Microphones act as which kind of device?

Microphones are classified as input devices because they convert sound waves into electrical signals that can be processed by a computer or audio system. This conversion is essential for capturing audio, which can then be manipulated, recorded, or transmitted. As an input device, a microphone allows users to interact with computers or recording equipment by providing a way to input voice or other sounds into those systems.

On the other hand, output devices are designed to deliver data from a computer to the user, such as speakers or monitors. Storage devices are used to save data, like hard drives or USB drives, while processing devices, such as CPUs, handle the manipulation of data. Thus, microphones exclusively serve the purpose of gathering audio input, distinguishing them clearly as input devices.