peripheral

Peripherals, or peripheral devices, are external components that connect to a computer system to provide input, output, storage, or communication capabilities beyond the core processing unit. They expand functionality and are designed to be attached and detached as needed. Peripherals typically connect via standardized interfaces such as USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thunderbolt, PCIe, SATA, HDMI, or audio jacks, and may be powered by the host or have their own power supply.

Common examples include input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam); output devices (monitor, printer, speakers); storage devices (external hard drives, USB drives, optical drives); and communication devices (network interface cards, wireless adapters, modems).

Software support is usually provided through device drivers or firmware; many devices are class-compliant and work with generic drivers. Modern operating systems use plug-and-play to recognize peripherals automatically and configure necessary settings. Data transfer rates and capabilities depend on the interface used (for example, different USB versions or PCIe specifications).

Peripherals are distinguished from internal components such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and integrated graphics, which form the computer’s core architecture. The evolution of standardized interfaces and hot-plug capability has driven the widespread adoption of peripherals, enabling users to tailor a system to specific tasks without altering its fundamental design.