1.6 Output Devices

 

1.6 Output Devices

1.6.1 Overview of output devices:

 

An output device is a hardware component that receives data from the computer and converts the processed information into a human-readable form such as text, images, sound, or video. Common output devices include monitors, printers, speakers, and headphones.

 

1.6.2 Display unit: LED and LCD Monitor,

 

Monitor (Visual Display Unit – VDU)

A monitor is an primary output device that displays processed information from the computer in visual form. It shows text, images, graphics, and videos on the screen, allowing users to see the results of processing. The output seen on a monitor is known as a soft copy because it is temporary and can only be viewed on screen. Monitors come in two main types based on color capabilities: monochrome and color monitors

 

LED and LCD Monitors

 

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

An LCD monitor is a flat-panel output device that displays information using liquid crystal technology. It controls liquid crystals to allow light to form images on the screen. LCD monitors are thin, lightweight, and consume less power than CRT monitors.

 

LED (Light Emitting Diode) Monitor

An LED monitor is a flat-panel output device that uses light-emitting diodes for backlighting to display images on the screen. It provides better brightness, higher contrast, and consumes less power compared to LCD monitors. LED monitors are thin, lightweight, and widely used in modern computers and televisions.

 

LCD Monitor	LED Monitor
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, which is a type of display technology that uses liquid crystals to produce images on the screen.	LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which uses light emitting diodes as a source of backlighting for the display.
LCD monitors are comparatively thicker and bulkier due to the use of fluorescent lamps.	LED monitors are thinner and lighter in design because LEDs require less space.
The picture quality of LCD monitors is average and suitable for basic use.	LED monitors provide better picture quality with sharper and more vivid images.
LCD monitors generate more heat due to higher power consumption.	LED monitors generate less heat because of efficient backlighting technology.
LCD monitors are mostly found in older computer systems and televisions.	LED monitors are widely used in modern computers, laptops, and televisions.

 

1.6.3 Printer: Laser, Ink-jet, Dot-matrix and 3D Printer,

 

Printer

A printer is an output device that produces a hard copy of information generated by a computer. It converts processed digital data into a permanent printed form such as text, images, or graphics on paper. Printers are commonly used in homes, schools, and offices for printing documents, reports, and photographs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of Printers:

 

Impact Printer

An impact printer is a type of printer that produces output by physically striking an inked ribbon against the paper to print characters or images. These printers are generally noisy and are commonly used where multiple copies are required. Examples: Dot Matrix Printer, Daisy Wheel Printer, Line Printer

 

Non-Impact Printer

A non-impact printer is a type of printer that produces output without any physical contact between the printer and the paper. It uses modern technologies such as inkjet or laser printing, resulting in quieter operation and better print quality. Examples: Inkjet Printer, Laser Printer, Thermal Printer

 

Laser Printer

A laser printer is a type of non-impact printer that uses laser technology and toner powder to produce high-quality printed output. It works by forming an image on a drum using a laser beam and transferring toner onto paper, which is then fixed by heat. Laser printers are fast, quiet, and widely used in offices for printing large volumes of documents.

 

Inkjet printer

An inkjet printer is a type of non-impact printer that uses liquid ink to produce printed output. It works by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper through small nozzles to form text and images. Inkjet printers are quiet, affordable, and commonly used in homes and small offices for printing documents and photos.

 

Dot matrix printer

A dot matrix printer is a type of impact printer that produces printed output by striking an inked ribbon against paper using pins. It works by forming characters and images as patterns of small dots. Dot matrix printers are noisy, slow, and commonly used where continuous paper and multiple copies are required. It is still used for printing bills, receipts, and carbon copy documents.

 

3D printer

A 3D printer is a type of printer that creates three-dimensional objects from a digital design. It works by depositing material layer by layer, such as plastic or resin, to build a physical object. 3D printers are used in industries, education, and healthcare for making models, prototypes, and customized products.

 

 

Inkjet Printer	Laser Printer
Inkjet printer is a non-impact printer.	Laser printer is also a non-impact printer.
Uses liquid ink sprayed through tiny nozzles onto paper.	Uses a laser beam to form an image and toner powder to print.
Produces high-quality color prints and is better for photos.	Produces sharp text and clear graphics suitable for documents.
Printing speed is relatively slow	Printing speed is faster compared to inkjet printers.
Initial cost is lower.	Initial cost is higher.
Ink cartridges are expensive, increasing running cost.	Toner lasts longer, reducing cost per page.

 

Speaker

A speaker is an output device that produces sound output from a computer. It converts digital audio signals generated by the computer into audible sound that can be heard by the user. Speakers are commonly used to listen to music, voice, alarms, and other audio output from the computer system.

 

 

Plotter

A plotter is an output device used to produce large-sized and accurate drawings such as maps, charts, and engineering or architectural designs. It creates images using continuous lines, which makes it suitable for detailed graphical work. Plotters are commonly used in fields where high precision is required.

 

Laser Printer	Dot Matrix Printer
Laser printer is a non-impact printer.	Dot matrix printer is an impact printer.
Uses a laser beam and toner powder to print.	Uses pins to strike an inked ribbon against paper.
Produces high-quality and sharp output.	Produces low-quality output made of dots.
Very fast printing speed.	Slow printing speed.
Operates quietly.	Produces a lot of noise during printing.
Initial cost is higher but Cost per page is low.	Initial cost is lower but Cost per page is low.
Produces single copy at a time.	Can produce multiple copies at once.

 

 

Impact Printer	Non-Impact Printer
An impact printer is a printer that produces output by physically striking an inked ribbon against the paper.	A non-impact printer is a printer that produces output without any physical contact between the printer and the paper.
Uses mechanical force to strike pins or characters onto the ribbon and paper.	Uses modern technologies such as ink spray, laser beam, or heat to print.
Produces a lot of noise during operation due to striking action.	Operates quietly because there is no physical striking.
Print quality is generally low and characters are formed using dots.	Print quality is high with clear text and graphics.
Printing speed is slow.	Printing speed is fast.
Dot matrix printer, Daisy wheel printer.	Laser printer, Inkjet printer, Thermal printer.

 

 

Soft Copy	Hard Copy
A soft copy is the digital form of output that is displayed on electronic devices.	A hard copy is the physical form of output produced on paper or other materials.
Exists in electronic form only.	Exists in physical and tangible form.
Cannot be physically touched.	Can be physically touched and stored.
Produced using devices like monitor, projector, and speaker.	Produced using devices like printer and plotter.
Not permanent unless saved digitally.	Permanent and can be stored for a long time.

 

1.6.4 Overview of Ports: USB/Type C, HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, Audio port.

 

Peripheral Devices (Exam-Type Answer)

Peripheral devices are external hardware devices that are connected to a computer to provide input, output, or storage functions. These devices are not part of the main processing unit but help the computer system work effectively by allowing users to interact with it.

Common examples of peripheral devices include keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, speaker, and external storage devices.

 

 

 

 

 

Hardware Ports (Exam-Type Answer)

Hardware ports are physical connection points on a computer that are used to connect peripheral devices to the system. They allow data and signals to be transferred between the computer and external devices such as keyboards, printers, monitors, and storage devices.

Common examples of hardware ports include USB ports, HDMI ports, VGA ports, audio ports, and Ethernet ports.

 

USB Port

A USB port is a hardware port used to connect external devices to a computer and transfer data between them. It is commonly used to connect devices like keyboard, mouse, pen drive, and printer. Versions are USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C (faster transfer rates)

 

Type-C Port

A Type-C port is a modern USB port used for fast data transfer, video output, and power delivery. It has a reversible connector, meaning it can be plugged in either direction, and is commonly used in smartphones, laptops, and modern computers.

 

HDMI

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a hardware port used to transmit high-quality audio and video signals from a computer to display devices such as monitors, TVs, and projectors.

 

VGA Port

A VGA (Video Graphics Array) port is a hardware port used to transmit analog video signals from a computer to display devices such as monitors and projectors.

 

Ethernet Port

An Ethernet port is a hardware port used to connect a computer to a wired network or the internet using an Ethernet cable, enabling fast and reliable data communication.

 

Audio Port

An audio port is a hardware port used to connect audio devices such as speakers, headphones, or microphones to a computer for sound input and output.

 

50. Which printer uses pins and ribbon?
A. Inkjet                      B. Laser                      C. ✓ Dot matrix                      D. 3D printer

U & A LEVEL (Understanding + Application)

1. Why is a printer called a hard copy output device?

K LEVEL (Knowledge Based)

1. Define output devices. Explain their functions and importance in a computer system.
2. What is a monitor? Explain its types and uses.
3. Define a printer. Explain its role as an output device.
4. Explain the types of printers with suitable examples.
5. What is an impact printer? Explain its working and examples.
6. What is a non-impact printer? Explain different types of non-impact printers.
7. Explain laser printer, inkjet printer, and dot matrix printer.
8. Define peripheral devices. Explain their types with examples.
9. What are hardware ports? Explain different types of ports used in a computer.
10. Explain USB, HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, and Audio ports with their uses.

 

🟢 K-LEVEL (Knowledge) MCQs (1–20)

1. Which of the following is an output device?
A. Keyboard               B. Mouse                    C. ✓ Monitor              D. Scanner

2. Output devices mainly convert digital data into
A. Binary form           B. Machine language              C. ✓ Human-readable form    D. Electrical signals

3. Which device produces hard copy output?
A. Monitor                  B. Speaker                  C. ✓ Printer                D. Projector

4. Which printer is an impact printer?
A. Laser printer          B. Inkjet printer          C. ✓ Dot matrix printer          D. Thermal printer

5. Which output device produces sound?
A. Monitor                  B. Printer                    C. ✓ Speaker              D. Plotter

6. LCD stands for
A. Light Crystal Display                    B. Liquid Color Display
C. ✓ Liquid Crystal Display              D. Light Crystal Device

7. LED monitor uses which backlight?
A. Fluorescent lamps              B. Gas lamps              C. ✓ Light emitting diodes     D. Halogen lamps

8. Which printer uses toner powder?
A. Inkjet                      B. Dot matrix              C. ✓ Laser printer                  D. 3D printer

9. VGA port transmits
A. Audio signals                     B. Digital video                      C. ✓ Analog video      D. Network signals

10. HDMI carries
A. Only video             B. Only audio             C. ✓ Audio and video             D. Only data

11. USB stands for
A. Universal System Bus                                B. Unified Serial Bus             

C. ✓ Universal Serial Bus                              D. Universal Speed Bus

12. Which port is used for wired internet?
A. USB                        B. HDMI                     C. ✓ Ethernet              D. VGA

13. Audio ports are used to connect
A. Monitor                  B. Printer                    C. ✓ Speakers and microphones        D. Scanner

14. Which is a peripheral device?
A. CPU                        B. RAM                      C. ✓ Printer                D. ALU

15. Which printer can print multiple copies at once?
A. Laser printer                      B. Inkjet printer                      C. ✓ Dot matrix printer            D. Thermal printer

16. Which monitor is thinner and energy efficient?
A. CRT                        B. LCD                        C. ✓ LED                    D. Plasma

17. Which output device shows soft copy?
A. Printer                    B. Plotter                    C. ✓ Monitor              D. Dot matrix printer

18. Which printer sprays liquid ink?
A. Laser                      B. ✓ Inkjet                  C. Dot matrix              D. 3D printer

19. Type-C port has which feature?
A. Single direction     B. Slow speed             C. ✓ Reversible connector     D. Analog signal

20. Which device creates 3-D objects?
A. Laser printer          B. Plotter                    C. ✓ 3D printer                      D. Inkjet printer

21. Which printer is best for photo printing at home?
A. Laser printer          B. ✓ Inkjet printer      C. Dot matrix printer              D. Line printer

22. A noisy printer that uses ribbon is
A. Laser                      B. Inkjet                      C. ✓ Dot matrix                      D. Thermal

23. Which port is best for connecting a TV to a laptop?
A. USB                        B. VGA                       C. ✓ HDMI                             D. Ethernet

24. A device used to hear music from a computer is
A. Printer                    B. Monitor                  C. ✓ Speaker                          D. Scanner

25. Which printer is suitable for office bulk printing?
A. Inkjet                      B. Dot matrix              C. ✓ Laser                              D. 3D printer

26. Which monitor technology consumes less power?
A. CRT                        B. LCD                        C. ✓ LED                                D. Plasma

27. Which port is commonly used for pen drives?
A. HDMI                     B. VGA                       C. ✓ USB                                D. Ethernet

28. For online meetings, which output device is needed?
A. Printer                    B. Monitor                  C. ✓ Speaker                          D. Plotter

29. Which device is used to print large engineering drawings?
A. Inkjet printer          B. Laser printer          C. ✓ Plotter                            D. Dot matrix printer

30. Which port connects headphones?
A. USB                        B. VGA                       C. Ethernet                              D. ✓ Audio port

31. Which printer gives the best text clarity?
A. Inkjet                      B. Dot matrix              C. ✓ Laser                              D. Thermal

32. Which device allows user interaction visually?
A. Speaker                  B. Printer                    C. ✓ Monitor                          D. Plotter

33. Which printer does NOT strike the paper?
A. Dot matrix             B. ✓ Inkjet                  C. Line printer                        D. Daisy wheel

34. Which port supports charging and data together?
A. VGA                       B. HDMI                     C. ✓ USB Type-C                   D. Ethernet

35. Which printer uses heat to fix toner?
A. Inkjet                      B. ✓ Laser                  C. Dot matrix                          D. 3D printer

36. Which combination is fully output related?
A. Keyboard, mouse, scanner                        B. CPU, RAM, ROM
C. ✓ Monitor, printer, speaker                       D. USB, HDMI, VGA

37. Which printer has the lowest print quality?
A. Laser                      B. Inkjet                      C. ✓ Dot matrix                      D. Thermal

38. Which port transmits only analog signals?
A. HDMI                     B. USB                        C. ✓ VGA                               D. Ethernet

39. Which device converts electrical signals into sound?
A. Monitor                  B. ✓ Speaker              C. Printer                    D. Plotter

40. Which printer is both fast and quiet?
A. Inkjet                      B. Dot matrix              C. ✓ Laser                  D. Line printer

41. A modern laptop may NOT include which port?
A. USB-C                    B. HDMI                     C. ✓ VGA                   D. Audio

42. Which printer is best for carbon copy printing?
A. Inkjet                      B. Laser                      C. ✓ Dot matrix          D. Thermal

43. Which device is NOT a peripheral?
A. Printer                    B. Monitor                  C. Speaker                  D. ✓ CPU

44. Which output device is used for presentations?
A. Printer                    B. Speaker                  C. ✓ Projector            D. Scanner

45. Which port provides the fastest data transfer?
A. VGA                       B. HDMI                     C. Ethernet                  D. ✓ USB Type-C

46. Which printer builds objects layer by layer?
A. Laser                      B. Inkjet                      C. ✓ 3D printer          D. Dot matrix

47. Which output device gives permanent output?
A. Monitor                  B. Speaker                  C. ✓ Printer                D. Projector

48. Which monitor technology is oldest?
A. LED                        B. LCD                        C. ✓ CRT                    D. OLED

49. Which port connects router to computer?
A. USB                        B. HDMI                     C. ✓ Ethernet              D. VGA