A quick background on the computer printer is sometimes necessary whenever computer users -- who seem to take printers for granted -- become too incurious about this vital computer peripheral. They do their task -- printing out hard copy documents of various types from electronically stored information -- exceedingly well. They've also been around, as a companion to the computer, for quite a while.
Most often, printers are generally considered to be a device peripheral to the actual computer; meaning that it supports the overall task of a computer. They can be found next to just about every PC or Mac, and they're normally local. This means they're hooked up to a single computer, though many can be integrated into a computer network to handle print jobs for the whole network.
It is also the case that many of the most modern printers can interface directly to most media types through use of a memory stick or or memory card. For instance, a digital camera that makes use of a memory card to store its images can then transfer those images to be printed off of the card where the images are stored. There's no need for an intermediary computer nowadays.
Other kinds of printers -- especially those working in a small office, a home office or just in the home -- will contain other peripherals bundled in as part of the overall machine. These peripherals usually consist of a scanner and a fax machine, with the whole thing referred to as an all-in-one or AIO machine. It can scan documents and fax documents, either from the computer or directly, on command of the user.
Most printers designed for PCs or Macs -- and even those meant to be connected to a network -- are considered to be low-volume, short turnaround-time printing machines. This means the print job they handle can be tasked directly and then almost immediately produced. In contrast, commercial printing services specialize in high-quality reproductions on longer turnaround times.
In relative terms, most computer printers are considered to be slow at what they do, with the maximum print speed from the best of them being 30 or pages per minute (PPM) of output at a relatively high cost-per-page ratio. However, the convenience gained from having direct control of printing costs and having the product produced when and where it's needed can weigh in the printer's favor.
The computer printer is an important companion to its master, the PC or Mac. In fact, it's improved in capability right alongside the improvement in capability of many personal computers or Macs for a great many years. It's meant to be more of a low-volume-but-short-turnaround-time machine, and it's so common alongside the computer these days, that computer users rarely give it a second glance. - 31403
Most often, printers are generally considered to be a device peripheral to the actual computer; meaning that it supports the overall task of a computer. They can be found next to just about every PC or Mac, and they're normally local. This means they're hooked up to a single computer, though many can be integrated into a computer network to handle print jobs for the whole network.
It is also the case that many of the most modern printers can interface directly to most media types through use of a memory stick or or memory card. For instance, a digital camera that makes use of a memory card to store its images can then transfer those images to be printed off of the card where the images are stored. There's no need for an intermediary computer nowadays.
Other kinds of printers -- especially those working in a small office, a home office or just in the home -- will contain other peripherals bundled in as part of the overall machine. These peripherals usually consist of a scanner and a fax machine, with the whole thing referred to as an all-in-one or AIO machine. It can scan documents and fax documents, either from the computer or directly, on command of the user.
Most printers designed for PCs or Macs -- and even those meant to be connected to a network -- are considered to be low-volume, short turnaround-time printing machines. This means the print job they handle can be tasked directly and then almost immediately produced. In contrast, commercial printing services specialize in high-quality reproductions on longer turnaround times.
In relative terms, most computer printers are considered to be slow at what they do, with the maximum print speed from the best of them being 30 or pages per minute (PPM) of output at a relatively high cost-per-page ratio. However, the convenience gained from having direct control of printing costs and having the product produced when and where it's needed can weigh in the printer's favor.
The computer printer is an important companion to its master, the PC or Mac. In fact, it's improved in capability right alongside the improvement in capability of many personal computers or Macs for a great many years. It's meant to be more of a low-volume-but-short-turnaround-time machine, and it's so common alongside the computer these days, that computer users rarely give it a second glance. - 31403
About the Author:
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in computer consumables. If you would like more information about varieties of printer or are searching for a reputable computer retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com
