Generally peripheral devices, however, are not essential for the computer to perform its basic tasks, they can be thought of as an enhancement to the user’s experience. A peripheral device is a device that is connected to a computer system but is not part of the core computer system architecture. Generally, more people use the term peripheral more loosely to refer to a device external to the computer case.

What Does Peripheral Device Mean?

A Peripheral Device is defined as a device that provides input/output functions for a computer and serves as an auxiliary computer device without computing-intensive functionality.

A peripheral device is also called a peripheral, computer peripheral, input-output device, or I/O device.

Classification of Peripheral devices

It is generally classified into 3 basic categories which are given below:

         1. Input Devices:

The input device is defined as it converts incoming data and instructions into a pattern of electrical signals in binary code that are comprehensible to a digital computer. Example:

Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone etc. 

Keyboard: A keyboard is an input device that allows users to enter text and commands into a computer system.

Mouse: A mouse is an input device that allows users to control the cursor on a computer screen.

Scanner: A scanner is an input device that allows users to convert physical documents and images into digital files.

Microphone: A microphone is an input device that allows users to record audio.

          2. Output Devices:

An output device is generally the reverse of the input process and generally translates the digitized signals into a form intelligible to the user. The output device is also performed for sending data from one computer system to another. For some time punched card and paper tape readers were extensively used for input, but these have now been supplanted by more efficient devices.

Example:

Monitors, headphones, printers etc. 

Monitor: A monitor is an output device that displays visual information from a computer system.

Printer: A printer is an output device that produces physical copies of documents or images.

Speaker: A speaker is an output device that produces audio.

          3. Storage Devices:

Storage devices are used to store data in the system which is required for performing any operation in the system. The storage device is one of the most required devices and also provides better compatibility. Example:

Hard disk, magnetic tape, Flash memory etc. 

Hard Drive: A hard drive is a storage device that stores data and files on a computer system.

USB Drive: A USB drive is a small, portable storage device that connects to a computer system to provide additional storage space.

Memory Card: A memory card is a small, portable storage device that is commonly used in digital cameras and smartphones.

External Hard Drive: An external hard drive is a storage device that connects to a computer system to provide additional storage space.

          4. Communication Devices:

Communication devices are used to connect a computer system to other devices or networks. Examples of communication devices include:

Modem: A modem is a communication device that allows a computer system to connect to the internet.
Network Card: A network card is a communication device that allows a computer system to connect to a network.
Router: A router is a communication device that allows multiple devices to connect to a network.

Advantages of Peripherals Devices

Peripherals devices provide more features due to this operation of the system is easy. These are given below:

• It is helpful for taking input very easily.
• It is also provided a specific output.
• It has a storage device for storing information or data
• It also improves the efficiency of the system.

FAQs on Peripherals Devices in Computer Organization

Q1. What are 5 examples of a peripheral device?

Answer-

The most commonly used 5 peripheral devices are –

Printer

Scanner

Keyboard

Mouse

Tape device

Microphone

Q2. Is Ram a peripheral device?

Answer-

 Yes, RAM is an internal device. An internal device processes data or executes a program. The term ‘internal’ describes a device installed inside the computer, unlike the external peripheral devices.

Q3. What is the difference between CPU and peripheral devices?

Answer-

The CPU is an harware device. Peripheral hardware includes Graphics cards, external hard drives, pen drives, USB, and other devices.