Peripheral Devices

Erick Gaceta

DEFINITION

 A peripheral device is an internal or external device that connects directly to a computer or other
digital device but does not contribute to the computer's primary function, such as computing. It helps
end users access and use the functionalities of a computer.
COMPONENTS OF PERIPHERAL DEVICE
 Input Devices - Converts incoming data and instructions into a pattern of electrical signals
in binary code that are comprehensible to a digital computer.
 Output Devices - Reverses the process, translating the digitized signals into a form intelligible to the user.
 Storage Devices - A piece of computer equipment on which information can be stored.

 INPUT DEVICES
1. KEYBOARD - the most common and very popular input device which helps to input data to the
computer.
2. MOUSE - the most popular pointing device. Can be used to control the position of the cursor on the
screen.
3. JOYSTICK - Also a pointing device, which is used to move the cursor position on a monitor screen.
4. LIGHT PEN - Is a pointing device similar to a pen. It is used to select a displayed menu item on the
screen.
5. TRACK BALL - Is an input device that is mostly used in notebook or laptop computer, instead of a
mouse.
6. SCANNER - Is an input device, which works more like a photocopy machine.
7. MICROPHONE - Is an input device to input sound that is then stored in a digital form.
8. BAR CODE READER - A device used for reading bar coded data. Bar coded data is generally used in
labelling goods, numbering the books, etc.

 OUTPUT DEVICES
1. MONITOR - it displays the processed data like text, images, videos, audios, etc. It makes images by
arranging microscopic dots in a rectangular pattern, known as pixels.
2. PRINTERS - are information output devices that allow you to print data on paper. It is an output
device that creates a hard copy of the processed data or information.
3. PROJECTOR - a device that allows users to project their output onto a large area, such as a screen
or a wall.
4. HEADPHONE AND SPEAKER - they take audio input from the computer’s sound card and output
sound waves as audio output.
 STORAGE DEVICES
1. PRIMARY STORAGE DEVICES - It is also known as internal memory and main memory. This is a section of
the CPU that holds program instructions, input data, and intermediate results. Examples are Random
Access Memory and Read-only Memory.
2. MAGNETIC STORAGE DEVICES - Is the storage of data on a magnetized medium. Magnetic storage uses
different patterns of magnetization in a magnetizable material to store data and is a form of non-volatile
memory. Some examples are Floppy Disk, Hard Disk, Magnetic Card, Tape Cassette, and Super Disk.
3. FLASH MEMORY DEVICES - It is a cheaper and portable storage device. It is the most commonly used
device to store data because is more reliable and efficient as compare to other storage devices. These
devices include Pen/Flash Drive, Solid-state Drive, and SD Card.
4. OPTICAL STORAGE DEVICES - It is a removable storage device. A storage type in which data is written and
read with a laser. Following are some optical storage devices: Compact Disc, Digital Versatile Disc,
and Blu-ray Disc.