Keyboards, scanners, and microphones are categorized as what type of devices?

Keyboards, scanners, and microphones are categorized as input devices because they are tools that allow users to provide data and commands to a computer or system. Input devices are essential for interacting with computers, as they enable the user to enter information, such as typing text with a keyboard, scanning documents with a scanner, or capturing audio with a microphone. Each of these devices plays a crucial role in the data entry process, allowing the computer to receive and process external information.

In contrast, output devices are responsible for conveying information from the computer to the user, such as printers and monitors, while storage devices are used to retain data and files, like hard drives and USB flash drives. Network devices facilitate communication between computers over a network but do not function in the same way as input devices.