Computer printers, which are commonly known simply as printers, function primarily as local computer peripherals and are usually linked to a computer through a printer cable.

A printer has the ability to produce a hard copy. These hard copies have various forms, such as fax pages, computer printouts, continuous printed tapes, and so on.

Some printers can be connected to other devices like digital cameras, scanners etc. by an interface whereas some are coalesced with other devices ranging from fax machines to scanners in a single comprehensive unit. Such printers that incorporate non-printing features along with the usual functions of a printer are termed as “Multifunction printers” (MFPs) or ‘all-in-one printers’.

A computer printer is specifically designed so that it can carry out low-volume and short-turnaround printing functions.
Charles Babbage is credited with designing the first computer printer in the 19th century; in this case, the printer being a mechanically driven apparatus for his “Difference Engine” (a mechanical digital calculator). Chester Carlson’s invention - a dry printing process - served as the basis for the advent of laser printers. Remington-Rand developed the first high-speed printer in 1953. Gary Stark weather, an engineer with the Xerox Corporation, developed the first laser printer named “EARS” by adding a laser beam to the original mechanism.

It was 1976 when the first inkjet printer appeared. The year 1977 marked the appearance of the first Xerographic laser printer product “the Xerox 9700 Electronic Printing System”. This was followed by the first high-speed laser printer and significantly, the first one to merge electro photography. The first 600*600 dots per inch resolution laser printer system was designed and marketed as the “Laser Jet 4” by Hewlett Packard in the year 1992.