In computing, peripherals are accessories or hardware devices that are not an essential part of the core of the computer system, but are added as auxiliary devices to enable communication between the computer and the outside world. For example:the keyboard, the monitor, the speakers, the mouse.
Peripherals get their name from the fact that they are not part of the CPU ( Central Processing Unit ), which, along with main memory, constitutes the heart of a computer system. This means that a computer can function without peripherals. However, in that case, the user will have no way to input or output information, i.e., to communicate with the system.
There are four types of peripherals, according to their function:
- Input peripherals (I). These are devices that allow information to be entered into the system, that is, to give it instructions or feed it with new data.
- Output peripherals (S). These are devices that allow information to be extracted from the system, i.e., to view or replicate the contents stored within it.
- Input/output (I/O) peripherals. These are devices that can be used both to input information into the system and to output that information to the outside. They are also known as “mixed peripherals.”
- Storage peripherals. These are devices that allow for portable and independent data storage, whether for extracting or entering information into the system.
- See also: Hardware and software
Examples of input peripherals
Input peripherals are devices that allow information to be entered into the system, either from the user (such as instructions or commands) or from other systems (such as data and files).
Examples of this type of peripherals are:
- Keyboard. This is the set of keys and buttons that allow the user to enter information into the system, primarily alphanumeric (letters and numbers).
- Mouse . It ‘sa mobile device that allows you to guide the pointer across the screen. The system records and interprets its movements.
- Microphone. It is an audio device that allows sounds to be recorded so they can be interpreted or recognized by the system.
- Scanner. It is a device whose function is to photograph flat images and input them as information into a computer, similar to a photocopier.
- Camera. Just like ordinary cameras, a computer’s camera takes photographs and videos that are stored digitally on the system.
- Stylus. It is a pen-shaped device whose movements are recognized by the system to input writing or movements, like a mouse.
- CD and DVD reader. This is a unit that reads discs, whether CD ( Compact Disc ) or DVD ( Digital Video Disc ), to retrieve the information stored on them.
- Joystick. It is an entertainment device, of varying shape and complexity, whose function is to replace other peripherals during video game play, thus offering a more dynamic and realistic experience.
- More on: Input Devices
Examples of output peripherals
Output peripherals are those devices that extract or retrieve information from the system, either to display it to the user, record it on paper, or transmit it to a storage device or another computer system.
Examples of this type of peripherals are:
- Monitor. A visual display of varying sizes and resolutions that shows the user what’s happening in the system. What’s displayed on the monitor is typically a graphical representation (known as the “virtual environment”) of the system itself.
- Speakers. These are devices that play various sounds stored in the system, such as music, sound effects, or the voice of another user during a video conference.
- Hearing aids. These are portable audio devices that attach to the user’s head and play sound directly into their ears.
- Printer. This is a device that prints information selected in the system onto paper so that it can be physically accessed.
- More on: Output Devices
Examples of input and output peripherals
Input/output peripherals , also known as “mixed” peripherals, are devices that perform both input and output functions. That is, they allow information to be entered and extracted from the system.
Examples of this type of peripherals are:
- Touchscreens. These are a type of monitor that, in addition to visually displaying system information, allows you to enter new content by touching the surface directly with your fingers or other special devices.
- Multifunction printers. They are a hybrid of a printer and a scanner, so they can digitize text and images, and also transfer information from a digital file to a sheet of paper.
- Modem. It is a device whose function is to facilitate and regulate connection to the Internet or other computer networks, that is, to allow both the entry and exit of information.
- VR headsets. These are virtual reality devices shaped like glasses or helmets that project information from the system directly into the user’s eyes, while also recording head movements.
- More in: Mixed Peripherals
Examples of storage peripherals
Storage peripherals are devices capable of retaining or safeguarding various types of information extracted from a system, for later retrieval or transmission to another system. In this sense, they can be considered a special type of input/output device.
Examples of this type of peripherals are:
- External hard drives. These are rigid storage devices that can store large amounts of information. They are portable and can be connected to different computer systems.
- USB flash drives. These are simple, portable devices that fit in a pocket. They can only store a relatively small amount of data.
- CD and DVD burners. These are devices or drives capable of recording data onto read-only discs, which cannot be modified, but can be read and recovered.
