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Output Devices

Hardware

For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.

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Output devices

When a computer has finished processing information, the information needs to be output so that it can be used.

Monitors:screens or Visual Display Units (VDUs)display the effects of what the user is doingcan vary in size and resolution.

Printers:produce a paper copy of the user’s work: a ‘hard copy’come in three main types: laser, inkjet and dot matrix. Some businesses also use plotters.

Sometimes we just need to see the information, on screen or on

paper, so we use a monitor or a

printer.

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When a computer has finished processing information, the information needs to be output so that it can be used.

Speakers:are used to output sound, whether music or voicevary a lot in quality.

Headphones:work in the same way as speakerscan be cordless.

Sometimes we need to hear the

information, so we use loudspeakers or headphones.

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Sometimes we want it to control something, so we send a signal to a motor or a switch

that is part of another device, like a robotic arm or a

computerized sewing machine.

When a computer has finished processing information, the information needs to be output so that it can be used.

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Output devices – visual and printed

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Output devices – control and sound

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Device suitable for purpose

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Device Benefits

CRT Cheapest monitor to buy; gives a sharp picture

LCD Slim screen; Used for laptops and digital display

TFT Slim screen; quick to refresh because each pixel has its own transistor

Speakers Good for loud music; can address a whole room

Headphones Can listen without disturbing others; good for private conversation

Laser Quick and best quality printer; large paper tray

Inkjet Cheap colour printing; good for printing photos

Dot matrix Impact printer; good for multi-part forms

Plotter Large drawing size; clear lines for technical drawings

Control Safe in all conditions; good for repetitive tasks

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Summary

There are four kinds of output devices; devices that produce a visual or printed output, those that produce an audio output and others that use control as output.

The three main types of monitors at Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) and Thin Film Transistor (TFT).

There are three main types of printers: dot matrix, inkjet and laser.

Sound devices include speakers and headphones.

Control devices include hydraulics, pneumatics and motors.