Changes

In computing, a '''printer''' is a peripheral device which makes the specified permanent marks on paper or other materials.  These are most commonly used in conjunction with a desktop or laptop [[computer]], but can in some cases be used with other external devices such as mobile phones or tablet computers.  In some cases, printers are built directly into the device

In computing, a '''printer''' is a peripheral device which converts digital information to permanent marks on paper or other materials.  These are most commonly used in conjunction with a desktop or laptop [[computer]], but can in some cases be used with other external devices such as mobile phones or tablet computers.  In some cases, printers are built directly into a digital device.

 

==Types==

==Types==

===Personal===

===Personal===

Personal printers are usually small and inexpensive, and most commonly print using the inkjet method.  They receive instructions directly from a primary device (computer) through a parallel port (older method) or [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] connection.  Some also allow wireless connections via Bluetooth.  They generally operate solely as a peripheral, should sometimes they include fax and/or photocopy functionality.

Personal printers are usually small and inexpensive, and most commonly print using the inkjet method.  They receive instructions directly from a primary device (computer) through a parallel port (older method) or [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] connection.  Some also allow wireless connections via Bluetooth or WiFi.  They generally operate solely as a peripheral, though sometimes they include fax and/or photocopy functionality.

===Network===

===Network===

Network printers are not directly connected to a controller (usually a computer) but rather a print server, which exists as an accessible entity on the [[local area network]].  In some cases, the print server is an entirely separate server computer, through which all print jobs are managed.  However, sometimes (especially in smaller installations) the printer uses an internal print server.  Either way, when something is to be printed, the requesting device connects to the print server through the intranet (or sometimes internet) and delivers the print job.  The print server then has the printer complete the task.<br />

Network printers are not directly connected to a controller (usually a computer) but rather a print server, which exists as an accessible entity on the [[local area network]].  In some cases, the print server is an entirely separate server computer, through which all print jobs are managed.  However, sometimes (especially in smaller installations) the printer uses an internal print server.  Either way, when something is to be printed, the requesting device connects to the print server through the intranet (or sometimes internet) and spools the print job to it.  The print server then has the printer complete the task.<br />

Network printers are commonly used for frequent and high-volume printing, so they often use the Lasterjet method, which is fast and inexpensive.  Laserjet printers are at least somewhat larger than most other printers.  To provide the speed and functionality required, they are often towers which stand three to four feet tall.

Network printers are commonly used for frequent and high-volume printing, so they often use the Lasterjet method, which is fast and inexpensive.  Laserjet printers are at least somewhat larger than most other printers.  To provide the speed and functionality required, they are often towers which stand three to four feet tall.