IGCSEComputer ScienceCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes3. HardwareInput & Output DevicesOutput Devices

Output Devices (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Computer Science)

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James Woodhouse

Expertise

Computer Science

Output Devices

What is an Output device?

  • Output devices are hardware components that receive information from a computer system and present it to the user in an understandable form

  • They enable the computer to communicate the results of processed data or commands

Types of output devices

Name of device

What does it do?

Where is it used?

Why is it used?

Actuator

  • Converts energy into motion

  • Makes things move

  • Performs physical tasks based on instructions from a computer or control system

  • Make a robot's arm move

  • Open a valve

  • Rotate a motor

  • Essential in any system that requires movement

Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector

  • Projects images onto a screen

  • Shows images or video by shining light through tiny mirrors

  • Cinemas

  • Classrooms

  • Large presentations

  • High-quality images

Inkjet printer

  • Prints text and images onto paper by spraying tiny droplets of ink

  • Home

  • Schools

  • Offices

  • Low cost compared to other types of printer

Laser printer

  • Heat from a laser fuses toner (fine powder) onto paper

  • Offices

  • Schools

  • High-quality prints

  • Fast print speed

Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen

  • Displays images and video using tiny lights called LEDs

  • Televisions

  • Computer monitors

  • Smartphones

  • High-quality images

  • Bright

  • Energy efficient

  • Thin

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projector

  • Projects images or video onto a screen by shining light through liquid crystal panels

  • Offices

  • Classrooms

  • Home cinemas

  • Bright

  • Excellent balance of quality and affordability

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen

  • Displays images and video using liquid crystals with a backlight

  • Televisions

  • Monitors

  • Smartphones

  • Laptops

  • Energy efficient

  • Thin

  • Sharp images

  • Lightweight

Speaker

  • Converts electrical signals into analogue sound waves to play music

  • Televisions

  • Radios

  • Smartphones

  • Multiple shapes and sizes

3d printer

  • Adds thin layers of plastic, one on top of another to form a three dimensional object

  • Manufacturing

  • Medicine

  • Education

  • Home

  • Create prototypes

  • Custom parts

Choosing the right device

When recommending a device for a specific situation, consider the following factors:

  • User Needs

    • What tasks will the user be performing? A graphic designer might need a graphics tablet, while a data entry clerk might need a keyboard with a number pad

  • User Skills

    • Is the user comfortable with the device? A touch screen might be more intuitive for some users, while others might prefer a mouse and keyboard

  • Environment

    • Where will the device be used? A wireless mouse might be suitable for a clutter-free office, while a wired mouse might be better for a public computer lab to prevent theft

  • Cost

    • Higher-end devices often have more features but are also more expensive. Consider the budget and whether the extra features are worth the cost

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    James Woodhouse

    Author: James Woodhouse

    James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.