Computer Input and Output Devices

The functioning of a computer system is based on the combined usage of both input and output devices. Using an input device we can give
instructions to the computer to perform an action and the device reverts to our action through an output device.

Input Device Definition: A piece of equipment/hardware which helps us enter data into a computer is called an input device. For example
keyboard, mouse, etc.

Output Device Definition: A piece of equipment/hardware which gives out the result of the entered input, once it is processed (i.e. converts
data from machine language to a human-understandable language), is called an output device. For example printer, monitor, etc.

List of Input Devices

Given below is the list of the most common input devices along with brief information about each of them.

1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Joy Stick
4. Scanner
5. OCR
6. OMR
7. Barcode Reader
8. Web Camera
Keyboard
The keyboard is the most frequent and widely used input device for entering data into a computer. Although there are some additional keys
for performing other operations, the keyboard layout is similar to that of a typical typewriter.
Generally, keyboards come in two sizes: 84 keys or 101/102 keys but currently keyboards with 104 keys or 108 keys are also available for
Windows and the Internet.

Keyboard
Types of Keys
 Numeric Keys: It is used to enter numeric data or move the cursor. It usually consists of a set of 17 keys.
 Typing Keys: The letter keys (A-Z) and number keys (09) are among these keys.
 Control Keys: These keys control the pointer and the screen. There are four directional arrow keys on it. Home, End, Insert,
Alternate(Alt), Delete, Control(Ctrl), etc., and Escape are all control keys (Esc).
 Special Keys: Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, NumLk, Tab, etc., and Print Screen are among the special function keys on the keyboard.
 Function Keys: The 12 keys from F1 to F12 are on the topmost row of the keyboard.
Advantages of Keyboard

 Keyboards are primary input devices that enable us to create word processing or data entry documents.
 If you have a slow typing speed, then you can use a keyboard shortcut key to make typing easier.
 You can choose among different types of keyboards to make your life easier, such as the AGRONOMIC keyboard and MULTIMEDIA
keyboard.
 The keyboards are inexpensive.
 They are compact in size.
 They are highly portable.
 They are easy to clean and handle.
 They are easily and readily available in the market.
 Keyboards are the most used computer peripheral device.
 Keyboards help us to use shortcut keys for faster processing of operations.
 The keyboards can be easily connected to a computer system with the help of USB, Wireless, Bluetooth, etc.
 They are available in different shapes, and sizes and are relatively compact.
 They are efficient and durable.

Disadvantages of Keyboard

 It is not possible to make diagrams or charts with the keyboard.

 If not properly used they get damaged easily.
 Some keys which are often used get damaged soon.
 Mathematical equations are hard to enter.
 Keyboards are slow in operating compared to mouse.
 Built-in keyboards get damaged easily.
 The keyboard of laptops is hard to replace, as is in compact design therefore needs professional guidance and help.

Different types of Keyboard

 Multimedia Keyboard
 Wireless Keyboard
 Multimedia Keyboard
A multimedia keyboard is a type of computer keyboard that includes additional keys or buttons, beyond the standard QWERTY layout, designed
for convenient control of multimedia functions. These functions typically include media playback (play, pause, stop, skip), volume control, and
launching specific applications or files.

Multimedia Keyboard
Types of Keys:
 Standard keys:
QWERTY layout, alphanumeric keys, and function keys (F1-F12).
 Multimedia keys:
Dedicated buttons for controlling media playback (play, pause, stop, skip forward/backward), volume adjustment, and muting/unmuting
audio.
 Specialized keys:
Some keyboards may include keys for launching specific applications (like a music player or web browser), accessing internet bookmarks, or
controlling other system functions.
 Programmable keys:
Some multimedia keyboards allow users to customize the functionality of certain keys.
 Backlighting:
Many multimedia keyboards feature backlighting, often with multiple color options, for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
 Additional features:
Some multimedia keyboards also include built-in touchpad’s or other features.
Essentially, multimedia keyboards offer a more streamlined and efficient way to interact with media and other computer functions without
needing to open specific applications or navigate through multiple menus.

Applications of Multimedia Keyboard

 Online Classes & Studying: Students can control video lectures or adjust volume easily.
 Office Work: Professionals can manage emails, launch apps, or mute sounds quickly.
 Music & Video Control: Play, pause, or adjust volume without using a mouse.
  Gaming: Gamers can switch songs or mute audio while playing.
 Remote Work & Meetings: Mute/unmute during online calls with a button press.
 Creative Work (Editing): Video editors and designers can control media faster.
 Home Entertainment: Use with smart TVs or media systems for easy control.
 Fast Access to Apps: Open calculator, browser, or email with shortcut keys.

Advantages of Multimedia Keyboard

 Quick access to media controls (volume, play/pause).

 Saves time by eliminating the need for a mouse to adjust media.
 Reduces distractions with easy access to essential apps.
 Improves productivity with customizable shortcut keys.
 Comfortable for long hours with ergonomic designs.

Disadvantages of Multimedia Keyboard

 Extra keys may not be useful for all users.

 Some models can be more expensive than regular keyboards.
 Wireless models may require battery changes.
 May have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with multimedia keys.
 Certain keys may become unresponsive over time with heavy use.

Wireless Keyboard
These keyboards link wirelessly to a computer using Bluetooth or radio frequency technology. Without connections, wireless keyboards
provide greater flexibility and a neat workplace. It may connect wirelessly to computers using Bluetooth or USB Radio frequency (USB-RF).
Numerous items can be compatible with Bluetooth models, which are generally accessible. Without any kind of additional cables, these
keyboards place a connection into the USB port on the computer and turn on Bluetooth on both the computer and the keyboard. It can be used
with mobile devices and tablets as well as Windows and MAC computers. This facilitates a smooth user experience across various devices.

Advantages of Wireless Keyboard

1. Increased Mobility
2. Space-Saving
 3. Clutter-Free Setup
4. Flexibility in Placement
5. No Cable Wear and Tear
6. Enhanced Aesthetics
7. Easy to Connect with Multiple Devices

Disadvantages of Wireless Keyboard

1. Battery Dependency
2. Connectivity Issues
3. Signal Interference
4. Higher Cost
5. Limited Battery Life
6. Potential Lag
7. Requires Additional Setup

Difference between Wired and Wireless Keyboards

Feature Wired Keyboard Wireless Keyboard

Connection Type USB cable Bluetooth or USB dongle

Speed & Response Instant, no delay May have slight lag

Setup Plug and play May need pairing (Bluetooth setup)

Portability Not portable Lightweight and portable

Desk Setup Wires can clutter Clean and clutter-free workspace

Battery Requirement No batteries needed Needs power – battery-powered keyboards

Best For Gaming, heavy typing Travel, flexible use, office work

Possible Issues None (if cable is fine) Signal interference, input delay

Reliability Very stable Good with quality brand

Cost Usually more affordable Often costs more

Mouse
The most common pointing device is the mouse. The mouse is used to move a little cursor across the screen while clicking and dragging. The
cursor will stop if you let go of the mouse. The computer is dependent on you to move the mouse; it won’t move by itself. As a result, it’s an
input device.
A mouse is an input device that lets you move the mouse on a flat surface to control the coordinates and movement of the on-screen
cursor/pointer.
The left mouse button can be used to select or move items, while the right mouse button when clicked displays extra menus.

Mouse

Advantages of Mouse in Computer System

 The mouse is the fastest pointing device in computer system.

 This mouse is relatively cheaper and readily available in the market.
 Batteries are not used in wired mouse and normal mouse.
 The range of wireless mouse is also quite good.
 The mouse pad is not needed or required.
 A mouse can be a multipurpose device it can be connected to a laptop as well as to a desktop.
 The combination of mouse and keyboards can be used in data entry for better performance.
 They can be easily connected to any device with a USB port.
 They are very efficient and reliable pointing devices, this is considered as the major advantages of mouse therefore easily replaced their
counterparts from the market.
 A scroll between the two buttons is very useful in scrolling long pages and text.
 They are light-weighted.
 They are highly portable and can be easily transferred from one location to another.
 They are Plug and Play devices no additional device drives are required for installation and use.
 The mouse makes the work or job completion at a rapid speed.
 Modern mouse are quite durable in nature.
 Their Pointing is very accurate while dragging and selecting different elements on the computer screen.

Disadvantages of Mouse in Computer

 The wired mouse cannot be used in long-range as the ranges are limited for better connectivity.
 The wired mouse is delicate in nature and must be used carefully as it can be damaged easily.
  If the batteries are low they tend to lose their accuracy and speed.
 They basically work on flat surfaces.
 Mouse heavily relies on batteries.
 A wireless mouse can sometimes face connectivity issues.
 PS/2 mouse is obsolete.
 The need for human interventions to act and react. They do not work in autopilot mode.

Different types of Mouse

 Optical Mouse
 Wireless Mouse

Optical Mouse
An optical mouse is a sophisticated computer pointing device that replaces the conventional mouse ball and the required electromechanical
transducer with a light-emitting diode or LED, optical sensor, and digital signal processor (DSP). Rather than attempting to decipher the
motion of a rolling sphere to control all the inputs, movement is identified by detecting variations in the reflected light. A conventional mouse
typically detects the overall motion of a surface using a mechanical device that consists of a ball and wheel mechanism of the system.

Optimal Mouse

Advantages of Optical Mouse

When the optical mouse was first released or introduced, the mouse technology had advanced significantly. Compared to its mechanical
equivalents, it has a various number of advantages like -
 It has no components that can move. Unlike the mechanical mice, optical mice are much quieter to operate and require less maintenance
because they don't have any moving components to control the system.
 It increased the overall accuracy. Optical mice function by transmitting light from the mouse's underside to the sensors located at its front
to control. They are hence extremely accurate and non-shifting to use.
 An optical mouse, as opposed to a mechanical mouse, may be used on the required uneven surfaces and in low light as well. Additionally,
because of food or liquids cannot penetrate it, it is more secure to use.
 No particular surface is needed for optical mouse. Although it have significant surface limitations, they can be used on a wider range of
surfaces than the structured mechanical mice, which means that a mouse pad is not necessary for the user to use it.
Disadvantages of Optical Mouse
 It depends on the batteries. The power source for the wireless optical mice is some powerful batteries. Even though wireless mouse battery
life has increased over time, users still need to occasionally change or recharge the required batteries to maintain the continuous use
process.
 Sometimes it might not function on some surfaces as well. Since infrared sensors are more sensitive to light, this occurs more frequently
with them when use.
 The optical mouse can adjust the pointer on the screen using the various surface images as per requirement. however, glossy or glass-like
surfaces reflect the laser image back as an output to the picture reader software.

Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse is a device that lets you control your computer, laptop, or tablet without a cable. It’s perfect for school and college students
who need a reliable, portable tool for studying, projects, or even gaming. Unlike other mouse that connects with a USB cable, a wireless
mouse uses Bluetooth or a USB receiver (a small dongle) to connect.

Wireless Mouse

How Does a Wireless Mouse Work?

A wireless mouse runs on batteries, which you can recharge or replace. You can turn it on or off with a switch to save power. To connect it to
your device, you can:
 Pair it via Bluetooth: Link the mouse through your device’s Bluetooth settings.
 Plug in a USB receiver: Insert a small USB dongle into your computer, and the mouse connects instantly.
A wireless mouse works by sending signals to the computer without a cable. It uses Bluetooth or a small receiver to connect. When you move
or click the mouse, it tells the computer to move the cursor or click.

Advantages of Wireless Mouse

Why choose a wireless mouse? Here are the top benefits for students:
 No cables, so it’s easier to move and use
 Keeps your desk clean and organized
 More portable and convenient
 Disadvantages of Wireless Mouse
While wireless mice are awesome, they have some downsides:
 Needs batteries to work
 Can sometimes have a slight delay or connection issues
 Usually more expensive than wired mice

Joystick
A joystick is a pointing device that is used to move the cursor on a computer screen. A spherical ball is attached to both the bottom and top
ends of the stick. In a socket, the lower spherical ball slides. You can move the joystick in all four directions.

Joystick

The joystick’s function is comparable to that of a mouse. It is primarily used in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and playing video games on
the computer.

Advantages

 A joystick helps to move the object in any direction and control the operation of the objects in the arcade video games very easily
 A joystick provides fast interaction in the interface of digital information to control objects in a 3D direction in the video games
 Joystick comprises a vertical rod mounted on the base of the device to control operation

Disadvantages

 In the operation of the joystick, it is very difficult to control the on-screen cursor than a computer mouse
 Operation of the joystick may create an extra force on the object that leads to the failure in the movement of an object in the right direction
Scanner
A scanner is an input device that functions similarly to a photocopier. It’s employed when there’s information on paper that needs to be
transferred to the computer’s hard disc for subsequent manipulation. The scanner collects images from the source and converts them to a
digital format that may be saved on a disc. Before they are printed, these images can be modified.

Scanner

Advantages:
 A scanner will reproduce the object in its real size.
 A carefully calibrated scanner programmed for homogeneous series of slides assures a homogeneous reproduction as the scanning
conditions stay identical.
 A scanner is suited for mass production.
 A high-end scanner with its high-resolution sensor and its high colour depth may be able to capture more information from the original
than a still-camera.

Disadvantages of scanners:
 Only flat objects can be captured.
 Only slides up to a certain size can be scanned.
 The scanning can be relatively slow, depending on the scanner’s speed.
 Slightly deformed slides (with curved glass, warped frames) may not be scanned properly as they can’t lie flat on the scanner glass (focus
problem).
 Mechanical ones with a crank can only be scanned from the flat side.
 Scans of frame (reflected light) and image (transmitted light) in a consecutive order is time-consuming as it needs changes in the
handling of the scanner (reprogramming, proper configuration of the cover for transmitted light).
  Slides with the emulsion on one side of the glass and hand-colouring on the other, or moving slides with two glass plates combined may
not be accurately reproduced (focus problem).
 Scanner lenses may produce distortion at the scan’s edges what can happen also with still-camera lenses.

Optical character Reader (OCR) helps in differentiating presence of characters by their shapes. OCR is employed a s data input device to
read numeric and alphanumeric characters from pre-printed documents produced by printers, type-writers etc.
Level of accuracy to scan characters accurately is based on how clear writing is. Scanners are improved to be ready to read different styles
and sizes of text also as neat handwriting. There is utmost accuracy in the text scanned with OCR but then also there is the need to check as
some letters are often misread. OCR is employed to automatically recognize postcodes on letters a t sorting offices.
In OCR, scanner is provided with character recognition software which converts bitmap images of characters to equivalent ASCI I codes. First
step in whole process is to create bitmap of image of document then with help of software OCR translates the array of grid points into ASCII
text which pc can understand and process it as letters, numbers and special characters.
OCR software process bitmap of every character and compares it with set of characters which machine has been programmed to acknowledge
to translate bitmaps into text, Whichever character pattern it matches or nearly matches, is taken into account to be charact er read. If a
scanned character doesn’t match with any of the already stored character patterns, it’s rejected.

Advantages of Optical character Reader (OCR) :

 Information of OCR can be readable with high degree of accuracy. Flatbed scanners are very accurate and may produce reasonabl y top
quality images.
 Processing of OCR information is fast. Large quantities of text are often input quickly.
 A paper based form are often became an electronic form which is straightforward to store or send by mail.
 It is cheaper than paying someone amount to manually enter great deal of text data. Moreover it takes less time to convert within the
electronic form.
 The latest software can re-create tables also as original layout.
 This process is much faster as compared to the manual typing the information into the system
 Advanced version can even Re create tables, columns and even produce sites.
Disadvantages of Optical character Reader (OCR) :

 OCR text works efficiently with the printed text only and not with handwritten text. Handwriting must be learnt by the pc.
 OCR systems are expensive.
 There is the need of lot of space required by the image produced.
 The quality of the image can be lose during this process.
 Quality of the ultimate image depends on quality of the first image.
 All the documents got to be checked over carefully then manually corrected.
 Not 100% accurate, there are likely to be some mistakes made during the method.
 Not worth doing for little amounts of text.

OMR
OMR, which stands for optical mark reading or optical mark recognition, is the process of getting data from people by identif ying marks on a
paper. On a document or specifically printed papers used in exams, surveys, etc., OMR can identify marks made by people. It is typically
utilized in situations where a lot of candidates apply and data needs to be processed quickly and accurately. Using an OMR reader, data is
extracted from the document.

OMR
Advantages of OMR
 High Accuracy: OMR lowers the possibility of human error and guarantees consistent data capture, making it a very accurate form of
data collecting.
 Versatile: OMR can be applied to a wide range of documents, including questionnaires and assessments, ballots for elections, job
applications, and medical forms.
  Cost-Effective: OMR forms can lower the cost of data gathering by eliminating the need for manual data entry and lowering the
possibility of human mistake. They are frequently less expensive to produce than other forms.
 Efficiency: OMR is the best option for large-scale data collection projects since it enables quick data acquisition.

Disadvantages of OMR
 Limited Data Types: OMR can only record markings put on a form. it cannot record other kinds of data, such handwritten text. Large
volumes of text can’t be grouped as it complicates the results. Data might be lost in case of large text. Only MCQs (multiple choice
questions) are favorable.
 Limited Customization: OMR forms provide few design and customization possibilities, which might not match requirements of all
users.

Bar Code Reader

A bar code reader is a device that reads data that is bar-coded (data that is represented by light and dark lines).Bar-coded data is commonly
used to mark things, number books, and so on. It could be a handheld scanner or part of a stationary scanner. A bar code reader scans a bar
code image, converts it to an alphanumeric value, and then sends it to the computer to which it is connected.

Bar Code Reader

Advantages
 It is a technology that is accepted universally
 Has the ability in tracking data so that better decisions can be made
 It is a time-saving process
 It helps in training employee

Disadvantages

 Barcode technology is a cost-worthy process

 It can only scan a limited number of information
 The security issue is the most common issue of this and it is a disadvantage of this factor
 The physical damage of it needs additional costs to repair
Web Camera
Because a web camera records a video image of the scene in front of it, a webcam is an input device. It is either built inside the computer (for
example, a laptop) or attached through a USB connection. A webcam is a computer-connected tiny digital video camera. It’s also known as a
web camera because it can take images and record video. These cameras come with software that must be installed on the computer in order
to broadcast video in real-time over the Internet. It can shoot images and HD videos, however, the video quality isn’t as good as other
cameras (In Mobiles or other devices or normal cameras).

Web Camera
Advantages

 A web cam enables individuals to monitor their home while away

 A web cam can be used to take pictures and make videos
 Older individuals who have difficulty leaving their home but who want to still keep in touch with their friends can use a web cam to do so
 Hearing Impaired individuals find the web cam useful when communicating with others
 With a web cam you can observe your babysitter's behavior toward your child
 Inter-office communication between cities can be set up at a reasonable cost (i.e. video-conferencing at a fraction of the price)
 Useful for individuals who have social anxiety and don't like to meet people in person, perhaps a blind date situation
 Communication can be ended at any time at the click of your mouse

Disadvantages

 A potential invasion of privacy exists

 Because web cams have high quality resolution and are easy to use, they can be used to exploit children through pornography
 Web cams are movable which increases the risk for damage
 Web cams remove the need to socialize in person creating a lack of human interaction
 As people spend more time watching TV, surfing the internet, playing computer games, etc., the web cam is yet another health hazard
Different Types of Output Devices
The various output devices are as below:

1. Monitor
2. Printer
3. Plotter

1. Monitors

Monitors also known as Visual Display Unit (VDU), is an output device of a computer. It is the most popular output device which looks like a

TV screen and shows the output in the form of text, audio, video and images. Overall, it produces output with visual effects to connect the user
with the system. Images data form tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged in a rectangular form. The sharpness of the image depends upon the
number of pixels.

There are two kinds of viewing screens used for monitors.

 Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)

 Flat-Panel Display

Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

The CRT display is made up of small picture elements called pixels. The smaller the pixels, the better the image clarity or resolution. It takes
more than one illuminated pixel to form a whole character, such as the letter ‘e’ in the word help.
A finite number of characters can be displayed on a screen at once. The screen can be divided into a series of character boxes - a fixed location
on the screen where a standard character can be placed. Most screens are capable of displaying 80 characters of data horizontally and 25 lines
vertically.

The key components of a CRT Monitor are as follows −

 Electron Guns − Produces beams of electrons to display images

 Phosphorescent Screen − Once electrons hit on phosphor-coated screen, it glows and makes visibility
 Circuit Board − Provides connectivity for external circuitry
 Deflection Yoke − It deflects the electron beam in precise patterns

Advantages
 Produces output with visual effects.
 It has good resolutions which ensure proper visibility of image-related outputs.
 No motion blur due to instant response time.
 It can display multiple resolutions without scaling artefacts.
 It has high refresh rates which reduces flicker and eye strain.

Disadvantages
 Large in Size
 Carries high weight
 A lot of power consumption
 Produces heat

Flat-Panel Display Monitor

The flat-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced volume, weight and power requirements in comparison to the CRT.
You can hang them on walls or wear them on your wrists. Current uses of flat-panel displays include calculators, video games, monitors, laptop
computers, and graphics displays.
The flat-panel display is divided into two categories −

 Emissive Displays − Emissive displays are devices that convert electrical energy into light. For example, plasma panels and LED (Light -
Emitting Diodes).
 Non-Emissive Displays − Non-emissive displays use optical effects to convert sunlight or light from some other source into graphics
patterns. For example, LCD (Liquid-Crystal Device).

The key components of a Flat-Panel Display Monitor are as follows −

 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) − It is positioned between two layers of glass or plastic and modulates light to create images.
 Light Emitting Diode (LED) − it emits light and improves colour and contrast.
 Plasma Display Panel (PDP) − It contains small cells with phosphor coated to emit light.
 Quantum Dot Display − It contains quantum dots to enhance colour accuracy.

Advantages
 Smaller in size makes it easy to mount and transport.
 It consumes less power.
 It has higher resolutions which make good picture quality.
 It makes users comfortable to get connected for a longer period and reduces eye strain.
 Available in different sizes.

Disadvantages
 Expensive as compared to CRT monitors.
 Its resolution is not up to mark as compared to CRT.
 It is a soft covering which may damage and be difficult to clean.

2. Printers

A printer is an output device, which is used to print processed data on paper. It is one of the most popular output devices. The information that is
printed is commonly referred to as hard copy because it physically exists and is a more enduring form of output than what is displayed on a
VDU. Printers play a crucial role in generating hard copies of digital documents and images and are available in different types tailored to
specific purposes and settings. They cater to diverse user requirements, offering features such as top-notch photo printing, speedy document
output, and the ability to create three-dimensional objects, making them suitable for home, office, or industrial use.

Types of Printer

Different types of Printers are categorized in the following image

  Impact Printers

Impact printers print the characters by striking them on the ribbon, which is then pressed on the paper.

Characteristics −

 Very low consumable costs

 Very noisy
 Useful for bulk printing due to low cost
 There is physical contact with the paper to produce an image

Types of Impact Printers

Generally, Impact printers are of two types −

 Character printers
 Line printers

Character Printers

Character printers are the printers which print one character at a time. A printer that holds individual characters until it is ready to print them.
Instead of printing one line at a time, a character printer prints one character at a time. Nowadays, these printers are not commonly used due to
speed limitations and their ability to only print text.

Types of Character Printers

 Dot Matrix Printer(DMP)

 Daisy Wheel
Dot Matrix Printer

In the market, one of the most popular printers is Dot Matrix Printer. These printers are popular because of their ease of printing and economical
price. Each character printed is in the form of a pattern of dots and the head consists of a Matrix of Pins of size (5*7, 7*9, 9*7 or 9*9) which
come out to form a character which is why it is called Dot Matrix Printer.

Advantages
 Inexpensive
 Durable
 Widely Used
 Able to print on multi-part forms
 Low Operating Costs
 Reliable
 Other language characters can be printed

Disadvantages
 Slow Speed
 Poor Quality

Daisy Wheel

A daisy wheel printer is an impact printer that utilizes a spinning disk, known as the "daisy wheel," which contains pre-formed characters
embossed on its "petals." During printing, the printer picks the appropriate petal, impacts it against an ink ribbon, and then onto the paper to
generate high-quality text.The head is lying on a wheel and pins corresponding to characters are like petals of Daisy (flower) which is why it is
called Daisy Wheel Printer. These printers are generally used for word processing in offices that require a few letters to be sent here and there
with very nice quality. In the 1970s and 1980s, daisy wheel printers were commonly utilized for word processing before the introduction of laser
and inkjet printers.

Advantages
 It produces High-Quality Text so more suitable for professional documents
 More reliable than DMP
 Better quality
 Fonts of character can be easily changed
 Durable so it has a long lifespan
 Each character is pre-formed which shows its consistent print quality

Disadvantages
 Slower than DMP
 Limited to Text
 Noisy
 More expensive than DMP
 Changes in fonts or styles need physical changes on the daisy wheel

Line Printers

Line printers are the printers which print one line at a time. Line printers are specialised impact printers which are specifically designed to get
high-speed, high-volume printing, primarily for text. These are still useful in certain applications where speed and durability are critical. Their
capacity to print a complete line of text at once distinguishes them from other impact printers, making them excellent for applications requiring
quick and consistent document creation.
Types of Line Printer
 Drum Printer
 Chain Printer

Drum Printer

This printer is like a drum in shape hence it is called a drum printer. The surface of the drum is divided into several track s. Total tracks are equal
to the size of the paper, i.e. for a paper width of 132 characters, the drum will have 132 tracks. A character set is embossed on the track.
Different character sets available in the market are 48 character sets, 64 and 96 characters set. One rotation of drum prints one line. Drum
printers are fast and can print 300 to 2000 lines per minute.

Advantages
 Very high speed
 Low cost
 Durable so they can run a long life
 Able to handle large print volumes
 Provides good printing quality

Disadvantages
 Very expensive
 Characters fonts cannot be changed

Chain Printer

A chain printer is a high-speed line printer with a revolving chain mechanism that prints characters on paper. Chain printers were widely used in
large data centres and business settings where high-volume printing was required. They are well-known for their ability to handle huge print jobs
quickly and efficiently. In this printer, a chain of character sets is used; hence it is called a Chain Printer. A standard character set may have 48,
64, or 96 characters.
Advantages
 Character fonts can easily be changed
 Able to print hundreds to thousands of lines per minute
 Durable
 Different languages can be used with the same printer
 Cost-effective for printing large quantities of text.

Disadvantages
 Noisy
 Limited Graphics
 Limited with fixed fonts and styles

Non-impact Printers

Non-impact printers print the characters without using the ribbon. These printers print a complete page at a time, thus they are also called Page
Printers.

These printers are of two types −

 Laser Printers
 Inkjet Printers

Characteristics
 Faster than impact printers
 They are not noisy
 High quality
 Supports many fonts and different character sizes

Laser Printers

These are non-impact page printers. They use laser lights to produce the dots needed to form the characters to be printed on a page.
Advantages
 Very high speed
 Very high-quality output
 Good graphics quality
 Supports many fonts and different character sizes

Disadvantages
 Expensive
 Cannot be used to produce multiple copies of a document in a single printing

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are non-impact character printers based on a relatively new technology. They print characters by spraying small drops of ink onto
paper. Inkjet printers produce high-quality output with presentable features.

They make less noise because no hammering is done and these have many styles of printing modes available. Color printing is also possible.
Some models of Inkjet printers can produce multiple copies of printing also.

Advantages
 High-quality printing
 More reliable

Disadvantages
 Expensive as the cost per page is high
 Slow as compared to laser printer
 3. Plotter

A plotter, which is a type of printer, receives instructions from a computer to produce line drawings on paper using one or more automated pens.
In contrast to a standard printer, a plotter can create uninterrupted point-to-point lines directly from vector graphic files or commands. Computer
graphics and engineering applications employ graphic plotters to create high-quality, accurate, and detailed drawings or plots on paper or other
media. It draws continuous lines accurately and is suited for vector drawings, unlike a standard printer. Key features of graphic plotters are as −

 Vector Graphics − Vector graphics allow graphic plotters to create lines and shapes precisely using continuous points instead of dots
like raster printers.
 Pen or Pen-Like Tool − A pen or similar instrument is drawn on paper for graphic plotters. The pen may move X and Y on a moveable
arm to draw complicated shapes.
 Applications − Graphic plotters are employed in engineering, architecture, cartography, and textile design. They were popular for
technical drawings and diagrams before digital.

A vector graphics plotter outputs accurate and detailed drawings. They are still used in sectors and applications that need accuracy and high-
quality output, even if digital printing has made them less widespread.

The key components of a Graphic Plotter are as follows −

 Plotter Head − A plotter head contains multiple pens of different colours to draw images.
 Plotting Surface − It is used to hold and feed paper.
 Microcontroller − Controls the plotting process and interprets commands.
 Interfaces − It provides interfaces to connect USB, Ethernet, or wireless connections.
 Memory − A device used to Store plotting instructions to process temporarily.

Types of plotters
 Pen Plotters − It uses vector graphics and line drawings.
 Drum plotters − A drum plotter is a device that uses a rotating drum to draw on paper. The drum revolves to create one direction of the
plot, while the pens move to create the other direction.
 Flatbed plotters − Flatbed plotters are used to draw on paper placed on a flat surface.
 Electrostatic plotters − This printer draws on negatively charged paper with positively charged toner.
 Inkjet plotters − The printer uses vector graphic technology to control the movement of the pen plotters, which in turn drop ink beads of
different colours onto the drawing surface.
Advantages
 High Resolution − It has good resolution which opens it for CAD drawings.
 Colour Representation − It automatically sets colour matching in designs.
 Large Screen Size − It provides appropriate space to view large drawings.
 Software Compatibility − It is compatible with CAD software, graphic design, and related tools.
 Preview Functionality − A user can preview plots on the monitor to reduce errors and enhance accuracy.
 Editing Tools − Multiple editing tools are available for graphics before plotting.