Output Devices and their Uses

Output Devices and their Uses

Monitors

• A monitor or screen, also known as a Visual Display Unit (VDU), visually presents processed data.
• Used to display text, images, animations, and video to the user.
• There are two main types: CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD/LED (Liquid Crystal Display/Light Emitting Diodes).

Printers

• An output device that produces hard copies of digital information such as text or graphics.
• Inkjet and laser printers are the most commonly used types.
• 3D printers are used to create three-dimensional objects based on digital designs.

Speakers / Headphones

• Audio output devices that convert digital sound signals into audible sound.
• Different types of sound systems have various uses, from listening to music, to providing audio for interactive experiences such as video games or virtual reality.

Projectors

• Often used in meetings, lectures, and presentations, projectors enlarge output to a size usable in a large room.
• They can project images, videos, and presentations on a large scale from a computer or similar device.

Actuators

• Mechanical devices controlled by a computer that’s output results in physical action or movement.
• For example, robotic arms on an assembly line or the motor inside your hard drive.

Computer-aided design (CAD) software

• Is not an output device but uses output devices like printers, plotters or 3D printers to produce models or plans.

Remember, an output device is any piece of computer hardware used to communicate the results of data processing performed by a computer to the user. This may be through visual, auditory, or even tactile means.