Output Devices

An output device is any device used to send data from a computer to another device or user. Most computer data output that is meant for humans is in the form of audio or video. Thus, most output devices used by humans are in these categories. An output device is any peripheral that receives data from a computer, usually for display, projection, or physical reproduction.Examples include monitors, projectors, speakers, headphones and printers.

Output of processed data can be divided into two classes:

Hard Copy

Output that is in the form of print document, which can be read directly, long last and permanently stored. E.g. A word document containing text and images printed by the printer on a paper.

Soft Copy

Output that is in the form of metallic or audio form, which is cannot be read directly by the user. E.g. A collection of music files and folders on a CD.

Accordingly the output devices are classified as hard copy devices and soft copy devices.

• Hard Copy Devices : printers, fax machine, photographic output devices etc.
• Soft Copy Devices : monitors, data projectors, speakers etc.

Types

• Monitors
• Printers
• Data projectors
• Speakers
• EBook reader
• HDTV