A computer needs an output device to display the user interface so that the user can interact with programs. This is the monitor.
There are various types of monitor:
- CRT - Cathode Ray Tube, which uses an electron gun and various filters to produces an image.
- LCD - Liquid Crystal Display, which ignites liquid crystals and a backlight to produce an image.
The dominant type of monitor at the moment is LCD.
The screen of a laptop computer is also a monitor, but one built into the computer.
