BASIC COMPUTER CONCEPTS - OUTPUT DEVICES
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Computer Terms Glossary
An output device is a device which the computer uses to "put out" or display information whether it be visual (a printer, monitor, or plotter), auditory (speakers), or even tactile (pagers or beepers which vibrate).  It is possible that taste and smells may come from computers in the future.    

  Color Monitor  Monitor      Printer (with fax and copy capability)  Printer 

A monitor is a display device that consists of a screen housed in a plastic or metal case. The quality of the display depends on a monitor's resolution, dot pitch, and refresh rate. Resolution, or sharpness, is related to the number of pixels a monitor can display. Dot pitch, which is a measure of image clarity, is the distance between each pixel. Refresh rate is the speed with which a monitor redraws images on the screen. Refresh rate should be fast enough to maintain a constant, flicker-free image. A video card converts digital output into an analog video signal that is sent through a cable to the monitor. How the picture is produced is determined by the display device. Several standards define resolution, the number of colors, and other monitor properties. Today, most monitors and video cards support the super video graphics array (SVGA) standard.

Printers produce printed information, called hardcopy. Generally, printers are grouped into two categories: impact and non-impact. An impact printer forms characters and graphics by striking a mechanism against an inked ribbon that physically contacts the paper. A dot-matrix printer is an impact printer that prints images when tiny wire pins on a print head mechanism strike an inked ribbon. A line printer is a high-speed impact printer that prints an entire line at one time. A non-impact printer creates characters and graphics without actually striking the paper. An ink-jet printer is a high-speed, high-quality non-impact printer that sprays drops of ink onto a piece of paper. A laser printer is a non-impact printer that operates in a manner similar to a copy machine. A thermal printer generates images by pushing electrically heated pins against heat-sensitive paper. A printer capable of Internet printing receives print instructions from an Internet service, allowing it to print documents from desktop and wireless devices. Other types of printers include photo printers, label printers, portable printers, and plotters.
     Dual speakers Speakers  Plotter for CAD/CAMPlotter Pager Pager

 

 Two commonly used audio output devices are speakers and headsets. Most personal computers have an internal speaker that outputs low-quality sound. Many users add high-quality stereo speakers or purchase personal computers with larger speakers built into the sides of the monitor. A woofer can be added to boost low bass sounds. A headset plugged into a port on the sound card or a speaker allows only the user to hear sound from the computer.
 

For more information about output devices go to  Lycos HowTo  or try HowStuffWorks-Ink Jet Printer

               
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Last updated: 1/24/2003
Email:  bholt@nvcc.edu