This document provides an overview of an overhead projector. It discusses that the overhead projector was invented in 1870 and gained popularity in schools and businesses in the 1950s-1960s. The document describes the major parts of an overhead projector including the lamp, reflector, blower, base mirror, projection stage, and focusing components. It explains how an overhead projector works by projecting an illuminated slide onto a screen through the use of mirrors and a focusing lens. The document discusses advantages like low cost but also disadvantages like heat, noise, and bulkiness. It notes applications in classrooms and meetings and potential future replacements like document cameras and interactive whiteboards.