The word periphery is of Greek origin and literally means "circumference". In computer technology, all devices associated with it for exchanging PC information with the outside world are associated with it. Peripherals are the eyes, ears, arms and legs of a computer. Without them, he becomes blind and deaf. These devices are used to input or output data. Some peripheral devices went further and combined two functions at once. For example, the MFP - a multifunctional device allows you to scan a document and print it. You can also get a copy with it.
Peripherals are means of inputting information into an electronic computer. For these purposes, the most commonly used keyboard, mouse, touch screen, scanner, webcam. Let's consider them in more detail.
The keyboard consists of the main (alphabetic) and auxiliary parts. There are also control keys that allow you to change the purpose of other keys. For example, the “Caps Lock” button does the inversion of the register - with its help you can enter either capital or uppercase letters.
A mouse is a pointing device designed to control a pointer on a display screen. The usual design of this device includes only 2 buttons. But now their functionality has expanded, there are instances that have up to 10 buttons and 2 scroll wheels. On the one hand, it is convenient to work with such a mouse, operations are faster. But on the other - you need to get used to it, adapt.
Peripherals are also a
touch screen, an innovation that is used in new devices - transformers. They combine both a tablet and a laptop at the same time.
The scanner is designed to convert a document from paper to digital. Today, they are slowly disappearing into oblivion. They were replaced by MFPs, which successfully fulfill their functions, but besides this, they can print a document and make a copy with their help is also possible.
The webcam allows you to record in real time and save it on your PC hard drive. In some cases, it is used for communication between 2 computers. For example, the Skype program allows you to see your interlocutor in real time when communicating.
Peripherals are not only input devices, but also output devices. This group includes a monitor, printer and plotter.
The monitor allows you to visualize information for the user in real time. Previously , cathode ray tube displays were used for these purposes . Their main two drawbacks are the large size and harmful effect on human health (radiation). It turned out to solve these problems using devices based on IPS - matrix. They take up very little space and are practically harmless to health.
A printer is a device for outputting information on paper of various sizes (up to A3). There are matrix (printing is carried out using a special film and needles), ink-jet (the print is obtained using liquid ink) and laser (the structure of the design includes a drum on which a special powder sticks, it all heats up, squeezes into paper and an impression is obtained). Now these devices are a thing of the past and all the same MFPs have come to replace them.
Plotters display information on large paper (up to A0). Commonly used for printing posters and drawings. Most plotters are based on inkjet printing.
Computers and peripherals are two parts of a single whole that cannot be divided. Separately, they turn into a pile of useless trash. Computer peripherals are an important component of any modern and productive PC, with which you can expand its functions and capabilities.