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Introduction to Computer
Output Devices (Monitor, Printer, Speakers, etc.)
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Computer Architecture VS Computer Organization
Computer Architecture refers to the design and functional aspects of a computer
system, such as the instruction set and processor.
Computer Organization deals with the physical implementation and interconnection
of hardware components.
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Input Devices
The devices which are used to give input to the computer system are known as input
devices.
Data is inputted into the computer system in raw format, which is then translated into
a computer-understandable form using input devices after that, it is processed using
a central processing unit, which produces output.
In another form, an input device is a type of peripheral device that allows users to
interact with the computer system.
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Following are some of the important input devices which are used in a computer:
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Joy Stick
• Light pen
• Track Ball
• Scanner
• Graphic Tablet
• Microphone
• Magnetic Ink Card Reader(MICR)
• Optical Character Reader(OCR)
• Bar Code Reader
• Optical Mark Reader(OMR)
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Keyboard
Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device which helps to input
data to the computer.
The layout of the keyboard is like that of traditional typewriter, although there are
some additional keys provided for performing additional functions.
Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or 101/102 keys,
but now keyboards with 104 keys or 108 keys are also
available for Windows and Internet.
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Keyboard
Types of Keyboard:
• QWERTY Keyboards
• Mechanical Keyboards
• Membrane Keyboards
• Ergonomic Keyboards
• Gaming Keyboards
• Wireless Keyboards
• Virtual Keyboards
• Foldable Keyboards
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1. QWERTY Keyboards
• Most common layout of keys.
• Named after the first six letters on the top row: Q-W-E-R-T-Y.
• Standard for typing in English.
• Used in desktops, laptops, and virtual keyboards.
2. Mechanical Keyboards
• Uses individual mechanical switches for each
key.
• Provides tactile feedback and clicking sound.
• Durable and preferred by gamers & typists.
• Types of switches: Cherry MX, Blue, Red, Brown,
etc.
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3. Membrane Keyboards
• Keys are pressure pads without individual switches.
• Quieter and cheaper than mechanical keyboards.
• Common in basic desktop and laptop keyboards.
• Less tactile feedback, less durable.
4. Ergonomic Keyboards
• Designed to reduce strain on hands and
wrists.
• Has a curved or split layout for natural hand
positioning.
• Helps in preventing repetitive strain injuries
(RSI).
• Used by people who type for long hours.
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5. Gaming Keyboards
• Designed specifically for gaming purposes.
• Features: RGB lights, programmable keys, anti-ghosting, and fast response.
• Usually mechanical for better feedback and performance.
6. Wireless Keyboards
• Connects via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RF
USB receiver.
• No cable clutter and portable.
• Needs batteries or charging.
• Popular with smart TVs, tablets, and
modern desktops.
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7. Virtual Keyboards
• On-screen keyboard that can be used with touch or
mouse.
• Found on smartphones, tablets, and kiosks.
• Useful for touchscreen devices and when physical
keyboard isn't available.
8. Foldable Keyboards
• Portable keyboards that can be folded or
rolled up.
• Connects via USB or Bluetooth.
• Ideal for travelers and mobile users.
• May be made of silicone or soft materials.
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Mouse
Mouse is the most popular pointing device. It is a very famous cursor-control device
having a small palm size box with a round ball at its base, which senses the
movement of the mouse and sends corresponding signals to the CPU when the
mouse buttons are pressed.
The most common types of mouse are as follows −
• Optical Mouse
• Trackball Mouse
• Wireless Mouse
• Wired Mouse
• Gaming Mouse
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1. Optical Mouse
• Uses LED light and sensors to detect movement.
• Works on most flat surfaces.
• No moving parts, more durable than a mechanical
mouse.
2. Trackball Mouse
• Has a rotating ball on top or side to
control the cursor.
• The mouse itself remains stationary.
• Useful in limited desk space or
specialized applications (e.g., CAD,
medical).
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3. Wireless Mouse
• Connects without cable using Bluetooth or RF receiver.
• Powered by battery or rechargeable cells.
• Offers freedom of movement, good for laptops and
presentations.
4. Wired Mouse
• Connects to the computer via USB
cable.
• No need to charge, always powered.
• Provides stable and fast response,
preferred for regular office or desktop
use.
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5. Gaming Mouse
• Designed for high-performance gaming.
• Features: high DPI (sensitivity), RGB lighting, extra programmable buttons,
faster response.
• Often ergonomic and mechanical in design.
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Joystick
Joystick is also a pointing device, which is used to move the cursor position on a
monitor screen. It is a stick having a spherical ball at its both lower and upper
ends. The lower spherical ball moves in a socket. The joystick can be moved in
all four directions.
The function of the joystick is similar to that of a mouse. It is mainly used in
Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and playing computer games.
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Light pen
Light pen is a pointing device similar to a pen. It is used to select a displayed menu
item or draw pictures on the monitor screen. It consists of a photocell and an optical
system placed in a small tube.
When the tip of a light pen is moved over the monitor screen and the pen button is
pressed, its photocell sensing element detects the screen location and sends the
corresponding signal to the CPU.
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Track Ball
Track ball is an input device that is mostly used in notebook or laptop computer,
instead of a mouse. This is a ball which is half inserted and by moving fingers on the
ball, the pointer can be moved.
Since the whole device is not moved, a track ball requires less space than a mouse.
A track ball comes in various shapes like a ball, a button, or a square.
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Scanner
Scanner is an input device, which works more like a photocopy machine. It is used
when some information is available on paper and it is to be transferred to the hard
disk of the computer for further manipulation.
Scanner captures images from the source which are then converted into a digital
form that can be stored on the disk. These images can be edited before they are
printed.
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Digitizer
Digitizer is an input device which converts analog information into digital form. They
can be used by the computer to create a picture of whatever the camera had been
pointed at.
Digitizer is also known as Tablet or Graphics Tablet as it converts graphics and
pictorial data into binary inputs. A graphic tablet as digitizer is used for fine works
of drawing and image manipulation applications.
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Microphone
Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then stored in a digital form.
The microphone is used for various applications such as adding sound to a
multimedia presentation or for mixing music.
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Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)
MICR input device is generally used in banks as there are large number of cheques
to be processed every day. The bank's code number and cheque number are
printed on the cheques with a special type of ink that contains particles of magnetic
material that are machine readable.
This reading process is called Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR).
The main advantages of MICR is that it is fast and less error prone.
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Optical Character Reader (OCR)
OCR is an input device used to read a printed text.
OCR scans the text optically, character by character, converts them into a machine
readable code, and stores the text on the system memory.
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Bar Code Reader
Bar Code Reader is a device used for reading bar coded data (data in the form of
light and dark lines). Bar coded data is generally used in labelling goods, numbering
the books, etc. It may be a handheld scanner or may be embedded in a stationary
scanner.
Bar Code Reader scans a bar code image, converts it into an alphanumeric value,
which is then fed to the computer that the bar code reader is connected to.
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Optical Mark Reader (OMR)
OMR is a special type of optical scanner used to recognize the type of mark made
by pen or pencil. It is used where one out of a few alternatives is to be selected
and marked.
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Output devices
Output devices are hardware that display or produce the results of a computer's
processing. They convert digital data into formats we can see, hear, or touch.
How Does an Output Device Work?
1. Data Processing by CPUIntroduction to memory and
The computer processes input data units
memory using the CPU and prepares it for output.
2. Signal Transmission
The processed data is sent from the CPU to the connected output device via
internal circuits or external ports.
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Output devices
How Does an Output Device Work?
3. Conversion to Human-Readable Form
The output device converts digital signals into physical form:
•Monitors display text/images.
Introduction to memory and
•Speakers convert audio signals into sound.
memory units
•Printers turn digital documents into printed pages.
4. User Perception
The user receives the output in a recognizable format—visual, audio, or physical—
based on the type of device used.
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Different Types of Output Devices
Monitor (Visual Display Unit - VDU)
• Primary output device of a computer
• Displays text, images, videos, audio visuals
• Image formed by pixels (tiny dots); more pixels = sharper image
Types of Monitor Screens
1. Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor:
• Uses electron guns to emit beams that strike phosphor dots on screen
• Dots in red, green, blue (RGB) create images
• Main parts: Electron gun, fluorescent screen, deflection plates
• Bulky, heavy, high power consumption
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Types of Monitor Screens
2. Flat Panel Display:
• Slim, lightweight, low power consumption
• Used in calculators, laptops, video games, wall-mounted monitors
• Better alternative to CRT
3. Plasma Monitor:
• A type of flat panel display
• Uses plasma gas cells between glass panels
• Gas turns to plasma when powered, producing UV light to form images
• High resolution (up to 1920 x 1920), better contrast, high refresh rate
• Superior to LCD in display quality
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Types of Monitor Screens
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Printer:
Printers are information output devices that allow you to print data on paper. Or in
other words, it is an output device that creates a hard copy of the processed data or
information.
Printers are divided into two categories:
• Impact Printer: In impact printers, characters are printed on the ribbon, which is
then smashed on the paper. Or we can say that such type of printer uses a print
head or hammer to print the data on the paper. Here to print the paper the
hammer or print head strikes an ink ribbon against the paper and the character
starts printing. Some of the types of impact printers are:
• Dot matrix printer
• Daisy wheel printer
• Line printer
• Chain printer
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Printer:
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2. Printer:
Non-Impact Printers: Non-impact printers print characters without the use of a
ribbon. These printers are often known as page printers because they print a full
page at a time.
Some of the types of non-impact printers are:
• Laser printer
• Inkjet printer
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Plotter :
A plotter is a device that prints high-quality graphics in a variety of color formats. It
works in a similar way to a printer, although it has more advanced features. It is
used to print large maps, architectural drawings, large-format printing, and create
pictures, 3D postcards, advertising signs, charts, and various designs of the internal
structure of building machines.
Characteristics of Plotter:
•Large size prints can be taken via plotters.
•It is slow and expensive.
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Plotter :
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Projector
A projector is a device that allows users to project their output onto a large area,
such as a screen or a wall. It can be used to project the output of a computer and
other devices onto a screen. It magnifies texts, photos, and movies using light and
lenses. As a result, it's an excellent output device for giving presentations or
teaching big groups of people.
Characteristics of Projector:
•They are lightweight, and one person can easily take them out of the box, connect
them, and hang an image on the wall.
•Projectors can be the most cost-effective option for large-screen video in your
home.
•A small projector mounted on a back shelf or bookcase, or mounted on the ceiling,
takes up no area on the floor. It is barely visible when it is not in use.
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Projector
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Speakers
Speakers are connected to computers to allow sound to be output. For the working
of speakers, sound cards are required. From simple two-speaker output devices to
surround-sound multi-channel sets, speakers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
They take audio input from the computer's sound card and output sound waves as
audio output.
Characteristics of Speakers:
•Speakers are available in a wide range of qualities and prices.
•Small, plastic computer speakers with low sound quality are often included with
computer systems.
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Speakers
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Headphones
To hear the sound, use earbuds with your computer, laptop, or smartphone.
It enables you to hear the sound without causing any inconvenience to others.
To translate electronic signals into sounds without causing inconvenience to others.
They can be wired or wireless and can be connected to computers, laptops, mobile
phones, etc. They are connected with the devices via Bluetooth.
Characteristics of Headphones:
•Stereo phones and headsets are other names for them.
•Earphones or earbuds are the names for the in-ear variants.
•The term headset denotes a combination of headphones and a microphone used for
two-way communication, such as using a telephone.
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Headphones
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Sound Card
Sound cards are computer output devices that are inserted into the computer.
A sound card, either external or internal, is required to produce sound on any
computer (built-in). An external sound card enables for better overall sound
generation and is required for wide and clear sound recording, as well as sound
without noise and interference.
Characteristics of Sound Card:
•To listen speakers or headphones, to play games, watch movies, listen to music,
or use audio and video conferencing, we use an internal sound card.
•Frequency is a sound card parameter that represents the number of signals the
card processes per unit of time. The frequency is expressed in hertz. The
frequency of most sound cards is 96 or 192 kHz.
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Sound Card
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GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a radio-based satellite navigation system
that uses radio signals to pinpoint a specific position. The sender sends a radio
signal to satellites, which collect data such as time, location, speed, and other
variables and deliver it to the reception computer for analysis. Because this
processed data can be evaluated to obtain information, it is considered as an
output device.
Characteristics of GPS:
•GPS satellites constantly communicate their position and time.
•Solar storms, high storm cover, and other factors impair GPS equipment.
•The Global Positioning System (GPS) is based on the mathematical idea of
trilateration.
•The GPS works independently of telephonic or internet reception and does not
need the user to send any data, however, to improve accuracy both technologies
can be used.
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GPS
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Storage Device
The storage unit is a part of the computer system which is employed to store the
information and instructions to be processed.
A storage device is an integral part of the computer hardware which stores
information/data to process the result of any computational work.
Without a storage device, a computer would not be able to run or even boot up.
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Types of Computer Storage Devices
These storage devices have their own specification and use.
Some of the commonly used storage devices are:
[Link] Storage Devices
[Link] Storage Devices
[Link] memory Devices
[Link] Storage Devices
[Link] and Virtual Storage
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