The question that we will consider today concerns the peripherals of your PC: what are peripherals, how do they look, why are they needed, with what connectors can they be connected to your machine. Are you ready? Go….
Question number 1. What are peripherals?
Our computer consists of several blocks:
- System unit.
- Monitor.
- Keyboard.
- The mouse.
- Speakers for sound reproduction.
- Webcam.
- Microphone etc ...
The list of devices that connect to the computer can be expanded. Under the category of "peripheral devices" falls all the equipment that is connected to the system unit. Inside the system unit there is certain equipment. Everything that is connected to the PC from the outside (or rather, to its system unit) can also be described as external PC devices.
Question number 2. What are they needed for?
The system unit in which the main computer equipment is located does not in itself represent any value to the user. It is just a big, expensive and useless piece of iron stuffed with plastic and metal parts. Without external auxiliary devices, it simply will not be able to fully function.
Thus, we come to the understanding that the system unit is, if we draw parallels with the car, the engine of our PC, and peripheral devices - controls and auxiliary equipment for input, output, storage and display of information. In addition, they serve to expand the functionality and create additional amenities for the user.
Question number 3. How to connect them?
All peripherals that connect to your computer have certain standardized connectors. Peripheral interfaces are as follows:
- Monitor - connects using VGA / D-Sub or HDMI;
- Keyboard and mouse are connected via PC / 2 or standard USB;
- A standard USB connector is used to connect with the vast majority of peripheral devices - devices for storing, displaying and storing information, printers, scanners, plotters, external HDDs, etc.
- To connect a microphone and speakers, a 3.5mm mini-jack connector is used. At the same time, a standard USB connector can be used to connect a headset (microphone + headphones).
- Some peripherals can be connected using a serial port (COM port). This connection option is gradually becoming a thing of the past.
- The RJ-45 connector connects the network card and the cable that connects to the Internet.
Recently, wireless methods for connecting a computer and various peripheral devices have become very widespread. If we review the wireless options for connecting and transmitting data, the picture will look like this:
- Wi-Fi - a way to connect to a wireless network to access the Internet and share access to various network devices that support this protocol.
- Bluetooth - most often used to connect a modern mouse, keyboard, headphone, transfer data to other devices, a modem, etc.
- IR (infrared port) is a wireless option that is gradually dying due to the low data transfer speed, short range and the termination of support for device manufacturers.
If we consider the universal way to transmit high-definition digital video and multi-channel digital audio, it is worth noting the sole leader - the digital HDMI connector. Today it is the most popular method of data transfer, which provides amazing transmission speed and virtually no loss in connection.
On the approach are several new options for wireless data transfer protocols, using which it becomes possible to connect a computer and a monitor / TV for wireless transmission of high-definition video and multi-channel digital audio.
Now the main market players are working in this direction - developers who are trying to bring to the market a universal product, which will subsequently become the standard for all manufacturers. In any case, consumers will ultimately benefit for whom using a PC and various peripheral devices will become easier, more convenient and more enjoyable.