Peripherals

Streamline Your Setup: Find the Perfect Peripherals for Your Computer

Computer peripherals are the devices that is connected to a computer externally. These devices are used to enhance the functionality of the computer and allow the user to interact with the computer in various ways. Some common examples of computer peripherals include printers, keyboards, mouse, monitors, speakers etc. Let’s take a look at the most essential peripherals of computer and their functions.

Input Devices

Peripherals, known as input devices, are utilized to enter data and commands into a computer. Several commonly used peripherals as input devices include:

• Keyboard – As an important input device in the peripherals category, a keyboard is used for typing text and commands into a computer. It comprises buttons or keys that, when pressed, produce letters, numbers, and symbols. Some keyboards also have additional functions, such as media controls, hotkeys, and a numeric keypad.
• Mouse – One of the most crucial peripherals is the mouse, which serves as an input device that facilitates control over the movement of a cursor on a computer screen. It typically has two buttons for left and right clicks, and sometimes a scroll wheel for easy navigation. Mouse can be connected to a computer through a USB port or wirelessly.
• Touchpad – A Touchpad is a type of pointing device that is integrated into a laptop computer. It works like a mouse, but instead of clicking buttons, users move their finger over the touch-sensitive surface to control the cursor.
• Joystick – A joystick is an input device that is commonly used in gaming, simulation, and virtual reality applications. It consists of a stick that can be moved in different directions to control movement in a game or simulation.
• Gamepad – A gamepad is a type of controller that is specifically designed for video games. It typically features several buttons, directional pads, and analog sticks for controlling movement and actions in games.
• Trackball – A trackball is a type of pointing device that consists of a ball that can be rotated to control the movement of the cursor. Unlike a mouse, the trackball does not require the user to move the device across a surface.
• Graphics Tablet – A graphics tablet is an input device that is used for drawing and creating digital art. It typically consists of a flat surface and a stylus, allowing the user to draw directly onto the tablet and have their movements translated to the computer screen.
• Scanner – A scanner is an input device that converts physical documents or images into digital data that can be stored and processed by a computer. There are various types of scanners, including flatbed, sheet-fed, and handheld scanners.
• Microphone – A microphone is an input device that converts sound into electrical signals that can be processed by a computer. Microphones are commonly used for voice recording, dictation, and online communication.
• Webcam – A webcam is a type of digital camera that is attached to a computer, laptop, or tablet, either via USB port or built-in. It allows users to capture real-time video and audio footage and transmit it over the internet.

Output Devices

Peripherals known as output devices are utilized for displaying or producing data and information from a computer. Several commonly used peripherals as output devices are:

• Monitor – A monitor is a display device that shows visual output from a computer. It can be either a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen. Monitors come in different sizes and resolutions and are used to display text, images, and videos.
• Printer – A printer is an output device that produces a physical copy of digital data, such as text, images, or graphics. There are various types of printers, including inkjet, laser, and thermal printers, each with its own unique set of features and capabilities.
• Projector – A projector is an output device that projects images or videos onto a large screen or wall. They are commonly used in presentations, meetings, and for home entertainment. Projectors can be connected to a computer, laptop, or other device to display their screen.
• Speakers – Speakers are output devices that produce sound from audio signals received from a computer or other audio source. They come in a variety of sizes and types, including desktop speakers, home theater systems, and portable speakers.
• Headphones – Headphones are output devices that allow users to listen to audio privately, without disturbing others. They are commonly used for music listening, gaming, and voice communication.
• Braille Display – A Braille display is an output device specifically designed for visually impaired users. It consists of a series of raised dots that can be felt by the user to represent characters and numbers.
• Plotter – A plotter is an output device that produces high-quality, large-format prints, typically used in architectural, engineering, and design industries. Plotters can print on a variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, and film.
• 3D Printer – A 3D printer is an output device that creates three-dimensional objects from a digital file. They use a process called additive manufacturing, building up an object layer by layer until the final product is complete.
• TV – A TV is an output device that displays video and audio signals received from a cable, satellite, or streaming device. Modern TVs come in a variety of sizes and features, including smart TVs, 4K and 8K resolution, and built-in streaming services.
• Virtual Reality Headset – A Virtual Reality headset is an output device that allows users to immerse themselves in a computer-generated environment. They use head tracking and displays to create a sense of presence in a virtual world.

External Storage Devices

Peripherals, such as external storage devices, are devices that can be attached to a computer to store and retrieve data. They are used to expand the storage capacity of a computer beyond its internal storage, such as hard disk drives (HDD) or solid state drives (SSD).
Some common examples of external storage include:

• USB Flash Drive – A USB flash drive is a small, portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. They are often referred to as “thumb drives” and can be plugged into any USB port for easy data transfer.
• External Hard Disk – An external hard disk is a standalone storage device that connects to a computer through a USB, FireWire, or Thunderbolt port. They are typically larger and more expensive than USB flash drives, but offer much higher storage capacity.
• Memory Card – A memory card is a small, portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. They are often used in digital cameras, mobile phones, and other portable devices. The most common types of memory cards are SD, microSD, and CompactFlash.
• Optical Disc – An optical disc is a type of storage device that uses a laser to read and write data on a disc. The most common types of optical discs are CD-ROM, DVD, and Blu-ray. Optical discs are slower and have lower storage capacity than other types of storage devices, but are durable and can be played in most CD/DVD drives.
• RAID Array – A RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) array is a type of external storage device that uses multiple hard disks to store data. RAID arrays can be configured in different ways to provide increased data protection, performance, and capacity.
• Network Attached Storage (NAS) – A NAS is a type of external storage device that connects to a network and can be accessed by multiple devices. NAS devices often have multiple hard drives and can be configured for data backup, media streaming, and file sharing.
• Portable Hard Disk – A portable hard disk is a type of external storage device that is small enough to be carried around easily. They typically use a USB or FireWire connection and offer a convenient way to transfer large amounts of data between computers.
• Tape Drive – A tape drive is a type of external storage device that uses magnetic tape to store data. Tape drives are slow and have lower storage capacity compared to other types of storage devices, but they are ideal for backup and archiving of large amounts of data due to their durability and low cost per GB.

Communication Devices

Peripherals such as communication devices are used to connect a computer to other devices or to the internet. Some common examples of communication devices include:

• Modem – A modem is a device that enables communication between a computer and the Internet or other computer networks. Modems translate digital signals into analog signals that can be transmitted over a phone line, cable, or fiber optic connection.
• Router – A router is a device that routes data between different computer networks. Routers can connect multiple devices, such as computers and mobile devices, to the Internet and provide network security features such as firewalls.
• Network Switch – A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). A switch directs data to its intended destination within the LAN, improving network performance by reducing traffic congestion.
• Ethernet Card – An Ethernet card is a type of network interface card (NIC) that provides a computer with the ability to connect to a LAN. Ethernet cards are used to connect computers to a router or switch to access the Internet or other computer networks.
• Wireless Network Adapter – A wireless network adapter is a device that enables a computer to connect to a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. Wireless network adapters can be built into a computer or attached as a USB or PCI device.
• Bluetooth Adapter – A Bluetooth adapter is a device that enables a computer to connect to other devices using Bluetooth wireless technology. Bluetooth adapters can be used to connect wireless mouse, keyboards, headphones, and other peripherals to a computer.
• Satellite Modem – A satellite modem is a type of modem that enables communication between a computer and a satellite-based network, such as a satellite Internet service. Satellite modems are used in remote or rural areas where other forms of broadband Internet are not available.
• Cellular Modem – A cellular modem is a type of modem that enables communication between a computer and a cellular network, such as a 3G or 4G network. Cellular modems can be used to access the Internet or other computer networks when Wi-Fi is not available.
• ISDN Terminal Adapter – An ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) terminal adapter is a device that enables a computer to connect to an ISDN network. ISDN networks provide a higher-speed digital connection than traditional telephone lines, and are commonly used for video conferencing and other data-intensive applications.
• Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (HBA) – A Fibre Channel HBA is a type of network adapter that enables a computer to connect to a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN). Fibre Channel HBAs are used to provide high-speed data transfer between servers and storage devices in data centers.

Expansion Devices

These are devices used to expand the capabilities of a computer. Some common examples of expansion devices include:

• Graphics Card – A graphics card is a device that enhances the graphical capabilities of a computer, enabling it to display high-quality images and video. Graphics cards are used for gaming, video editing, and other graphical applications.
• Sound Card – A sound card is a device that enhances the audio capabilities of a computer, enabling it to produce high-quality sound. Sound cards are used for playing music, gaming, and other audio applications.
• TV Tuner – A TV tuner is a device that enables a computer to receive and display television signals. TV tuners can be used to watch live TV, record TV shows, and watch video on demand.
• USB Hub – A USB hub is a device that expands the number of USB ports available on a computer. USB hubs are used to connect multiple USB devices, such as mouse, keyboards, and flash drives, to a single computer.
• PCI Expansion Card – A Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion card is a device that can be installed in a computer to expand its capabilities. PCI expansion cards can be used to add additional USB ports, sound cards, network adapters, and other peripherals.
• PCMCIA Card – A PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card is a type of expansion card used in laptops. PCMCIA cards can be used to add additional features, such as network adapters, modems, and storage devices, to a laptop.
• Firewire Card – A Firewire card is a type of expansion card that provides a computer with Firewire ports. Firewire is a high-speed data transfer technology that can be used to connect external hard drives, digital cameras, and other peripherals.
• SATA Card – A Serial ATA (SATA) card is a type of expansion card that provides a computer with additional SATA ports. SATA ports are used to connect hard disk drives, solid state drives, and other storage devices.
• Express Card – An Express Card is a type of expansion card used in laptops. Express Cards can be used to add additional features, such as network adapters, modems, and storage devices, to a laptop.
• SCSI Card – A Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) card is a type of expansion card that provides a computer with SCSI ports. SCSI is a high-speed data transfer technology that can be used to connect external hard drives, tape drives, and other peripherals.

Pointing Devices

These are devices used to control the movement of the cursor on a computer screen. Some common examples of pointing devices include:

• Mouse – A mouse is a device used to control the movement of the cursor on a computer screen. Mouse typically have two buttons (left and right) and a scroll wheel, and can be connected to a computer via a USB or PS/2 port.
• Touchpad – A touchpad is a type of pointing device built into laptops. Touchpads allow users to control the movement of the cursor by moving their finger across the surface of the touchpad.
• Trackball – A trackball is a type of pointing device that uses a ball to control the movement of the cursor. Trackballs can be used as an alternative to a mouse, and are often favored by users who experience wrist strain or other forms of repetitive strain injury.
• Stylus – A stylus is a small pen-like device used to control the movement of the cursor on a touch screen. Styluses are often used with tablet computers and smartphones.
• Joystick – A joystick is a type of pointing device used for gaming and other applications. Joysticks have a stick that can be moved in multiple directions to control the movement of the cursor.
• Touchscreen – A touchscreen is a type of pointing device that enables users to control the movement of the cursor by touching the screen directly. Touchscreens are often used with tablet computers and smartphones.

Popular Brands in Peripherals

Some of the most popular brands in the market today that are well-known for producing high-quality peripherals include Logitech, Microsoft, HP, Dell, Apple, Razer, Corsair, SteelSeries, Kingston, and Western Digital. These companies offer a wide range of peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, monitors, speakers, webcams, headsets, external hard drives, and more.

Each brand has its own unique features and designs that make their products stand out in the market. Some brands may focus on offering high-end and specialized gaming peripherals, while others may concentrate on producing more affordable and practical devices for general use. Customers can choose from a variety of options based on their individual needs and preferences, such as the intended use of the peripheral, the level of performance required, and the budget available.

Computer peripherals are a vital part of any computer setup, as they allow the user to interact with the computer in various ways and enhance its functionality. Whether you are using a keyboard to input text, a printer to output documents, or a Wi-Fi adapter to connect to the internet, these devices are essential for making the most out of your computer.