Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- c4c:parts [20/05/2026 11:02] – [Network] andrew
+++ c4c:parts [20/05/2026 16:10] (current) – [Printers and scanners] andrew
@@ Line 122: / Line 122: @@
 Laptops (and some computer motherboards) generally use wireless ethernet (WiFi), so no cable is required.
-In both cases what is really important is not how the computer connects to a network, but the "protocol" is uses to talk to other devices. A Protocol is just a way of agreeing on the format of messages. The most common protocol (and the one used to connect to the internet) is TCP/IP.
+In both cases what is really important is not how the computer connects to a network, but the "protocol" is uses to talk to other devices. A Protocol is just a way of agreeing on the format of messages. The most common protocol (and the one used to connect to the internet) is [[networking-tcpip|TCP/IP]].
-When you use a browser to access the internet, you are using the TCP/IP protocol although you may not realise it.
+When you use a browser to access the internet, you are using the [[networking-tcpip|TCP/IP]] protocol although you may not realise it.
@@ Line 132: / Line 132: @@
 {{:c4c:golfballprinter.jpg?direct&100 |Golfball Printer}}
+Some of the earliest printers resembled typewriters because they has all the characters it was possible to print arranged round a sphere, to print a character, the sphere (nicknamed a Golfball because of it's shape and size) would have to rotate so the character faced the paper and a hammer would push the ball against the paper with a ribbon in between.
+This limited the speed of the printing, the number of characters whch could be printed and they were noisy too.
+----
 {{:c4c:dotmatrixprinter.jpg?direct&100 |Dot Matrix Printer}}
+Dot matrix printers were a bit similar because they used a row of pins pressing on a ribbon to mark the paper, but the pins could be controlled to print a wider range of characters as well as rudimentary graphics.
+They were faster but could still only print in black due to the ribbon.
+----
+{{Laser Printer}}
+In a Laser Printer, a laser beam is used to "Write" an image of the page to be printed on to a sensitive rotating drum, this is used to attract toner ( a blask powder acting as the ink), this is transferred to the paper. A this is still a fine powder, it is heated which causes the toner to fuse together on to the paper.
+The original models were very expensive and could only print in black, current laser printers can print in colour using a set of four drums instead of the single black one in early printers.
+Current models include a scanner and cal be called "Multi-Function Printers (MFP)".
+----
+{{:c4c:inkjet_scanner.jpg?200 |Inkjet printer with scanner}}
+----
 ===== Connecting it all together =====