OUTPUT DEVICES: CHARACTERISTICS, WHAT THEY ARE FOR, TYPES, EXAMPLES - TECHNOLOGY - 2024

Computer output devices are devices used to receive information from a computer system. They translate the processed data from a machine-encoded format into a format that can be read by the end user.

These devices allow people to view and listen to the data and information that has been created and is stored on the computer. They are peripheral hardware that are connected to a computer by cables or wireless networks.

Printer and monitor, examples of output devices. Source: pixabay.com

They are normally used so that information can actually be projected, displayed or reproduced. Among the units most often used with a computer to provide information are printers and monitors.

A computer can function without an output device. However, without these devices you will not know what the computer is doing, since you will not be able to observe any error indicators, nor about the need to enter any additional input.

For example, if the monitor is disconnected from the computer while the computer is still running, you will not be able to tell what it is doing. That's how important output devices are to a computer.

Output device characteristics

Peripherals

The characteristic of being peripherals determines that they are extra or additional components to the computer, so these devices could be dispensed with.

However, in the case of the monitor, which is the output device that shows the results thrown by the computer converted into visual images that the user can understand, it is really required to be able to interact with the computer equipment.

Adaptability

With the passage of each of the developments and generations in the technology sector, the output devices have been adapted and modified to satisfy the increasingly demanding demands or searches of users in relation to good listening, visual or tactile experiences..

Comfort

The interaction that these devices maintain is specifically with people, that is, users. For this reason, they have been developed so that whoever uses them feels more and more comfortable.

For this reason, the audio quality has been improving, the screens tire the eyes less and less or the printers can already print objects that are tangible.

Efficiency

In accordance with the evident improvements in quality in the technology sector, these devices are gradually being adapted and optimized.

What are the output devices for? (Functions)

The main function of the output devices is to transmit the response of the computer in the form of a visual (monitor), auditory (speakers) response or through multimedia devices (CD or DVD drives). They can receive data from another device, but they cannot send data to another device.

These devices are the ones in charge of revealing to users the results that correspond to the operations that have been processed or executed by the computer.

In this sense, the input device will be the one that will obtain the information for its respective processing by the CPU, so that it can be subsequently represented by the output device by converting its internal bit patterns, in such a way that it is understandable for the user.

Represent the information

In this way, the output devices are perceived as a kind of electronic device that has the conditions to display and at the same time represent the information that has been processed by the computer in the form of a text, graphic, drawings, photographs, diagrams, virtual three-dimensional spaces and more.

Finally, we must also highlight the output devices that have the great utility of being able to communicate to the computer with the external world, resorting to modems and fax units, among other communication systems.

Types

Visual devices

Monitor

They refer to those output devices in which the result that is made palpable for the user is carried out through visual information, such as a video, an image and even a signal with a light.

There are two common types of monitors, which are the cathode ray tube and the flat panel display. Monitors come in various shapes, sizes, and display technologies.

Hearing aids

Speakers and monitor

An output device can present the user with information that is already processed through audio, in this case it can be through a loudspeaker, headphones and other similar devices.

Touch devices

3D printer

The clearest example of this type of output device is a braille printer or 3D printer. Similarly, there are cases in which the device can be output and input simultaneously, such as the screen of a tablet or mobile.

Examples

Monitor

It is a screen display unit and is the most common example of an output device. All monitors work with the computer's video card to show a real-time image of the computer's operation, programs, and operating system.

For example, when a letter is typed using a keyboard connected to the computer, it is displayed on the monitor. Without the monitor, you will not be able to see how the lyrics are displayed or to read them.

Printers

With printers, text and information can be transmitted directly from the computer to printed formats. Additionally, image data on the computer can be transmitted to the printer, to then physically recreate the image, generally on paper.

Additionally, printers can be found in small offices, homes, photo studios, and businesses.

Speakers

They are used to help you hear sounds and other audio elements from your computer. Also, monitors and laptops often have built-in speakers. Otherwise, a computer requires a sound card for the speakers to work.

Similarly, speakers convert digital signals into analog sound waves that are perceptible to the human ear. Lastly, speakers can range from simple two-speaker devices to multi-channel stereos.

Projectors

They are used mainly by schools and companies to expose information to a large number of people at the same time. They connect to the computer's graphics card, thus allowing the computer screen to be displayed on a smooth surface or wall.

LCD and digital light processing projectors are the most common types of these output devices.

Themes of interest

Input devices.

References

1. Bismark (2020). 10 Output Devices of Computer and Their Functions. Nolly Tech. Taken from: nollytech.com.
2. Computer Hope (2019). Output device. Taken from: computerhope.com.
3. José Luis R. (2018). Output peripherals - What they are, examples and characteristics. 247 Techno. Taken from: 247tecno.com.
4. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2020). Output device. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.
5. Teach Computer Science (2020). Output Devices. Taken from: teachcomputerscience.com.