peripheral device
External hardware component
A peripheral device is hardware that connects to a computer but isn't part of its core processing unit—keyboards, mice, printers, monitors, external drives.
The term distinguishes add-on equipment from the central components (processor, memory, motherboard).
Some peripherals handle input keyboard, others output printer, others both external hard drive.
Often shortened to just peripheral.
Array of input keys
- mouseSmall gnawing mammal
- trackballRotatable sphere for navigation
- joystickTilting lever for control
- gamepadHandheld console interface
graphics tablet · stylus · touchpad · scanner · webcam · microphone · barcode reader · fingerprint reader
Display or supervisor
- printerMachine producing paper copies
- speakersAudio output devices
- headsetWearable audio device
- projectorLight-casting display device
earphones · display · plotter · label printer · receipt printer · 3D printer · braille display · LED indicator
Removable digital storage device
- flash drivePortable digital storage device
- SD card readerFlash memory access device
- DVD burnerDevice that writes optical discs
- CD-ROM driveDevice reading optical discs
blu-ray player · memory card reader · tape drive · optical drive · USB stick · portable SSD · backup drive
Multi-device connector station
- network cardHardware enabling connectivity
- wireless adapterDevice enabling wireless connectivity
- ethernet adapterHardware enabling wired connectivity
- dongleSmall plug-in peripheral
Raises or elevates
- surge protectorElectrical overflow shield
- portable chargerMobile device backup battery
- power stripMulti-socket electrical device
- AC adapterConverts outlet power for electronics
battery backup · charging dock · voltage regulator · power bank
Smooth cursor-control surface
- wrist restPadded typing support
- monitor standPlatform elevating a display
- cable organizerDevice for bundling wires
- USB chargerDevice power supply
surge protector · laptop stand · webcam cover · screen filter · keyboard cover · cable clip · dust cover
keyboard
Array of input keys
gamepad · graphics tablet · stylus · touchpad · scanner · webcam · microphone · barcode reader · fingerprint reader · drawing pad
monitor
Display or supervisor
projector · earphones · display · plotter · label printer · receipt printer · 3D printer · braille display · LED indicator · buzzer
external hard drive
Removable digital storage device
- flash drivePortable digital storage device
- SD card readerFlash memory access device
- DVD burnerDevice that writes optical discs
CD-ROM drive · blu-ray player · memory card reader · tape drive · optical drive · USB stick · portable SSD · backup drive
USB hub
Multi-device connector station
- network cardHardware enabling connectivity
- wireless adapterDevice enabling wireless connectivity
- ethernet adapterHardware enabling wired connectivity
dongle · docking station · modem · router · USB-C adapter
UPS
Raises or elevates
- surge protectorElectrical overflow shield
- portable chargerMobile device backup battery
- power stripMulti-socket electrical device
AC adapter · battery backup · charging dock · voltage regulator · power bank
mousepad
Smooth cursor-control surface
- wrist restPadded typing support
- monitor standPlatform elevating a display
- cable organizerDevice for bundling wires
USB charger · surge protector · laptop stand · webcam cover · screen filter · keyboard cover · cable clip · dust cover
peripheral devicecentral processing unit
Instruction-executing computer chip
CPU · processor · motherboard · mainframe · server
peripheral deviceintegral part
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