Page 5 - Computer Basics- Student Textbook

3. Hardware: The physical devices that make up a computer system,
such as the CPU, printer, keyboard (shown in photo at right), monitor,
mouse, scanner and other material devices.

4. Mouse: A pointer device that is used to move
around the computer screen. It usually has 2
buttons and a center-scroll wheel. The mouse can
do various functions, such as select functions, bring up a file menu, and open a file. They
come with a chord, normally a USB connection, or they can be wireless. A wireless mouse
requires a battery which normally can operate the mouse for between 6 months and one
year. It also has a USB receiver that must be plugged into a USB port on your computer.

5. Printer: The device that is used to print documents directly from a computer. Some printers are multi-functional
which means they can be used as a fax, a copier, and a scanner in addition to its function as a printer.

Printers utilize various technologies to create images on paper.

An inkjet printer has one or more heads which spray liquid ink on to the surface of
the paper. They can produce high quality and photo-realistic prints and require
very limited warm-up time. They are normally smaller in size than other printers.
However, the ink supplies for them tend to cost much more than other printers, the
paper comes out wet, and in the long run are less reliable than other printers.

A laser printer uses a laser to draw an image on a light
sensitive drum. The drum attracts ink which has a magnetic charge and the image is then
transferred to a piece of paper and heated to solidify the ink. They are more cost effective
than inkjet printers, can be faster, have a higher paper capacity, have expandable paper
trays and finishers. However, they require “warm-up” time, are normally much larger in
size, and the high voltage (heating element) leads to small carbon emissions.

Solid Ink Printers utilize a unique form of ink technology, designed to save space and
money on packaging. The printers melt solid ink sticks during the printing process – a method which can help
produce more vibrant tones. It uses non-toxic vegetables oils, is compact, and consumables require less storage
space. It does require a warm-up and cool-down time. Prints from this printer cannot be laminated.

LED Printers are like laser printers but use a light emitting diode rather than a laser to create the images on the
drum. They have fewer moving parts and are more reliable than laser printers. The are reliable and efficient, cost
considerably less than laser printers, and last much longer. There are no downsides to LED printers.

3D Printers are one of the most exciting developments in printing technology.
They are becoming affordable for professional and domestic users. They can
produce three dimensional objects using a quality resin (plastic). They are used in
producing prototypes of various inventions. They have limitless possibilities, but
they are expensive, have high resin costs, and are still a developing technology.

6. Software: Programs used to carry out computer functions, such as Microsoft Word; PowerPoint; Excel, and
various photo programs. These are known as application software. Operating software consists of programs that
operate your computer. Generally, all software is sold by various vendors which permit you to use the program for
a license fee. Some sell you a license for a fixed amount; others rent their licenses on a monthly basis
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