Peripheral Device

What is a Peripheral Device?

A peripheral device is an internal or external hardware component that connects to a computer to extend its capabilities. Peripheral devices can be purchased after manufacturing to provide input/output (I/O) functions or improve the way the computer carries out specific processing or storage tasks.

Peripherals allow users to interact with a computer and use it for practical purposes. Without peripherals, a computer would be a closed system. Users would not be able to input data, and the computer would not be able to communicate with its external environment or other computer devices.

Techopedia Explains the Peripheral Device Meaning

In peripheral device definitions, the adjective “peripheral” is used as a synonym for “extra.” The word choice implies that the computer could still function without the peripheral hardware.

What is considered a “peripheral” device in computing has evolved over time and continues to change. Historically, input/output hardware like CRT monitors, QWERTY keyboards, and mechanical mice were considered peripherals because they could be purchased separately and connected to the computer with a VGA, PS/2, or serial port cable.

As technology advanced and user needs evolved. However, an increasing number of peripheral devices have become integrated and are no longer regarded as peripherals unless they are external hardware devices that can be disconnected from a computer. For example, it can be argued that monitors and keyboards on laptops and tablets are standard features and not peripheral devices.

Types of Peripheral Devices

Peripheral devices can be categorized based on their function. Each category helps users interact with computers in different ways. Keep in mind, however, that as more peripherals become multifunctional or are installed during the manufacturing process as standard computer components, these categories are likely to change.

Input peripherals

Input peripherals allow users to provide the computer with data. Common input peripherals include:

Human Interface Devices (HIDs)

• Keyboards
• Mice
• Trackpads
• Joysticks
• Gamepads
• Touchscreens

Image/Video Input

• Webcams
• Scanners
• Microphones
• Graphics tablets
• Digital cameras

Sensors

• Fingerprint scanner
• Motion sensor
• Data gloves

Output Peripherals

Output Peripherals communicate the results of a computer’s processes to the user. Examples of output peripherals include:

Visual

• Monitors
• Projectors
• Color printers
• VR headsets
• AR headsets

Audio

• Surround sound speakers
• Headphones
• Earbuds

Storage Peripherals

Storage peripherals provide additional memory storage capacity beyond what is built into the computer. Storage devices include:

Internal

• Hard disk drives
• Solid-state drives
• Optical drives

External

• USB flash drives
• External hard drives
• Memory cards

Networking Peripherals

Networking peripherals, which may also be called communication peripherals, enable a computer to connect with other computers or network systems. Examples include:

Wired

• Network interface cards
• Routers
• Modems

Wireless

• Wi-Fi adapters
• Bluetooth adapters
• Wi-Fi extenders

How Peripheral Devices Work

Peripheral devices connect to the computer through an interface such as a wired micro USB port or wireless Bluetooth connection. This connection is facilitated by drivers, which are software components that enable the operating system (OS) to communicate with the peripheral hardware component.

Once connected, a peripheral device communicates directly with the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) through the operating system’s bus. A bus is a communication pathway that allows data to travel between the CPU, memory, and connected peripheral devices.

• If the peripheral’s function involves input, it will send data to the computer for processing.
• If the peripheral’s function involves output, it will present processed data to the user.
• If the peripheral’s function is to improve the way the computer processes or stores data, it will work alongside the CPU and memory to enhance the computer’s overall capabilities.

Initially, many peripheral devices were designed for one-way communication. As technology has advanced, however, the capability for peripheral two-way communication has increasingly become standard.

For example, yesterday’s printers could only provide users with hard copies of processed data. Today’s printers have joined the Internet of Things (IoT) and can alert the computers they are connected to when ink levels are low. Some printers can even order a replacement cartridge autonomously after they send the alert.

The Difference Between a Wired and Wireless Peripheral

Wired and wireless peripherals serve similar functions, but they connect to and interact with a computer system differently.

Wired peripherals need to be connected directly to a computer with a physical cable. The direct connection typically provides a stable, consistent data transfer rate (DTR) and can be less susceptible to interference. Wired connections are often preferred for tasks that require high-speed DTRs where latency is a critical factor.

In contrast, wireless peripherals connect to computers using wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or radio frequency (RF). Wireless peripherals are especially useful in situations where portability is essential or where the physical layout of a workspace makes wiring impractical.

It’s important to note, however, that wireless peripheral devices can sometimes be less dependable than wired peripherals. Their data transfers can experience interference from other wireless devices and may suffer from slightly higher latencies compared to their wired counterparts.

They also require their own power source, which means that users will need to recharge them or replace their batteries periodically. Despite these potential downsides, the convenience that wireless peripherals provide often outweighs the disadvantages.

Tips for Maintaining Peripheral Device

It’s important to maintain peripheral devices to ensure they continue to function properly and last as long as possible.

Here are five tips to help you keep your peripherals in top condition:

1. Regularly clean peripheral devices using appropriate cleaning materials. For example, use compressed air to blow dust out of keyboards or a soft, dry cloth to wipe screens.
2. Consider using cable organizers to keep them away from foot traffic and prevent tangling. Check regularly for fraying or other damage and replace them when necessary.
3. Keep drivers and firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.
4. Protect your wired peripheral devices from power surges and spikes that can cause irreparable damage. Consider plugging peripherals into a surge protector to extend their lifespan.
5. Ensure your peripherals are adequately ventilated. Overheating can damage peripherals and shorten their lifespan.

Examples of Peripheral Devices

In the early days of personal computing, mice, monitors, keyboards, speakers, and printers were the most common examples of peripheral devices that people purchased when they acquired a new PC or Macintosh computer.

Over the years, peripheral devices have increasingly become specialized to meet increasingly niche user needs. This trend is being driven by several factors, including advancements in technology, diversification of user needs, and the growth of specific market segments.

Here are a few examples that illustrate this trend:

• 3D printers
• AI Mice
• Bluetooth speakers
• Budget headphones
• External hard drives
• Gaming headsets
• Gaming Keyboards
• Gaming PCs
• Home Printers
• Ultrawide Monitors
• Wireless earbuds
• Wireless routers

Peripheral Devices Pros and Cons

Peripheral devices can significantly expand a computer’s capabilities and functionality, but their use can also introduce some drawbacks.

Future Trends

The future of peripheral devices is likely to be driven by advancements in technology and changing user needs.

For example, the role of peripherals in augmented reality and virtual reality environments is expected to continue to expand. Devices with haptic interfaces, and head tracking capabilities are important for immersive experiences, so it’s likely they will become a larger market segment for peripheral devices.

If we continue to follow past trends, peripherals will continue to converge multiple functionalities into single peripheral devices.

We can also expect more integration of smart technology into peripherals. More peripherals will be able to maintain themselves by scheduling service appointments or ordering replacement parts when they detect a component is likely to fail.

The Bottom Line

Peripheral devices may be considered to be “extra,” but they are essential for maximizing the functionality, usability, and efficiency of computer systems.

As time goes on, each type of peripheral is being offered with additional features designed to support specific use cases and user preferences. Users will need to balance the benefits of enhanced capabilities with the logistical challenges that accompany them.

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