Output devices:

Output device is a hardware component that is used for displaying the results of data which are
processed by computer system.
Output devices allow to convert the electronic information into the human’s readable format.
This format may be audio, visual, textual, or hard copy such as a printed document. Examples
include monitors, printers, speakers, and projectors etc.

1. Monitor

A monitor is an electronic output device that is also known as a video display terminal (VDT)
or a video display unit (VDU). It is used to display images, text, video, and graphics
information generated by a connected computer via a computer's video card. Although it is
almost like a TV, its resolution is much higher than a TV. The first computer monitor was
introduced on 1 March 1973, which was part of the Xerox Alto computer system.

Older monitors were built by using a fluorescent screen and Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), which
made them heavy and large in size and thus causing them to cover more space on the desk.
Nowadays, all monitors are made up by using flat-panel display technology, commonly backlit
with LEDs. These modern monitors take less space on the desk as compared to older CRT
displays.

Types of Monitors
There are several types of monitors; some are as follows:

1. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors

It is a technology used in early monitors. It uses a beam of electrons to create an image on the
screen. It comprises the guns that fire a beam of electrons inside the screen. The electron beams
repeatedly hit the surface of the screen. These guns are responsible for generating RGB (Red,
Green, Blue) colors, and more other colors can be generated with the help of combining these
three colors. Today's Flat Panel Monitors replace the CRT monitors.
2. Flat Panel Monitors
These types of monitors are lightweight and take less space. They consume less power as
compared to CRT monitors. These monitors are more effective as they do not provide harmful
radiation. These monitors are more expensive than CRTs. The flat-panel monitors are used in
PDA, notebook computers, and cellular phones. These monitors are available in various sizes
like 15", 17", 18" & 19" and more. The display of a flat-panel monitor is made with the help of
two plates of glass. These plates contain a substance, which is activated in many ways.

3. Touch Screen Monitors

These monitors are also known as an input device. It enables users to interact with the computer
by using a finger or stylus instead of using a mouse or keyboard. When users touch the screen by
their finger, it occurs an event and forward it to the controller for processing. These types of
screens include pictures or words that help users to interact with the computer. It takes input
from the users by touching menus or icons presented on the screen.
4. LED Monitors
It is a flat screen computer monitor, which stands for light-emitting diode display. It is
lightweight in terms of weight and has a short depth. As the source of light, it uses a panel of
LEDs. Nowadays, a wide number of electronic devices, both large and small devices such as
laptop screens, mobile phones, TVs, computer monitors, tablets, and more, use LED displays.

5. OLED Monitors
It is a new flat light-emitting display technology, which is more efficient, brighter, thinner, and
better refresh rates feature and contrast as compared to the LCD display. It is made up of locating
a series of organic thin films between two conductors. These displays do not need a backlight as
they are emissive displays. Furthermore, it provides better image quality ever and used in tablets
and high-end smartphones.
 2. Printer
A printer is a device that converts digital documents or pictures from a computer into printed
copies on paper.

 While printers are capable of a variety of tasks, their primary function is to produce
documents, images, and pictures on paper.
 Printers are capable of printing any kind of documents in the form of text, images, and
numbers.
 Printing presses play a crucial role in our daily lives. They convert digital information
into physical documents that we can read and handle.
 There are many types of printing devices designed for specific people and situations.

Printers can be categorized into two groups:

1. Impact Printers
2. Non-Impact Printers

1. Impact Printers
Impact printers function similarly to a typewriter that creates images on paper by making direct
contact with an ink ribbon. Impact printers encompass various types, such as Daisy-Wheel, Dot-
Matrix, and Line printers, etc.

2. Non-Impact Printers
Non-impact printers can print documents without making contact with the ink ribbon.

 The maintenance of non-impact printers is less complicated than that of impact printers.
 Technologies like laser, xerographic, electrostatic, chemical methods, and inkjet are
utilized by non-impact printers.
  Inkjet, laser, and LED printers are a few examples of non-impact printers.

Dot Matrix Printers

A dot matrix printer is classified as an impact printer, utilizing a series of pins arranged in small
matrices to strike an inked ribbon, thereby producing text and images.
 This type of printer operates on the principle of impact, where the pins make contact with
the paper through the ribbon, creating dots that form characters and graphics.
 Consequently, while dot matrix printers were once widely employed for various
applications, their usage has declined as they have struggled to compete with
contemporary printing technologies such as inkjet and laser printers.

Daisy-Wheel Printers
Daisy wheel printing is a mechanical printing technique that creates impressions on paper.
 The term "daisy wheel" is derived from its printing appearance, resembling a daisy
flower.
 Typically, it operates at a pace of 25 to 50 characters per second.
 To print, the wheel spins until the desired letter is positioned before the paper.
 After that, a hammer presses the letter against an ink-soaked ribbon and the paper below.
 The daisy wheel is positioned on a device that types letters in a horizontal alignment.
 Despite their slow operation, daisy-wheel printers delivered print quality that matched
that of the top-tier typewriters.

Line Printers
A line printer is recognized for its rapid printing abilities, producing one line of text at a time.
 It is commonly employed for generating documents and reports.
 It is particularly prevalent in the printing of invoices in retail environments.
 This type of printer is typically utilized in scenarios that demand large-scale printing.
 The standard operational speed of a line printer is 3000 Lines Per Minute (LPM).
  Unlike printers that utilize individually cut sheets, line printers operate on continuous
forms of paper.
 They are used in the business sector for their efficiency in handling high-volume printing
tasks and it is cost-effective.

Inkjet Printers
Because of the high-quality prints they produce, inkjet printers are used both at home and in
small businesses.
 Hydraulic technology is used in these printers to precisely spray personified ink over the
paper using microscopic nozzles, resulting in sharp and colourful images.
 Inkjet technology has a high-end capability and can aid in the manufacture of simple yet
vibrant images, strong written documents, and detailed graphics.
 Inkjet printers are preferred because of their flexibility to print on a variety of media
materials, including paper designed for pictures or other specific stocks.

Laser Printers
Laser printers utilize laser technology to generate crisp text and detailed images.
 An electrostatic image is formed on a photosensitive drum with the help of laser light,
which draws in toner particles.
 Many people use laser printers in their workplaces as well as at home.
 They deliver crisp printing, seamlessly tackle large volumes of work, and provide
financial savings over time.

LED Printers
LED printers operate similarly to laser printers in terms of their fundamental processes.
 LED printers utilize a series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to achieve the same
outcome, instead of using a laser to form an electrostatic image on a photosensitive drum.
 The toner is subsequently applied to the paper and fused using heat, resulting in high-
quality prints.
  Known for their reliability, speed, and cost-effectiveness, LED printers are a favored
option for businesses and offices with moderate to high printing demands.

3. Speaker

Speakers are audio output devices. It produces sound generated by the computer’s sound card.
They are important for multimedia experiences such as watching videos, listening to music, or
participating in virtual meetings.

It is an example of an output device because speakers take the sounds from your computer and
allow you to hear them.

4. Headphones

Similar to speakers, headphones deliver audio output but with a personalized touch. They are
ideal for users who want to enjoy sound privately without disturbing others. Headphones come in
various styles including over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear, catering to different choices.

5. Projector

Projectors are output devices. It displays enlarged images or presentations on a larger surface,
such as a screen or wall. They receive signals from a computer and project the content onto a
bigger space. They are commonly used in classrooms, boardrooms, and home theaters.

6. Plotter

Plotters are output devices mostly used for producing high-quality, large-scale graphics and
designs. Plotter is commonly used in design and architecture. It uses pens to draw intricate
designs with different colors and line thicknesses.