A feature of computer printers that demands a frequent
maintenance check is the one involving the operation of its
ribbon.  Once the ribbon has lost a large percentage of its
ink supply, the copy becomes quite dull and is difficult to
read.  The ribbon loses ink for two reasons.  Foremost, ink
is removed from the ribbon as the copy is printed; as a key
strikes the ribbon it forces ink onto the paper.  Of course
there is a limited amount of ink which a ribbon can absorb,
thus assuring its eventual replacement.  A further cause of
ink loss involves the evaporation of the ribbon's moisture.
     The loss of ribbon moisture can be reduced if you will
avoid operating your printer in a hot, dry room.  A climate
that is cool and slightly moist will extend the life of the
ribbon.  All fabric ribbons, even on a seldom used printer,
will become unusable if they remain for long in a heated or
dry room environment.  Ribbon printers are the least costly
means for converting computer files to hard copy.  However,
numerous high tech methods of producing hard copy are being
used with computers.  These include thermal, laser, and ink
jet printers, all able to print copy without an ink ribbon.