Output is the function that sends data outside the system, essentially the reverse of the input function. 

• Normally, data is transmitted via a port to the output device. 
• The processor sends the data to a buffer area where it is progressively sent out through the port. 
• The data is received by the output device and converted to a suitable form. 
• In the case of the monitor, the final form is light of varying intensities and shades; for a printer it is a collection of dots on paper. 
• Many output devices can be viewed as systems in their own right; the output from the computer is input for the device. 
• The device processes the data and outputs the information. 
• An output device’s primary function is to provide output from a computer system to another system.

Student Activity

Research and Explain the differences between the following output devices

Output: − laser printer − inkjet printer − cathode ray tube (CRT) − LCD display − plasma display − CD writer/burner − DVD writer/burner − Data projector − Speakers

• Screens 
• LCD  
• CRT 
• Plasma - (1) 
• LED / OLED - AMOLED - (1)
• Data Projectors
• Digital Light Processing (DLP) (2)
• Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCOS)  (2)
• Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) (3)
• Grating Light Valve (GLV) (3)
• Holographic / Hololens  / VR (4)
• Printers 
• Laser Printers - (5)
• Inkjet Printers - (5)
• 3D Printers - (6)
• Speakers and Sound card (7)
• Optical Drives 
• CD Burner/writer (8)
• DVD writer/burner (9)
• 
  

Useful Reading