1.3 Illustrate the basics of computing and processing
📘CompTIA ITF+ (FC0-U61)
1. What Is Output in Computing?
Output is the result produced by a computer after processing data.
- A computer receives input
- It processes that input
- Then it sends the result as output
Output is how a computer communicates results to users or other systems.
In an IT environment, output can be:
- Seen (visual)
- Heard (audio)
- Printed
- Stored for later use
- Sent to another device or system
👉 Exam keyword: Output = processed data delivered to users or systems
2. Purpose of Output
The main purposes of output are:
- To display information to users
- To communicate results of processing
- To store processed data
- To share data with other systems
Without output, users would not know:
- If a task was successful
- What result a system produced
- What data was processed
3. Types of Output
For the ITF+ exam, output is commonly grouped into the following types:
3.1 Visual Output
3.2 Audio Output
3.3 Printed Output
3.4 Data Output (Digital Output)
4. Visual Output
Visual output shows information in a form that can be seen on a display device.
Common Visual Output Devices:
- Monitor
- Projector
- Touchscreen display
- LED/LCD panels
Examples in an IT Environment:
- Displaying a login screen
- Showing error messages
- Viewing reports generated by software
- Seeing system dashboards
- Viewing command-line results
Key Points for Exam:
- Monitors are the most common output device
- Output resolution affects clarity and sharpness
- Refresh rate affects smoothness of display
5. Audio Output
Audio output sends information in the form of sound.
Common Audio Output Devices:
- Speakers
- Headphones
- Headsets
Examples in an IT Environment:
- System alerts and notifications
- Error sounds
- Audio from training applications
- Voice output from accessibility tools
Exam Notes:
- Audio output helps with accessibility
- Audio output requires a sound card or audio chipset
- Volume and sound quality depend on hardware and drivers
6. Printed Output
Printed output provides information in a physical (paper) format.
Common Printed Output Devices:
- Inkjet printers
- Laser printers
- Thermal printers
Examples in an IT Environment:
- Printing reports
- Printing logs
- Printing system documentation
- Printing user account details
Exam Points:
- Printed output is hard copy
- Printing requires drivers
- Print quality depends on DPI (dots per inch)
7. Data Output (Digital Output)
Data output sends processed information to:
- Storage devices
- Other computers
- Network systems
- Applications
This type of output is not always visible to users.
Examples in an IT Environment:
- Saving processed data to a database
- Writing logs to a file
- Sending output to another system over a network
- Exporting reports as files (PDF, CSV, TXT)
Exam Focus:
- Output can be machine-readable
- Data output is critical for automation and system integration
- Output files may be used as input for another system
8. Output vs Input (Exam Comparison)
| Feature | Input | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Sends data to the computer | Sends results from the computer |
| Direction | Into the system | Out of the system |
| Example | Keyboard data | Monitor display |
| Exam Tip | Input starts processing | Output ends processing |
9. Output Quality Factors
The exam may test what affects output quality.
Key Factors:
- Hardware capability
- Device resolution
- Device drivers
- Software settings
- System performance
Examples:
- Low monitor resolution → unclear display
- Incorrect printer driver → poor print quality
- Audio driver issues → no sound output
10. Output Devices and Drivers
Why Drivers Matter:
- Output devices require drivers to work correctly
- Drivers translate system instructions into device-specific commands
Exam Tip:
If output does not work:
- Check device connection
- Check drivers
- Check system settings
11. Output in the Processing Cycle
Output is part of the Information Processing Cycle:
- Input
- Processing
- Output
- Storage (sometimes)
Exam Reminder:
- Output happens after processing
- Stored output can later become input
12. Accessibility and Output
Output plays an important role in accessibility.
Examples:
- Screen readers convert visual output to audio
- Large displays help visually impaired users
- Audio alerts help users notice system events
👉 CompTIA expects awareness of basic accessibility support
13. Common Exam Keywords to Remember
- Output
- Output device
- Visual output
- Audio output
- Hard copy
- Soft copy
- Display resolution
- Device driver
- Processed data
14. Summary (Exam-Ready)
- Output is the result of processed data
- Output allows users and systems to receive information
- Output types include visual, audio, printed, and data output
- Output devices require drivers
- Output quality depends on hardware and settings
- Output completes the computing process
