What device functions similarly to a photocopy machine and connects to a computer?

A scanner functions similarly to a photocopy machine by capturing images or documents and converting them into digital formats that can be stored on a computer. Just like a photocopy machine processes physical documents to create copies, a scanner reads the information on a page using light and sends this data to a computer for editing, saving, or sharing.

This relationship is significant for tasks such as digitizing paper documents or images, and it is particularly useful in offices where consolidating paper-based information into digital formats is essential for organization and accessibility. In contrast, a printer outputs digital files onto paper, a plotter is designed for printing vector graphics often used for large-scale designs, and a monitor displays visual information but does not interact with documents in the same way as a scanner does.