Laser Printer In direct contrast to inkjet printers, laser printers are best suited for organisations that need to print large volumes of documents through multiple connections. Unlike inkjet printers which are typically slower, laser printers are best known for lightningfast printing speeds. Inkjet printer sprays microscopic drops of ink while laser printers are machines that melt toner powder onto paper to create a print. Laser Printer Parts Advantages Disadvantages > Low cost per page > High PPM > High capacity > High quality > Fast (uses a laser beam or LEDs to create an image > Print comes out dry > High initial cost > Toner cartridges can be expensive 45
Thermal Printer Advantages Disadvantages > Last a long time due to few moving parts > Quiet > No cost for ink or toner > Thermal paper is expensive and must be stored at room temperature > Images on thermal paper degrade over time, are poor quality, and cannot be in color Thermal printers are used in retail as part of a cash register system and within older fax machines. Heat from the print head makes the image on the paper Impact Printer Advantages Disadvantages > Ribbons are less expensive supplies than other types > Can use regular paper or continuous feed paper > Can print carbon copies > Noisy > Graphics are low-resolution > Limited color capabilities Impact printers (dot matrix and daisy wheel). Have print heads that strike an inked ribbon with a specific number of pins. Higher number of pins means better quality. 46
Virtual Printer Print to file Print to PDF Print to XPS (XML Paper Specification) Print to image(such as .JPG or .TIF) A virtual printer is an application that replicates the software interface for a physical printer and allows the user to carry out various tasks without actually printing anything. Virtual printers work with print drivers that are coded to send their output to other applications rather than to a physical device. 3D Printer A machine allowing the creation of a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession. Used to create three dimensional objects Use plastic filament or other media to create the object. A 3D printer essentially works by extruding molten plastic through a tiny nozzle that it moves around precisely under computer control. It prints one layer, waits for it to dry, and then prints the next layer on top. 3D Printer Parts 47
Cloud printing is the technology that enables printers to be accessed over a network through cloud computing. There are, in essence, two kinds of cloud printing. On the one hand, consumer-based cloud printing connects any application to cloud-enabled home printers that people own or have access to. Using this technology, people can take digital media as their primary communications tool and create a printed page only when they need the content in a physical form. On the other hand, professional cloud printing enables publishers, companies and content owners to print their digital publications by leveraging networks of production facilities through cloud computing technology. Cloud Printing 48
Speed and Quality Color > Speed – measured in pages per minute (ppm) > Quality – measured in dots per inch (dpi) > Cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) > Black for inkjets is the base or key color Printer Speed, Quality, and Color Reliability and Total Cost of Ownership Warranty Scheduled servicing Meantime between failures(MTBF) Total cost of ownership (TCO) > Initial purchase price > Cost of consumable supplies > Price per page > Pages per month > Maintenance costs > Warranty costs 49
Connect the cable to the printer and computer or connect the network cable. Attach power cord. PrinterInstallation Steps Installing & Configuring Printers STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Remove all packing material and keep if a return is needed. Sometimes the printer driver is installed before the printer is connected to the computer. STEP 4 STEP 5 Test all functions including > Double-sided documents > Different paper trays > Grayscale and color > Draft mode > Collation Test Printer Functions 50
Sharing Printers • Direct Sharing • 1. Those who connect to the shared printer must have the correct print driver. 2. Windows can do this automatically • Wireless Printer Connection • 1. Bluetooth (Pairing between computer and printer) 2.Wi-Fi (Wireless connection) 51
Refer to the printer’s documentation. Replace the paper. Clean the heating element with a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Use compressed air or a ling-free cloth to remove debris. BESTSELLERS Perform Preventive Maintenance on a Thermal Printer Maintaining & Troubleshooting Printers Perform Preventive Maintenance on an Impact Printer Refer to the printer’s documentation. Replace the ribbon. Check character quality – might need to replace the print head. 52
Refer to the printer’s documentation. Replace the paper. Clean the heating element with a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Use compressed air or a ling-free cloth to remove debris. BESTSELLERS Perform Preventive Maintenance on a Thermal Printer Maintaining & Troubleshooting Printers Perform Preventive Maintenance on an Impact Printer Refer to the printer’s documentation. Replace the ribbon. Check character quality – might need to replace the print head. 53
6 STEPS OF PRINTER TROUBLESHOOTING PROCESS Identify the problems Establish a theory of probable cause Testthe theory to determine the cause Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implementthe solution Verify full system functionality and if applicable, implement preventive measures Documentfindings, actions and outcomes 1 2 3 4 5 6 54
References Cheryl. A. S. (2019), Complete CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software Lab Manual. Upper Saddle River, United States: Pearson Education (US). (ISBN: 0135380197) Hajek. D. &. Herrera. C. (2019). Introduction to Computers, 2019 Edition. Independently published. Amazon. (ISBN: 1091830002) Miller. M. (2019). Computer Basics Absolute Beginner's Guide, Windows 10 Edition (includes Content Update Program) 9th Edition. Que Publishing. Seattle United State. (ISBN:0789754517) Quentin. D. & Jon. B. (2019). CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Exam Core 1220-1001 and Exam Core 2 220-1002. John Wiley & Sons Inc. New York, United States. (ISBN: 978-1-119-51593-7) 55
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