A printer is an output device that prints text and graphics on paper. There are two main types of printers - impact printers and non-impact printers. Impact printers work like typewriters using pins or hammers to strike ink ribbons and transfer ink to paper, while non-impact printers use technologies like lasers and inkjets that print without physically striking the paper. Non-impact printers are generally faster, quieter and provide higher quality output than impact printers.