A Peripheral Device is a computer device or part which is connected to the computer with different connection types. A peripheral device is not a core device for a computer which means a computer can work without a peripheral device connected to it. Peripheral devices generally provide extra function and data input and output functionality to the computer systems.
Before starting to explain and list peripheral devices providing the non-peripheral devices will be more useful because there are some computer parts that are core and critical for a computer system which is not peripheral device and all other devices are categorized as peripheral devices.
CPU is not a peripheral device because a computer system can not work without a CPU.
Mainboard is not a peripheral device because the other core computer parts are connected and communicate over a mainboard.
Memory is not a peripheral device because the data processed is stored inside memory and without a memory CPU and computer can not work.
Storage or Hard Disk Drive is not a peripheral device because the processes data is stored inside the storage or hard disk drive for long term usage.
Peripheral Device Types (Internal and External)
Peripheral devices can be in different types according to their connection type to the system and data transmission direction. According to connection type peripheral devices a categorized as;
Internal Peripheral Devices are generally located inside the computer system case and named internet because of their location. Here are some internal peripheral devices.
- CD-ROM
- Floppy Disk
- Graphic Card / Video Card
- Network Interface Card
- TV Card
- Sound Card
- Monitor(Only For Laptops)
External Peripheral Devices are located outside of the computer system case or chassis and connected different types of connections and cables.
- External CD-ROM
- External Floppy Disk
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Paint Device
- Printer
- Scanner
- External Hard Disk / USB Disk
- Monitor (Except Laptops)
Peripheral Device Types (Input, Output, and Composite)
Peripheral devices can be also categorized according to their data communication direction. They are called Input , Output and Composite .
Input Peripheral Device is a device was used to input data into the computer system. Their main purpose is to get different types of input, digitalize it and forward it to the mainboard for processing.
- Keyboard
- Computer Mouse
- Graphic Tablet
- Touchscreen
- Scanner
- Barcode Reader
- Microphone
- Webcam
- Joystick
- SD / Micros SD Card Reader
- Digital Camera
Output Peripheral Devices mainly used to show and output information in different formats like Image, Video, Sound to the system user.
- Monitor / Computer Display
- Printer
- Projector
- Speaker
Composite Peripheral Devices can both input and output data. These types of devices generally used to transmit data and act as intermediate hop.
- Floppy Disk Drive
- CD-ROM Drive / DVD Drive
- Flash Drive
- Network Interface Card
- Modem
Peripheral Device Connection Types
Peripheral devices are connected to the core computer systems via motherboard via different connection protocols and types. Every connection type has a different cable, plug, and protocol type. Below we will list some popular peripheral connection types.
USB is the most popular and easy connection type and protocol for peripheral devices. In today most of the peripheral devices connect with a USB connection because of its plug and play and multiple port availability.
PCI is another popular connection type for peripheral devices. PCI generally used by the internal peripheral devices which require high data transmission bandwidth with reliability like Graphics Cards, Network Interface Cards, Ethernet Cards.
SATA is generally used by internet peripheral devices like storage devices, hard disk devices.
HDMI is a popular next-generation connection where monitors, displays, and projections are connections.
VGA is an old-style graphic display connection type which is the previous version of HDMI and used by monitors, displays, and projections.
Updated: 08/16/2021 by Alternatively referred to as an auxiliary device, a peripheral is a hardware input device or
output device that gives a computer additional functionality. Peripheral devices, however, are not essential for the computer to perform its basic tasks; they are an enhancement to the user's experience. Below are examples of computer peripherals. None of these devices are required by a computer, but they give the computer additional capabilities. For example,
a dedicated sound card provides more audio options for users, but today's motherboards still supply sound without one. Note Unlike the computer, a peripheral is incapable of operating by itself and relies on the computer to function properly. To find the roles or
functions of each of the peripherals, click each of the links above. Note Newer peripherals, like new Wi-Fi printers, can now operate without being directly connected to a computer. However, they often still require a smartphone or
tablet connected to the same network to set up the device. Many computer users are surprised to learn that a computer can run without a keyboard and a mouse. Both of these devices are not required for a computer to run, which is why they're considered peripherals. Many
servers at data centers have no keyboard or mouse, and are often managed remotely.Computer peripheral examples
Why are the keyboard and mouse a peripheral?
What peripheral devices come with a computer?
When you buy a new desktop computer, it comes with a keyboard, mouse, sound card, power plug, and may also include a monitor. A laptop computer includes everything, so it only includes a power cord.
Tip
See our computer definition for a full listing of computer components and everything found on a computer.
How do peripheral devices connect to a computer?
Today, most non-wireless peripheral devices use one of the following types of cables and connections to connect to a computer. These cable and connection types are listed in order of most common to least common.
- USB
- Lightning
- FireWire
- Thunderbolt
- eSATA
Older peripheral devices used one of the following types of cables and connections to connect to a computer.
- Parallel port
- Serial port
- SCSI
Some peripheral devices are designed to use a wireless connection to connect to a computer. The most common wireless protocols used by wireless peripheral devices are listed below.
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
Are peripherals internal or external?
Generally speaking, most peripherals are external devices. However, there are also devices like a sound card and tape drive that are internal devices and also peripherals. So, a peripheral could be an external or internal device.
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