Peripheral devices

What Are Peripheral Devices?

Peripheral devices are external devices connected to a computer to input, output, or store data. They are not part of the core computer system (CPU, RAM, motherboard), but they help users interact with the computer and expand its functionality.


📊 Types of Peripheral Devices:

1. Input Devices (Send data into the computer)

Device
Function

Keyboard

Type text, commands.

Mouse

Point, click, drag.

Scanner

Convert physical documents/photos to digital.

Microphone

Record sound, voice commands.

Webcam

Capture video for calls/recording.

Game Controller/Joystick

Gaming input.

Graphics Tablet

Hand-drawing and graphic design.

Fingerprint Reader

Biometric security.


2. Output Devices (Send data out from the computer)

Device
Function

Monitor/Screen

Display visuals, UI, videos.

Printer

Print documents, photos.

Speakers

Output sound.

Headphones/Earbuds

Private audio output.

Projector

Project visual content onto a screen.


3. Input/Output (I/O) Devices (Can both send and receive data)

Device
Function

Touchscreen

Both display (output) and receive touch input.

External Hard Drive

Store and retrieve data.

USB Flash Drive

Portable storage device.

External Optical Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)

Read/write discs.

External Audio Interface

Send/receive audio signals for music production.


💾 Storage Devices (Considered Peripherals for Extra Storage):

Device
Function

External SSD/HDD

High-capacity storage for files, backups.

USB Drives (Pen Drives)

Portable, small capacity storage.

Memory Cards (SD Cards)

Storage for cameras, phones, also readable by PC.


🏷️ Examples of Famous Peripheral Brands:

Device Type
Popular Brands

Keyboards & Mice

Logitech, Razer, Corsair, Microsoft, SteelSeries

Monitors

Dell, ASUS, LG, Samsung, Acer, BenQ

Printers

HP, Canon, Epson, Brother

Speakers & Headphones

Bose, JBL, Sony, Sennheiser, Razer

Storage Devices

Seagate, Western Digital (WD), Samsung, SanDisk, Kingston

Webcams

Logitech, Razer, Microsoft, AVerMedia


🎮 Specialized Peripheral Devices for Specific Uses:

Purpose
Devices

Gaming

Gaming mouse, mechanical keyboard, gamepad, VR headset.

Design & Art

Graphics tablet, stylus, high-res monitor.

Video Conferencing

Webcam, microphone, speakers, headsets.

Music Production

MIDI keyboard, audio interface, studio monitor speakers.


🔑 Why Are Peripherals Important?

Reason
Benefit

Input data easily

Allows users to interact and control the PC.

Access and store data

Via external storage devices.

Output information

View (monitor), listen (speakers), print (printer).

Enhance productivity

Tools like ergonomic keyboards, dual monitors.

Entertainment & creativity

Gaming peripherals, drawing tablets, audio devices.


Summary (In Simple Words):

Peripheral devices are all the extra tools you connect to a computer to put data in, take data out, or store data. Examples are keyboards, mice, printers, monitors, USB drives, and more.

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