Discuss common input / output technologies.

Input/output technologies are devices that enable the communication of data between computers, systems, and other external sources. They allow for the exchange of information between different components in a computer system as well as provide an interface to communicate with users. Input technologies like keyboards, mice, joysticks, scanners, touchscreens and voice recognition interfaces help record input from users while output technologies such as monitors, printers and speakers enable users to view or hear results generated by their commands.

Keyboard: A keyboard is one of the most common types of input technology used today. It uses mechanical switches or capacitive sensing to detect key presses which then sends signals to the processor resulting in characters being displayed on screen depending on what combination of keys were pressed. Keyboards can also be used for shortcuts and special functions like copy-pasting text or launching applications quickly.

Mouse: Mice are another type of input device used primarily for pointing at objects on a computer screen as well as clicking icons or menu items. This technology usually consists of two buttons located below a sensor that tracks movement across any flat surface enabling you to navigate around your desktop easily. Most modern mice also have scrolling features allowing you to scroll up or down pages quickly without needing to use your keyboard’s arrow keys.

Joystick: Joysticks are game controllers that typically come with video games consoles such as PlayStation or Xbox but can also be connected directly into PCs via USB ports where they provide an enhanced gaming experience compared to using keyboards alone in certain genres like flight simulators or racing games. These devices contain an array of buttons which can be programmed with custom combinations depending on each user’s preference providing them greater control over their gaming experience than traditional mouse-and-keyboard setups allow for instance when playing first person shooters (FPS).

Scanner: Scanners are hardware devices capable of digitizing paper documents by converting printed text into digital format so it can be stored electronically rather than having physical copies taking up space in offices and homes alike. They consist mainly out optical sensors that capture images fed through them which is then processed by specialized software programs before being exported onto whatever files formats needed including jpgs pdfs tiffs etcetera thus preserving all its contents indefinitely until needed again at anytime without having any physical space limitations whatsoever meaning much less clutter overall!

Touchscreen: Touchscreens are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease-of-use since all actions performed require only touching various parts on these displays instead requiring users use additional peripherals like regular keyboards do this makes them ideal solutions when developing interactive kiosks educational applications public transportation services etcetera now even phones laptops tablets etcetera incorporate touchscreen technology giving people more choices how they interact with their computing platform making life simpler faster more efficient overall!

Voice Recognition Interface: Voice recognition is a type input device that utilizes natural language processing algorithms recognize spoken words turn those into commands then give appropriate responses either displaying visual information sound audio feedback whoever requested it great example would Siri Apple’s virtual assistant come preinstalled many iPhones iPads nowadays similar Microsoft Cortana Google Now Amazon Echo among others exist making quite convenient way issue orders computers personal assistants run searches online just few examples potential incredible possibilities opened once voice recognition becomes well developed enough understand nuances human speech .

Output Technologies Monitors Printers Speakers Monitors display information generated processing unit response user commands form pictures graphics texts colorful visuals designed stimulate senses create immersive experiences whether playing video games watching movies browsing internet critical part ensuring user receives correct message intended produced multiple sizes resolutions available meet needs require minimal power conserve energy most cases Printers produce hardcopies textual graphical material rely bundles wires order function ink cartridges expensive maintain toner required replacing regularly cost longer lifespan though increased quality output provided Speakers convert electric signals audible sounds order allow people listen music videos podcasts playlists audio books replace traditional means conveying messages sound broadcasting radio television important factor multimedia environment plays role enhancing entertainment value content delivered .