Human Interface Device (HID)

Most operating systems (OS) recognize basic HID devices, such as mice and keyboards, without the need for a specific driver. This facilitates the plug and play (PnP) attributes of USB devices. Some HIDs, such as a mouse, receive user input only. Others, such as speakers, provide output only. While the input or output type vary, the standardization achieved by the HID standard encompasses the connection and exchange of information between the computer host and the device. These details, though hidden from the user, facilitate device implementation and are instrumental in the rapid innovation and proliferation of HIDs.

Contemporary interface devices largely use a graphical user interfaces (GUI) instead of the older, more limited command line interface (CLI). In GUI, images, icons, and software devices are displayed for humans to manipulate to accomplish tasks instead of CLI which employs standardized typed commands to communicate with a computer to accomplish tasks.