Computer Printers
A computer printer is a device connected to the computer that will print out information that you select and send to it. Some printers are connected to only one computer, but in large offices there can be a large printer that will print information sent to it from one of many computers. You don’t need to have a desktop computer in order to use a printer because these devices can obtain the printing information from laptop computers and memory sticks, which are removable devices.
A printer combined with a scanner can also function as a copier or fax machine. Most of the printers on the market today include all these features in one machine. Printers are usually designed for low volume of work and do need to be replenished with ink and paper. In some cases of overuse, the ribbon will wear out and have to be replaced. Printers can also get dirty which will reduce the quality of the print, but they do have a self-cleaning function. When you purchase a printer, the instructions will tell you how to activate this function when the need arises.
There are different types of computer printers:
- Toner-based printers. In these printers you have to use toner similar to that used in photocopiers. Of these the laser printer is the most common. These printers are very fast and provide a low cost black and white copy. LED printers also fall into this category. They use LEDs instead of a laser to cause adhesion of the paper to the print drum.
- Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are the most commonly used printers. They take cartridges of ink, which you replace when all the ink is gone.
- Solid ink printers are similar to thermal transfer printers. They use solid sticks of ink that you feed into the print head where it is melted and sprayed on a rotating print drum. These are most commonly used in office settings.
- Dye-sublimation printers use a process of applying heat to transfer dye to a medium such as plastic, canvas, cardstock or paper. The printer lays one color at a time using a ribbon with color panels.
Some printers print only in black and white while others have a variety of colors.