What is a peripheral?
A peripheral is any device that is connected to a computer but is not a part of the computer itself. It is an external device that provides input and output capabilities to a computer system. Peripherals can be categorized into input devices, output devices, and storage devices.
Input Devices:
- Input devices are used to enter data or instructions into a computer system. Some examples of input devices include:
- Keyboard: used for typing and entering commands.
- Mouse: used for pointing and clicking on graphical user interfaces.
- Scanner: used to convert physical documents into digital format.
- Microphone: used for voice input.
Output Devices:
- Output devices display or present the processed information from a computer system. Some examples of output devices include:
- Monitor: displays visual information such as text, images, and videos.
- Printer: produces hard copies of documents and images.
- Speakers: produce audio output and sound.
Storage Devices:
- Storage devices are used to store and retrieve data from a computer system. Some examples of storage devices include:
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): provides long-term storage for files and data.
- Solid State Drive (SSD): a faster and more reliable alternative to HDD.
- USB Flash Drive: portable and removable storage device.
- CD/DVD Drive: used for reading and writing optical discs.
Other Examples of Peripherals:
- In addition to the above categories, there are other peripherals that serve specific purposes, such as:
- Webcams: used for capturing video and images for video conferencing or online streaming.
- Joysticks and Gamepads: used for gaming purposes.
- Scanners: used to convert physical documents into digital format.
- External Hard Drives: portable storage devices for backing up data or expanding storage capacity.
In conclusion, a peripheral is any external device connected to a computer that provides additional functionality or capabilities beyond the basic computer system. These devices can be categorized into input devices, output devices, and storage devices, and they enhance the user experience and expand the capabilities of a computer system.

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