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Input and output devices

In this module we will look first at input devices, then at output

devices. We will also see how input and output devices can be
integrated in a system , for example to control an automatic
washing machine.

❖ Main Components of a computer:

Processor
Input Device Output Device
(Main Memory)

Storage Device

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Input Methods and Devices

We have three main types of input device

Input Methods

Manual Direct Sensors

1. Manual input devices they are used by people to enter data themselves
such as:
• Keyboards
• Pointing Devices: mouse, touchpad
• Scanner
• Cameras including webcam, video camera
• Microphones
• Musical keyboard
• Remote Controls

Input Methods and Devices

2. Direct input systems they are used when large amounts of
similar data need to be entered, often in commercial or
business applications. such as:
• System using:
1. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader
2. Optical mark recognition (OMR)
3. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
• Magnetic Stripe Readers
• Chip readers, used in chip and PIN systems
• Bar code readers.

3. Sensors they are used to collect data automatically such as

• Temperature Sensors
• Pressure Sensors
• Light Sensors

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Keyboards and Keypads

Keyboards are input devices used to enter fixed values, often
characters, into the computer system.
Types of keyboards
1. Qwerty Keyboard
2. Concept Keyboard
3. Numeric Keyboard
Qwerty Keyboard: this type of keyboards gets its name from
the arrangement of letters on the top line of keys. It’s the most
common of all keyboard because it was the way that the keys
were arranged on old fashioned typewriters.
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce the health-
related problems associated with standard keyboards, such as
repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Keyboards and Keypads

Numeric Keypad : it’s a group of keys representing the
digits from 0 to 9 arranged in a rectangle shape. They
are used in ATM machines, digital locking
mechanisms to control entry to rooms, Point of sale
terminals (POS), and the most use is on mobile phone.

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Keyboards and Keypads

Keyboard Advantages Disadvantages
QWERTY 1. Keyboards enable fast entry of new 1. Users with limited arm/wrist use
text into a document. can find keyboards hard to use.
2. They are a well-tried technology 2. Entering data using a keyboard is
and a well-known method of entry. slow when compared to direct data
3. Most people find them easy to use. entry.
4. Can be used for other instructions 3. typing for a long time can cause a
(e.g. Ctrl+P to print). painful condition called repetitive
strain injury (RSI)
4. It can be inaccurate as it is easy to
make typing mistakes.
5. Fairly large device that uses up
valuable desk space.
Numeric 1. Numeric keypads are faster than 1. They can be difficult to use, due to
standard keyboards for entry of very small keys.
numeric data. 2. It is difficult to use them for
2. Since many are small devices (e.g. entering text.
mobile phones), they are very easy 3. The keypad numbers are
to carry around. sometimes not in the same order.

Pointing device
• Pointing devices are pieces of hardware that are used to
control a pointer (cursor) on a screen
• Pointing devices are frequently used with Graphical User
Interface (GUI) operating systems where pointers are used
to input commands by selecting icons.

Uses of Pointing Devices

• Opening, closing, maximizing and minimizing programs
and files.
• Moving, grouping and deleting files.
• Controlling a pointer on screen to select icons or move
around the page.
• Editing images in terms of size and position on the screen.

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Pointing device
Mouse:
• A mouse is used with a desktop PC, particularly when a GUI is being
used, because the PC will normally be on a desk which means that
there is a flat surface to use it on.
• There are other types of mouse such as optical mouse, wireless mouse
There are two different types of mice - a ball mouse and an optical mouse.
• The ball (in a ball mouse) and the reflected light (in an optical mouse)
allows the user to direct and control an on-screen pointer.
Mice have two buttons and a scroll wheel. These provide users with
different functions:
• Left button is used to select icons and click options
• Right button is used to call up a drop-down menu of options,
• Scroll wheel is used to move up and down through a document.

Pointing device
Mouse:
Advantage of using Mouse as pointing devices:
1. They provide a fast method of input.
2. Mouse enable rapid navigation through applications and
the internet.
3. Mouse are small and so take up little area.

Disadvantage are:
1. Mice can be easily damaged or vandalized.
2. Mice need a flat surface o be moved around on.
3. Some people have physical disabilities, find mice difficult
to use.

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Pointing device
Touchpad:
It’s a flat area next to the keyboard used in laptop as pointing
device. Most touchpad have buttons that can be used like the
buttons on a mouse.
Advantages:
1. The same as mouse, faster than a keyboard for choosing
options
2. integrated into the case of laptop for easier transport.
3. They can be used even when there are no flat surfaces
available.
4. no extra device to carry
Disadvantage:
1. The small size of the touchpad relative to the laptop’s screen.
2. They are more difficult to use when doing certain operations
such as ‘drag and drop.
3. Can be more difficult to control the pointer when compared to
a normal mouse.
4. They are hard to use if the person using the touch pad has
limited wrist or finger movement.
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Pointing device
Tracker balls:
Are a little like upside-down mechanical mice the have buttons like
those on a mouse and the ball is rolled around directly by the user.
Used in some luxury cars,
Advantages over a mouse:
1. A trackball is stationary and does not need a surface to be moved
around on.
2. It can be built into a machine like an information system and is
not as likely to get damaged as a mouse.
3. They take up less desk space than mice since they are stationary
4. People with limited hand/wrist movement find it easier to use
than a mouse.
5. They are more robust than a mouse
Disadvantages
1. They are more expensive than mouse.
2. Time is needed to get used to using them.

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Remote controls
Uses
1. Used with Most home entertainment devices such as a
television, satellite system, DVD player/recorder.
2. Remote controls are also used to control multimedia systems.
3. They are used in industrial applications to remotely control
processes, stop and start machinery, etc.
Advantages
1. Remote controls enable devices to be operated from any
distance, which is particularly useful for people with
disabilities.
2. Some chemical processes are hazardous, so it is safer to operate
equipment from a distance.
Disadvantages
1. The signal between the control and the device can be easily
blocked.
2. Needs batteries to operate and these need regular replacement.
3. Small buttons can be pressed by mistake, and this can alter the
settings of the device

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Pointing device
Joystick :
It can carry out the same tasks as a mouse as well as other function
such as controlling the movement of a motorized wheelchair.
Uses
Flight simulator, car driving simulators and for video/computer
games.
Advantages
1. It is easier to navigate around a screen using a joystick rather
than a keyboard.
2. They can be used by disabled people
Disadvantage:
1. It is more difficult to control the fine movement of the pointer on
the screen than with a mouse
2. Entering text is very slow as you have to select individual letters
3. You have to purchase them separately from a computer system.

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Driving wheel
The wheel allows you to simulate the turning of a steering wheel, and there
are associated devices (such as pedals) which allow you to accelerate and
brake.
Uses
• Used in video/computer games {for example, car-racing games).
• Used in simulators (for example, car-driving simulators) to mimic
actual vehicle controls.
Advantages
● Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering movements; it is
more natural.
● The ‘driving experience’ is nearer to how an actual steering wheel and
other controls operate in real life.
Disadvantages
● It can be a rather expensive input device compared to mouse or
joystick.
● Movements in the steering can be too sensitive, giving an unrealistic
‘feel’.
● Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the driving wheel is
non-existent.

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Touch screen:
Uses:
They are used commonly in information systems in places like train
station bank ATMs, (PDAs), Interactive white boards and computer
based training (CBT)
Advantage:
1. They are very simple to use, allows the user to use zoom and pinch.
2. They are difficult to vandalize compare with mouse.
3. They are largely weatherproof so can be in open air.
4. It enables faster entry of options than using a keyboard or a mouse.
5. It is very easy and quick to choose options.
6. It is a user friendly method for inputting data, so no training is necessary.
7. Small footprint
8. Allows the user to use zoom and pinch making item selection quick
Disadvantage:
1. Hard to read the screen in bright sunlight
2. Disabled people can find them difficult to use.
3. On small screens the icons can be hard to see or select.
4. There is a limited number of options available.
5. Using touch screens frequently can lead to health problems

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Inputting Images: Scanners an Cameras

A Scanner:
Input types that scanner used for:
1. Images from hard-copy material.
2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) from hard-copy text
3. Optical Mark Reading (OMR) from specially prepared hard-
copy forms.
Advantages:
1. Images can be stored for editing at a later date (paper
documents cannot be edited unless they are scanned first).
2. Scanners are much faster and more accurate (i.e. no typing
errors) than typing in documents again.
3. It is possible to recover damaged documents and photographs
by scanning them and then using appropriate software to
produce an acceptable copy.
Disadvantages:
1. The quality can be limited, depending on how good the scanner
resolution is.
2. They take up a lot of space.

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Digital Cameras

have largely replaced traditional film-based cameras. The images are stored on a
memory card (solid state memory) and can be transferred to a computer by:
• Directly reading the memory card (by slotting it into a card reader attached to
a computer or a printer)
• Connecting the camera to the computer using a USE port
• Using wireless data transfer (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
Advantage of digital camera over film camera
1. No film to develop, so quicker to produce a photo.
2. No need to use chemicals in developing films.
3. The picture can be seen immediately and erased if it is not good enough.
4. Digital images can be manipulated more readily than those on film
5. The image can be used in other electronic documents.
Disadvantages
1. The camera user needs to be computer literate to use the cameras properly
2. Images often need to be compressed to reduce the amount of memory used
3. It is possible to fill up computer memory very quickly with several photographs
of the same subject

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Microphones
Uses
1. They are used to input speech/sounds to be used in various
applications.
2. They are used in voice recognition software, which can have
a number of purposes, for example:
• conversion of speech into text.
• recognition of commands.
Advantages of microphones:
1. Can be used by disabled people to input data/instruct.
2. Can improve safety for car phones.
3. They are relatively inexpensive.
4. Can be faster to speak instructions rather than type them.
Disadvantages of microphones:
1. Background noises can cause problems with voice
recognition systems.
2. Voice recognition is not completely accurate so mistakes may
occur.

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Light Pen:

It is a device that can be used for drawing directly on to a CRT

Screen, They contain light sensors that send signals to a
computer whenever light changes are detected. Used to select
objects and drawing on CRT monitors.
Advantage:
● Easy to use.
● Greater accuracy than touch screens.
● Small, it can be used where there is little space
disadvantage:
● Works with CRT monitors only.
● Accuracy is poor when drawing
● light pen requires a wire to connect it to the computer. which
makes it cumbersome.
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Direct input systems

Optical Character Recognition OCR
Uses
1. One of the most recent uses is in the processing of
passports and identity cards.
2. OCR is used when scanning in documents so that they can
be modified using a word processor or desktop publisher
package.
Advantages
1. It is a much faster data entry system than manually keying
in data.
2. Since no manual data entry, the number of errors is also
reduced.
3. Avoids having to type the text in, which reduces the risk
of RSI
Disadvantages
1. The system still has difficulty reading handwriting.
2. It is still not a very accurate technique.

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Optical Mark Reading OMR:

Uses
• OMR devices are used to read questionnaires, multiple-choice
examination papers, Voting forms
Advantages
1. It is a very fast way of inputting the results of a survey, etc. – the
documents are fed in automatically and there is no user input.
2. Since there is no typing, it is more accurate than keying in the data.
3. OMR is more accurate than OCR.
Disadvantages
• The forms need to be carefully designed to make sure that the
marks/shading are correctly positioned to gather accurate
information.
• If the form is creased or folded it may be rejected or jam the
machine.
• If you have not given precise instructions, users may fill in the forms
incorrectly

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Comparison of OCR and OMR

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Bar code readers:

is a set of short parallel lines in contrasting colors. Often black
and white. The dark lines are thick, medium or thin. If they are
taken in pairs of dark and pairs of light lines they can stand for
the digits 0 to 9.
Uses
• Producing itemised customer receipts in supermarkets stores
• Warehouse stock control systems
• Tracking the progress of parcels during delivery
• Recording books loaned to members in a library using ISBN
• Luggage labelling at airports.

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Bar code readers:

Advantage
1. It is faster than using a keyboard for data entry
2. More accurate because human can make mistakes.
3. Can be read from a distance using a hand-held scanner
4. hand-held scanners are relatively cheap
Disadvantage
1. Bar codes can sometimes be damaged this means having to
type in the long number underneath manually.
2. Only a limited amount of data can be stored in a bar code.
3. laser scanners in supermarkets are expensive.
4. Difficult to change details of products quickly if bar codes
printed

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Quick response (QR) readers:

• Another type of barcode which is made up of a matrix of filled-in

dark squares on a light background.
• QR codes can hold considerably more information than barcodes
described earlier.
• Because of modern smartphones and tablets, which allow internet
access on the move, QR codes can be scanned anywhere.
Read QR codes on the move by using the built-in camera on a mobile
smartphone or tablet :
• Point the phone or tablet camera at the QR code.
• The apps will now process the image taken by the camera
converting the squares into readable data.
• The browser software on the mobile phone or tablet automatically
reads the data generated by the apps; it will also decode any web
addresses contained within the QR code.
• The user will then be sent to a website automatically (or if a
telephone number was embedded in the code, the user will be sent
to the phone apps ).
• If the QR code contained a boarding pass, this will be
automatically sent to the phone/tablet

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Quick response (QR) readers:

• Another type of barcode which is made up of a matrix of

filled-in dark squares on a light background.
Advantage
1. They can hold much more information than normal barcode
2. There will be fewer errors than with barcodes.
3. can be linked to a website
4. can automatically link to email
5. QR codes are easier to read
6. It is easy to transmit QR codes either as text messages or
images
Disadvantage
1. More than one QR format is available.
2. QR codes can be used to transmit malicious codes; known
as attagging

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Magnetic stripe readers:

Uses
1. Credit and debit cards are used by ATMs or
EFTPOS(electronic funds transfer point of sale) terminals.
2. Security cards for entry to buildings, hotel rooms
3. Travel systems
Advantages
1. Data entry is faster compared with keying in using a
keyboard or keypad.
2. The system is error free, since no typing is involved.
3. The information held on the magnetic stripe is secure
4. They can prevent access to restricted/secure areas.
5. Magnetic stripes are unaffected by oil, water, moisture, etc.
Disadvantages
1. If the magnetic stripe gets damaged the data is lost.
2. Affected by magnetic fields.
3. The card needs to be in close contact with the reader.
4. The card could be stolen and the signature copied

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Chip and PIN readers

Uses
• Chip and PIN readers are used where payments are made using cards,
ATM
Advantages
1. Chip and PIN readers provide a more secure payment system than
requiring a signature or using a magnetic stripe.
2. Data more difficult to copy
3. Larger amount of information can be stored
4. Chip and PIN readers provide a more robust system than magnetic
stripe readers.
Disadvantages
• Since the customer types in the PIN, they need to be careful that it isn’t
read by somebody else “shoulder surfing”, thus giving an opportunity
for fraud.
• Security risk as the chip contains personal information

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Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers

Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers use radio
waves to read and capture information stored on a tag.
The tag can be read from a distance of several meters
The RFID tag is made up of two components:
• Microchip that stores and processes information
• An antenna that is used to receive and transmit data
information.
Uses
• livestock tracking
• Retail
• Admission passes
• Libraries
• Contactless payment

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Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers

Advantages
• No line-of-sight contact is necessary;
• The tags can be read from a great distance.
• You can store more data on the tags compared to barcodes.
• Very fast read rate (typically < 100 milliseconds to
respond).
• Bidirectional data transfer (it allows read and write
operations to take place).
• Bulk detection is possible
Disadvantages
• RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode
system.
• Because RFID uses radio waves, they are relatively easy to
jam or interrupt.
• It is relatively easy to hack into the data/signal transmitted
by the tag.

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Contactless card
Advantages
• Transaction is quicker
• Card details can be stored on a smartphone which
might have an extra layer of security
• Stops shoulder surfing
Disadvantages
• Someone who steals the card can use it without a PIN
less secure
• Can be cloned using electronic devices
• Only allows a limit amount to be transacted
• No contact with the device so other devices may
‘read’ the card accidentally
• Security risk as the card contains personal information

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Sensors
• An input device used to collect data automatically.
• They are used to measure some physical property that can have any value such as
whether temperature and pressure.
• This measurement is called analogue data.
• These data must be converted to limited number of different values this is called digital
data.
• This conversion is carried out by an analogue-to-digital converter.
Advantage of using sensors as devices to collect data are:
1. Readings are taken at a more consistent time interval
2. They are more reliable than human being because a human may forget to take readings.
(More accurate)
3. A human may take inaccurate reading
4. It is not possible for human to go to some places where readings need to be taken
5. Readings taken more frequently
6. Multiple variables can be monitored at the same time
Disadvantage
1. They need a power source.
2. If sensors malfunction this could lead to incorrect readings
3. Dirt, temperature and grease may affect performance
4. Purchase cost
5. Sensors could be stolen

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Analogue and digital data

● A sensor is a device that feeds data to a computer; the data is a
measurement of a physical quantity that is analogue which
continuously changing.
● Computers can only understand data which is in a binary format
(a base 2 number system where only the values 0 and 1 can be
used).
● Analogue data must first be converted into digital data using
hardware known as an analogue to digital converter ADC before
being delivered to a computer.
● If the computer is controlling a device (such as a motor) then the
digital output from the computer needs to be converted into
analogue form. This is done by a digital to analogue converter
(DAC).

Analogue Digital data

data
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Sensors

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Output devices and their uses

Monitors
A monitor is an output device that displays information
from the computer on a screen.
The advantage of using monitor over other forms of
output is the the output is immediate.
There are two main types of monitor:
1. CRT Monitors (Cathode Ray Tube)
2. LCD Monitors (Liquid Crystal Display)

CRT Monitor

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CRT Monitors:

Uses
1. CRT monitors are used as the primary output device for computers so the user
can see immediately what they are typing in.
2. They are used with light pens, for example to allow designs to be created on
screen.
Advantages
1. CRT monitors still produce a higher quality image than TFT monitors.
2. The angle of viewing is still better than with a TFT monitor.
3. They work with light pens in computer-aided design and computer-aided
manufacturing (CAD/CAM) applications.
Disadvantages
1. They are much heavier and present a safety problem when being moved, due to
their weight..
2. They are bulky and take up a large amount of space on the desk
3. They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended (especially as they get
older).
4. They consume considerably more power than the modern TFT monitors.
5. They can flicker, which can lead to headaches and eyesight problems.

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TFT/LCD Monitors:
The screen is made up of thousands of tiny pixels.
Each pixel has three transistors – red, green and blue in a liquid
crystal display. The colour is generated by the intensity of each transistor
that forms each pixel.
Advantage
1. They are very light and therefore they are used in laptop computers.
2. They are thin so they do not take up much desk space.
3. They are cheaper to run as they use less power than CRT monitors.
4. They can be easily positioned to suit the user because they are light.
5. They do not get as hot as CRT monitors and energy is not wasted in
the summer using air conditioning to cool offices down.
6. They do not flicker and may be less likely to cause eye strain and
headaches.
Disadvantage
1. You need to be almost directly in front of the screen to able to use it
properly.
2. They are not easy to repair.

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In-Plane Switching IPS/LCD Monitor monitors

• IPS is a screen technology used with LCD technology.
• It improves the image when viewed from an angle.
Advantages of IPS
• Wider viewing angle.
• They are much thinner than CRT monitors and therefore take
up less desk space.
• Much more energy efficient compared to a CRT monitor.
• Produce low electromagnetic fields compared to CRT
monitors.
Disadvantages of IPS :
• Not as energy efficient as an LED monitor.
• Not as good as graduating shades of colour compared to an
LED monitor.
• Not as good when used in dimly-lit rooms.

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LED Monitors
An LED monitor makes use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to
form the image.

Advantages of LED monitors

1. They consume very little power thus very little heat is
produced.
2. LEDs produce a brighter light
3. Monitors using LED technology are much thinner
4. LEDs last almost indefinitely
5. Better picture quality
Disadvantages of LED monitors:
1. More expensive compared to LCD monitors.
2. If you sit off-centre the visibility is poor.

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Touch screen:

Uses:
They are used commonly in information systems in places like train
station bank ATMs, (PDAs), Interactive white boards and computer
base training (CBT)
Advantage:
1. They are difficult to vandalize compare with mouse.
2. They are largely weatherproof so can be in open air.
3. It enables faster entry of options than using a keyboard or a
mouse.
4. It is very easy to choose options.
5. It is a user friendly method for inputting data, so no training is
necessary.
Disadvantage:
1. Hard to read the screen in bright sunlight
2. Disabled people can find them difficult to use.
3. There is a limited number of options available.
4. Using touch screens frequently can lead to health problems

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Multimedia Projectors: are devices that can project an image from a

computer onto as large a surface as is necessary.
Uses
• Training presentations (to allow the whole audience to see the images
from a computer).
• Advertising presentations (large images showing product features, for
example a new car, can be shown at exhibitions, shopping malls,
etc.).
• Home cinema systems (projecting the images from a DVD or
television).
Advantages
• Enables many people to see a presentation rather than crowding
round a small computer screen.
• Avoids the need for several networked computers.
Disadvantages
• The image quality may not be as high as when seen on a computer
screen.
• Expensive to buy and maintain.
• Setting up projectors can be a little difficult.
• Requires a darkened room otherwise the image will appear dim.

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Laser Printer
They produces outputs as high-quality hard copies on paper
uses
1. Laser printers are used where noise levels need to be kept low
2. They are the best option for fast high-quality high-volume printing.
Advantages
1. Printing is fast for high volumes. The laser printer is the fastest of all
printers
2. They can handle very large print jobs.
3. The quality is consistently high.
4. Toner cartridges (Powder ink) last for a long time, so laser printers can
be a cost-effective option, particularly if color outputs are not required.
Disadvantages
1. Toner cartridges are expensive, but it last for a long time, so laser
printers can be a cost-effective option.
2. A laser printer is typically twice the cost of an inkjet printer with
similar features.
3. Most are monochrome but color laser printers are available.
4. Colour lasers are very expensive to buy.
5. Power consumption is high.
6. Produce ozone Gas

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Inkjet printers
They produces outputs as good quality hard copies on paper , They work by
spraying ink onto the paper
Uses
1. They are commonly used to print Photographs, charts, small maps,
general office and home printing.
Advantages
1. A reasonably good quality.
2. Cheap to buy
3. Smaller than laser
4. Do not produce ozone
5. Almost all inkjet printers can print in color.
Disadvantages
1. They use water-soluble ink so if printouts get wet, the ink will run .
2. They are slow
3. Cartridges do not last long “need to be replaced frequently”.
4. High cost of the ink cartridges and ‘compatible’ versions can be
purchased more cheaply.

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Dot matrix printers

They are a type of impact printers where a print head made up of a matrix
of pins presses an inked ribbon against the paper to print characters, it
uses multipart continuous stationery from paper (carbon copies).
Uses
Used for Invoices or receipts requiring duplicate or triplicate paper,
automated teller machines (ATMs), point of sale systems, data logging,
they can be used in harsh conditions
Advantage
• They are robust and less likely to go wrong in dirty environments
than other printers
• Ink ribbon is cheap
Disadvantage
• Very slow compared with other printers.
• They are noisy
• Quality is usually poor
• very rare to find a dot matrix printer that uses colored ribbons.
• They are more expensive than an inkjet printer

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Printers and Plotters

Plotters are line-drawing device. They don’t deal with dots at all
but rather with lines of various lengths and colors.
Types of plotters:
1. Flatbed plotters have the paper lying flat under the pens. The
pen is attached to a motor that drive the pen across the page at
any angle for any distance.
2. Drum plotter, the paper lies on a drum that spins to drive the
paper under the pen while the pin moves across the drum.
Flatbed plotters Drum plotter

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Plotters
Uses
1. Plotters are used to produce large drawings (e.g. blueprints
of buildings, factories, etc.) and are often used with CAD
applications.
2. They are used to produce large pictures for use on
billboards or giant posters.
3. They can also print on plastic-coated paper.
4. If the pens are replaced with cutting tools, it is also
possible to make large signs.

Advantages
1. They can produce huge printouts.
2. The print quality is extremely high.

Disadvantages
1. They are slow in operation.
2. They are expensive, both to buy and to maintain.

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3D Printers
Uses
1. 3D printers allow us to print three dimensional solid objects in
almost any geometrical shape
2. 3D printers are commonly used to print prototypes within
industry.
3. Medical Industry - prosthetics such as ears, legs and even
printed organs , Dentistry, Hearing aids
4. Aviation Industry - NASA prints some jet engine parts on a 3D
printer
5. Car Industry - printing of prototype car models and functional
parts such as vents
6. Rapid Prototypes - cheap and quick printing of prototypes such
as shoes, mobile phones, car parts and many more.
7. Personal Printing - hobbyists can print their own parts for
models' trains/planes.

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Creating a solid object using 3D printers

1. Hand is scanned using CT or MRI scanner.

2. 3D Digital design is made using computer-aided design (CAD)
software
3. The finalized drawing is imported into some special
software that prepares it in a format that is understood by the
3d Printer (slices the model into hundreds of layers)
4. The 3·D printer is set up to allow the solid object to be made
5. The solid object is built up layer by layer
6. The object 'is removed from the printer and is then prepared.

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3D Printers Advantages
1. Produce prototypes quickly.
2. Prototyping costs are reduced as companies don't need to
employ 3rd party developers.
3. Your products hit the market earlier.
4. products created as needed therefore reducing waste.
5. Environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages
1. Most printed items are limited in size.
2. New technologies in the hands of the wrong people can lead to
dangerous or illegal production.
3. Copyright issues
4. High cost of 3D printers.
5. Materials are expensive.
6. There is the potential for job losses if this technology takes
over from some types of manufacturing.

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Speakers
Uses
1. Speakers are used to output sound from multimedia
presentations.
2. They are used in home entertainment centers.
3. They can help blind people (together with speech generation
software) through audio output of text on the screen.
4. They are used to play downloaded sound files.

Note:
• Speakers are analogue and cannot output digital 'computerized'
sounds.
• Digital data from the computer must first be converted into
analogue sound using a sound card.
• The analogue sound can then be output via the speakers and we
can listen to it.

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Actuators
Actuators are part of the control process.
• Digital signals are sent by the computer to actuator to affect or
control the real world.
Examples:
Type Use
Motors • Washing machines
(Spins things around) • Control Fans
• Control Robot Arms in manufacturing

Buzzer • Used in burglar alarms

(Creates a noise) • Microwave ovens and other household
appliances
• Sporting events/Game shows

Heater (Increases • Control heat in a central heating system

temperature) • Control heat in a green house
• Control heat in an oven

Lights • Security lights

(Creates light) • Car Dashboard – e.g. to alert driver of low
fuel.
• Lights in greenhouse

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