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A peripheral is any computing device or equipment that is part of the computer but doesn’t perform any core computing process. It is an externally or internally connected device that adds up or complements the host computer’s capabilities or functionality in some form.
A peripheral may also be called a peripheral device.
Techopedia Explains Peripheral
Peripherals allow a computer to perform additional services, usually those related to input/output functions. Although they can be externally or internally connected, peripheral are mainly external devices. There are three different types:
- Input Peripherals: This includes the computer mouse and keyboard as well as scanners and Web cameras.
- Output Peripherals: Output devices such as printers, plotters and monitors.
- Storage Peripherals: External hard drives, flash drives and media cards. These peripherals usually provide both input and output functions.
