What is one of the defining characteristics of impact printers, previously referred to as dot matrix printers?

Impact printers, previously known as dot matrix printers, operate by physically striking an ink-soaked ribbon against paper. This mechanism allows the printer to create characters and images by forming dots in a pattern, which collectively generate text or graphics on the printed page. The head of the printer contains pins that are driven forward to hit the ribbon, transferring ink to the paper in the desired shape. This characteristic is what differentiates impact printers from other types, such as inkjet or laser printers, which use different methods to produce output.

The other choices do not accurately describe the operational method of impact printers. For instance, thermal ribbons are used in thermal printers, which do not strike a ribbon against paper. Inkjet printers spray ink onto the page rather than forming characters through impact. Lastly, laser technology is utilized in a completely different category of printers that uses toner and electrostatic charges to produce text and images. Thus, the defining characteristic of impact printers is their mechanism of pushing an ink-saturated ribbon against the paper.