1

UNIT 1

COMPUTER

OPERATIONS AND

FUNDAMENTALS

LESSON 2:

OUTPUT DEVICES

Lesson Contents

• What an output device is

• Examples of output devices

• Features of output devices

• Quick Test

• Recap

2

What is an output device?

3

An output device is any hardware that is

used by the computer to give us

information in a suitable form.

Different forms of output

4

Computer output

• Text/graphics displayed

on a screen (softcopy)

• Sound

• Printed text/graphics

on paper (hardcopy)

Examples of output devices

5

Monitor Printer Speakers

Headphones Projector

6

• There are many output devices.

• Each one has its own characteristics and

displays data in a different manner.

• Therefore the selection of an output device

depends on the type of output that will be

generated by the computer.

Features of output devices

7

Monitor

• Also called the Visual

Display Unit (VDU)

• Used to display text,

graphics and video

Types of monitor

8

Flat-panel monitor

(LCD / LED) CRT monitor

Features of output devices

9

Printer

• Used to transfer text and graphics from the

computer onto paper

Features of output devices

Dot-matrix printer

• Impact printer

• Low quality printouts

• Noisy and slow in operation

It forms characters on paper by

striking pins against an inked ribbon.

Dot-matrix printer

11

• It can produce carbon

copies of printouts using

special paper.

• It is used in banks, retail

outlets and offices to print

multipart stationery.

Features of output devices

12

Inkjet printer

• Non-impact printer

• Good quality printing

• Faster than the dot-matrix printer

• Quiet in operation

Inkjet printer

13

It forms characters/graphics by

spraying drops of liquid ink on paper.

Ink cartridges

It is used at home and in offices

where few printouts are needed.

Features of output devices

14

Laser printer

A non-impact printer that uses a laser beam

together with ink powder (toner) to transfer text

and graphics onto paper.

Toner cartridge

Laser printer

15

•High quality printing

•Works very quietly

•Very fast

•Used in offices where high volume of

printing is required.

Features of output devices

16

3D printer

A computer-aided manufacturing device that

creates three-dimensional objects.

3D printer

17

3D printing is done by building up the object layer

by layer. Plastic or other material may be used.

3D printer filaments

Features of output devices

18

Plotter

A device used to print large high quality

drawings using refillable pens.

Refillable pens

Plotter printing a large map

Plotter

19

It is used by designers, engineers, map-makers and

architects to produce giant posters, building plans

and maps.

Poster Building Plan Map

Features of output devices

20

Speakers

• Devices used to output

sound from a computer.

They are used during

multimedia presentations and for entertainment.

Features of output devices

21

Headphones

They allow a user to listen

to audio files privately.

Features of output devices

22

Video projector

A device that displays

enlarged images from a

computer onto a screen,

a wall or other surface.

screen

projector

Video projector

23

Uses:

• business meetings

• at school

• at home

• other places where a large screen

presentation would be beneficial.

Quick Test

24

TRUE FALSE

1. A video projector is used to show a

presentation on a large screen so that

everyone in the room can see it.

Quick Test

25

TRUE

A video projector is used to show a

presentation to a large audience.

1. A video projector is used to show a

presentation on a large screen so that

everyone in the room can see it.

Quick Test

26

TRUE FALSE

A plotter is used by architects to print

2. An architect uses an inkjet printer to

print very large building plans.

Quick Test

27

FALSE

A plotter is used by architects to print

large drawings.

2. An architect uses an inkjet printer to

print very large building plans.

Quick Test

28

TRUE FALSE

3. A laser printer can produce carbon

copies of printouts.

Quick Test

29

FALSE

Only dot-matrix printer can print carbon

copies of printouts.

3. A laser printer can produce carbon

copies of printouts.

Quick Test

30

TRUE FALSE

4. A laser printer is very slow and makes a

lot of noise.

Quick Test

31

The laser printer works very quietly and produces

high quality copies at a very high speed.

4. A laser printer is very slow and makes a

lot of noise.

FALSE

Recap

• An output device is a piece of hardware

used by the computer to give us information.

• Information can be

➢ heard

➢ displayed on a screen

➢ printed on paper

Recap

• Examples of output devices include

monitors, printers, speakers, headphones

and video projectors.

• The selection of a suitable output device

depends on the type of output generated by

the computer.

End of Lesson

34