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Output and Output Devices

The processed input data into a useful form is called output. When input data is processed, computer generates several types of output, depending upon the hardware and software used and the requirements of the user. The user views output on a screen, print it on the printer or hear it through speakers or headsets.

Therefore, output is normally classified as:

Softcopy Output

The output received on the display screen or in the audio or video form is called softcopy output. This kind of output is not tangible and it cannot be touched. The most popular and commonly used softcopy output device is display screen.

Hardcopy Output

The output printed on the paper is called hardcopy. The printers and plotters devices are used for this purpose.

Sound Output

The output received in the form of sound is called sound output. The speakers are most commonly used to receive the sound output.

An output device is a hardware component used to get output from the computer. A number of output devices are available. The commonly used output devices include display device (monitor), printer, speaker and headset, fax machine etc.

Monitors

The monitor is a popular and most commonly used output device. The monitor consists of a screen and the electronic components that produce the output on the screen for a temporary period. The output received on the screen is called softcopy. Most monitors used in personal computers display text, graphics and video information. Monitors can be divided into following categories.

Monochrome monitors

Monochrome means information displays in one color (such as white, green, black, blue, amber or gray) on a different color background, which is usually black. These monitors are usually used to display text only where you don’t need to see color graphics. Some PDAs and other mobile devices use monochrome monitors to save battery power.

Grayscale Monitors

Grayscale monitors are types of monochrome monitors. These monitors often use gray scaling to enhance the quality of graphics. They display the output using many shades of gray from white to black, which provide better contrast on the images. They are also used in handheld computers.

Color monitors

Color monitors are used to display output in different colors (i.e. from 16 colors to 16.7 million colors). Today, most of the personal computers use color monitors.

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