Computer Basics - Types of Printers
Types of Printers
Printers are classified into two main categories:
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Impact Printers
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Non-Impact Printers
Impact Printers
These printers work by striking an ink ribbon to transfer ink onto paper, similar to a typewriter.
a) Dot Matrix Printer
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Uses pins to form characters as a pattern of dots.
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Common in offices for printing receipts or multi-part forms.
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Pros: Low cost, can print carbon copies.
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Cons: Noisy, low print quality.
b) Daisy Wheel Printer
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Uses a wheel with pre-formed characters (like a typewriter).
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Characters are printed one at a time.
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Pros: High-quality text printing.
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Cons: Slow and limited to text only.
c) Line Printer
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Prints an entire line at a time.
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Mostly used in large-scale business environments.
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Pros: Fast printing.
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Cons: Very noisy and only prints text.
2. Non-Impact Printers
These printers do not strike the paper. They are quieter and faster than impact printers.
a) Inkjet Printer
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Sprays tiny drops of ink onto the paper.
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Good for color printing and photo printing.
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Pros: High-quality print, inexpensive models.
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Cons: Ink can smudge, cartridges need frequent replacement.
b) Laser Printer
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Uses a laser beam and toner powder to print.
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Ideal for high-speed, high-quality printing.
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Pros: Fast, durable, and sharp prints.
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Cons: More expensive than inkjet upfront.
c) Thermal Printer
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Uses heat-sensitive paper and heat to print.
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Common in receipt printing (e.g., at shops or ATMs).
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Pros: Quiet, low maintenance.
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Cons: Fades over time, only black-and-white prints.
d) LED Printer
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Similar to laser printers but uses LED lights instead of a laser beam.
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Pros: Fewer moving parts, reliable.
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Cons: Can be costly for high-end models.