Peripheral Devices

Peripheral devices are hardware components that connect to a computer system to expand its capabilities and functionality. These devices, while not essential to the core operation of the CPU and motherboard, provide additional input, output, or storage functions. Input peripherals allow users to communicate with the computer. Common examples include keyboards, which translate keystrokes into digital signals; mice and trackpads for cursor control and navigation; touchscreens that enable direct interaction with displayed content; scanners that convert physical documents to digital format; and webcams for video capture. Output peripherals present information from the computer to users. These include monitors and displays that show visual content; printers that produce physical copies of digital documents; speakers and headphones that deliver audio output; and projectors that display computer output on larger surfaces. Storage peripherals expand a system's data retention capabilities beyond internal drives. External hard drives provide additional storage space; USB flash drives offer portable storage solutions; optical drives read and write CDs/DVDs/Blu-ray discs; and memory card readers access data from SD cards and other flash memory formats. Communication peripherals facilitate connectivity between computers and networks. Modems connect to internet service providers; network interface cards (NICs) enable network connections; routers direct network traffic; and Bluetooth adapters facilitate wireless connections to compatible devices. Peripherals connect through various interfaces including USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, audio jacks, Ethernet ports, and wireless technologies. Modern systems may use USB-C for multiple peripheral types through a single port type. When troubleshooting peripheral issues, technicians should check physical connections, driver status, power supply, and compatibility. Device Manager in Windows helps identify and resolve peripheral problems by updating drivers or addressing hardware conflicts.

Peripheral devices are hardware components that connect to a computer system to expand its capabilities and functionality. These devices, while not essential to the core operation of the CPU and moth…

Concepts covered: Connectivity and Interfaces, Device Compatibility, Peripheral Device Installation and Configuration, Peripheral Device Security, Ergonomics and Accessibility, Peripheral Device Management, Device Drivers, Troubleshooting Peripheral Devices, Peripheral Device Types, Peripheral Device Performance