Output Devices

An output device is any peripheral that receives data from a computer, usually for display, projection, or physical reproduction. For example, the image shows an inkjet printer, an output device that can make a hard copy of anything shown on the monitor. Monitors and printers are two of the most commonly used output devices used with a computer.

Examples of Output Devices

Monitor

This is the most common computer output device. It creates a visual display by the use of which users can view processed data.  Monitors come in various sizes and resolutions.

Common Types of Monitors

• Cathode Ray Tube – this uses phosphorescent dots to generate the pixels that constitute displayed images.
• Flat Panel Screen – this makes use of liquid crystals or plasma to produce output. Light is passed through the liquid crystals in order to generate pixels.

All monitors depend on a video card, which is positioned either on the computer motherboard or in a special expansion slot. The video card sorts out the computer data into image details that the monitors can then show.

Printer

This device generates a hard copy version of processed data, like documents and photographs. The computer transmits the image data to the printer, which then physically recreates the image, typically on paper.

Types of Printers

• Ink Jet – this kind of printer sprays tiny dots of ink onto a surface to form an image.
• Laser – this type utilizes toner drums that roll through magnetized pigment, and then transfers the pigment onto a surface.
• Dot Matrix – dot matrix printers utilize a print head to set images on a surface, using an ink ribbon. These printers were commonly used.

Speakers

Speakers are attached to computers to facilitate the output of sound; sound cards are required in the computer for speakers to function. The different kinds of speakers range from simple, two-speaker output devices right the way up to surround-sound multi-channel units.

Headset

This is a combination of speakers and microphones.  It is mostly used by gamers and is also a great tool for communicating with family and friends over the internet using some VOIP program or other.

Projector

This is a display device that projects a computer-created image onto another surface: usually some sort of whiteboard or wall. The computer transmits the image data to its video card, which then sends the video image to the projector. It is most often used for presentations, or for viewing videos.

Plotter

This generates a hard copy of a digitally depicted design. The design is sent to the plotter through a graphics card, and the design is formed by using a pen.  It is generally used with engineering applications and essentially draws a given image using a series of straight lines.

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