Updated: 11/16/2019 by An output device is any peripheral that receives data from a computer, usually for display, projection, or physical reproduction. For example, the image shows an
inkjet printer, an output device that make a hard copy of anything shown on the monitor. Monitors and printers are two of the most commonly used output devices used with a computer. The following list contains many different
examples of output devices. For further information about the output device, select any of the listings with blue text. Every computer has a monitor, an audio adapter, and a GPU [either onboard or discrete]. Each of these is an output device. A printer is also very commonly used with computers. Depending on the type of computer and how the computer is used, other output devices may be used
with a computer. The best method of determining all of the output devices your computer has is to go through the list above. A computer can still work without an output device. However, you'd have no way of determining what the computer is doing. Using an output device, you can view and get the results of input from a computer. An output device works by receiving a
signal from the computer and using that signal to perform a task to display the output. For example, below is a basic list of the steps of how an output device works. If no output device was connected to the computer and it
was functional, you could still type "H" on the keyboard, and it would still be processed. However, you'd be unable to see what happened or confirm the input with no output device. NoteTypes of output devices
What are the output devices of my computer?
Why do computers need output devices?
How does an output device work?
An output device does not send anything back to the computer. So, in the case of the monitor, a computer sends a signal without knowing if it was received. If an output device sends information back to the computer, it's considered an input/output device.
Hardware terms, Input, Input device, Input/output device, Output, Printer terms, Video terms
A LEVEL COMPUTING
Input, output, storage
Theory
5. Purpose of output devices
Output is the stage where the information obtained via processing is presented to the user in a suitable format.
Most outputs involve converting digital data into some physical effect that the person senses with eyes or ears. This means that you might be able to see the output, perhaps a print out or displayed on a computer screen. Maybe you can hear the output as music, voice instructions or a computer generated alarm.
Examples of output include:
- a printout of student examination results displayed in order from highest to lowest
- a digital display at the petrol pump showing how much fuel has been delivered and the cost of that fuel.
- an alarm from a fire alarm system which has detected smoke in the room
The other kind of output is where the data remains in digital form such as sending data directly to another computer. But eventually the data has to be converted to a form that a person can use.
Examples of output devices and the way they represent data :-
Video screen | Digital data is loaded into video memory. The screen hardware reads this data and turns on the correct coloured pixels on the screen. It does so many times per second |
Printer | Digital data is sent to the printer. This device then places ink dots on paper to represent the data. The ink can be black or colour. |
Wi-Fi | Digital data is sent to a Wi-Fi enabled router. This converts data into radio waves that other devices can pick up. |
Speakers | Digital data is sent to a sound card. The card converts it into an analogue sound signal. This is sent to the speakers that then move air to cause sound. |
Stored file | The digital data is stored on some medium using a physical effect. Such as: Hard disk -> magnetic particles DVD disk -> Light and dark pits |