Output devices

Informatics

2022

We explain what an output device is in computing and what it is for. Also, examples of this type of devices and the differences with input devices.

A computer monitor is the quintessential output device.

What are output devices?

In computing, is known as output devices (output) to those devices that allow the extraction or recovery of information from a computer or computer system. For example: the monitor, the speakers or the printer.

Output devices are also called output peripherals and translate information from a computer into visual, sound, printed or any other format that can be understood by the computer. Username.

There are different output devices that vary according to their function and the type of information they process. They differ from input devices, which are those peripherals that allow information to be entered into the system, for example: the mouse or the keyboard. Both types of devices are essential for the user to be able to use the computer.

In some cases, the output devices are input/output devices, because, in addition to extracting informationthey can enter it. These devices are called "mixed" and some examples are multifunction printers and touch monitors.

Characteristics of output devices

Some characteristics of output devices are:

  • They are part of hardware of the computer.
  • They reproduce or replicate the information coming from the computer, in formats such as audio, image, text and graphics.
  • They are essential for the user to be able to use the computer.
  • They connect to the computer wirelessly or via a cable (in the case of laptops, many of the output devices are built-in).
  • They are easy to use by the user and are updated according to technological developments.

Examples of output devices

Some examples of output devices are:

  • Display. It is an output device that converts the digital signals of the system into visual information, so that it can be perceived and understood by the user. There are different types of monitors, which vary according to their size or visual quality. Touchscreen monitors are an example of an input/output device, because they display information to the user on a screen that can be tapped to execute actions.
  • Printing machine. It is a device that converts the digital content of the computer into a printed and tangible document. Prints are usually made on paper using inkjet or laser systems.
  • Talking. It is a device that extracts information from the system and translates it into sound signals that can be heard by users.
  • Headphones. They are devices that reproduce the sound that comes from the computer, which can be any type of audio file. They are peripherals of small size (they are put on the user's ear) that connect to the computer wirelessly or through a cable.
  • Video Beams or projectors. They are devices that receive information from the computerized system and represent it graphically (similar to monitors). Instead of outputting to a screen, projectors project information as beams of light and onto larger surfaces, such as walls.

Input and input/output devices

The output devices are, together with the input devices, the peripherals that allow the interaction between the computer and the external environment. While output devices allow information to be output, input devices are those that allow information and data to be entered into the system.

Peripherals of this type translate user information into understandable data for the computer. Some examples of input devices are: keyboard, microphone, and mouse.

Additionally, there are a few devices that can function as both input and output devices (because they receive and send information). Such is the case with modems, multifunction printers and touch monitors.

!-- GDPR -->