ABSTRACT
A great many choices are available to users when it comes to input devices, not only in terms of their shape and form but also their mode of operation. Keyboards, mice, touchpads, tablets and pens, joysticks, pucks, touchscreens and voice recognition software (VRS) are commonly in use. Keyboards, mice and joysticks fall into the category of indirect devices as they are positioned independently of the screen. Fingers, used on touchscreens, and the voice, which operates VRS, are considered direct devices because they have a direct connection with the screen. Direct devices are simpler to use than indirect devices in terms of the psychomotor skills required which has implications in the case of disabled users. Voice recognition software (VRS) is becoming an increasingly common tool in offices as an alternative to using more traditional input devices such as keyboards and mice.
