Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC

SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 8: Type and Function of Output Devices

Activity # 8

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Chapter 8: Type and function of Output Devices

Examination based short answer questions

INSTRUCTION: Answer all questions in your own words as accurately as possible.

1. Human readable and machine-readable are terms used frequently in Information Technology.
(i) Clearly explain each term (2 marks)
Possible Solution:
A human-readable medium or human-readable format is a representation of data or
information that can be naturally read by humans.

Machine-readable data is data (or metadata) which is in a format that can be understood by
a computer.

(ii) Give ONE example of each (2 marks)

Possible Solution:
Human Readable
Application forms

Machine Readable
Barcodes

2. Give another name for a Monitor. (1 mark)

Possible Solution:
Visual Display Unit (VDU)

3. Correctly define the term printer. (2 marks)

Possible Solution:
A printer is an output device that prints characters, symbols, and perhaps graphics on paper.
The printed output is generally referred to as hardcopy because it is in relatively permanent
form. Softcopy refers to temporary images such as those displayed on a monitor.

4. List the two main categories of printer. (2 marks)

Possible Solution:
1. Impact
2. Non-Impact

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Information Technology in FOCUS for CSEC
SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 8: Type and Function of Output Devices

(i) Explain EACH in your own words. (4 marks)

Possible Solution:
An impact printer has mechanisms resembling those of a typewriter. It forms characters or
images by striking mechanism such as a print hammer or wheel against an inked ribbon,
leaving an image on paper.

Non-impact printers are designed to have no direct contact between the printer head and the
paper. These types of printers are quiet and produce high quality results.

(ii) List THREE example of each category. (6 marks)

Possible Solution:
1. Impact
a. dot matrix,
b. Daisy-Wheel Printer,
c. Line Printer

2. Non-Impact
a. Inkjet printer
b. Laser printer
c. Page printer

5. As a computer technician you are required to advise on the type of printer that would be needed
for home uses, what printer would you recommend an individual to purchase. Why? (3 marks)

Possible Solution:

Inkjet Printer
If color is an absolute necessity to you the customer, an inkjet printer might be the way to go.
Most come with the standard cyan-magenta-yellow-black color array, although some photo-
centric printers, such as the Canon Pixma MG8220, offer more hues for better color
representation.

6. Give the name of the printer that is appropriate for the following organizations:
(i) Architectural Firm (1 mark)
Possible Solution:
Plotter Printer

(ii) Graphic and photo company (1 mark)

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SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 8: Type and Function of Output Devices

Laser jet Printer

7. State TWO differences between an earphone and a headphone . (4 marks)

Possible Solution:

A headphone is an output device that has the same characteristic as the earphone. The
headphones tend to have large ear muff, in order to seclude sound to the listener only.

An In-Ear Earphone is a type of earphone where the earbuds are placed directly in the ear
canal. The plug-like earbuds create a tight seal that significantly blocks out ambient noises.

8. What is the purpose and function of a microfilm? (2 marks)

Possible Solution:
The microfilm machine creates permanent film copies of bank documents by using a special
camera, which took pictures of documents with black and white film.

9. State ONE difference between the Dot Matrix and Daisy wheel printers. (2 marks)
Possible Solution:
Dot matrix printers are so named because the printed characters are formed by a matrix of
dots. Each dot is produced by a moving wire striking a ribbon against paper. Dot matrix printers
are perhaps the most widely used hard copy output devices.
While the Daisy wheel printers use a daisy wheel where the letters are formed on the ends of
the spokes of a wheel.

10. State TWO advantages of using a LaserJet printer over a dot-matrix. (4 marks)
Possible Solution:
The main advantages of laser printers are speed, precision and economy. A laser can move very quickly,
so it can "write" with much greater speed than a dot matrix printer. And because the laser beam has an
unvarying diameter, it can draw more precisely, without spilling any excess ink.

Laser printers tend to be more expensive than inkjet printers, but it doesn't cost as much to keep them
running -- toner powder is cheap and lasts a long time, while you can use up expensive ink cartridges
very quickly.

11. Give the names of FOUR organizations that would likely use a Microfilm. (4 marks)
Possible Solution:
1. Library
2. Banks
3. Movie industry
4. Movie Arts training school

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SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 8: Type and Function of Output Devices

12. Based on your knowledge state two organisations that would use microfilm. (2 marks)
Possible Solution:
1. Library
2. Banks

13. Identify the following devices: (3 marks)

Possible Solution:

(i)
Earphone

(ii)
Microfilm

(iii)
Plotter

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SECTION 1 OF SYLLABUS: CHAPTER 8: Type and Function of Output Devices

14. Complete the following statements: (10 marks)

Possible Solution:

(i) A monitor is an electronic visual computer display that includes a screen,

circuitry and the case in which that circuitry is enclosed.

(ii) A monitor is also called a display screen or Visual Display Unit (VDU). The output
of the monitor is considered softcopy.

(iii) This technology has replaced the traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors.

(iv) An impact printer has mechanisms resembling those of a typewriter. It forms

characters or images by striking mechanism such as a print hammer or
wheel against an inked ribbon, leaving an image on paper.

(v) Non-impact printers are designed to have no direct contact between the printer
head and the paper. These types of printers are quiet and produce high quality
results.

(vi) Line Printers are high-speed impact printers in which one line of type is printed
at a time. These printers are similar to dot matrix printers.

(vii) A page printer is a type of laser printer. This means that it can print an entire
page at a time, very quickly.

TOTAL 55 MARKS