. The input devices that you as a manager are most likely to use are a microcomputer keyboard and a mouse. In computation, these devices are generally called first-phase devices. In modern days, these devices are slowly getting replaced by some more smart devices, capable of inputting our instructions with touch or even human voices.
A terminal is a simpler device than a PC; it is designed strictly for input/output and does not incorporate a processor (CPU), or at least not a general-purpose processor. The terminal is connected to a computer via some type of telecommunication line. Most terminals consist of a keyboard for data entry and a monitor to show the user what has been entered and to display the output from the computer. Terminals are widely used by clerical personnel involved in online transaction processing. Special types of terminals are also in widespread use as computer input devices. Point-of-sale terminals are in use at most retail stores, and automatic teller machines (ATMs) are commonplace in the banking industry. Like the standard terminals described earlier, these special-purpose devices serve as both input and output devices, usually incorporating a small built-in printer to provide a hard-copy record of the transaction.
Voice input to computers is another input option, although the accuracy of speech recognition software is still less than perfect, with the best packages achieving recognition accuracy in the 95 to 99 percent range. With these numbers, speech recognition software is a productivity- enhancing tool for users with limited typing skills, disabilities, repetitive stress injuries from overusing a computer keyboard, or no time to do anything except dictate (such as medical doctors).
Some input methods read an original document (such as a typed report or a check or deposit slip) directly into the computer’s memory. Check processing is handled this way in the United States through the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) input method. Bank checks have the account information already printed using code type of numbers and a special magnetizable ink. After a check is cashed in any bank, the bank that cashed it records the amount of the check in magnetizable ink at the bottom of the check. Magnetic ink character reader is a kind of computer device which magnetizes the ink along with understanding the number. It is as well responsible for transmitting the data to the records of bank database.
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