2. What is a printer?
A printer is an external output device
responsible for taking electronic data
stored on a computer and generating
a hard copy of that data. Printers are one
of the most commonly used compare to
each group’s response.
3. Main Function of a Printer
The function of a printer is to turn digital
data into printed media. This could be
text, or it could be graphic output.
5. Dox Matrix
The dot-matrix printer uses print heads
containing from 9 to 24 pins. These pins
produce patterns of dots on the paper to
form the individual characters. The pins
strike the ribbon individually as the print
mechanism moves across the entire print
line in both directions, i-e, from left to
right, then right to left, and so on.
6. The user can produce a color output with a
dot-matrix printer (the user will change
the black ribbon with a ribbon that has
color stripes). Dot-matrix printers are
inexpensive and typically print at speeds
of 100-600 characters per second.
7. Inkjet Printer
Ink-jet printers form characters on paper
by spraying ink from tiny needles through
an electrical field that arranges the
charged ink particles into characters at
the rate of approximately 250 characters
per second. The ink is absorbed into the
paper and dries instantly. Various colors
of ink can also be used.
9. Laser
A laser printer is a toner-based computer
printer that uses a laser beam to produce
an image on a drum, which then
electrically attracts powdered toner to the
paper to form an image. Laser printers
tend to make crisp black-and-white prints
very quickly and accurately, especially
text.
10. Laser printers use a disposable toner
cartridge, much like a photocopying
machine.
15. Points to consider when choosing
a printer
1. Printer Type
The first place to start is to decide whether an Inkjet
or a Laser printer would best suit your needs.
Inkjet printers are mainly used in households as well
as in small offices and Laser printers are commonly
used by larger businesses with a need to print a large
number of documents. Since they are designed to be
used at a business level, they tend to be much more
stronger. Inkjet printers are much better at producing
bright, vibrant colours and are therefore the printer
type of choice for those that are going to be printing
photos.
16. Speed of printer
Ink and Toner availability: Where can they
be purchased.
