Learning Resources
Peripherals Devices
A computer device, such as a CD-ROM drive or printer, that is not part of the essential computer, i.e., the memory and microprocessor. Peripheral devices can be external -- such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, external Zip drive or scanner -- or internal, such as a CD-ROM drive, CD-R drive or internal modem. Internal peripheral devices are often referred to as integrated peripherals.
It includes the following topics -
Peripheral devices are devices that attach to the computer and are external to the case. Sometimes they are called I/O devices indicating Input/Output devices. These devices input data into the computer and output data from the computer. Some of these I/O devices are very common, and some are used rarely. The common ones are; the keyboard, the monitor, the printer, and the mouse. Other peripherals are; the microphone, speakers, the webcam, the flatbed scanner, USB flash drives, external hard drives, and specialized devices.
The keyboard is an input device that allows you to enter alphanumeric data into the computer. It also allows you to edit, correct, change, or modify existing data. Using the appropriate software the keyboard can be used as a calculator or for special purposes.
The monitor is an output device that displays data in a preprogrammed manner. This allows you to evaluate the data and perform an appropriate action on it. The data can be text, video, pictures, graphics, or anything else you can think of.
The printer is an output device that permits the creating of a hard copy of textual, photographic, or graphic data.
The computer mouse is an input device that allows you to point to items on the monitor in order to perform preprogrammed functions. It can be used with all sorts of data; text, video, pictures, graphics, etc. Sometimes the mouse is called a pointing device.
The computer microphone is an input device that allows you to enter speech as data. Thus allowing you to record this data, or transmit it to others over the internet.
The computer speaker is an output devices that allow you to hear prerecorded sound, or sound coming over the internet.
The webcam is an input device that permits the input of photographic or video data into the computer. The purpose of which is for recording or transmitting over the internet.
The flatbed scanner is an input device allowing high quality photographic, textual, and graphic data to be entered into the computer.
The USB flash drive is an input and an output device. It is used mainly as a storage device to transport data from one computer to another.
The external hard drive is both an input device and an output device. It is used as an output device to copy and archive data. Also, it is used as an input device to retrieve and restore data. More then one external hard drive can be added to the computer.
Computer accessories and supplies are those items that make using the computer easier and more satisfying.