periferice

Periferice (peripherals) are hardware devices connected to a computer system to expand functionality, provide input and output capabilities, or enable communication with other devices. They are not part of the central processing unit or primary storage, though some internal expansion cards may be considered peripherals in broader usage. Peripherals can be external and connected by cables or wireless, or internal devices that reside inside the computer chassis.

Common categories include input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone), output devices (monitor, printer, speakers), storage devices (external hard drives, USB flash drives, optical drives), and communication devices (network adapters, modems). Some devices, such as webcams or sound cards, span multiple roles as input or output or both.

Peripherals connect through interfaces and standards such as USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thunderbolt, PCIe, SATA, HDMI, and DisplayPort. They generally rely on drivers and plug-and-play systems, allowing automatic recognition and configuration in modern operating systems. Hot-swapping is common for externally connected devices, while internal peripherals may require BIOS/firmware settings or system reboot.

The presence of peripherals contributes to a system's versatility and performance envelope, but can also introduce I/O bottlenecks or security concerns, such as malware delivered via removable media. Peripherals remain central to expanding the functionality of computers, workstations, and embedded systems across consumer, business, and industrial contexts.