Input and Output

Part 3 - Output

Input is the method by which information is provided by the computer, as well as other electronic devices. There are many different types of devices for Output, and Output is not necessarily just basecd on devices. Output can also be provided in other more exotic methods.

Output Devices

The monitor is the most common type of output device. It may look like a simple television, but it's not. The monitor allows the human eye to interact with the computer. Without a monitor, the computer's output capabilities would be very very limited. Imagine if the only available form of output were in printed or audible format. The monitor allows the computer to translate computer data into text and graphics, and then display them on the screen. There are several types of computer monitors available based on different technology and standards. The internal workings of the devices are essentially the same.

Printers are output devices that produce a hard copy result in the form of printed text and graphics. Printers differ from other types of output devices because they not only transfer an image to paper, but they must also move the paper through the entire process.There are several types of printer available based on different technology and standards. Most printer types basically operate the same. Some of the most common printer types include the Dot Matrix, Inkjet/BubbleJet/DeskJet, Thermal, and Laser.

Plotters are output devices that also do printouts, but use pens and draws actual lines. They are mostly used in Architectural and Engineering fields in order to print diagrams and blueprints. Since pens are used, Plotters could print high quality colour long before inkjet and Colour Laser technology was available. Plotters can also print on very large paper.

Speakers are also an output device. The provide audio feedback and play sounds. Without speakers many games and functions on todays computers would be extremely boring. Today there are many types of speakers, and some systems can have as many as 8 speakers connected! Speekers are also used in Speach Synthesis and Reading software, which are extremely important for the visually impaired.

Less Common Output Devices

Above, the most common Output devices were provided. Yet there are some more, examples are listed below, with a quick description of their use

• Video Projection devices are very similar to Monitors, however thend to have more limitations. They consume much more power and give off much more heat, however they provide the ability to present the information to a much larger group of people.
• Laser Etching - A device that has similar functionality as a printer , but uses lasers to write on, or trasfer images to special materials. They can be used for engraving, and marking, as well as for etching images on to CDs. With this technology becoming less expensive, it is becoming more common
• LED Display Penels unlike Monitors, LED Display panels use Larger Light Emitting Diodes to display messages, graphics, and information. They are also known as Pixel Boards because thee dots or Pixels that make them up are so large.
• Brail Devices Are a special device, that provideoutput that is readable by the visually impaired. Some devices are like a pad where Pins raise to be read, while others actually "Print" brail bumps on special paper to be read.