Dear friends, Output devices are one of the most important topics in Computer Awareness. Questions related to monitor, printer, plotter, speaker, headphone, and projector are frequently asked in SSC, JKSSB, Banking, Railway, Defence, Police, State PSC, and other competitive examinations.

In this article, Exam Waves Coaching Academy explains all important output devices in very simple language, along with their uses, important facts, and exam-oriented points.

What is an output device?

An output device is a hardware device that is used to display or produce the result of processing performed by the computer.

It receives processed information from the computer and presents it to the user in the form of text, images, graphics, audio, or video.

Simple definition

Output Device = A device that displays the final result produced by the computer.

For example:

• Monitor
• Printer
• Plotter
• Speaker
• Headphone
• Projector

These devices help the user view, hear, or obtain the processed information from the computer.

Output devices of a computer

The main output devices are:

• Monitor
• Printer
• Plotter
• Speaker
• Headphone
• Projector

Classification of output devices

Output devices can be divided into different groups.

Category	Devices
Visual Output Devices	Monitor, Projector
Printed Output Devices	Printer, Plotter
Audio Output Devices	Speaker, Headphone

This classification helps students remember the devices easily for competitive examinations.

Monitor

The monitor is the most common output device of a computer. It is also called the Visual Display Unit (VDU).

The monitor displays the processed information on the screen in the form of text, images, graphics, and videos.

Types of monitors

• CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
• LED (Light Emitting Diode)

Important facts

• The monitor produces a soft copy of information.
• It is the primary visual output device of a computer.
• Modern computers mainly use LCD and LED monitors.

Printer

A printer is an output device that produces information on paper. The printed result is called a hard copy.

Printers are widely used in homes, schools, offices, banks, and government organizations.

Types of printers

Printers are generally classified into Impact Printers and Non-Impact Printers.

Impact Printers

Impact printers print by striking an ink ribbon against paper.

Examples:

• Dot Matrix Printer
• Daisy Wheel Printer
• Line Printer

Non-Impact Printers

Non-impact printers print without striking the paper.

Examples:

• Inkjet Printer
• Laser Printer
• Thermal Printer

Important facts

• Printers produce hard copies.
• Laser printers are commonly used for high-speed and high-quality printing.
• Inkjet printers are widely used for color printing.

Plotter

A plotter is a special output device used for printing large-sized drawings and graphics with high precision.

Plotters are mainly used for:

• Engineering drawings
• Architectural designs
• Maps
• Blueprints
• Scientific diagrams

Types of plotters

• Drum Plotter
• Flatbed Plotter

Important facts

• Plotters are used for large-format printing.
• They produce highly accurate graphics and technical drawings.

Speaker

A speaker is an audio output device that converts digital signals into sound.

It allows users to hear:

• Music
• Voice
• Video sound
• System alerts
• Multimedia audio

Applications

• Entertainment
• Online classes
• Video conferencing
• Multimedia presentations

Important facts

• Speakers are the most common audio output devices.
• They convert electrical signals into audible sound.

Headphone

A headphone is an audio output device worn on the ears.

It provides private listening without disturbing others.

Applications

• Online learning
• Music listening
• Gaming
• Video editing
• Voice communication

Important facts

• Headphones provide personal audio output.
• They improve privacy and reduce external noise.

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Projector

A projector is a visual output device that displays the computer screen on a large surface, such as a wall or projection screen.

Applications

• Classrooms
• Seminar halls
• Conference rooms
• Training centres
• Movie presentations

Important facts

• Projectors are used for large-screen display.
• They are commonly used for presentations and teaching.

Difference between monitor and projector

Monitor	Projector
Displays output on a screen	Displays output on a wall or projection screen
Used for individual viewing	Used for large audience viewing
Usually smaller in size	Produces a large display

Difference between printer and plotter

Printer	Plotter
Prints documents and images	Prints large technical drawings
Produces normal-sized output	Produces large-format output
Used in offices and homes	Used in engineering and architecture

Soft copy and hard copy

A very important concept in competitive examinations is the difference between soft copy and hard copy.

Soft copy

A soft copy is displayed electronically on a screen.

Examples:

• Monitor
• Projector

Hard copy

A hard copy is printed on paper.

Examples:

• Printer
• Plotter

Important facts for competitive exams

• Monitor is the most common output device.
• Monitor is also called Visual Display Unit (VDU).
• Monitor produces a soft copy.
• Printer produces a hard copy.
• Impact printers strike the paper during printing.
• Non-impact printers print without striking the paper.
• Plotters are used for engineering and architectural drawings.
• Speakers convert digital signals into sound.
• Headphones provide private audio output.
• Projectors display output on a large screen.
• Printers are classified into Impact and Non-Impact Printers.
• Plotters are used for large-format printing.

Conclusion

Thus, in conclusion, Output devices are hardware devices that present the processed information of a computer to the user. Devices such as monitor, printer, plotter, speaker, headphone, and projector are important parts of a computer system. Understanding the working, uses, types, and differences of output devices is essential for scoring well in SSC, JKSSB, Banking, Railway, Defence, Police, UPSC, and other competitive examinations.

Top 30 MCQ’s on Output Devices of a Computer for all Competitive Exams

Q1. Which of the following statements correctly describe an output device and its function in a computer system?

1. An output device is a hardware device.
2. It displays or produces the result of computer processing.
3. It receives processed information from the CPU.
4. It is used to enter data into the computer.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q2. Which of the following devices are classified as visual output devices according to the article?

1. Monitor
2. Projector
3. Printer
4. Plotter

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Q3. Which of the following statements correctly describe the monitor?

1. It is the most common output device.
2. It is also known as the Visual Display Unit (VDU).
3. It produces a soft copy of information.
4. It is mainly used for large-format printing.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q4. A computer user wants to view text, images, graphics, and videos directly on a screen. Which output device is most suitable for this purpose?

A) Printer

B) Plotter

C) Monitor

D) Speaker

Answer: C

Q5. Which of the following monitor technologies are mentioned in the article?

1. CRT
2. LCD
3. LED

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Q6. Which of the following statements correctly explain the concept of a soft copy?

1. A soft copy is displayed electronically.
2. A monitor produces a soft copy.
3. A projector can also produce a soft copy.
4. A printer produces a soft copy.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q7. Which of the following statements correctly describe a printer?

1. It is an output device.
2. It produces information on paper.
3. The printed result is called a hard copy.
4. It is commonly used in homes, offices, schools, and banks.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q8. Printers are generally classified into which of the following categories?

A) Analog and Digital

B) Input and Output

C) Impact and Non-Impact

D) Laser and Inkjet only

Answer: C

Q9. Which of the following statements correctly describe impact printers?

1. They print by striking an ink ribbon against paper.
2. Dot Matrix Printer is an impact printer.
3. Daisy Wheel Printer is an impact printer.
4. Line Printer is an impact printer.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q10. Which of the following printers are non-impact printers?

1. Inkjet Printer
2. Laser Printer
3. Thermal Printer
4. Dot Matrix Printer

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q11. Which of the following statements correctly compare impact and non-impact printers?

A) Impact printers do not strike the paper.

B) Non-impact printers strike an ink ribbon against the paper.

C) Impact printers strike the paper, while non-impact printers print without striking it.

D) Both printers use the same printing mechanism.

Answer: C

Q12. Which type of printer is commonly used for high-speed and high-quality printing according to the article?

A) Dot Matrix Printer

B) Daisy Wheel Printer

C) Inkjet Printer

D) Laser Printer

Answer: D

Q13. Which type of printer is widely used for color printing?

A) Laser Printer

B) Inkjet Printer

C) Line Printer

D) Thermal Printer

Answer: B

Q14. Which of the following statements correctly describe a plotter?

1. It is a special output device.
2. It is used for large-sized drawings and graphics.
3. It produces highly accurate technical drawings.
4. It is mainly used for audio output.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q15. Which of the following applications commonly use plotters?

1. Engineering drawings
2. Architectural designs
3. Maps
4. Scientific diagrams

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q16. Which of the following types of plotters are mentioned in the article?

1. Drum Plotter
2. Flatbed Plotter
3. Laser Plotter
4. Inkjet Plotter

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Q17. Which of the following statements correctly compare a printer and a plotter?

1. A printer is mainly used for documents and images.
2. A plotter is mainly used for large technical drawings.
3. A plotter produces large-format output.
4. A printer is mainly used for engineering blueprints.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q18. Which output device converts digital signals into sound?

A) Monitor

B) Printer

C) Speaker

D) Projector

Answer: C

Q19. Which of the following are applications of speakers?

1. Music playback
2. Online classes
3. Video conferencing
4. Multimedia presentations

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q20. Which of the following statements correctly describe a speaker?

1. It is an audio output device.
2. It converts digital signals into sound.
3. It is the most common audio output device.

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Q21. Which of the following statements correctly describe headphones?

1. They are worn on the ears.
2. They provide private listening.
3. They are useful for online learning and gaming.
4. They improve privacy while listening to audio.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q22. A student attending an online class wants to listen to the lecture without disturbing others nearby. Which output device is most appropriate?

A) Speaker

B) Projector

C) Headphone

D) Plotter

Answer: C

Q23. Which of the following statements correctly describe a projector?

1. It is a visual output device.
2. It displays output on a large screen or wall.
3. It is commonly used in classrooms and conference halls.
4. It is mainly used for cheque processing.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q24. Which of the following applications commonly use projectors?

1. Classrooms
2. Seminar halls
3. Conference rooms
4. Training centres

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q25. Which of the following statements correctly compare a monitor and a projector?

1. A monitor is generally used for individual viewing.
2. A projector is generally used for a large audience.
3. A projector displays output on a wall or projection screen.
4. Both devices are mainly used for printing documents.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q26. Which of the following devices produce hard copies?

1. Printer
2. Plotter
3. Monitor
4. Projector

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 1 and 2 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Q27. Which of the following statements correctly differentiate soft copy and hard copy?

1. Soft copy is displayed electronically.
2. Hard copy is printed on paper.
3. Monitors produce soft copies.
4. Printers produce hard copies.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q28. Which of the following statements are correct according to the important facts section of the article?

1. Monitor is the most common output device.
2. Monitor is also called VDU.
3. Plotters are used for engineering drawings.
4. Projectors are used for large-screen display.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q29. Match List I with List II.

List I

1. Monitor
2. Printer
3. Plotter
4. Speaker

List II

a. Audio output

b. Hard copy

c. Visual display

d. Large technical drawings

A) 1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a

B) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d

C) 1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b

D) 1-a, 2-d, 3-b, 4-c

Answer: A

Q30. A computer training institute wants to display a presentation to a large audience, print student certificates, prepare architectural diagrams, and provide private audio learning facilities. Which combination of output devices is most appropriate?

A) Monitor, Printer, Plotter, Headphone

B) Projector, Printer, Plotter, Headphone

C) Projector, Scanner, Plotter, Speaker

D) Monitor, Printer, Speaker, Webcam

Answer: B