Computing & Peripherals

Computers are used to accomplish many tasks. A basic desktop computer desktop includes the
computing unit plus a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Add even more peripherals to the
computer, and the computer will be able to do that many more tasks. But, what are computer
peripherals? A computer peripheral, technically speaking, is any device that connects to the
computing unit but is not part of the core architecture of the computing unit. The core computing
unit consists of the central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, and power supply. The case that
surrounds these elements are also considered part of the core computing unit. So anything that is
connected to these elements is considered a peripheral.
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.