Output
The whole purpose of the computer is to have the central processing unit produce the output, i.e. information.
- Output is valuable or usable information; i.e., raw input data that has been manipulated by the computer into information.
- Output may take the form of words, numbers, graphics, audio and video (multimedia).
- Word output, for example, may be prepared by word processing software.
- Other output may be numbers, such as those found in formulas, schedules, and budgets.
- In many cases numbers can be understood more easily when output in the graphic form such as charts.
- The most common output devices are computer screens and printers.
- Screens can vary in their forms of display, producing text, numbers, symbols, art, photographs, and video-in full color.
- Printers produce printed reports as instructed by a computer program.
- A computer produces output in other ways, e.g., video and audio.