A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes an input device?

1. A device that translates computer signals into human-readable form

2. A peripheral that hold data or programs

3. A device that accepts data in a machine-readable form

4. A medium used for storing data permanently

The correct answer is: A device that accepts data in a machine-readable form

An input device is specifically designed to accept data in a machine-readable form, allowing users to provide information to a computer system. This can include a wide array of devices such as keyboards, mice, scanners, and microphones, which take user inputs and convert them into signals that can be processed by the computer. The essence of option C lies in its focus on the process of receiving data, which is the primary function of input devices. They facilitate interaction between the user and the computer, enabling various forms of data entry such as typing text, capturing images, or recording audio. The other options describe functions or characteristics that do not align with the core definition of an input device. For instance, a device that translates computer signals into human-readable form typically falls under the category of output devices, which are responsible for presenting data to users. Similarly, peripherals that hold data or programs refer to storage devices rather than input devices, which do not store data themselves but rather allow for the entry of data into a system. Finally, a medium used for storing data permanently pertains to storage solutions like hard drives or SSDs, emphasizing a different aspect of computer architecture unrelated to data input.