Difference Between Computer and Monitor | Multiface Analysis

If you don’t understand the difference between a computer and a monitor, you’re not the only one. So many people worldwide misunderstand the monitor of a computer. It’s normal for them as they’re non-tech-oriented and not fully familiar with these two terms.

Basically, the monitor is a computer peripheral. Whatever you’re doing on your computer, you can see that on your monitor. 

Don’t worry! After reading this post you’ll surely know about them in detail including their differences.

Computer vs Monitor | Quick Differentiating

For easier understanding, look at these differences –

Computer	Monitor
It’s a device that processes digital tasks including typing, drawing, calculating, etc.	It’s a device that shows what’s processing in the computer.
A computer is a system with several units such as a processing unit, graphical unit, interactive unit, etc.	A monitor itself is a peripheral of a computer and doesn’t have its own system.
A computer can perform productive tasks according to the user’s preference.	A monitor helps the user to show the tasks as they’re processing.

What Is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that stores and processes digital data in binary form according to the user’s instructions. But in easy words, a computer is a machine that helps us do lots of productive work and get entertained by conforming to our preferences. 

You can do not only calculative, written, and artistic tasks on your computer but also enjoy music and videos on it. For example, you can write a letter, do math, paint anything. You can download or store any media file and enjoy them on your computer.

Attributes of Computer

A computer can be classified into some attributes. Those are –

1. Accuracy

A computer performs with 100% accuracy when there’s no error. A person may calculate wrong if the calculation is so complex or difficult. But the computer will always give the correct answer if it’s perfectly programmed.

2. Speed

A computer can calculate with an incredible speed compared to a human. The larger the digit, the more time a person needs to calculate. But the computer can do this within a second.

3. Memory

A computer has its own mechanical memory and all the information is stored here for later processing. It can also extend the memory by attaching an external one such as a pen drive, hard drive, CD/DVD drive, etc.

4. Automation

A computer executes each task naturally after having a user command. Like if you just double-click on a media file, the computer will play the file for you till the end. 

5. Diligence

A computer is capable of executing enormous tasks with the same effort and consistency. It doesn’t scale or level any task as high or low.

What Is a Monitor?

A monitor, on the other hand, is an electronic display device that displays pictorial information provided by the computer’s graphics unit. The information can be seen as text, image, video, or any other graphical form. 

In easy words, the monitor shows you what you have or what you’re doing on your computer. It’s also responsible for letting you interact with your computer via other peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, etc with its display interface. 

Category of Monitors

There’re different types of monitors you can find. Some of them are old generation and others are quite available.

1. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Monitor

The CRT monitor is an old-generation monitor that needs extra space, power, and effort to function properly. It was mostly used in TV screen manufacturing. This monitor uses a high-energy electron beam to frame pictures on the display. 

Right now, they’re out of the market. As technology gets advanced to go through progresses, manufacturers now produce the latest LCD or LED 16:9 widescreen monitors instead of CRT 4:3.

2. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Monitor

The LCD monitor is among the conventional and available technologies. Basically, it contains a layer of monochrome pixels built up between two polarizing filters and multiple simple cathodes.

The cold cathode fluorescent lamps illuminate the screen to show us the visual. It’s lighter, more compact, and more energy-affordable than the CRT.

3. LED (Light Emitting Diodes) Monitor

The LED monitor is the latest advancement in monitor manufacturing. It’s also compact and lightweight. Unlike LED, this monitor uses light-emitting diodes to backdrop illumination on the display. 

In other words, LED produces pictures with tiny, charged semiconductors that opt for light. Therefore, the pictures are highly contrasted and vivid to view. 

Attributes of Monitor

A monitor also can be classified into some attributes. Those are –

1. Pixel

It’s tiny dots that act as the picture component and produce the whole picture. The more pixel density, the more vivid the display quality.

2. Dot Pitch

It’s the gap between pixels on display. The lower the dot pitch, the better the picture.

3. Refresh Rate

It’s the number of times per second a monitor displays a new frame of the picture. A higher refresh rate produces a smoother viewing experience.

4. Contrast Ratio

It’s the difference in light intensity between the darkest point and the brightest point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a monitor without a computer?

Surely you can use a monitor without a computer. A monitor is a visual display unit. It’s designed to display the visual of any suitable device instead only a computer. Such as TV (streaming device), gaming console, CD/DVD player, etc.

Can I use my monitor as a TV?

Yes, you can. To do so, you need an HDMI cable. Now, you’ve to connect your streaming device to the monitor with the HDMI cable. As simple as that!

Conclusion

By now, hopefully, you’ve understood the differences between the monitor and the computer. Just keep in mind that a computer is an entire system whereas a monitor is just a part of it.

If you’ve further questions or any confusion, don’t hesitate to knock us in the comment section.