The output shown on the computer monitor is called?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Explanation

The term for any information or output that is displayed on a screen rather than being printed is 'soft copy'.
It is a digital document that exists in electronic form, such as a file on a computer, an email, or a webpage.
Unlike a hard copy, a soft copy is intangible and requires an electronic device like a monitor or smartphone to be viewed.

Option A: VDU stands for Video Display Unit, which is the physical hardware (the monitor or screen) used to display the output. It is the device, not the output itself.
Option B: A hard copy is a physical, printed output from a computer, such as a document printed on paper. The question asks about output shown on a monitor.
Option C: 'Screen Copy' is not a standard or recognized term in computing for the output on a monitor. While it might be informally understood as a screenshot, 'soft copy' is the correct technical term.

Visual 1: Infographic: A simple diagram showing a computer monitor displaying a document labeled 'Soft Copy' and a printer producing a paper document labeled 'Hard Copy'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of computer output as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding basic computer terminology is essential for nurses who use Electronic Health Records (EHRs), patient monitoring systems, and other digital tools daily.
Nurses frequently work with soft copies of patient charts, lab results, and imaging reports on computers and tablets at the point of care.
What if a nurse needs to share a patient's medication list with a family member who doesn't have email? The nurse would need to print a hard copy from the EHR system, demonstrating the need to understand and switch between both formats.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'output' and 'computer monitor'.
Analyze the relationship: The question is asking for the name of the information displayed on the screen.
Evaluate each option's definition. 'VDU' is the device. 'Hard Copy' is printed. 'Screen Copy' is non-standard.
Recognize that 'Soft Copy' is the standard term for digital, non-printed information.
Eliminate the incorrect options to arrive at the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.