An output device is any piece of computer hardware that converts information or data into a human-perceptible form or, historically, into a physical machine-readable form for use with other non-computerized equipment. Output devices obtain information from the computer and send data that has been processed by the computer to the user. They convert the computer data to human-understandable form. Some common examples of output devices include:
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Display Device: This is the most common form of output device which presents output visually on a computer screen. The output appears temporarily on the screen and can easily be altered or erased. With all-in-one PCs, notebook computers, handheld PCs, and other devices, the term display screen is used for the display device. The display devices are also used in home entertainment systems, mobile systems, cameras, and video game systems.
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Printer: This is an output device that produces a hard copy of the output. Printers can produce text, graphics, and images on paper or other media.
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Speaker: This is an output device that produces sound. It is commonly used to play music, sound effects, and other audio files.
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Projector: This is an output device that projects an image or video onto a screen or other surface. It is commonly used in presentations, movies, and other applications where a large image is needed.
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Headphones: This is an output device that produces sound and is worn over the ears. It is commonly used for listening to music, watching videos, and other applications where privacy is needed.
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Monitor: This is a device that displays all the icons, text, images, etc. over a screen. It is commonly used to display the output of a computer.
In order to show the output, an output device uses a signal it receives from the computer to accomplish a task. An output device’s fundamental operation is to receive a signal from the computer and convert it into a form that can be perceived by humans.
