Summary

Chapter 7: Fundamental Printers and Scanners 3This chapter provides essential information about printers and scanners. You will learn howprinters operate, what to consider when purchasing a printer, and how to connect printers toan individual computer or to a network.Printers produce paper copies of electronic files. Scanners allow users to convert paperdocuments into electronic files. Many government regulations require physical records;therefore, hard copies of computer documents are often as important today as they werewhen the paperless revolution began several years ago.You must understand the operation of various types of printers and scanners to be able toinstall and maintain them, as well as to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.Describe the Types of Printers CurrentlyAvailableAs a computer technician, you might be required to purchase, repair, or maintain a printer.The customer might request that you perform the following tasks:■■Select a printerInstall and configure a printer■ Troubleshoot a printerAfter completing this section, you will meet these objectives:■ Describe characteristics and capabilities of printers.■ Describe printer-to-computer interfaces.■ Describe laser printers.■ Describe impact printers.■ Describe inkjet printers.■ Describe solid-ink printers.■ Describe other printer types.Describe Characteristics and Capabilities of PrintersPrinters available today are usually either laser printers using electrophotographic technologyor inkjet printers using electrostatic spray technology. Dot-matrix printers usingimpact technology are used in applications that require carbon copies. When selecting aprinter, consider the following criteria:■■■■CapacitySpeedColorQuality