Chapter 9 - Printers and Printing

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completing this chapter you will be able to perform tasks relating to:

• Understand the different types of printers
• Define and understand the major parts of printers.
• Know how different types of printer operations and the process they use to place images on paper.
• Understand the different types of printer connections and their configurations.
• Steps for installing a printer on a computer or network.
• How to create a startup disk
  

INTRODUCTION

This chapter covers the printers and printing. A major part of computer systems in the work place and also home is to be able to print a copy of the information we need. Computer technicians must be able to understand the operations of different types of printers. They must also be able to install, maintain, and troubleshoot minor and major printer problems. There are three types of printers: impact (dot matrix), inkjet, and laser. The most common used printers today are laser and inkjet printers. The old impact type dot matrix printers are still used also for people who still need to print out check and create carbon copy or documents in duplicate or triplicate.

The Dot Matrix Printer

Dot matrix (impact) printers are the oldest of the three technologies used in most of today's printers. They are still common in cases when a user needs to print multi-part or pin-fed forms. An inked ribbon creates the image on the paper. This inked ribbon looks a lot like the ribbons used in manual and electric typewriters. .

A dot-matrix printer can use tractor-fed or friction rollers to feed paper into the printer. Tractor feeds either push paper into the printer or pull paper out of the printer to move paper. In a printer using friction rollers, the feed mechanism usually pushes the paper into the printer. The type of paper that is used is continuous-feed paper that had perforation between each sheet and perforated strips on the sides. The pin feeders and tractor feeders are used to feed the paper and to prevent skewing or shifting of the paper. As paper is fed through the printer, it runs across a flat piece of metal called a platten. A printhead fires an array of pins into an inked ribbon that strikes the paper as it crosses the platten. The array of pins is fired at precise times to form characters or pictures on the paper.

The dot-matrix printer is considered the least expensive printer on the market because a lot of people do not use them today. I had a situation a few years ago where a client's old dot-matrix printer broke and when I went to buy another one I paid over $300.00 for the new printer.

The Ink Jet Printer

Inkjet printers are the most popular printers in homes and businesses today. They provide higher quality text than dot matrix printers and avoid some of the paper jam problems that are inherent with dot matrix printers. Inkjet printers use a canister of ink instead of ribbon to create images on paper. They are available in models that print in black only or in multiple colors.


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