Sayar Kaung

ICT
09973382606
Chapter 2
Input & Output Devices
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Chapter 2 – Input & Output Devices Sayar Kaung

In this chapter you will learn about:

• Input devices
• Uses of each devices
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Direct data entry (DDE) devices
• Output devices
• Uses
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
Chapter 2 – Input & Output Devices Sayar Kaung

Sections:

2.1 – Input devices and their uses 2.2 – Direct data entry (DDE) devices 2.3 – Output devices and their uses
2.1.1 – Keyboards 2.2.1 – Devices for reading 2.3.1 – Monitors
2.1.2 – Pointing devices information from cards 2.3.2 – Multimedia projectors
2.1.3 – Remote Control 2.3.3 – Printers
2.1.4 – Joysticks 2.2.2 – Radio frequency identification 2.3.4 – Speakers
2.1.5 – Touch Screen (RFID) readers 2.3.5 – Control applications (devices)
2.1.6 – Scanners
2.1.7 – Digital cameras 2.2.3 – Magnetic ink character
2.1.8 – Microphones recognition/reader (MICR)
2.1.9 – Sensors
2.1.10 – Graphics tablet 2.2.4 – Optical mark
2.1.11 – Webcams recognition/reader (OMR)
2.1.12 – Light pens
2.2.5 – Optical character
recognition/reader (OCR)

2.2.6 – Barcode readers

2.1 Input devices and their uses Sayar Kaung

What is input devices?

• Hardware devices that allow data to be input into
computer

Input Processing Output

Storage
2.1.1 Keyboards Sayar Kaung

• QWERTY - layout
• Ergonomic - reduces health related problems
Uses
• Keyboards are used to input data into application QWERTY
software
• Also used to for typing commands to the computer
(CTRL + P) / (COMMAND + P) Ergonomic
Advantages
• Enables fast entry of new text into a document
• Well-tried technology & well-known method of entry
• Most people find them easy to use
• Easy to do verification check as data is entered, as it
appears on the screen simultaneously
Disadvantages
• Users with limited arm/wrist use can find keyboards
hard to use
• Entering data is slow when compared to direct data
entry (e.g. Optical mark recognition/ Barcode reader)
• They use up desk space as they are quite large
Concept keyboard Sayar Kaung

• Icons or phrase
• Single key representation
• Fast data entry
Uses
• Fast food restaurants
• Kiosk machine
• Water proof
Numeric keypads Sayar Kaung

• A numeric keypad is used to enter numbers only

• Although some have function key to allow input of
alphabetical characters
Uses
• Used in Automatic teller machines (ATMs), where
customers can key in their personal identification
number (PIN), or an amount of money
• Used to key in phone numbers into telephones
• Electronic point of sale (EPOS) terminals have
numeric keypads in case the barcode reader fails
• Used in Chip and PIN devices to key in PIN, or
amount of money
• Used to enable fast entry of numeric data into a
spread sheet
Numeric keypads Sayar Kaung

Advantages
• Numeric keypads are faster than standard keyboards
for entry of numeric data
• Since many are small devices (e.g. mobile phones), they
are easy to carry around
Disadvantages
• Can be difficult to use due to the very small keys
• Difficult to use for entering text
• Sometimes the order of numbers isn’t very intuitive
Sayar Kaung
2.1.2 Pointing devices Sayar Kaung

Mouse
Mouse Sayar Kaung

• An example of a pointing device

• The ball underneath the mouse is used to detect
movement
• The left button is for selecting by double on it and the
right is to bring drop-down menus
• There is usually a scroll button which speeds up the
process of moving through a document
• Optical mouse (advantage → has no moving parts/ no
dirty)
• Cordless / Wireless mouse

Uses
• Used for opening, closing and minimizing software
• Used for grouping, moving and deleting files
• Useful when editing images (e.g. controlling the size
and position of the image)
• Used for controlling the position of a pointer on the
screen to allow:
o Selection from a menu
o Selecting an icon
o Scrolling up/down and right/left
Mouse Sayar Kaung

Advantages
• Faster to select an option by a mouse than a keyboard
• Enables rapid navigation through applications and the
internet
• Mice are small and don’t take much area
Disadvantages
• People with restricted hand/wrist movement can find it
hard to operate a mouse
• Easily damaged and can easily be clogged up with dirt
• They are hard to use if there is no flat surface available
Touchpad Sayar Kaung

• Touchpads are used in many laptop computers as a

pointing device
• The pointer is controlled by the user moving their finger
on the touchpad
Uses
• Used for opening, closing and minimizing software
• Used for grouping, moving and deleting files
• Useful when editing images (e.g. controlling the size
and position of the image)
• Used for controlling the position of a pointer on the
screen to allow:
o Selection from a menu
o Selecting an icon
Touchpad Sayar Kaung

Advantages
• Faster to select an option by a touchpad than a
keyboard
• Enables rapid navigation through applications and the
internet
• Since the touchpad is integrated into laptop computer,
there is no separate mouse, aiding portability
• They can be used when no flat surfaces are available
Disadvantages
• People with limited hand/wrist movement can find
touchpads hard to use
• It can be more difficult to control the pointer when
compared to a mouse
• They are more difficult when doing operations such as
‘drag and drop’
Trackerball (Trackball) Sayar Kaung

• Trackerball is like a mouse except that it has a ball on the top of

the device
• Users control the pointer on the screen by rotating the ball
Uses
• Have the same pointing/cursor control capability as a mouse
• Used in applications where the user has a disability (such as RSI –
repetitive strain injury)
• Used in a control room environment, where it is faster than a
mouse to navigate through process screens and more robust than
a mouse
Trackerball (Trackball) Sayar Kaung

Advantages
• Trackerballs don’t need the same fine control as a
mouse
• People with limited hand/wrist movement find easier to
use than a mouse
• The pointer can be positioned more accurately on the
screen than with a mouse
• They take less desk space than mice since they are
stationary
Disadvantages
• Trackerballs are not supplied with the computer as
standard, so they are more expensive
• User may need training since they are not standard
equipment
2.1.3 Remote control Sayar Kaung

• A remote control is used to control the operation of other devices

remotely by using infra-red signals
Uses
• In home entertainment devices such as Televisions, DVD
player/recorder and satellite system
• Used to control multimedia systems
• Used in industrial applications to remotely control processes, stop
and start machinery
Advantages
• Enable devices to be operated from any distance, which is useful
for people with disabilities
• Some chemical processes are hazardous, so it is safer to operate
equipment from a distance
Disadvantages
• People with limited hand/wrist movement can find them hard to
use
• The signal between the control and the device can be easily
blocked
2.1.4 Joysticks/ Driving wheel Sayar Kaung

• By gripping the stick, a pointer on the screen can be controlled

• Buttons are used to make selections
Uses
• Video/computer games are often controlled by joysticks
• They are used in simulators to mimic actual controls
Advantages
• Easier to navigate round a screen compared to a keyboard
• Control is in three dimensions 3D
Disadvantages
• More difficult to control the on-screen pointer with a joystick than
with other devices such as mice
• More expensive compared to mouse
Sayar Kaung
2.1.5 Touch screens Sayar Kaung

• User can choose an option by simply touching a button/icon on

the screen
• The selection is automatically made without the need for any
pointing device
Uses
• Used for service tills e.g. petrol stations
• Used where selections are made on a screen e.g.
• ATMs, public information systems, airports and railway stations
• Used in Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)s
• Used in Interactive white boards
• Used in computer based training (CBT)
2.1.5 Touch screens Sayar Kaung

Advantages
• Enable faster entry of options than a keyboard/mouse
o Very easy to choose options
o User friendly method for inputting data
o They are tamperproof, preventing people from keying in
information (which could corrupt the system)
Disadvantages
• There is a limited number of options available
• Using touchscreens often can lead to health problems (e.g.
straining of arm muscles and RSI)
• The screen can get very dirty with constant touching
2.1.6 Scanners Sayar Kaung

• Used to input information on hardcopy (e.g. text document)

Uses
• Used to scan in documents and convert them into a format for use
in various software packages
• Old and valuable documents and books can be scanned,
protecting the original copies from damage
• Non-digital photographs can be scanned for storing on a
computer
Advantages
• Images can be stored for editing later
• Scanners are much faster and more accurate than typing in
documents again
• It is possible to recover damaged documents and photographs by
scanning them and then using appropriate software to produce
an acceptable copy
Disadvantages
• The quality can be limited depending on how good the scanner
resolution is
• Fairly slow scanning
2.1.7 Digital cameras / Videos cameras Sayar Kaung

• Photographs are stored in memory

• They can be easily transferred to a computer using a USB
• DV (digital video)
• Store 25 MB/s compressed photo frames (Motion jpeg → mpeg)
Uses
• Digital cameras can produce photographs for direct transfer to a
computer or to print out
• Digital cameras allow short video clips to be produced
• Photographs can be uploaded directly into application software
such as word processor
Frame Per Second (FPS)
2.1.7 Digital cameras Sayar Kaung

Advantages
• Easier to produce better quality photographs than with a tradition
camera
• Easier and faster to upload photographs to a computer
• There is no need to develop film and print out photographs (saves
paper and no longer needs the chemicals to produce photographs
from films)
• Easy to delete an image from the memory if it’s not satisfactory
• The memory card can store several hundred photographs
Disadvantages
• The camera user needs to be computer literate to use the camera
properly
• There is some artistry lost since clever software corrects errors in
the photographs
• The resolution is not yet as good as traditional cameras
• Images often need to be compressed to reduce the amount of
memory used
• It is possible to fill up computer memory very quickly with several
photos of the same subject (to find the perfect snap shot)
2.1.8 Microphones Sayar Kaung

• Can be connected directly to a computer

• Sounds can be inputted and manipulated
Uses
• Microphones are used to input speech/sounds to be used in
various applications
• They are used in voice recognition software- for conversion of
speech into text, and recognition of commands
Advantages
• Faster to read in text than to type it using a keyboard
• Possible to manipulate sound in real time using special software
• If used in a voice activation system, this has the advantage of
improving safety
Disadvantages
• Sound files can use up a lot of computer memory
• Voice recognition software isn’t as accurate as typing in manually
2.1.9 Sensors Sayar Kaung

• Sense data
• Inputs data to computer Sound data (analogue)
• Analogue data → Digital data
• Analogue to digital converter (ADC)
Uses
• Monitoring
• Control applications
Sound data (digital)
• Used depending on the application

Advantages
• Readings by sensors are more accurate than taken by humans
• Readings are continuous, there is no break in monitoring
• Because it is a continuous process any necessary action or
warning will be initiated immediately
• They can be placed in remote or dangerous places
• The system can be automatic, removing the need for human
intervention, this is particularly important if the process is
hazardous
Disadvantages
• Faulty sensors can give spurious results
2.1.9 Sensors Sayar Kaung

Type of sensor Applications

Automatic washing machines, central heating systems,

Temperature
automatic green houses, ovens
Burglar alarm systems, robotics, environmental monitoring,
Pressure
Automatic washing machines
Automatic doors, street lighting control, Burglar alarm
Light
systems, automatic greenhouses
Burglar alarm systems, monitoring liquid and powder flow in
Sound/ acoustic
pipes
Automatic greenhouses, environmental monitoring, factories
Humidity/ moisture
where moisture levels are crucial
Automatic greenhouse, chemical processes, environmental
pH
monitoring

Distance / proximity Smartphone, cars, measurement tools

2.1.10 Graphic tablet Sayar Kaung

• A graphic tablet is used with a stylus to produce freehand

drawings
Uses
• Graphics tablets are used to produce drawings, computer graphics
• In countries where characters are complex e.g. japan, they are
used as a form of input
• They are used in computer aided design (CAD) work

Advantages
• It is possible to modify drawings before they are input
• They offer an accurate method of drawing
• They can record level of pressures
Disadvantages
• They are more expensive than other pointing devices
• Longer to produce drawing
• Menu are often not user-friendly
• Damage easily
2.1.11 Webcams Sayar Kaung

• Connected directly to a computer via a USB port

Uses
• While chatting online webcams can be used to have conversations
• Used to enable video conferencing to take place
Advantages
• Can be left on constantly and activated when required
• Allow people to keep in contact with each other without the need
to travel, particularly useful for disabled or elderly people
Disadvantages
• Webcams have limited features and the picture is often of poor
quality
• They need to be connected to a computer
2.1.12 Light pens Sayar Kaung

• Send signal to computer whenever light changes are detected

• Only work on CRT monitor (Cathode Ray Tube)
• Screen refresh 50 times per second (50 Hz)
Uses
• Selecting objects on CRT screens
• Drawing on screen
Advantages
• Greater accuracy than touch screen
• Small
• Easy to use
Disadvantages
• Problems with lag when drawing on screen
• Only works with CRT monitors
• Not that accurate when drawing
• Rather dated technology
Sayar Kaung
2.2 Direct Data Entry (DDE) Devices Sayar Kaung

What are DDE devices?

• Direct Data Entry devices are devices that create machine-readable data and feed it directly into the computer
without keyboard or mouse.
➢ 2.2.1 Devices for reading information from cards
o Magnetic stripe readers
Barcode Reader
o Contactless card readers
o Chip and PIN readers
➢ 2.2.2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Readers
➢ 2.2.3 Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR)
➢ 2.2.4 Optical Mark Reader (OMR)
➢ 2.2.5 Optical Character Reader (OCR) OCR
➢ 2.2.6 Barcode Reader

Magnetic stripe Contactless card Chip & PIN RFID

readers MICR OMR
readers Readers
2.2.1 Card Readers Sayar Kaung

Magnetic stripe readers

• Used to read information on the magnetic stripe

• The stripe contains useful information such as start and expiry date
Uses
• Credit and debit cards have magnetic stripes that are used by ATMS
or EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer point of sale) terminal
• Security cards for entering building e.g. hotel rooms
• Travel systems e.g. train and underground tickets

Back side

Front side
2.2.1 Card Readers Sayar Kaung

Magnetic stripe readers

Advantages
• Data entry is fast compared with keying in using a keyboard or keypad
• System is error free, no typing involved
• Information is secure since there is no typing and the information can’t
be read directly by a person
• Can prevent access to restricted/secure areas
• Magnetic stripes are unaffected by oil water and moisture
Disadvantages
• If the magnetic stripe is damaged the data is lost
• Card needs to be in close contact with the reader
• Since the information is not human readable, they need to find a way to
show the information to the customer (e.g. hotel room number not
printed on cards)
2.2.1 Card Readers Sayar Kaung

Chip and PIN reader

• The device has a slot where the card is placed, and the chip is read
• A small screen is part of the reader which gives instructions to the operator
Uses
• Chip and PIN (Personal Identification Number) readers are used where payments are made using cards
e.g. travel agents, Supermarkets, Restaurants, etc.
2.2.1 Card Readers Sayar Kaung

Chip and PIN reader

Advantages
• Provide a more secure payment system than requiring a
signature or using magnetic stripe, since the PIN typed in
must match up with the PIN stored on the chip
• Provide a more robust system than magnetic stripe since the
chip does not need to be in contact with the reader
Disadvantages
• Customer needs to be careful when typing in the PIN, so
nobody reads it giving an opportunity for Fraud
2.2.1 Card Readers Sayar Kaung

Contactless card reader

• A small chip that emits radio waves embedded in card

• A few centimeters of distance
• Wireless signal on the card
Uses
• Credit and debit cards or EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer point of sale)
• Security cards for entering building e.g. hotel rooms
• Travel systems e.g. train and underground tickets
2.2.1 Card Readers Sayar Kaung

Contactless card reader

Advantages
• Data entry is faster compared with chip and PIN
• System is error free, no typing involved
• Information is secure since there is 128-bit encryption to protect data
• Can prevent access to restricted/secure areas
• unaffected by oil water and moisture
• No moving parts therefore physically robust

Disadvantages
• More expensive than normal cards
• A thief with suitable reader could monitor your card transaction
• Limited maximum transaction value 25 $
2.2.2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader Sayar Kaung

• RFID readers work in similar ways to a bar code reader

• An RFID tag is attached to/inside a surface
• The reader reads the data held on the tag which is then input into the
computer system for processing
• Radio waves are used to transmit data thus can be used through most
materials
Uses
• Used in retail or supermarkets as barcode alternatives
• Used to identify pets
• Used in passports
Advantages
• Can hold a lot of data
• Can be read from long distances
• Does not require direct line of sight
• Information can be read faster than barcodes
• Can alter information
Disadvantages
• Thieves can steal information easily
• RFID tags are expensive
• Radio waves can experience interference
2.2.2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader Sayar Kaung

Data chip
2.2.2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader Sayar Kaung

Library
Supermarket
2.2.2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader Sayar Kaung
2.2.2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader Sayar Kaung

Human body
2.2.2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader Sayar Kaung

Attendance System

Bus

Elevator
2.2.3 Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR) Sayar Kaung

• Magnetic ink character recognition is a system which can read

characters printed in a special ink
Uses
• Used to process cheques in banking operations cheque is read using
a batch processing method

Advantages
• MICR offers great security than OCR
since the oriented characters cannot be
altered
• There is no manual input, thus errors are
reduced
• If somebody writes over the magnetic
ink characters, it can still be read
Disadvantages
• Only certain characters can be read, and
the number of different characters is
very limited
• It is a more expensive method than other
methods used for direct data entry
2.2.5 Optical Mark Reader (OMR) Sayar Kaung

• Optical mark recognition is a system which can read marks written in

pen or pencil
Uses
• OMR devices are used to read questionnaires, multiple choice
examinations papers and other types of forms in the form of lines or
shaded areas

Advantages
• A very fast way of inputting results of a survey
• Since there is no typing, it is more accurate than
keying in data
• OMR is more accurate than OCR
Disadvantages
• Forms need to be carefully designed to make sure
that the marks/shadings are correctly positioned to
gather accurate information
• There can be problems if forms aren’t filled correctly,
sometimes they must be checked manually before
being read by an OMR, this is both time consuming
and expensive
2.2.5 Optical Character Reader (OCR) Sayar Kaung

• Optical Character recognition is a software that takes scanned text

and converts it into a computer readable form
Uses
• Processing of passports and Identity cards
• OCR is used when scanning documents to modify them using a
suitable software

Advantages
• Much faster data entry system than manually
keying in data
• Since there is no manual data entry, the
number of errors is reduced
Disadvantages
• The system has difficulty reading handwriting
• It is still not a very accurate technique
2.2.6 Barcode Reader Sayar Kaung

• Used to read information in the form of a barcode

• Hold 30 digits
• Handheld scanners or wands are very common for reading
Barcodes
• Quick Response (QR) code
• Hold over 7000 digits
• Scan every angle
Uses
• Used in supermarkets and other shops where the goods are
marked with a barcode
• Used in libraries to scan user’s library card and barcodes on
books (to keep track of books on loan)
• Used as a safety function in many companies to ensure that
electrical equipment is checked on a regular basis
2.2.6 Barcode Reader Sayar Kaung

Advantages
• Faster than keying in information, and fewer mistakes are made
• Used as a way of recording data, can improve safety
• Barcodes enable automatic stock control
• Barcode scanning is a tried and trusted technology
• When an item price is changed, only the central database needs to be updated,
there is no need to change the prices individually on each item
Disadvantages
• Barcode scanning is an expensive system to administer since every item in the
shops needs a barcode and every barcode needs to be entered on the system
• Also, there is a need to invest in the computer technology together with staff
training, which can all be expensive
• The system is not fool proof- barcode can be swapped around on items
Sayar Kaung
2.3 Output Devices Sayar Kaung

What are output devices?

• Hardware devices that allow information to be sent out of
a computer system

Input Processing Output

Storage
2.3.1 Monitors Sayar Kaung

LCD/IPS Monitor

TFT Monitor

CRT Monitor
LED Monitor
2.3.1 Monitors Sayar Kaung

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

• Cathode Ray Tube monitors

• Least expensive type of monitor, becoming rarer as TFT monitors take
over
• Come in various sizes
• Picture created is made up of tiny dots (red green or blue), the intensity
of the colour of the dot determines the colour perceived by the eye
Uses
• Primary output device for computers, user can immediately see what
they are typing in
• Used with light pens to allow designs to be created on screen
2.3.1 Monitors Sayar Kaung

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

Advantages
• Produce higher quality images than TFT monitors
• Angle of viewing is better than a TFT monitor
• They work with light pens in CAD and CAM applications (Computer Aided
Design/Manufacturing)
Disadvantages
• Tend to be heavy, weight hazard if not supported properly
• Run very hot, can cause fires if left unattended, especially if they are old
• Consume more power than TFT monitors
• They can flicker, this leads to headaches and eyesight problems with prolonged use
2.3.1 Monitors Sayar Kaung

Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Monitor

• Thin Film Transistor monitors

• Taking over from CRT monitors as the main output device
• The progress in TFT technology is one of the reasons for the rapid development of laptop computers
• The screen is made up of thousands of tiny pixels which are made up of transistors controlled by a microprocessor
• Each pixel has three transistors-red, green or blue; the intensity of each determines the colour of the pixel seen
Uses
• Primary output device for computers, user can immediately see what they are typing in
• Integral part of laptop computers
2.3.1 Monitors Sayar Kaung

Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Monitor

Advantages
• Lightweight, so no weight hazards like CRT monitors
• Less glare produced than in CRT monitors; also emit less
radiation
• Consume much less power and generate less heat than
CRT monitors
Disadvantages
• Angle of viewing is critical, image appears unclear if
viewed slightly from the side
• This is an issue if several people are looking at the screen
at the same time
• They cannot yet be used with light pens,
2.3.1 Monitors Sayar Kaung

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)/ In-Panel Switching (IPS) Monitor

• Front layer made from liquid crystal diodes; grouped together to form pixels (RGB or RGBY-more vivid colours)
• Receive analogue and digital signals, although most modern projectors only work with digital inputs
• IPS (In-plane switching) is the technology used in LCD monitors.
2.3.1 Monitors Sayar Kaung

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)/ In-Panel Switching (IPS) Monitor

Advantages
• Colour can be seen accurately from different viewing angles
• No lightening on touching
Disadvantages
• Expensive than TFT
• High power consumption than LED
• Slow response time

Note: Old LCD monitors used CCFL

(cold cathode fluorescent lamp)
technology to light up the screen.

TFT LCD/IPS
2.3.1 Monitors Sayar Kaung

Light Emitting Diode (LED) Monitor

• Front layer made from liquid crystal diodes; grouped together to form pixels (RGB or RGBY-more vivid colours)
• For the image to show up on-screen a light source of LED backlight is used.
• Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)
• Curved Display

Advantages (over LCD monitors)

• Lighter and thinner
• Longer life
• Lower power consumption
• Greater contrast and more vivid colour
• Relatively more robust
Disadvantages
• Glare gives viewers headaches
• Images too sharp, so can cause eye strain
2.3.2 Multimedia Projector Sayar Kaung

• Receive analogue and digital signals, although most modern projectors only work with digital inputs
• The signal source is usually from a computer, television, or DVD player
• The image from the source is magnified and projected onto a large screen
• The devices usually work with a remote control, but can also use virtual mouse technology – cordless PC mouse (has a
laser pointer)
▪ It is then possible to direct the presentation without being tied to the computer
▪ Most multimedia projectors take input from various types of video format e.g. PAL, NTSC or SECAM
Uses
• Used for training presentations (allows the whole audience to see the images from a computer)
• Also used for advertising presentations (shown at exhibitions, shopping malls etc.)
• Home cinema systems (projecting the images from a DVD or television) use multimedia projectors
2.3.2 Multimedia Projector Sayar Kaung

Advantages
• Enables many people to see a presentation rather than all
of them crowded around a small computer screen
• Avoids the need for several networked computers
• e.g. when looking at a video clip on the internet,
everybody can see the video on the large screen rather
than logging on to several computers
Disadvantages
• Images can sometimes be fuzzy
• Expensive to buy
• Setting up projectors can be a little difficult
Sayar Kaung
2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

Laser Printer Wide Format Printer (Plotter)

Dot Matrix Printer

Inkjet Printer 3D Printer

2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

Laser Printer
• Produce very high-quality hard copy output
• Print rate per page is fast if many pages are
being printed
• Rely on large buffer memories – the data for
the whole document is stored before pages
can be printed out
Uses
• Used where noise levels need to be kept low
e.g. in an office
• The best option for fast, high quality, high
volume printing
2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

Laser Printer
Advantages
• Printing is fast for high volumes, slightly faster than inkjet if
only a few pages are to be printed
• Can handle very large print jobs
• Quality is consistently high
• Toner cartridges last for a long time; laser printers can be a
cost-effective option if colour outputs are not required
Disadvantages
• Expensive to buy
• Only fast if several copies are being made
• Colour laser printers tend to be expensive to run since four
cartridges are needed as well as diffuser kits, etc.
• Produce ozone and volatile organic compounds because of
their printing method and type of toner/ink used
• These have been linked to health hazards in the office
2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

Inkjet Printer
• Used to produce good quality hard copies – the quality is
not as good as in laser printers but much better than that
of dot matrix printers
• Do not have large buffers like laser printers, so printing is
done a bit at a time
• Therefore, printing is sometimes paused – the whole page
can’t be stored in the buffer, it must wait for the
computer to send more data
Uses
• Used where low volume outputs are needed
• Ideal for high quality printing for small print jobs or single
pages e.g. for photo quality printouts
2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

Inkjet Printer
Advantages
• High quality output
• Cheaper to buy than laser printers
• Very lightweight and take up little space (small footprint)
• Do not produce ozone and volatile organic compounds, unlike
laser printers
Disadvantages
• Output is slow if several copies needed – there is little buffer
capacity to store the pages
• The ink cartridges run out too quickly to be used for large
print jobs
• Printing can smudge if the user is not careful
• Can be expensive to run if they are used a lot – original ink
cartridges are expensive
2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

Dot Matrix Printer

• A type of impact printer
• A print head made up of a matrix of pins presses against an inked ribbon
Uses
• Can be used in noisy environments e.g. garage workshops
• Can be used in applications were the print quality is not very important
• Point of sale (POS)
Advantages
• Can be used in environments which would be a problem for laser and
inkjet printers – dusty, dirty or moist atmospheres
• Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced
• Very cheap to run and maintain
• Easy to use if continuous stationary is required e.g. long print jobs such
as wage slips
Disadvantages
• Very noisy – not good in an office environment
• Cost more than an inkjet printer to buy
• Very slow
• Printing is of poor quality
2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

Wide Format Printer (Plotter)

• Devices that produce hard copies but operate in a different way to printers
• Not limited to normal printer paper size and can produce highly accurate, very large drawings and posters
• The most common types are pen plotters, electrostatic (similar method to laser printers) and inkjet plotters
❑ With pen plotters, coloured pens are controlled by a computer and the paper can move backwards and
forwards to allow accurate shapes to be drawn
Uses
• Used to produce large drawings e.g. blueprints of buildings; are often used with CAD applications
• Used to produce large pictures for use on billboards or giant posters
❑ They can also print on plastic coated paper (Vinyl fabric signboard)
• If the pens are replaced by cutting tools, it is possible to make large signs
Advantages
• Can produce huge printouts
• Print quality is extremely high
Disadvantages
• Slow in operation
• Expensive to buy and maintain
2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

3D Printer
• A new type of printer that produces solid 3D models using
modified inkjet technology called tomography
• Very thin layers of fine powder (plaster, resin, starch) are
bonded together as a 3D model is slowly built up
• Items produced are known as prototypes
Uses
• Used to produce prototypes which work from CAD packages,
photograph images, stored drawings etc.
• Scale models are produced in colour before the real thing is
manufactured
• The ultimate objective is to produce organic objects using this layering
technology (such as replacement human organs)
2.3.3 Printers Sayar Kaung

3D Printer
Advantages
• Save a lot of money, other methods of making prototypes are very time consuming and expensive
• The powders used can often be ground up and reused
• Physical scale models are produced with working parts, which gives a better idea of how the product will look
Disadvantages
• Expensive to buy
• Slow at producing their output
• Product is sometimes a little rough, often further work needs to be done
2.3.4 Speakers Sayar Kaung

• Can be connected directly to a computer or are built into the monitor or casing (as in laptop computers)
• Uses a digital to analogue converter (DAC) to convert digital data from the computer to analogue from so the
speakers can process it; the signal is then amplified through the speakers.

Uses
• Used to output sound from multimedia presentations
• Used in home entertainment centres
• They can help blind people through audio output of text on the screen
(together with speech generation software)
• Used to play downloaded sound files

Advantages
• Usually long lasting and durable (if operated within their intended power
levels)
• Often provided with the computer/laptop although these may not be the
best quality
Disadvantages
• Can take up a lot of desk space, compared to headphones
• Can distract people around you, everyone can hear what you are playing
• May not be able to hear the full sound spectrum, this requires multiple
speakers
2.3.5 Control Applications Sayar Kaung

Actuators
• A type of controlling device
• Transducers that are used to take signals from a computer and convert them into some form of motion e.g.
operating motors, pumps, switches and valves
• Digital signals are sent from the computer to an actuator to operate a device
• Conversion of the digital signal to analogue is required first (using a DAC)
2.3.5 Control Applications Sayar Kaung

Motors
• Turned on or off by the actuator
Uses
• Used in many domestic appliances
• Automatic washing machines (to make the drum
rotate)
• Cookers (to switch on fans)
• Water pumps in central heating systems
• Automatic greenhouses to open windows and
switch on fans
• Used to control robot arms in the industry
• Operate fans, disk drives and DVD drives in
computers
2.3.5 Control Applications Sayar Kaung

Buzzer
• Switched on or off by the actuator
Uses
• Used in cookers and microwave ovens to tell the operator when the cooking process is complete
• Used in burglar alarm systems to warn if intruders are present
2.3.5 Control Applications Sayar Kaung

Heater
• Actuators are connected to switches which turn the heater on or off
Uses
• Used in automatic washing machines, cookers and central heating systems
• Used in automatic greenhouses to control the temperature

Lights
• The actuator is connected to the switch that turns the lights on or off
Uses
• Security lights
• Used in greenhouses to control the lighting conditions
Sayar Kaung