Siksha Sarovar

Siksha Sarovar (sikshasarovar.com) is a free educational web application that helps students in India learn programming and prepare for academic and competitive exams. The platform offers structured coding courses (C, C++, Python, Java, HTML, CSS, PHP, Power BI, AI, Machine Learning, Data Science), complete university curriculum notes for BCA/MCA students with previous year question papers, Class 10 and Class 12 CBSE/HBSE school notes, and dedicated preparation material for SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railway and other government exams. Browsing the site is completely free and requires no account. Users may optionally sign in with Google solely to save their learning progress, quiz scores and personal preferences across devices.

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Siksha Sarovar is a free e-learning platform for coding courses, BCA university notes and competitive exam preparation. Optional Google sign-in saves your learning progress across devices.

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Unit 1: Output Devices

Lesson 7 of 34 in the free Fundamentals of IT & Computers notes on Siksha Sarovar, written by Rohit Jangra.

Unit I — Output Devices

An output device receives processed data from the CPU and presents it in a form that humans can understand — visual, audio, or printed. Output can be classified as softcopy (temporary, electronic) or hardcopy (permanent, physical).

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Monitor (Visual Display Unit — VDU)

The most common output device. Displays text, images, and video.

TypeTechnologyFeature
CRTCathode Ray TubeBulky, older technology
LCDLiquid Crystal DisplayFlat, energy-efficient
LEDLight Emitting DiodeBrighter, more efficient than LCD
OLEDOrganic LEDBest contrast, flexible screens
TFTThin Film TransistorImproved LCD variant

Key specs: Resolution (1920×1080, 4K), Refresh rate (Hz), Screen size (inches).

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Printer

Produces hardcopy output on paper.

TypeMechanismSpeedQuality
Dot MatrixImpact; pins strike ribbonSlowLow; 9/24 pin
InkjetSprays ink dropletsMediumHigh; colour
LaserToner + heat fusionFastVery high
ThermalHeat-sensitive paperFastModerate
  • Impact Printers (Dot Matrix): Noisy; used for carbon copies.
  • Non-Impact Printers (Inkjet, Laser): Silent; better quality.

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Plotter

  • Produces high-quality drawings, maps, architectural blueprints, and engineering designs.
  • Uses pens or inkjet heads to draw on large paper.
  • Types: Drum Plotter (paper moves), Flatbed Plotter (pen moves over stationary paper).

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Speaker / Sound Card

  • Converts digital audio signals into sound.
  • Used for music, notifications, voice output, multimedia.

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Projector

  • Displays computer output on a large screen or wall.
  • Used in classrooms, conference rooms, home theaters.
  • Types: LCD Projector, DLP (Digital Light Processing) Projector.

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Softcopy vs Hardcopy

SoftcopyHardcopy
Temporary outputPermanent output
Stored electronicallyPrinted on paper
Examples: Monitor, SpeakerExamples: Printer, Plotter
No physical medium neededPhysical medium (paper) required
Key Takeaway: Output devices translate computer results into human-readable form. Monitors provide softcopy output while printers and plotters provide hardcopy. For exams, be able to compare printer types (dot matrix vs inkjet vs laser) and distinguish softcopy from hardcopy output.