CompTIA A+® Complete Deluxe Study Guide:Exams 220-701 (Essentials) and 220-702 (Practical Application)

5.4. Exam Essentials

Know the differences between types of printer technologies (e.g., laser, inkjet, thermal, impact).

Laser printers use a laser and toner to create the page. Inkjet printers spray ink onto the page. Thermal printers use heat to form the characters on the page. Impact printers use a mechanical device to strike a ribbon, thus forming an image on the page.

Know the names, purposes, and characteristics of printer components (e.g., memory, driver, firmware) and consumables (e.g., toner, ink cartridge, paper).

Each printer contains different components that allow the printer to do its job. The components work together to form the image on the page. Each printer has a print mechanism, power supply, and interface. But each printer ...